Rosslare Harbour Heritage Centre shipmates pictured at the opening of the 120th Anniversary Rosslare to Fishguard Ferry Service Exhibition in the Terminal Building, Rosslare Europort; (left to right); Leo Coy, John Boyce, James Taylor, Enda Murphy, Brian Cleare, Capt. Sean Boyce who performed the official opening, Pat Byrne, Richard Cusack and Brian Boyce. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Rosslare Europort
The first sea crossing from Fishguard to Rosslare took place on 30 August 1906. Marking its 120th anniversary, a week-long exhibition celebrating the route’s enduring role in travel and community connections opened last night in the Terminal Building at Rosslare Europort.
The exhibition, entitled ‘120th Anniversary Fishguard to Rosslare Ferry Service’, was assembled by Rosslare Harbour Heritage Centre with support from Wexford Model Railway Club and officially opened by Capt. Sean Boyce before a large audience.
Local seafarer Capt. Boyce stated that for 120 years, the Rosslare–Fishguard route has provided a vital link between Ireland and Wales, connecting generations of families, holidaymakers, businesses and communities on both sides of the Irish Sea.
“The exhibition explores how the ferry service has evolved over the decades, while highlighting the role the route has played in travel, trade and family connections,” he added.
There was a welcome for the exhibition from Cllr Frank Staples, Cathaoirleach Rosslare District Council and Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, both reflecting on the development of the ferry service and its importance with Cllr McDonald describing the port as “a lifeline for the community.”
Senator Cathal Byrne spoke about progress at Rosslare Europort. Harbour Master Capt. Tom Curran contributed while renowned historian Oliver Doyle gave a brief history of the Fishguard-Rosslare route and its development through the decades, and he threw in a few maritime stories that were well received.
The attendance included Verona Murphy TD, Ceann Comhairle, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Vicky Barron, Mayor of Fishguard Cllr Stephen Hughes and Cllrs Ger Carthy and Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh. Leo Coy acted as master of ceremonies. Sea shanty entertainment was provided by the High C’s.
The exhibition features a large collection of historic photographs, memorabilia and archive material, charting the remarkable history of the ferry service and its importance to the people of Wexford and Wales.
The Rosslare Harbour Maritime Heritage Centre has been involved in preserving and sharing the maritime history of the area since 2004, ensuring that stories and memories connected to the port and its services are not lost and they are now delighted to be sharing via this exhibition.
Organised by the Rosslare Harbour Maritime Heritage Centre, the commemorative exhibition runs until Sunday, August 30th, and is open daily from 2pm to 7pm. Admission is free.
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the Water Conservation Order for Wexford will be extended until September 30th, as water sources and public water supplies in the county remain under pressure and need more time to recover.
The current nationwide Order is due to expire on Wednesday. However, the Order will remain in place in Wexford and 12 other counties where continued protection of water supplies is required. The extension is subject to prevailing weather conditions and the availability of water for distribution.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng told WexfordLocal.com; “Although conditions have improved in many parts of the country, Wexford water sources and public water supplies need more time to recover. Extending the Water Conservation Order will help us protect the water that is available and reduce the risk of disruption to customers.
“Simple actions can make a real difference. Taking shorter showers, fixing dripping taps or leaking toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and using a watering can instead of a hose will all help,” added Mr. Lyng.
The Water Conservation Order was introduced on July 16th for Wexford following a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, high water use and growing pressure on public water supplies.
Water supplies in Wexford continue to experience sustained pressure following a significant increase in demand during June and July. In the South Wexford Water Resource Zone, demand reached record levels and remains elevated, despite improvements following the introduction of conservation measures.
Customers are being asked to continue using only the water they need and to avoid non-essential water use. This will help conserve the water currently available and protect supplies for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services.
The public can help by reporting visible leaks on the public water network to Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or through water.ie. Further water conservation advice is available at water.ie/conservation.
Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Sarah Louise Doyle (16), who was reported missing from Barntown, Co. Wexford since Saturday, August 22nd.
SARAH LOUISE DOYLE
Sarah Louise is described as being approximately 5 foot 7 inches in height, with a slim build, blonde hair and blue eyes.
When last seen Sarah Louise is wearing a black tracksuit.
Gardaí and Sarah Louise’s family are concerned for her well-being.
Anyone with any information on Sarah Louise’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on (053) 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin welcomes news of the proposed Gorey Inner Relief Road.
By Dan Walsh
Wicklow-Wexford Sinn Féin TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin warmly welcomes planning approval for the long-awaited Gorey Inner Relief Road.
