VERY REV JIM BYRNE former PP at Kilrush and Newbawn.
By Dan Walsh
The death has occurred of Very Rev. James (Jim) Byrne, retired parish priest of Newbawn. He was aged 92 years.
Educated in Gusserane, St. Peter’s College and St. Peter’s Seminary, Wexford, Fr. Jim was ordained at St. Peter’s College on June 5th, 1960.
Following Ordination, he was appointed curate at Rathgarogue in June 1960, moved to Poulfur May 1962, Kilmyshall 1966, Bunclody 1972 and Ballykelly in February 1983.
Fr. Byrne was appointed parish priest of Kilrush in June 1986, where he served until April 1998, when he succeeded Fr. Patrick Cummins as parish priest of Newbawn.
Fr. Byrne served the Newbawn community for eight years and took retirement in 2008.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of V. Rev. Jim Byrne, former Parish Priest of Kilrush and Newbawn. Late of Dunmain, New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Predeceased by his beloved parents Thomas and Kitty Byrne, brothers John and Michael and sister Margaret.
Sadly missed by his loving sisters and brothers Sr. Anne, Kathleen, Mary, Hugh, Toddy, Bernie, Joan, Pat, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, Bishop Ger Nash and his brother priests of the Diocese of ferns, extended family and friends.
May His Gentle Soul Rest in Peace
Reposing at Cooneys Funeral Home, New Ross on Friday, August 14th from 2pm with removal at 7pm to St. John The Baptist Church, Gusserane.
Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 15th at 11am, followed by burial afterwards in Terrerath cemetery. Family flowers only donations to The New Ross Community Hospital.
The death has occurred of former Wexford County Council member Robbie Ireton from Courtown Harbour who gave a lifetime of dedicated service to Courtown, Riverchapel and the wider North Wexford community.
Robbie was a member of a long-established Caravan Park business family.
A member of the Labour Party, Robbie served on Wexford County Council from 2009 to 2019 and was Leas-Cathaoirleach in 2012.
He also served on Gorey Town Council for 10 years and was elected Lord Mayor in 2010-’11. He opened the new Gorey Civic Offices during his term.
In 2022 at the Gorey Awards, Robbie received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the Riverchapel/Courtown community.
Paying tribute on social media, the Courtown & Riverchapel offered its deepest sympathies to Robbie’s family and friends.
Throughout his years in public life, and through his wider community involvement, Robbie was a committed advocate for the area and its people. A friend, neighbour and true Harbour man, he gave generously of his time and energy to the community he cared deeply about.
His warmth, good humour and contribution to community life will be remembered by many, and his service has left a lasting mark on Courtown and Riverchapel.
Our sincere condolences are extended to Rob and all the Ireton family, together with Robbie’s many friends and all who knew him.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Robert Ireton, Seamount, Courtown Harbour (and late of Knockavotha, Gorey). Robbie passed away in the loving care of the staff at Wexford General Hospital on Tuesday, August 11th surrounded by his loving family).
Beloved husband of Mary and loving father of Ellen, Katherina, Joseph, Robert and Thomas, brother of Benny, Alicia, Elanor and Rosemary. He will be very sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters, brother, sisters, mother-in-law Mary, his adored grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, partners, extended family, relatives, neighbours and his wide circle of friends.
May Robbie Rest in Heavenly Peace.
Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey (Y25 K122) on Friday from 1 pm until 8 pm. Funeral arriving to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Riverchapel, on Saturday, August 15th for Funeral Mass at 1 pm followed by Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery Gorey.
Uisce Éireann crews are carrying out repairs to a burst watermain which may cause supply disruptions to Ballylannan, Wellingtonbridge, Rosegarland, Carrick-on-Bannow, Duncormick, Ballymitty and surrounding areas in south Wexford.
UPDATE, WEDNESDAY; Uisce Éireann has completed repairs to a burst watermain and normal water supply has been restored to the majority of customers in Ballylannan, Wellingtonbridge, Rosegarland, Carrick-on-Bannow, Duncormick, Ballymitty and surrounding areas in south Wexford.
