Bunclody marks 50th anniversary of Carrigduff NS

Making a presentation to mark the 50th anniversary of Carrigduff National School in St. Mary’s Church, Bunclody were (left to right), David Power (Parent), Reverend Canon Trevor Sargent, Rector Bunclody Union of Churches; Rt-Rev. Bishop Adrian Wilkinson, Carolyn Good (School Principal) and John Power (Churchwarden). (Pic Diocesan Press Office).

By Dan Walsh

The Golden Anniversary of education at Carrigduff National School has been celebrated at a Special Service in St. Mary’s Church, Bunclody

A special presentation marked the occasion. A handcrafted metal cross, modelled on the Church of Ireland cross, was presented to the school as a lasting reminder of this milestone in its life and history.

Assistant Principal Zoë Jacob introduced the Service and recalled the official opening on September 24th, 1976, and reminding the congregation what the speaker Mr Rory Murphy from Bunclody Co-Operative Society had said then about the value of education in Bunclody.

Third and Fourth class revealed the ingredients for a good school in Recipe for a Good School, a drama featuring famous bakers from the Great Irish Bake Off and an oversized recipe book.

The children from Infants to 4th class performed specially with St Mary’s Parish Choir, directed by Dr Jeffrey Cox and accompanied on the church organ by Deputy Principal Gwenda Hobson. They sang the anthem Day by Day following four weeks of rehearsals in school.

The Bible readings were read by past pupil and past parent Audrey Jacob and BoM member Kathleen Rothwell. 5th & 6th class recited the psalm very capably and clearly.

The prayers were led by people representing the many parts of the school community. Jamie Plunkett 6th class represented the current pupils, Lorna Brownrigg represented the pupils in the school when it opened in 1976, SNA Elaine Jordan represented the staff, Fiona Rothwell secretary of the PTA represented parents, Robert Jacob represented the BoM and Layreader Valerie Power represented the parish and wider Bunclody community.

Rt-Rev Bishop Adrian Wilkinson of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory spoke to the children about schools and how important community is for children. He talked about how meaningful adults can make a real difference in the lives of children.

Bishop Adrian brought along the exact crozier which is still in use, a tangible link to that opening 50 years ago.

Bishop Adrian presented a plaque to the school acknowledging 50 years of Boards of Management in Irish primary schools. Kathleen Rothwell, longest serving board member accepted the plaque and it will be hung up in the school.

Then it was time to surprise Kathleen as board member Carol Deacon spoke of Kathleen’s long service for almost 27 years. Kathleen has served on four consecutive boards acting as Patron’s Nominee, Parent Nominee and Community Rep. For most of the 27 years she has been the treasurer, a very responsible job! Carol presented Kathleen with flowers to say thank you.

Principal Carolyn Good then spoke about Canon Trevor who leaves Bunclody at the end of the month. Trevor and Áine move to Dublin and a new parish shortly, “This function gave us a chance to say thank you to Canon Trevor and to share our gratitude for all he and Áine have done.” The children gave Canon Trevor a gift of a rowan tree to plant at home, and we have another rowan tree for him to plant in school in our school garden. The Board and the PTA gave Trevor and Áine vouchers. We will really miss them but wish them well in the new parish.

Then it was Ms Good’s turn for a surprise as Canon Trevor, churchwarden John Power, parent David Power along with Bishop Adrian Wilkinson presented the school with a beautiful, handcrafted metal Church of Ireland cross.

“We intend to hang the cross in the room where we have assembly every week. We are delighted with the gift. Parish / School connection is very important to us and this service was a really lovely demonstration of how our school family works,” concluded Ms. Good.

Canon Lorenzo Cleary remembered

VERY REV. LORENZO CANON CLEARY, retired Parish Priest at Clongeen, has passed away in his 95th year.

By Dan Walsh

Very Rev. Lorenzo Canon Cleary, retired parish priest of Clongeen, has died at Wexford General Hospital in his 95th year and the 70th year of his priestly ministry.

On social media Piercestown Murrintown Parish paid tribute; “With gratitude for a life poured out in loving service to God and His people, we announce the peaceful passing of Fr. Lorenzo (Lorri) Canon Cleary.

“A good and kindly shepherd of the Lord’s flock, Fr. Lorri served faithfully throughout his long priesthood as a man of deep prayer and profound devotion to the Holy Eucharist. His faith was simply the foundation and fulcrum of his, which he lived each day, inspiring all who knew him by his humility, compassion, and steadfast love of God.

“Through his faithful witness, gentle presence, and unwavering commitment to prayer, he called countless people closer to the Lord. His life was a testament to the power of faith, devotion, and pastoral care.

“May the Good Shepherd whom he served so faithfully now welcome him into the eternal joy of His Kingdom.

