Bree Macra Novice Debaters – Mark Waters, Eddie Casey and Sarah Byrne – are heading for a crack at the All-Ireland title in Kilkenny next Saturday night.
By Dan Walsh
The quarter-finals of the National Macra Na Feirme Novice Debating Competitionwere held on Saturday evening in Cork, where four teams from Bree, Kilkenny City,North Tipperary and Portlaois gathered to compete for a place in the National Finals.
The local Bree Macra team of Eddie Casey, Mark Waters, and Sarah Byrne, faced strong opposition from Kilkeny City Macra. The teams debated the motion “Irishpeople must serve time in the armed forces.” Bree Macra took on the role of proposing the motion and delivered a compelling argument throughout the contest.
Their confident performance and effective defence of the motion earned them well-deserved victory on the night. Bree team will now progress to the National Finals, which will take place in the Ormonde Hotel in Kilkenny at 8pm on Saturday, February 21st, where they will oppose the motion “mobile phones should be illegal for those under 16.”
In addition to the team victory, Eddie Casey was honoured by the judges with the award for Best Debater, recognising his exceptional delivery and engagement during the debate.
Emergency services at the scene of a road traffic collision at Enniscorthy tonight. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The R722 road at Enniscorthy has reopened to traffic after it was closed for a few hours following a two-car collision about 5.30pm this evening.
Three individuals have been transported to Wexford General Hospital, reportedly sustaining minor injuries.
The collision occurred at Springvalley, south of Seamus Rafter Bridge on the R722 Wexford road.
Gardaí, the fire service and the National Ambulance service were quickly on the scene.
There was huge traffic congestion in Enniscorthy while emergency services were dealing with the incident with the R722 closed completely from the Seamus Rafter Bridge to Brownswood. It has since reopened to traffic.
Artists Emma Phillips, Jean Maskell and Michelle O’Neill with Sharon Clancy, who performed the official opening of the Awakening exhibition in The Pigyard Art Gallery, Wexford, today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at The Pigyard Gallery, Wexford town.
Valentine’s Day in Wexford town was celebrated with the official launch of the Awakening exhibition at the Pigyard Art Gallery performed by well-known singer, actress and presenter and avid art lover Sharon Clancy.
Sharon said: “I’m so pleased to be opening the exhibition as I’ve been following these three amazing artists (Emma Phillips, Michelle O’Neill and Jean Maskell) for some time and am really looking forward to seeing their interpretation of this inspiring time of year.
Sharon continued; “This beautiful intimate gallery here feels like the perfect setting for something so personal and powerful. And how special that the three artists behind the exhibition – Michelle O’Neill, Jean Maskell and Emma Phillips – are not only collaborators, but cousins. There is something deeply rooted and quietly powerful abut that shared history, that shared bloodline, now expressed in three completely individual creative voices.
“Each of the artists present their own unique interpretation of what the great awakening of Spring means to them.
Pastel artist Emma Phillips’ incredibly detailed bird portraits reflect the presence, resilience and strength of these small creatures, whose song is often the first sign of life returning after winter. She feels that the wisdom within nature signals survival and hope all around us. Michelle O’Neill, an artist whose career spans elite international sport and visual arts, embraces colour and form as expressions of empowerment and renewal. Moving beyond her usual style, these works explore energy, love and self-discovery — a visual reflection of personal growth and new beginnings. Interdisciplinary artist and writer Jean Maskell’s work combines mediums to creatively explore and develop stories of strength, survival, and transformation. By merging the human journey and the natural world using art, ceramics, poetry and artisan printing, her message is one of positivity and hope. “Awakening” is a must-see exhibition at The Pigyard Gallery until February 27th at Spectrum Art & Framing, 13 Selskar Street, Townparks, Wexford, Y35 XV80. The exhibition is open Monday- Thursday 9.30am to 5.30pm and Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 6pm.
Gardaí have confirmed that Richard Kelly, (44), who was reported missing from Clonroche, Co. Wexford on Friday, February 13th, has been found safe and well.
An Garda Siochána would like to thank the media and public for their assistance.
Enniscorthy Water Treatment Plant at Vinegar Hill overlooking Enniscorthy. (Pic; Uisce Éireann)
By Dan Walsh
More than 38,000 Uisce Éireann customers in Co Wexford can take comfort in the knowledge that both the Enniscorthy Regional and Wexford Town Water Supplies have been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of vulnerable supplies.
Investment of more than €30 million across the two large supplies has ensured the continued delivery of safe and reliable water for homes and businesses across both Wexford communities.
JAMES BROWNE TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD welcomed the positive update from the EPA:
“Continued and serious investment in Wexford’s drinking water infrastructure is critical. I want to see more resilient water supplies for communities across this county. Robust water services are essential to the overall development of villages and towns.