Uisce Éireann crews are on site and working to repair the burst as quickly and safely as possible and restore water supply to affected customers. Customers may experience low water pressure, intermittent supply disruptions and discoloured water while repairs are underway.
Enda Lambert of Uisce Éireann said; “We understand the inconvenience that an unplanned outage can cause and would like to thank customers in the affected areas for their patience while our crews carry out these essential repairs. Every effort is being made to complete the repairs and return normal water supply as soon as possible.”
Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.
Avril Murphy receives her Captain’s Prize medal from Enniscorthy Lady Captain Helen D’Eathe. (Pic; Enniscorthy Golf Club)
By Caomh Breen Allen
Avril Murphy said Enniscorthy Golf Club are ready to showcase the improvements made to their course when the Whirlpool Irish Senior Men’s & Women’s Amateur Close Championship gets underway on Tuesday morning.
Murphy has a dual role at this week’s championship, competing for the Women’s title while also helping to oversee the running of the event as Chair of the Management Committee at the Wexford venue.
“We’ve done major work with the course. We brought in a consultant two years ago to give us an overview of what we needed to improve on. The community of members started to come together and got behind all of this.”
“They’ve done a fantastic job around the place. The greenkeepers have been putting in fantastic work, they’ve brought our greens back to life, they’re absolutely fantastic.”
A total of 141 players will tee it up across the Women’s and Men’s championships, with the opening two rounds of Stroke Play qualifying taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday before focus switches to match play, culminating in the final rounds on Friday.
Having committed to hosting the championships more than two years ago, the event has provided a clear target for everyone at Enniscorthy to work towards.
Murphy will also get the opportunity to test those improvements herself as she bids to challenge for the Women’s title. Having won the Captain’s Prize at Enniscorthy earlier this year, she knows what is required to navigate the tree lined fairways.
“You need to keep your ball straight,” said Murphy.
“We’re narrow and we have a lot of trees. They say if you can play Enniscorthy well, you can play anywhere well. Your drive has to be accurate.”
“I’m looking forward to playing with the elite of golf from around the country.”
Murphy begins her championship at 12.40pm on Tuesday. Enniscorthy will also be represented by Connie Doyle and James Gilbert, with Murphy backing both local players to go well this week.
“Both Connie and James will fly the flag very well,” said Murphy.
“I have no doubt that they might even bring in a result.”
DO NOT SWIM notice has been issued for Duncannon’s Blaue Flag beach today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
A “Do Not Swim” notice has been posted at Duncannon Beach today (Monday).
The latest sampling conducted as part of Wexford County Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water quality, showed elevated levels of bacteria at the Beach.
Following consultation with the HSE and EPA, it is necessary to issue “Do Not Swim” warning notices at the above beaches in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.
Further samples have been taken and results are expected on Thursday, August 13th at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed. In addition, the Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.
Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beach to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.
Gorey Kilmuckridge Independent Cllr Joe Sullivan has raised concerns following a recently published reportstating that people on HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) cannot compete with other renters in the private rental sector.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
“This along with Income Threshold Limits for people applying to go on the social housing lists are two issues that I have regularly been raising at County Council level to absolutely no effect,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “I am not alone with this issue as it has regularly been raised by other local representatives nationwide.
“It is generally recognised by the interested parties Simon, Threshold and Daft.ie that there is a huge problem in this area of housing as people are squeezed into a trap and there is no apparent way out.
“The government are acting in a completely oblivious manner to this issue concentrating all their resources into telling the public how many houses that are been completed quarterly while apparently paying no attention to this ongoing carnage in the housing sector.
Cllr Sullivan queries the Department of Housing on how many Local Authority Chief Executives or Directors of Services for Housing are in contact with them to inform them of the uselessness of the HAP system or that Income Threshold Limits are ridiculously too low.
“I would appeal once again for what it is worth for our Housing Department to give serious consideration to these two issues and act appropriately and timely,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.