Wexford County Council engineers are now advancing the project to its next key stages.
“This critical milestone paves the way for major construction to at long last commence on the route in the summer of 2027,” said Deputy Ó Súilleabháin.
“When I first raised this issue on my election in 2014, I was cautioned by the then engineer that it could take as long as 10 years to link Creagh/Hollyfort Road with the town” “Once completed, it should alleviate traffic from the centre of Gorey, which has become a bottleneck.”
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin is optimistic that this will facilitate the building of much needed extra housing in the town.
“We need to see movement on desperately needed housing at St. Walerans as well as the East Coast Sports Hub, but equally important are traffic calming measures, and safety for the Willow Park, Ballytegan Road and Rock areas.
“We need safe footpaths, especially out to Tara Rock GAA grounds, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and lighting and strict speed-control measures to be front-loaded before any car drive on it,” concluded Deputy Ó Súillleabháin.
Edermine Ferry in action at the Coastal Rowing Championships at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, recently.The weekend was truly a celebration of competition, camaraderie and sportsmanship, showcasing the strength of coastal rowing in Ireland.
By Dan Walsh
Edermine Ferry Rowing Club was represented by sixteen crews at the Coastal Rowing Championships, held at the National Rowing Centre in Cork and hosted by Ballycotton Rowing Club.
Over two days of fierce competition, the club enjoyed a highly competitive weekend of racing, and members brought home an impressive haul of medals,
The club’s first race of the championships saw the Coastal 4 U16 Ladies crew of Laura Gainfort, Eva Dempsey, Hayley Curran Whitney and Rubi Grocock, coxed by Josh Martin, take to the water. The girls produced an excellent performance in their heat, qualifying for the final in fourth place. In a closely contested final, where all crews crossed the finish line within seconds of each other, the Edermine crew secured an impressive seventh-place finish overall.
Edermine’s first medals of the weekend came in the Coastal 4 Masters Men final. Fintan Kinsella, Jim Power, Hugh Cunnea and John Kavanagh, under the guidance of cox Sinéad Kinsella, delivered a determined performance to claim third place and the club’s opening bronze medals.
In the Coastal 4 Masters Ladies event, Marie Kinsella, Bernie O’Leary and Carmel Devereux were joined by composite rower Katie O’Toole of Passage West Rowing Club and coxed by Josh Martin. The crew battled fiercely right to the finish, narrowly missing out on bronze by less than a second to finish fourth.
The Coastal 4 Junior Mixed crew of Mark Delahunty, Josh Martin, Clodagh Dempsey and Hannah Murphy, coxed by Sinéad Kinsella, also put in a strong performance, finishing fourth following the highly competitive category.
In the Coastal 4 Veteran Mixed category, Anne Dunne, Tom Dunne, Tina Kavanagh and Jim Power, coxed by Jason Roche, produced a solid performance to finish seventh overall.
The traditional racing events brought further success for the club, while racing against the powerful East Coast Skiffs. The Traditional Open Mixed crew of Mark Delahunty, Jason Roche, Jane O’Toole and Christine Carthy, coxed by Josh Martin, navigated the demanding multi-turn course superbly to secure a silver medal.
Another silver followed in the Traditional U14 event, where Tom Dunne, Tom Kiely, Ella Carbery and Mary Cahill, coxed by Mark Delahunty, delivered a strong performance to finish second.
The Traditional U16 Ladies crew of Laura Gainfort, Eva Dempsey, Hayley Curran Whitney and Rubi Grocock, coxed by Josh Martin, went one better, producing an outstanding race to secure gold medals.
Tadgh Sheridan, Matthew Jordan, Evan Sheridan and Megan Doolan, also coxed by Mark Delahunty, competed in the Traditional U18 event and earned a well-deserved silver medal.
The day concluded on a high note as the Traditional Open Ladies crew of Anne Dunne, Eimear Donohoe, Carmel Devereux and Karol-Anne Tyrell, coxed by Jason Roche, dominated their race from an early stage to bring home gold medals to Wexford.
The club’s youngest representatives, Teddy Daly, Michael Kirwan, Niamh Dunne and Ema Zdravcheva, coxed by Jason Roche, competed in the Coastal 4 U12 Mixed category. Although they did not progress to the final, they gained valuable championship experience that will undoubtedly stand to them in the years to come.
Sunday began with the Coastal 4 U18 final, where Tadgh Sheridan, Matthew Jordan, Evan Sheridan and Megan Doolan, coxed by Mark Delahunty, secured a strong seventh-place finish against tough opposition.
