WexfordLocal.com

Make a date for The Showgrounds on Saturday!

Rector Reverend Canon Nicola Halford at the Blessing of Animals ceremony at St. John’s Church, Clonmore, Bree, last week. Some of the blessed dogs could be rewarded at the Pet Dog Show in The Showgrounds, Enniscorthy, at the annual Enniscorthy Monart Union of Parishes annual Féte Day on Saturday. All are welcome to share in an enjoyable social occasion.

By Dan Walsh

The annual Enniscorthy Monart Union of Parishes Féte Day takes place on Saturday (1-5pm) at the Showgrounds, Ross Road, and it promises a variety of attractions, social interaction, and family fun.

Free admission for a day filled with fun events to suit all ages.

This event is a fundraiser for the Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes which comprises of Clone, Clonmore (Bree), Monart, St. Mary’s, Enniscorthy and Templescobin.

“It is a major fundraising initiative and we are hoping for a large attendance. Support has been great in previous years”, Reverend Canon Nicola Halford, Rector, told WexfordLocal.com and she added; “It is important to note that the family fun day is not confined to the Church of Ireland – everybody is welcome – and we are encouraging people of all denominations to attend what promises to be a great family day out.”

Always the big highlight on the day is the Pet Dog Show, taking place from 2pm to 5pm, and there are a number of curious categories such as “dog with the waggliest tail” and the “dog the that judges would most like to take home.”

The Pet Dog Show has nothing to do with pedigree or good looks! This is not Crufts! Bring your pet – if he can do some magic tricks, it can win a prize or if he just snores in the warm sunshine, he could also be a winner! It’s all about a fun day for all the family.

Plenty of other activities too, like face painting, lucky dips, afternoon tea, a few stalls, including BBQ burgers, toys and games. Great way to spend a summer Saturday afternoon!

There is free admission on the day with a generous number of free parking slots available.

3.4kms new water mains for Gorey

**MAIN STREET, GOREY.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann has announced plans to replace old and damaged water mains in Gorey and installing 3.4 kms of new, modern pipes that will strengthen the local network and reduce disruption to homes and businesses.

The works commencing this month will run over phases to minimise disruption. Beginning with Phase 1 at Ballyminaun Hill; Phase 2 will then run along the R741, adjacent to the Amber Springs Hotel.

Phase 3 works will take place along Hollyfort Road, Pearsons Brook Road and Woodbury Road towards the junction with the R725 and Phase 4 will take place at Creagh Water Treatment Plant.

Works will include installing new water service connections from the public water main on the road to customers’ property boundaries and linking them to the customers’ water supply.

The existing pipes were prone to bursts and leaks, leading to supply interruptions and the loss of treated drinking water.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD welcomed the works, saying: “These water mains upgrades will have a really positive impact on Gorey. The replacement of the water pipes will reduce disruption to homes and businesses and ensure a reliable water supply for the area. It will also help to support local development and growth, by putting in place the right infrastructure for Gorey as a place to live and work.

“I commend Uisce Eireann on the rollout of these upgrades work and the progress being made on leakage reduction locally in Wexford and right around the country,” concluded Minister Browne.

Welcoming the project, Dave Murphy of Uisce Éireann said that these upgrades will help stop leakage, give the community in Gorey greater confidence in their water supply and enable growth and development into the future.

The project is being delivered by Shareridge Ltd., on behalf of Uisce Éireann with completion expected by the end of 2026.

Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website for regular updates.

Wexford creativity with Cruinniú na nÓg

By Dan Walsh

A vibrant programme of free creative events and workshops will take place across County Wexford as part of Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people.

Funded through the Creative Ireland Programme and delivered locally by Wexford County Council Arts Department, this year’s programme offers an exciting mix of art, music, storytelling, performance, film, dance, craft, circus and hands-on creative experiences for children and teenagers of all ages.

Events will take place on Saturday, June 6^th in libraries, arts centres and community venues throughout the county including Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross, Wexford Town, Bunclody, Taghmon and Clonroche.

Young participants will have the opportunity to explore traditional crafts, mural painting, folklore, VR film-making, puppet shows, weaving, drawing, music sessions and much more — all completely free of charge.

Highlights from the 2026 programme include:

Simple Lantern Making workshops using willow with Caoimhe Dunne at ARC Family Resource Centre, Clonroche, over four sessions.
Shelter Building with Geraldine Cussen using natural materials at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy.
Creative Youth Lab ’26 Showcase at Wexford Arts Centre, featuring performances and artistic work created by young people across the county.
Theatre workshops with Anita Petry at Enniscorthy Castle over four weeks entitled Irish Myth with a Twist.

Cruinniú na nÓg continues to provide young people with opportunities to try new things, connect, create and express themselves.

Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of Creative Ireland’s Creative Youth Plan, enabling creativity for every child and young person in Ireland.

The full programme is available on the Council website wexfordcoco.ie under Arts Events⁠ and on Wexford County Council Arts Department social media channels.

