John championed music, culture and tourism

JOHN MURPHY

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

VERY REV 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 8th, 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 6th 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 31st, 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.

Gorey stages Rás na mBan on Thursday

Pictured at the launch of Rás na mBan in Gorey were Race Director Valerie Considine, Linda Kelly and Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District.

By Dan Walsh

Rás na mBan, Ireland’s premier international women’s cycle race, returns to County Wexford for the third year in a row as it marks its 20th edition.

Stage two of the 2026 event will take place on Thursday, featuring a new twist on a familiar route. Riders will set out from Gorey, taking on demanding climbs, fast racing and scenic roads before returning for a high-speed finish in the town.

The 97km stage starts with a neutralised rollout from Gorey District Park at 11am. Racing begins on the R772 towards Arklow, before the route turns to the day’s first competition: the Intermediate Sprint at the First World War memorial in Woodenbridge. From there, the riders continue towards Aughrim and the opening Queen of the Mountains test, a Category 3 climb at Rednagh.

The rolling course then leads to Sliabh Buí, the first Category 2 ascent of this year’s race. The 3.3km climb averages 4.4%, with sections reaching 18.6%. After the descent, more undulating roads take the riders through Ballycanew and back to Gorey, where the leaders are expected to finish on The Avenue at 1.16pm.

A cycling festival will run alongside the race, with Wexford County Council organising a programme of bike-themed activities in Gorey Town Park.

Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, welcomed the event’s return. “Gorey is honoured to host this prestigious international women’s cycling race. Having both the start and finish here gives us an excellent opportunity to showcase our town and Wexford’s renowned hospitality. I commend the Rás na mBan organisers and Wexford County Council for bringing elite women’s sport to our roads and inspiring future generations of female athletes.”

Race Director Valerie Considine said: “We’re delighted to bring Stage 2 of Rás na mBan back to Wexford. Our previous visits have been both memorable and rewarding. This year’s revised route, which remains entirely within County Wexford, will increase the challenge while showcasing the striking scenery for riders and spectators alike.

“Wexford’s heritage, landscape and warm welcome make it an ideal location for top-level racing. I also thank Wexford County Council and An Garda Síochána for their invaluable support in making the stage possible.”  

New Eoghan Rua Finn play at Wexford Arts Centre

By Dan Walsh

Four Rivers presents Jenny Instead, a new play by Wexford playwright, poet and screenwriter Eoghan Rua Finn, at Wexford Arts Centre this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

EOGHAN RUA FINN’S new play Jenny Instead can be enjoyed at Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Eoghan Rua Finn will be known to Four Rivers audiences for his Civil War drama, Amongst Men which was staged by the company in 2023. 

Jenny Instead is set in present-day Dublin. Paddy, a recently returned emigrant, and Maria, a reclusive artist. The plan is simple- temporarily escape themselves. But when their guards come down and unexpected sparks fly their time together becomes more real than either was prepared for.

Can they face each other and themselves on a night neither will forget? And in the face of human complexity is there ever such a thing as a simple plan? Jenny Instead is an intimate examination of difficulty of connection and authenticity in the modern world.

The play is directed by Emma Finegan who has just finished a stint as an associate director at The Gate Theatre. It will be designed by Liam Doona (A Handful of Stars and My Real Life) and lit by Ferdy Emmet. Costumes will be by Wexford’s Jeni Roddy.

The play will feature award winning actress Lauren O Leary (Stage Debut Award for Little Gem off Broadway) and Kyle Hixon (Wednesday- Netflix and Ridley Scott’s The Last Jewel – Fox Searchlight)

Four Rivers Artistic Director Ben Barnes told WexfordLocal.com; “We are delighted to be staging Eoghan’s new play, Jenny Instead with a strong creative team led by Emma Finegan and two fine young actors. This will be the sixth new work from the South East that we have staged over the past four years and underlines our commitment to give voice to the stories and concerns of our audiences and writers” 

Performances take place at Wexford Arts Centre from Thursday September 3rd and Friday, September 4th, at 8pm with a Matinee Special: Play & a Pizza on Saturday September 5th at 2.30pm. Running time: 75 minutes approx.

For further Information contact: www.wexfordartscentre.ie