“I have prioritised funding for water infrastructure as Minister and Uisce Éireann will continue to progress works to improve infrastructure in our area to improve water services for Wexford.
“I am working closely with Uisce Éireann to drive critical improvements to water supplies in our county. Today’s news in relation to water supply is most welcome particularly after the difficult few weeks Wexford has experienced from a flooding perspective.”
Pat Duggan, Regional Drinking Water Compliance Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “We are fully committed to identifying and addressing risks to drinking water quality. Our key focus remains the protection of public health through the provision of safe, clean, and secure water supplies for local communities.
“These critical upgrades ensure ongoing compliance with drinking water regulations and significantly reduce the risk of future water quality issues.
“This investment ensures the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to the people of Wexford town and Enniscorthy, enabling local communities to thrive.”
Over recent months Uisce Éireann has been busy delivering upgrades in both towns. The finish line is clearly in site on the €19 million upgrade to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply. The investment ensures a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, as well as allowing for future growth and development.
The project involved the replacement of the raw water intake to transfer water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, the replacement of 2km of water main, the construction of a new pumping station and the upgrade of the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant.
While the delivery of both upgrade projects at the water treatment plants at Enniscorthy and Wexford Town are coming to a close, the works completed so far have facilitated the removal of both supplies from the EPA’s list of vulnerable water supplies. Works at both locations will be fully completed in early Spring.
FLASHBACK MAY 28th 2024; Pictured at a sod-turning ceremony at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant to mark the commencement of critical upgrade works to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme are;(l-r): Eamonn Hore, Wexford County Council; Fionnuala Callery, Wexford County Council; Cllr Cathal Byrne; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy; Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming; Diane Carroll, Uisce Éireann Portfolio Manager; James Browne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice; Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Jackser Owens; Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cllr Aidan Browne. (Pic; Uisce Éireann).
Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme
Uisce Éireann is approaching completion on a €19 million upgrade to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme. The project which will benefit over 12,000 consumers, will ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, as well as allowing for future growth and development.
The project includes the replacement of the raw water intake at Clonhaston to transfer water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant (WTP) – completed. Replacement of 2km of interconnecting raw water main – completed. Construction of a new pumping station – nearing completion. Upgrade of the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill WTP – nearing completion, and Landscaping and all associated site development works – ongoing.
Newtown Water Treatment Plant upgrade project
Uisce Éireann is nearing the completion of works to upgrade the Newtown Water Treatment Plant (WTP). This critical investment of €12.5 million, will benefit customers in Wexford Town and surrounding areas, ensuring the continued delivery of a clean, safe drinking water source. Although the overall project is not completed yet, the works undertaken to date have facilitated the removal of the Wexford Town Water Supply Scheme from the EPA’S Remedial Action List.
Creagh Water Treatment Plant Upgrade (Gorey)
Uisce Éireann is progressing an upgrade of the Creagh Water Treatment Plant. This project will benefit over 7,000 customers in Gorey, ensuring the delivery of a clean, safe drinking water source.
FR ODHRÁN FURLONG celebrated his Silver Jubilee Mass in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, in 2020.
The Diocese of Ferns and all who made acquaintance with popular priest Fr. Odhrán Furlong (54), will be shocked at the news of his sudden passing at the Parochial House, New Ross, this morning.
It is understood that Fr. Odhrán failed to turn up for Mass and was discovered deceased in his bed. His body was removed to Waterford University Hospital.
Tributes are pouring in for the parents, family and friends of the late Fr Odhrán Furlong, Communications Officer for the Diocese of Ferns, who was a loyal contributor of diocesian media material to WexfordLocal.com
Leading the tributes is Bishop Ger Nash who expressed his sympathy to his family, especially his parents Thomas and Angela. Bishop Nash said “the whole diocese was numbed with shock when they heard the news of his untimely passing.”
“He was a great priest. And hugely popular by the way he was able to relate to the people. We pray for his gentle soul in the days ahead,” concluded Bishop Nash.
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD said she was heartbroken to hear of the sudden death of Fr. Odhrán Furlong and offered her sympathy to his family. “A priest of huge warmth, kindness and energy, he was loved across Wexford and supported so many people in their lives. He was a loyal friend and confidant to me, and his passing leaves a real void . Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Cllr Pat Barden posted. “Unbelievable shock and sadness on hearing of the death of Fr Odhrán Furlong. A gentleman of the highest order who left a lasting impression an all who were lucky enough know him. May he rest in peace.
Cllr Jim Codd said he had the pleasure of knowing Fr. Odhran Furlong from our time in school, our paths regularly crossed in our working lives. “His kindness, humanity, humility and wit were clear to all that encountered him. Fr. Odhran’s ability to communicate with young people was remarkable. He was a force for good whether in the hospital, his parish or the schools, I never met him that he wasn’t smiling upbeat and positive. Wexford has lost a great man,” he added.