Edermine Ferry Rowing Club won bronze in the Coastal 4 Masters Mixed category at the Coastal Rowing Championships in Cork. Pictured (left to right); John Kavanagh, Bernie O’Leary, Josh Martin (cox), Marie Kinsella and Fintan Kinsella.
The Coastal 4 Masters Mixed category has proven to be a successful one for Edermine Ferry since the club’s first entry to the category in 2021, and this year was no exception. Marie Kinsella, Fintan Kinsella, Bernie O’Leary and John Kavanagh, coxed by Josh Martin, fought stroke-for-stroke with their rivals right to the line, securing another bronze medal for the club.
In the Coastal 4 Junior Women final, Christine Carthy, Clodagh Dempsey, Hannah Murphy and Jane O’Toole, coxed by Josh Martin, waited patiently for their opportunity before making their move at the halfway mark, and the crew passed several boats to earn a deserved silver medal.
The Coastal 4 U14 Mixed crew of Tom Dunne, Tom Kiely, Emily McGuire and Ella Carbery, coxed by Mark Delahunty, took on one of the most competitive races of the weekend, and gave it their all, finishing ninth.
The Coastal 4 U14 Ladies crew of Pearl Daly, Aoife Murphy, Mary Cahill and Amelia Doyle, also coxed by Mark Delahunty, narrowly missed qualification for the championship final after finishing sixth in their heat. However, their time secured them a place in the U14 Ladies Plate Final. Taking the experience gained from their heat into the closing race of the championships, the crew produced a fantastic performance to claim silver medals and finish the weekend on a high.
Edermine Ferry Rowing Club extends sincere congratulations to all rowers and coxes whose commitment, dedication, and hard work throughout the season were reflected in the excellent results achieved over the weekend.
The Club would like to thank all club members, and neighbouring Wexford clubs, whether they travelled to Cork or supported from afar, for their unwavering support throughout the championships. Thanks also, to the parents, families, and friends, who travelled to Cork to support the teams.
National Heritage Week is proving a success, with strong attendance reported during the first half of the nine-day programme. More than 100 events are taking place across County Wexford before it concludes on Sunday, August 23rd.
WexfordLocal.com’s weekend promotional highlight is the Castletown River and Nature Festival, organised by the Ahare River and Biodiversity Group.
It kicks off on this evening (Friday) with a Bat Walk and bat box making workshop and is a “Wild Child ” event.
On Sunday they celebrate “Water Heritage ” with a Family Funday on Clone beach. There will be some nature seashore exploring and lots of fun and games for all the family.
CATHY LEE, Chairperson of The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group is welcoming all to Clone Beach for a family fun day on Sunday. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
Cathy Lee, Chairperson of The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group told Wexford Local.com; “We are delighted that with the support of Wexford County Council the pedestrian bridge over the estuary has been reinstalled with ramp access aligning with the existing path to the beach. This will involve a mixture of ground works and beach mats.
“This not only enables wheelchair users to access the beach but also people with mobility issues and families with young children and buggies. A beach wheelchair is also available for the festival weekend courtesy of Wexford County Council,” added Ms. Lee.
On Sunday, August 23rd, there will be plenty of celebrations with a family fun day on Clone Beach. It gets under way at 12 noon and will feature the Coast Guard, the Gorey Bat Group, RNLI and the Inland Fisheries and others. If you have any interest in the environment then Clone Beach is the place to be for fun, family and information.
There’ll be something for everyone, including: A thrilling Duck Race, Sand Art Competition, Egg and Spoon Races, family games and activities, nature-themed displays and demonstrations. And lots more surprises throughout the day!
Bring a picnic, gather your family and friends, and enjoy a fantastic afternoon by the sea filled with fun, laughter and community spirit.
Families and businesses in Campile can expect a stronger, more reliable water supply following Uisce Éireann’s completion of major upgrades to the local network.
As part of the project, Uisce Éireann replaced more than 1.85 km of ageing water mains with modern, durable pipes.
The ageing pipes were prone to bursts and leaks, disrupting supply and wasting precious treated drinking water.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD welcomed news of a more reliable water supply for Campile. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD welcomed news of the completed works. “This is critical news for the people of Campile who will benefit from a more reliable water supply through these upgrades to the pipe network. I want to see more of this. We know that having a reliable water supply is fundamental to family and community life.”
Uisce Éireann’s Dave Murphy is delighted to have delivered another project for customers in Wexford. “This essential work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most, enabling these communities to thrive.