Wexford Arts Centre, in partnership with Ormston House, presents Memory of a Free Festival. Brendan Howlin, Chairperson of Wexford Arts Centre, officially opened the exhibition yesterday (Saturday).
Memory of a Free Festival is a touring exhibition. Conceived by Ormston House, it reflects on the Carnsore Point anti-nuclear festivals held in Wexford from 1978 to 1981.
Organised by a coalition of groups, the festivals drew thousands of people united in opposition to Ireland’s proposed first nuclear power plant. Alongside music and lectures, they featured workshops and exhibitions.
The exhibition features works by Orla Barry, Brian Duggan and Alanna O’Kelly, photographs by Derek Speirs, and original archival material from the Irish Anti-Nuclear Movement.
This touring project is organised by Ormston House with funding from the Arts Council of Ireland through the Touring of Work Scheme.
The exhibition runs in the lower and upper galleries until Saturday, October 3rd. Wexford Arts Centre is supported by the Arts Council and Wexford County Council. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Aontú Cllr Jim Codd is “simply horrified” at criminal damage to the ancient Monachán Graveyard at Taghmon and Gardaí are appealing for information that would assist their investigation into the matter. (Pic; Cllr Jim Codd).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford Gardaí are seeking assistance with their investigation into damage to several headstones and a stone wall at Monachán Graveyard in Taghmon between 20 April and 27 July 2026.
The vandalism of at least 15 graves in the centuries-old cemetery has attracted national media coverage.
At some point in recent weeks, vandals are alleged to have broken and smashed the surrounds of graves, knocked over and broken headstones and pulled down a cast iron cross from a wall at Monachán Graveyard.
Locals were enraged by the discovery, blasting it as “disrespectful” and “absolutely disgusting” and branding those responsible as “the lowest of the low”.
In a social media post, local Aontú Cllr Jim Codd said; “This is not the actions of children. Two men would be busy with a sledgehammer to complete this attack on our Christian burial grounds.”
He said he was “simply horrified” by the attack.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious or unusual activity in the area during this time period to come forward.
Gardaí are also seeking road users, residents and businesses who may have relevant CCTV, dashcam or other video footage from the area to make that footage available to the investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Pictured at Ladies Day at Wexford Racecourse (left to right); Patrick Kickham Lennon, Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort; Julie Caulfield, Westgate Design; Tina Hemlock ‘Best Hat’ competition winner; Cathy Kelly, ‘Best Dressed’ winner; Fiona Gainfort, master of ceremonies; Ursula Sinnott, Managing Director Wexford Racecourse; and Keith Jordan, Westgate Design. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford races
The largest attendance this season enjoyed competitive racing in summer conditions on Ladies Day at Wexford races this Friday evening and the numbers were even greater at Saturday’s fixture.
Saturday’s fixture got off to a shock winner when 33/1 shot Kingside Lady took the fillies maiden hurdle for Meath trainer John McConnell. Darragh O’Keeffe and Henry de Bromhead got their usual winner at Wexford with Rockonliam (7/4 fav.) in the handicap chase.
The Cody family from Dunnamaggan, Co. Kilkenny, were celebrating following Harpy Eagle (4/1) success in the handicap hurdle by three lengths. Breeder and trainer, Ray Cody, owner Gillian Cody and five pound claiming jockey Paddy Cody welcome their winner back to the winners’ enclosure following a three lengths success.
Declan Queally had another Waterford success with Rightfolksplease (2/1 fav.) ridden by Kevin Healy in the Boyle Sports Handicap Chase. For the second day in a row Willie Mullins and his son, Patrick, won the bumper, this time with Alicious (7/4). No locally trained winners on Saturday.
An interesting first time visitor to Wexford racecourse was Steve Jones from Stoke-on-Trent who was celebrating a career milestone – he has visited every racecourse in the UK and Ireland. He left Wexford until last, but agreed that the experience was worthwhile.