A native of Hayestown, Piercestown, Lorenzo Cleary was educated at Mulrankin (1937-’41), Murrintown (1941-’44) and St. Peter’s College, Wexford (1944-’50). He attended St. Peter’s College Seminary (1950-’56) and was ordained on June 3rd, 1956.

Following ordination Fr. Cleary gave received a temporary appointment for the summer months at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Wexford town. He became curate at Screen in 1957, Barntown from 1960, and Glenbrien from 1972 until 1980 when he was appointed parish priest of Clongeen. He remained there until retiring in June 1999.

In retirement Canon Cleary continued to celebrate Mass and was popular on the annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes events. He was a noted musician and organist and he frequently officiated at liturgical functions in the Diocese of Ferns.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Canon Lorenzo Cleary, Hayestown, Wexford Town, Wexford. Canon Lorenzo passed away peacefully, after a short illness, at Wexford General Hospital, in his 95th year.

Beloved son of the late Matthew and Mary. Predeceased by his brothers Aban, Fr Declan and Fergus and his sisters Colette (Cardiff) and Mona (Coffey).

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, as well as by his extended family, a large circle of friends and neighbours, Bishop Ger and his fellow priests in the Diocese of Ferns.

May He Rest in Peace

Reposing in the Day Chapel at The Church of the Annunciation, Clonard on Thursday, November 12th, from 2pm with reception prayers in the Main Chapel at 6pm. Funeral Mass shall be held on Friday at 12 noon followed by burial afterwards in Piercestown Cemetery.

Racing mourns for Wexford jockey

TOM O’BRIEN (Pic; RTÉ Sport)

By Dan Walsh

Clonroche born jockey Tom O’Brien, who rode more than 1,076 winners in the UK and spent his entire racing career with trainer Philip Hobbs at Minehead, Somerset, has died of cancer aged 39.

Son of Jim, and nephew of champion trainer Aidan O’Brien, Tom began his career in Ireland as a teenager before moving to the UK in 2004 and became a regular winner over the next two decades.

Paying tribute this morning, Philip Hobbs said; “He came to our yard from Ireland having not ridden in a race, but it soon became obvious he was pretty talented and he was with us from the start of his career until the end.

“He was in the shadow of Richard Johnson for a long time being second jockey and then became first jockey after Richard retired, which went well. His biggest win was Thyme Hill in the Grade One at Aintree and he was always very reliable and a very good bloke.”

O’Brien was a two-time winner of the Welsh National, while he had two Cheltenham Festival successes with Silk Affair in the 2009 Fred Winter and Third Wind in the Pertemps Network Final four years ago.

He also claimed a Liverpool Hurdle under Thyme Hill in 2021. He finished runner-up on McKelvey behind Silver Birch in the 2007 Aintree Grand National.

O’Brien was champion amateur in 2005-’06 and champion conditional jockey the following season, 2006-’07, when he had his best season ever with 105 victories.

O’Brien celebrated his 1,000th win during the 2020-’21 season and rode one winner in his native country for Philip Hobbs at Punchestown in 2008.

He retired in 2023. He would have celebrated his 40th birthday in a few week’s time on November 28th.

He is survived by his wife Hayley and two children, Toby and Archie.

Councillors support for family-focused motion.

By Dan Walsh at November meeting of Wexford County Council

Rosslare District Sinn Féin Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien secured unanimous support at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council for a family-focused motion calling on the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to act.

Cllr O’Brien’s motion urged the immediate introduction of a €200 cap on monthly childcare fees; extend paid maternity leave to 12 months and paid paternity leaver to six weeks, with an allowance for parents to share this leave if desired; and create a road map for state funded Childcare facilities to be delivered across every district in Ireland within the term of the Government.

CLLR AOIFEROSE O’BRIEN (Pic; Sinn Fein)

Addressing the members via zoom, Cllr O’Brien said; “Access to affordable, quality childcare is not a luxury for families; it is an essential service. Across County Wexford and throughout Ireland, parents are facing enormous financial pressure.

“In some cases, parents are forced to choose between their career or raising their children. This creates incredible amounts of stress on parents and children that should be avoided.

“We must also recognise the importance of the early years of a child’s life and the value of allowing parents adequate time to bond with their baby.

Factoring in the sleepless nights, developmental milestones and other factors such as breastfeeding, allowing parents a full year to be completely present for their baby is essential.

“For some babies there are added pressures. Breastfeeding mothers can’t hand their baby over to another carer, they simply must do it all themselves and deserve to be adequately supported. Bottle refusal also means a mother must be present to feed her baby or risk their health both physically and mentally.

“Those who have had traumatic births need extra time to heal both physically and emotionally. And then there’s the pitiful two-week paternity leave which is incredibly unfair to fathers who deserve to have more extended time to both bond with their baby and also support the healing Mother.