“We would like to thank the local community for their cooperation and patience during these works, some remaining reinstatement works will be completed in the coming weeks,” said Mr. Murphy.
Shareridge Ltd. delivered the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
These improvements are all about supporting everyday life in the community, whether it’s putting the kettle on in the morning, running a local business, or keeping community services flowing smoothly with clean, reliable water.
This project was delivered as part of Uisce Éireann’s national Leakage Reduction Programme. The upgraded water network now brings greater reliability to homes and businesses in Campile.
Independent Gorey councillor Joe Sullivan is urging the Minister for Transport to consider a proposal to improve rail links between Gorey and Dublin without laying new track.
The plan would retain existing stations, signalling and rolling stock while providing longer trains during peak periods and requiring minimal capital investment.
Two trains per weekday departing Gorey at 6.30am and 7.30am and departing Dublin Connolly each evening at 4.30pm and 5.30pm and serving Gorey, Arklow and Wicklow is proposed.
Cllr Sullivan told WexfordLocal.com; “Instead of running more trains bigger trains should be used. A current commuter train generally consists of four carriages, that has capacity for 350- 400 passengers. I would propose a train of eight carriages carrying 700 – 800 passengers.
“This would be seriously cost effective as there is no duplication of drivers, train managers access charges and scheduling. The principle additional costs are rolling stock availability, maintenance and energy consumption,” added Cllr Sulllivan.
Cllr Sullivan states that typical cost of running a car per monthly on a 5-day week working commute from Gorey to Dublin return is approximately €650 – €850. Matters to be considered are fuel, parking, motorway tolls, vehicle wear tear and depreciation.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
With two trains each morning and evening with capacity of 800 seats each and an operating rate of 80% that gives a total of 1280 passengers going each way creating a total of 2560 individual journeys, giving a monthly revenue generation capacity of 1280 by €250 – €320,000 per month which equals an annual revenue return of €3.8 million. This revenue has the potential to increase if the commuter services are initially successful.
In conclusion, Cllr Sullivan said the proposal offers a practical way to improve rail transport from a rural town such as Gorey, within the capital’s commuter belt. It would make better use of existing infrastructure, increase capacity where demand is proven and support the development of a high-capacity regional commuter service.
UPDATE; Dunbrody Abbey is fully reopened for visitors following this incident last weekend. Well worth a visit. A gem in Wexford’s tourism trail.
Vandals broke into Dunbrody Abbey, near Campile, sometime between Saturday night and early Sunday morning, causing deliberate damage.
A social media statement said: “This was not harmless mischief, but a reckless and disgraceful attack on an important historic site of which we are all proud.”
Those responsible risked their own lives and, through their reckless actions, endangered everyone entering the Abbey.
Following discussions with OPW staff on site, access to the Abbey’s interior has been closed until it is safe to reopen.
The statement said: “We are working closely with the OPW team at the Abbey and thank them for their swift response, support and assistance. We will formally report the incident to An Garda Síochána and hope those responsible are identified and face the full consequences of their actions.”
Pictured on their Bunclody farm are David and Janet Rothwell with Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain TD and Francie Gorman, National President of IFA.
By Dan Walsh
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow-Wexford, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, has called on the Minister for Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture to begin preparing for a potential fodder crisis as drought conditions continue to severely impact grass growth across County Wexford and other parts of the country.
Speaking from the farm of David and Janet Rothwell near Bunclody, where IFA President Francie Gorman met local farmers to discuss the impact of the drought, Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said Wexford farmers are facing increasing pressure as feed costs rise and fodder stocks come under strain.
“While many people are enjoying the fine weather, farmers across Wexford are dealing with the serious consequences of prolonged dry conditions. Grass growth has stalled, many farmers are already feeding silage intended for winter use, and there is growing concern that stocks cannot be replenished before the end of the season.”
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said some farmers are being forced to increase concentrate feeding or house livestock earlier than planned, adding significantly to farm costs.
“The main concern now is winter fodder supplies. Farmers are using reserves earlier than expected, and if conditions do not improve in the coming weeks, there could be serious challenges ahead.”
The Wicklow-Wexford TD supported the IFA’s call for the immediate reconvening of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee.
“The Minister must act now and be prepared for a potential fodder crisis next spring. Reconvening the National Fodder and Food Security Committee is an important first step to assess fodder stocks, monitor the situation closely, and ensure supports are available if needed,” concluded Deputy Ó Súilleabháin.
WexfordLocal.com 