Fethard RNLI seeking volunteers

**Fethard RNLI welcomes interested volunteers to an Open Evening on Friday, June 5^th. (**Pic;*Dumore East RNLI/Peter Grogan*).

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI is looking for new volunteers to take up crew and fundraising roles in the Fethard area.

The crew at Fethard invite anybody interested in becoming a volunteer to attend the Open Evening on Friday June 5^th at 7pm.

Watch the lifeboat launch at Fethard Dock before meeting the volunteers and asking questions in Fethard Lifeboat Station.

Fethard Lifeboat Station operates a D-class inshore lifeboat, which is launched from multiple sites on the Hook Peninsula.

The station reopened in 1996 after being closed for 80 years and is celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year.

The Lifeboat Crew are all volunteers, headed up by the Lifeboat Operations Manager and Launch Authorities and supported by a Shore Crew team. All boat and shore crew follow the RNLI’s national Competency Based Training Scheme and respond to pagers when there is a request to launch the lifeboats.

The wider team includes volunteer fundraisers, shop volunteers and water safety volunteers.

Crew roles involve undertaking training and attending exercises on a regular basis, being on call for lifeboat ‘shouts’, and contribute to the overall upkeep of the station, lifeboat and equipment.

The station is seeking both lifeboat crew to go afloat on the lifeboat, and shore crew to assist the launch of the lifeboat shoreside and drive the Land Rover launch vehicle and trailer.

Fundraising roles include participating in the planning and delivery of a range of fundraising activities in the community and online. This can include anything from emptying a collection box to running an event. Join an enthusiastic fundraising crew championing the RNLI and building its reputation in the Fethard area.

Volunteer helm, Eoin Bird, says: ‘Volunteering with us gives people the opportunity to make a real difference in their local community, to save lives and become part of the larger RNLI family. We can’t keep people safe without the support of our wonderful volunteers, who truly make a difference every day no matter which role they are fulfilling.

Becoming a volunteer at Fethard RNLI is a great chance to play a crucial part in helping to save lives. We’re looking for enthusiastic people to go afloat, stay shoreside, or support fundraising activities.”

Anyone interested in finding out more should apply online rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities, contact on Facebook: Fethard RNLI Lifeboat Station, or Instagram: Fethard_RNLI, or visit the Open Evening on Friday, June 5^th.

Wexford band The Wires at Electric Picnic

**Conor Keating, Corey Walsh, and Luke Mulvany of the Wexford band *The Wires* pictured on Vinegar Hill, Enniscorthy. The band will perform at this year’s Electric Picnic Festival. (**Pic; *Dylan Vaughan*)

By Dan Walsh

Local Wexford band The Wires will perform at this year’s Electric Picnic Festival.

The young band secured their spot by winning the inaugural CultureHead Battle of Bands competition, overcoming eight other bands chosen from an open call across County Wexford.

As part of their prize, band members Conor Keating, Corey Walsh, and Luke Mulvany will open the festival on the ArtLot Stage at the sold-out event on Friday afternoon, August 28.

This local initiative, supported by Creative Places Enniscorthy, provides emerging musicians from Wexford County the chance to showcase their talent at Ireland’s largest music festival.

Commenting on the prize, Bryan Steacy of Outrage Entertainment, who hosted the competition, said: “This year’s competition was highly competitive. A huge congratulations to The Wires, who have truly earned their place at this year’s festival. We can’t wait to see their set, and it will no doubt lead to further opportunities for the band.”

The Wires are a three-piece alternative and hard rock band from County Wexford, known locally for their energetic live performances. Speaking about the announcement, band member Corey Walsh remarked; “We’re absolutely buzzing to be heading to Stradbally in August, a major thank you to the organisers’ for supporting local talent and to all of our supporters who came down to see the competition. We were up against some amazing Wexford bands, so a big thank you to the judges for voting for us.”

The ArtLot is Electric Picnic’s alternative visual arts and performance space, located in the woods of Stradbally Hall. Speaking at the announcement, co-founder of the ArtLot stage John Kenny congratulated the band: “We’re delighted to partner with Creative Places Enniscorthy and Outrage Entertainment to provide this opportunity to local bands in Wexford.

Electric Picnic is a world-class festival, and it should reflect the world-class artists emerging right here in our own backyard. When a homegrown band earns that stage through merit and community support, it sends a powerful signal to every young musician watching.”

Digital skills training for older people

**CLLR JOE SULLIVAN, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, launching the Hi Digital programme at Wexford Libraries.**

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Libraries has partnered with the Vodafone Foundation, through its Hi Digital programme, to make digital skills training more accessible for older people by introducing a tablet loan scheme.

The tablet loan scheme is available across all five public libraries in Co. Wexford – Wexford, Enniscorthy, New Ross, Gorey and Bunclody.