“Overall, Parents mental health can be greatly  affected if they are forced to choose between their children or their work. Extending paid maternity leave to 12 months and paternity leave to six weeks would give families greater security, support the well-being of parents and children, and promote a more equal sharing of parental responsibilities.

“I recognise that every family dynamic is different, so I have called for the overall leave to be shared between parents if desired. As an EU member we should recognise the benefits for parents Germany, Austria, Poland and many other EU members have extended maternity and paternity leave.”

“We also need to address the availability of childcare, particularly in rural communities.

Affordable childcare means very little if there are no places available locally. A clear roadmap for delivering State-funded childcare facilities across every district in Ireland is essential. Families in rural Ireland deserve the same access to services as those living in larger towns and cities. The introduction of a €200 monthly cap on childcare fees would provide immediate and meaningful relief.

“This motion is about recognising childcare as an essential public service rather than an expense that individual families must carry alone. It is about supporting parents, giving children the best possible start in life and ensuring that having a family does not come at the cost of financial hardship.

“I am calling on both Ministers to take these proposals seriously and move beyond commitments and promises towards meaningful action,” concluded Cllr O’Brien.

There were no dissenting voices and Cllr O’Brien’s motion will now be forwarded to the Minister for Finance and Minister for Children, Disability and Quality, for consideration.

Drugs worth €1m found near Wexford town

As part of an intelligence-led operation involving the Eastern Regional Intelligence Unit, members of An Garda Síochána’s Wexford Drug and Detective Unit, carried out a search on Sunday at an address in Ardcavan, Wexford, on foot of a warrant under Section 26 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977/84.

The resulting search at the location led to the discovery of 10kg of Cocaine with an estimated value of €1 million.

A crime scene was declared, and the scene is currently preserved.

One male was arrested by Gardaí for an offence contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs act 1977/1984.

He is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

Investigations are ongoing.

Public consultation at Hook Lighthouse

A public consultation to explore a Masterplan for Hook Lighthouse takes place on Thursday. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

A public consultation on the proposed development of the Hook Lighthouse campus will take place from 3.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, November 12th at the Hook Lighthouse Café.

Developed in partnership by Hook Heritage CLG, Wexford County Council, Irish Lights, and Fáilte Ireland, the proposed Masterplan aims to improve visitor management and traffic flow and protect the sensitive coastal landscape and natural environment surrounding Hook Lighthouse.

Representatives from Hall McKnight Architects, together with members of the wider project and design team, will be available to present the proposed Masterplan and answer questions from members of the public.

Funding for the project was secured in 2019 through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) under the Department of Rural and Community Development.

This funding facilitated a comprehensive feasibility study, including assessments of traffic management, environmental and ecological considerations, visitor services, and the long-term sustainable development of the site.

Hook Lighthouse is one of County Wexford’s most iconic landmarks and a site of immense cultural and historical importance. Widely recognised as the world’s oldest operational lighthouse, it attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually.

Subject to the statutory planning process, an application will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in late 2026.

Consultation materials will also be available online at www.wexfordcoco.ie from November 12th 2026.

County Wexford Leadership Summit

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber is holding its annual Leadership Summit, this Thursday, November 12th at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford.

This flagship business event will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry experts for a day of insight, discussion and networking centred on this year’s theme, Building the Foundations for Scale.

Broadcaster, journalist, and barrister Ciara Doherty, is master of ceremonies at the County Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit

Hosted by broadcaster, journalist, and barrister Ciara Doherty, the summit will explore what it takes for businesses, leaders and regions to grow sustainably and successfully in an increasingly competitive environment.

The day will open with a fireside chat featuring Joan Kehoe, Founder and CEO of Alchelyst. In a candid conversation on Leading Yourself, Joan will share her personal leadership journey from senior corporate executive to entrepreneur, reflecting on the decisions, challenges and lessons that have shaped her career.

A key feature of the summit will be the Lead Your People panel discussion, bringing together leaders from multinational, indigenous and family-run businesses.

“We are delighted to bring together leaders from across business, education and economic development to share their experiences and insights,” said Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber. “This year’s theme, Building the Foundations for Scale, reflects the ambition of businesses across County Wexford and the wider South East as they look to grow, innovate and compete on a larger stage.”

Details and booking information for the Leadership Summit are available at www.countywexfordchamber.ie.

Big race day for jockeys Eoin Cloke and Adam Malone

Camolin-based owners Marie and Peader Carter with Eoin Cloke, who won his first point-to-point on their winner Conflict Lady at Knockmullen House races this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Knockmullen House, New Ross

Autumn sunshine provided pleasant conditions at Knockmullen House, near New Ross, this afternoon (Sunday) where an extra race was added to the Wexford Hunt point-to-point card. Young Wexford jockeys Eoin Cloke and Adam Malone each celebrated their first win.