The McGuinness family, Stephen, Harry and Tom, were delighted with the success of Esticky End at Wexford races. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Owner Stephen McGuinness and his son, Tom, who trains on the beach at Rosslare Strand, celebrated their first success together when Esticky End (16/1) won a handicap hurdle by a neck at Wexford on July 23rd. The pair returned to the same track on Friday evening and secured another fine victory.
Jumping well throughout Esticky End (6/1), ridden by Patrick O’Brien scored by five lengths and winning two on the bounce was celebrated by the McGuinness family.
Speaking after the race, trainer Tom McGuinness said; “You’d wonder did he want to do it at times because he has refused to race several times. He planted at the start last year in Thurles and stayed in the stalls at Dundalk and Gowran. He got suspended for one of his days in Thurles.
“There have been plenty of times he’s been out of love with the game, and we’ve just tried to coax him back into it,” added Tom.
Father and son, Willie and Patrick Mullins combined to win the bumper with Get It Girl (4/1) by two lengths and Philip Rothwell, Tinahely Stables, maintained a good run of success when Rosenborg (9/1) scored a maiden hurdle victory under Ross Sugrue.
Gordon Elliott saddled a winner – Tropical Twist (17/2) with Jack Kennedy up – and Eoin Griffin from Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny, teamed up with champion owner John P. McManus to win the feature Neville Hotels Handicap Hurdle with the Peter Smithers’ ridden Splashing Out (6/1) who lead all the way and had six lengths to spare at the finish.
Local entrepreneur Fiona Gainfort, Chairperson of Wexford Rape Crisis fundraising committee, acted as master of ceremonies for the Ladies Day activities.
The winner of the ‘Best Dressed’ category was Cathy Kelly, Castledermot and the ‘Best Hat’ prize went to Tina Hemlock, Kinsale, Co. Cork.
Sponsors were Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort at Ballymoney, Gorey, Julie Caulfield, Westgate Design, Wexford and Roseland House of Flowers, Murrintown village.
Pictured at the official opening of the 1926 Census exhibition entitled The Story of Us at Wexford County Council were (left to right); Karen Downey, 1926 Census Programme Manager, National Archives of Ireland; Zoe Reid, Keeper of Manuscripts and Public Services, National Archives of Ireland; Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, who launched the exhibition; Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive Wexford County Council; Grainne Doran, County Archivist, Wexford County Council; and Eileen Morrissey, County Librarian, Wexford County Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Headquarters
The Story of Us, a touring exhibition exploring the 1926 Census, was officially opened to the public last night by Wexford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Lisa McDonald at a ceremony in the council’s Carricklawn headquarters.
Cllr McDonald noted that only a century—about four generations—has passed since the 1926 Census was compiled. She emphasised how its records of families, places, trades and local history continue to connect us with the past.
Zoe Reid, Keeper of Manuscripts at the National Archives, Ireland, told the meeting that the 1926 Census recorded a population of 2,971,992 people in the Irish Free State on April 18th, 1926.
This represented a decrease of 5.3% (approximately 168,000 people) from the 1911 census for the same twenty-six counties.
51% of the population were male; 29% of the population were female; 31.2% of the population were children under 16 years of age; and 18.3% of the population spoke Irish.
51.4% were agricultural workers; 14.2% were producers, makers and repairers; 9.8% domestic service; 6.5% commercial, finance and insurance; 5% transport and communications; 4.2% professionals; 3% other gainful occupations; 2.8% public administration and defence; 2% clerks and typists; 0.44% fishing; and 0/2% mining.
County Archivist Grainne Doran acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed everybody to County Hall with a special welcome for Dote O’Neill from Ballindaggin, aged 103 years who was present, and recalled the life story of Iris Dungan, aged 106 years and living at Monart, Enniscorthy, but sadly unable to attend in person.
The Story of Us exhibition is a travelling exhibition presented by the National Archives of Ireland and Wexford County Council and on display in Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, until August 21st. Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (Monday – Friday) Please note that all events take place in Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, and are free to attend,
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