Born in 1971, Odhrán was son of Thomas and Angela Furlong, Adamstown.
Educated at Raheen National School, he attended St. Peter’s Secondary School and St. Peter’s College Seminary, Wexford, where he was ordained to the priesthood on May 28th 1995.
Fr Odhrán served in New Ross, Templeudigan, Gorey, Tara Hill, Rathnure, Rathgarogue, Cushinstown and Administrator St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, from August 2015 to April 2022 and celebrated his Silver Jubilee there in 2020.
In June 2024, he was appointed Chaplain at Wexford General Hospital and to assist in the pastoral area of Bannow, Clongeen, Taghmon and Rathangan and co-PP at New Ross.
Fr Odhrán was also Diocesan Communications Officer, Director of the Ferns Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Chair of the Board of Management at St. Peter’s College and Chaplain to Wexford County Board GAA.
FAMILY NOTICE; V. Rev. Odhrán Furlong, P.P., V.F., Parochial House, New Ross and Castleview, Adamstown, Co. Wexford. 12th February 2026. Beloved son of Tom and Angela, cherished brother of Niamh and Majella and predeceased by his beloved brother Tom.
Sadly missed by his loving parents, sisters, nieces and nephews Kate, Joseph, Alice, Thomas, Dara and James, sister-in-law Louise, brother-in-law Chris, aunts, uncles, cousins, Bishop Ger Nash and his brother priests of the Diocese of Ferns, extended family, wonderful caring neighbours and a large circle of friends.
May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace
Reposing on Sunday, February 15th, at St. Mary & Michael’s Parish Church, New Ross, from 3pm concluding at 7pm with prayers.
Reposing on Monday, February 16th, at St. Abban’s Church, Adamstown, from 3pm concluding at 7pm with evening prayer.
Funeral Mass on Tuesday, February 17th, at 12 noon in St. Abban’s Church, Adamstown, (live stream link to follow) followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District special meeting
Part 8 of the Enniscorthy Castle Quarter project was presented at a special meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council on Tuesday by David Whitty, Executive Engineer at the Special Projects Office, the members approved the plan and Mr. Whitty said; “We are now ready to launch Part 8 and get the process under way.”
It is envisaged that “the Quarter will provide a focal point for the rich heritage of the town” and “will be the focal attraction and orientation space for tourism in Enniscorthy.”
So, what will happen? The presentation told us that it will involve “phased pedestrianisation and pedestrian prioritisation in all spaces in line with incremental active travel management measures for the town centre, such as one-way traffic management, closure to through traffic, time-based controls etc.”
Phased pedestrianisation of Castle Hill, with potential closure to traffic at a later stage and an extension of pedestrian traffic at Abbey Quay (this plan has been mentioned previously and could follow the demolition of the Seamus Rafter Bridge and its replacement with a footbridge). An upgrade of Slaney Street and Slaney Place also gets a mention!
The presentation and subsequent discussion with members focussed on Enniscorthy Castle, the public garden planned for the rear, the dismantling of the former ballroom and night club – Castle Ballroom – and the full refurbishment works to the 3-storey Victorian building at 6/7 Castle Street for use as a ticket office and café, with exhibition rooms above.
The reference to 6/7 Castle Street is the premises of My Sport and the team there have reached out to social media stating; “We want to reassure all our customers that My Sport Enniscorthy is very much OPEN and here to stay.
“The council has not contacted us about the detail of any proposed development, and based on what we understand, the residents of the apartments shown have not been contacted either.”
Using journalism privilege I am reliably informed that a CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) has been served on the owner of the property known as 7/8 Castle Hill.
The council members were supportive of the project. Cllr Aidan Browne was concerned about losing the apartments at 7/8 and the loss of My Sport and he also asked that the Athenaeum be part of the project. He was seconded by Cllr Jackser Owens who pleaded for three toilets on the site!
Cllr Pat Kehoe wondered about moving the ’98 Centre to the site and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy said; “we should be arguing the case for the Athenaeum.” Cllr John O’Rourke and Trish Byrne also welcomed the plan.
Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin explained that the Athenaeum Hall, which is open for public events, the key is leased to a group and is owned by St. Aidan’s Parish. She emphasised that the Athenaeum is not part of this development.
Water supply is returning to Uisce Éireann customers in Great Island after the successful repair of a water main.
Uisce Éireann crews located and repaired the burst main and water is now returning to impacted customers.
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. Customers are also being asked to be mindful of their water usage and to allow supply to catch up with demand.
Yesterday’s report (Wednesday)
Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked affected customers for their understanding while these repair works were being carried out. “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the disruption that can be caused by an unplanned outage such as this one and we wish to thank customers in the area for their patience while these repairs were underway.”Uisce Éireann crews remain on site in Great Island, to repair a major burst on a watermain affecting customers across Fruit Hill, Fishertown, Great Island and the surrounding areas.