Eoin Cloke, (20) from Davidstown, near Enniscorthy, enjoyed a six lengths first success on Conflict Lady, in the mare’s maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards. Sporting the colours of Peader and Marie Carter from Camolin, the six years old mare is trained by their neighbour, John Paul Brennan at Monasootha, Camolin.

Adam Malone, (18), from Coolcotts, Wexford town, celebrated his first point-to-point success at the Wexford Hunt races at Knockmullen House, New Ross, this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Another first-time winner was 18 years old Adam Malone from Coolcotts, Wexford town, who was aboard Elusive Gale, who won by a head in a tight finish to the gelding’s maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards. Running in the colours of Aisling Lacey, the six years old bay gelding is trained by John Martin Walsh at Scar, Duncormick.

Nine runners faced the starter for the mare’s maiden race for four-year-olds and first past the post with four lengths to spare was Superior Strength in the colours of the Orphan Girl Syndicate from Ballymoney, Gorey, trained by James Kenny at Ballydarragh, Craanford, and well ridden by Barry Stone from Cleariestown.

The maiden race for four-year-old geldings was divided. Jamie Scallan and Sean Doyle captured the first division with On the Playlist by three and a half lengths and Casino Chip, ridden by Jack Hendrick for the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and Cormac Doyle took the honours in division two.

Colin Bowe saddled his 10th winner of the season and heads the handlers’ championship following the five lengths success of Surf The Wave ridden by R McParland in the Winner of One race for novice riders.

Just one prize went outside Co. Wexford. Tom Keating from Clonmel won the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with Arctic Dreamer ridden by Chris O’Donovan.

Next Sunday, November 15th, the Wicklow Hunt point-to-point races take place at Fairwood, Tinahely. Entries close on Tuesday. First race at 12.30pm.

94 entries for New Ross races on Sunday

Point-to-point racing action at Knockmullen House, New Ross, on Sunday. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

The scene is set for Sunday’s point-to-point action with the Wexford Hunt fixture at Knockmullen House, on the outskirts of New Ross, which has received a healthy 94 entries.

First race at 12.30pm. Six races. The ground is described as “Good, Good to Yielding down the hill.”

Another cool day with highest temperatures of just 7 to 11 degrees,

Jonathon Fogarty, Gaynestown Stud, Cleariestown, and 18 years old rider Alex O’Keeffe shared a double today (Saturday) at Quakerstown, Co. Clare.

Sereine D’Annan was a one length winner of the maiden race for four-year-old mares and Governor Max won by seven lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

The third Wexford trained winner was newcomer Hero Of Demacia in the colours of the Monbeg Syndicate handled by Donnchadh Doyle and ridden by Rob James in division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. Five lengths the distance.

€381,000 for 17 Wexford community halls and centres

By Dan Walsh

Seventeen community halls and centres in County Wexford will receive over €381,000 in Government funding for essential building repairs, refurbishment and improvements.

The funding, announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD, will support a wide range of projects aimed at improving community facilities across the county.

A total of €381,282 has been allocated to Wexford projects under the Community Centre Investment Fund. Funding for projects across Co. Wexford are as follows;

Friends’ Meeting House, High Street, Wexford €12,788

Clongeen Community Cerntre, Foulksmills   €23,750

Glenbrien Community Hub, Ballyrannel       €23.720

Killanne Hall, Killanne, Rathnure             €21,907

Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall                   €25,000

Kilmyshal Community Hall, Bunclody         €25,000

Kiltealy Hall, Kiltealy                         €23,722

Meals on Wheels, Gorey                        €18,724

Riverchapel Community Centre               €23,750

Funding for Shamrock Community Hall. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Shamrock Community Hall, Kilanerin         €24,500

St Leonards Hall, Ballycullane                €25,000

St. Mary’s Hall, Main St, New Ross             €23,302

Taghmon Camross GAA and Community Centre €24,900

Templeshannon Community and Childcare     €25,000

The Rock Community Hall, Knockavotha, Gorey €21,280

Tombrack Community Hall, Ferns              €15,257

Tomhaggard Social Centre                     €23,682

The grants will help community groups carry out improvements including roof replacements, heating and electrical upgrades, solar panel installations, accessibility works and the refurbishment of kitchens, toilets and meeting spaces.

The Community Centre Investment Fund is designed to help maintain and modernise buildings that play an important role in local life, providing spaces for community gatherings, recreation, services and activities.

The latest allocations will support voluntary and community organisations in improving their facilities, reducing energy costs and making their buildings more accessible and suitable for future use.