The initiative allows library members to borrow tablets that come ready to use with the free Hi Digital course already installed, removing common barriers such as lack of devices, confidence, or internet access at home.

The tablets also come pre-loaded with data and popular apps such as BorrowBox and RTE player. Hi Digital, in partnership with ALONE, is Vodafone Foundation’s free online course for older people, designed to build digital skills confidence through short, easy to follow online lessons.

Learners can expect modules such as using smartphones, getting online, staying safe from scams, and using apps like WhatsApp, alongside quick tips and videos offering simple guidance on common digital tasks.

By enabling people to learn at their own pace, in a familiar community setting, the programme helps older adults build essential digital skills in a supportive and accessible way.

The tablets can be borrowed for a period of up to four weeks, and assistance is available from library staff in each of the five library branches across County Wexford.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Joe Sullivan said; “The tablet scheme is a fantastic resource for age friendly library users who want to access and learn more about technology and online resources”.

For more information on Hi Digital tablet lending programme, contact your local library branch.

3 persons ejected from Jet Ski

By Dan Walsh

A member of the public witnessed a jet ski eject some people into the water near Tramore Pier, Co. Waterford, on Saturday afternoon.

Tramore Lifeboat launched at 15.52 and within two minutes located the jet ski and found three persons on the rocks, under the cliff at the Doneraile walk.

Two casualties were taken on board to the Pier and the lifeboat returned and transferred the third casualty shortly afterwards.

All casualties were in good health and needed no medical attention at the time.

The Marine rescue coordinating centre requested that Tramore Lifeboat would recover the jet ski, as it posed a navigation hazard.

The jet ski was towed to the Ladies Slip for recovery assisted by Tramore Coastguards.

It was a multi-agency call-out involving Tramore Coastguard, the National Ambulance Service and An Garda Siochána.

Beer and tobacco products seized

**ROSSLARE EUROPORT** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers had a busy week with alcohol and tobacco products seized.

Almost 26,000 litres of beer were seized following an operation at Rosslare Europort. The alcohol which arrived on a trailer from France, has a value of over €103,300, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of over €48,400.

Included in the tobacco products was a seizure of over 15,000 cigarettes following a search of a premises by Revenue officers in Co. Wexford. The cigarettes have a value of over €14,400, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of over €11,300.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.

Minister Browne welcomes Uisce Éireann plans

**Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply project is to be progressed.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann and Minister James Browne have welcomed the Commission for Regulation of Utilities’ (CRU) final determination on Revenue Control 4 (RC4), providing the framework for the delivery of water and wastewater services up to 2029. 

As part of this, Uisce Éireann has today set out a comprehensive programme of projects, giving clear visibility of planned works across all 26 counties, demonstrating how investment will translate into delivery, improving water services in our communities. 

In County Wexford, a number of critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects will be progressed, including: the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply project, upgrades to the Wexford town, Taylorstown and Gorey water treatment plants and key upgrades of water and wastewater networks.

Wexford’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said; “This investment will see hundreds of projects being delivered, from water and wastewater treatment and network upgrades to leakage reduction and improvements in service resilience. 

“Critically, it will support housing delivery by enabling new connections and addressing infrastructure constraints in key growth areas.

“This announcement also allows Uisce Éireann to continue to move projects through planning, construction and into operation, while ensuring that investment is translated into tangible improvements in services for customers and communities. 

“Communities here in Wexford will see further evidence of projects being advanced, as I push on with the work needed to increase capacity, improve reliability and meet our environmental obligations,” concluded Minister Browne. 

Indicative details of regional and local projects being delivered under this programme are available at www.water.ie, providing stakeholders and communities with clear insight into planned works in their area.  

Are you coming to Wexford Maritime Festival?

**Wexford Quay for Fleadh 2024. Welcome back for the Wexford Martime Festival this weekend.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Quay is the place to be this May Bank Holiday weekend for the Wexford Maritime Festival featuring live music, family entertainment, maritime activities and unforgettable cultural experiences.

The festival kicks off this evening (Friday) with live music from 6-7.30pm and then the fantastic Aslan will perform (8-10pm) in the Maritime Marquee.

There is a full programme of events on Saturday and Sunday aimed at celebrating Wexford’s maritime heritage and coastal culture attracting visitors of all ages.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of maritime experiences, including regattas and boat trips regattas and boat trips, stand-up paddle boarding and demonstrations by local boating organisations such as Maudlintown Sailors, Ferrycarrig Rowing and Wexford Boat Club.

An event that WexfordLocal.com is eagerly looking forward to is the Maritime Walking Tours. Saturday’s event starts at 12 noon with Paul Walsh of WexWalks. Meet at the Commodore John Barry statue and it’s a free event.

Maritime Wexford Walking Tour, a free event with archaeologist Emmet Stafford and those interested can meet up at the Commodore John Barry statue on Crescent Quay at 1pm on Sunday.

For a full programme and updates see; wexfordmaritimefestival.com