The repairs are challenging and complex, crews will continue working into tomorrow (Thursday) to restore normal supply as quickly and as safely as possible.
An alternative water supply in the form of a tanker will remain in place at Horeswood Church. Customers are reminded to bring their own containers when collecting water from the tanker and to boil the water before use as a precautionary measure.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng said: “We would like to thank the local community for their patience and support while these challenging and complex repairs continue. We understand the inconvenience caused by an unplanned interruption to the water supply, and our crews are working hard on site to restore normal service as quickly and as safely as possible.”
Once repairs are completed, it typically takes two to three hours for normal supply to return for most customers. Those at the end of the network or on higher ground may experience a longer delay as the system recharges.
For the safety of crews and the public, traffic management remains in place in the area and will be clearly signposted for the duration of the works.
Recent flood damage at Enniscorthy (Pic; WexcfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Special Meeting
At a special Wexford County Council meeting held yesterday (Monday) addressing the theme of ‘flooding and the impact to the roads network,’ it was revealed that the volume of water flowing through Enniscorthy town centre during the recent floods reached an astonishing 300,000 litres per second.
A comprehensive report from Wexford County Council, delivered by Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe, revealed that flooding was so intense it swept away two gauges on either side of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, which were later recovered.
EDDIE TAAFFE Chief Executive
On Saturday, January 24th, monitoring at Enniscorthy showed the river rising at its fastest in 25 years!
There was also serious flooding at Castlebridge and Wexford town while Bunclody experienced properties not flooded in a long number of years – possibly 60 years –
Mr Taaffe stated that repairing the widespread road damage will take several weeks, as many soft surfaces and structures have collapsed and tens of thousands of potholes need fixing.
He said it will take a number of weeks to restore the roads and some roads have disintegrated so badly that they will need to be reconstructed.
He outlined interim plans for flood relief, but warned that the matter is complex and environmental and planning cannot be bypassed. He added that there is no guarantee that floods of that magnitude will not be prevented, but Mr Taaffe admitted “We have to do something” and he asked members for their support and patience.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy claimed “the people of Bunclody were abandoned” and she called for emergency plans for Enniscorthy and Bunclody.
Cllr Michael Sheehan called for “a united front” to restore the condition of the roads; Cllr Jackser Owens supported more action for Enniscorthy and Cllr Jim Codd asked that the banks of the Bridgetown canal be raised for miles and he thanked locals who assisted with last week’s flooding in the area.
Cllr Codd was also critical of “insurance companies leaving the scene” and regretted that “people were refused insurance because of their address!”
There were contributions from Cllrs Aidan Browne about Enniscorthy, AoifeRose O’Brien regards Rosslare, Leonard Kelly, Wexford town, and Robbie Staples asked that Curracloe and Castlebridge be added to the list.
Cllr Bridín Murphy suggested that funding from central government be released for improvements to road networks. Cllr John Fleming contributed on the New Ross district.
CLLR LISA McDONALD
Cllr Lisa McDonald described recent events “as horrific” and expressed disappointment at Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s visit to Enniscorthy when he remarked that he didn’t have a magic wand! Cllr McDonald stated that democracy is working too slowly and people are becoming despondent. “It is time to get out of the barge and into the speedboat,” said Cllr McDonald, who also reminded the meeting that “coastal flooding was not mentioned here today.”
Cllr Pat Kehoe advocated slowing down the velocity of the water to aid flooding at Enniscorthy. Cllr Pat Barden outlined the atrocious conditions of roads in his area and Cllr Garry Laffan also referred to localised flooding. He suggested making an application for emergency funding and emergency staffing for the next three months.
Cllr Vicky Barron asked that the government be petitioned about the needs rather than the length of roads and ensure that the State fixes the roads. She also referred to flood mitigation and planning laws.
Cllr John O’Rourke asked to make sure in future that the flood barriers at Templeshannon Quay are put in place and he told the meeting that flooding of six houses at Carley’s Bridge and twelve houses at the Still Pond had not been mentioned.
Cllr Mary Farrell referred to Old Bawn, Ballygarrett (or Newtown as some call it!) and said that two houses were flooded there over Christmas and the road is regularly flooded. She requested that it be included in the plan.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan acknowledged all the agencies who “acted in a community spirited way” and said their efforts were deeply appreciated.
Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a major burst on a water main in Great Island and restore water to customers affected across Fruit Hill, Fishertown, Great Island and the surrounding areas.
An alternative water supply in the form of a tanker has been made available at Horeswood Church. Customers are reminded to bring their own containers when drawing water from the tanker, and to boil the water before use as a precautionary measure.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible. “We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned interruption to the water supply, and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.”
Repairs are expected to be completed by 4pm tomorrow, Wednesday (February 11th). 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.
To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the burst and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.
WexfordLocal.com 