WexfordLocal.com

Shock death of Fr. Odhrán Furlong

By Dan Walsh

**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 28^th 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.

Funeral Arrangements later.

Enniscorthy chasing the tourism dream

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 returns to Great Island

By Dan Walsh

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.

Council facing major challenge fixing roads

**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.

On Saturday, January 24^th, 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 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.

Water repair works in Great Island

By Dan Walsh

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 11^th). 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.

Cars damaged at Forth Mountain

Gardaí responded to reports of criminal damage with an axe to four parked cars at Forth Mountain carpark, Barntown, which occurred at around 4.15pm on Saturday last.

Following a search, a man aged in his 50s was located at a residential property in Taghmon and a less-than-lethal force option was deployed by the Armed Support Unit to effect an arrest.

He is currently being detained at a Garda station in the Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Investigations are ongoing.

Cloughbawn tributes to PP of 21 years

By Dan Walsh

Tributes have been paid to Very Rev. Richard (Dick) Hayes, Cullenstown, Duncormick, former parish priest of Cloughbawn for almost 21 years – 1992 to 2013- who has passed away. He was aged 87 years.

Paying tribute on social media the parishioners of St. Clement’s Church, Cloughbawn, stated; “Many parishioners have fond memories of Fr Hayes, as he shared the joy of their wedding day, christening of our children, helped their families through difficult times, or supported and gave them strength to cope at the time they lost a close relative, and he was always very compassionate and giving of his time to people. May his soul rest in Eternal Peace.”

Born in 1939 at Cullenstown, Duncormick, he attended Danescastle National School, moved to St. Peter’s College, Wexford, and was ordained at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth on June 21^st 1964.

His first assignment was assistant to the parish priest at Templetown in 1964 and he ministered in Poulfur from 1966. Then in 1979 he spent a years’ missionary work at East Geelong in the Diocese of Melbourne in Australia.

On his return from Australia Fr Hayes was appointed curate at Barntown in February 1980 and became parish priest of Cloughbawn in November 1992, where he remained for 21 years until his retirement in 2013.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Fr Richard (Dick) Hayes, Cullenstown, Duncormick, Co. Wexford. Former parish priest of Cloughbawn. Predeceased by his brothers Peter and Nick and sister Mary. Sadly missed by his loving brother Walter, sister-in-law Joan, nephew, nieces, his many friends, former parishioners, Bishop Ger and clergy of the diocese.

May He Rest In Peace

Reposing in Ryan’s Funeral Home Wellingtonbridge (Y35 RP21) on Monday, February 9^th from 4pm to 8pm.

Removal on Tuesday, February 10^th to The Church of Mary Immaculate & St Joseph Carrig-on-Bannow arriving for Funeral Mass at 12 noon, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Kilmore Quay RNLI receives over €10,000

**Rathangan Vintage Club, 20Dips in December, Kilmore SCOPE with Kilmore Quay RNLI crew members. (**Pic;*RNLI/Elaine Walsh*).

By Elaine Walsh

Today at Kilmore Quay RNLI station, Rathangan Vintage Club, 20 Dips in December, and Kilmore SCOPE together presented €10,438 raised for the RNLI over Christmas.

Throughout the month of December, thirty-two hardy swimmers taking part in 20 Dips in December braved the cold water throughout the month to complete the twenty swims challenge.

The challenge culminated in a final dip on New Year’s Eve at the Little Beach in Kilmore Quay attended by close to one hundred “dippers”. The participants raised €5,000 in aid of the RNLI.

Rathangan Vintage Club selected Kilmore Quay RNLI as their chosen charity for their Annual Light Up Run in memory of the late Michael Roche, a Kilmore Quay RNLI crewman until his untimely passing in 2025.

The vehicle run lit up the roads around Kilmore Quay, bringing Christmas cheer along the route on a dark winters evening. The Club donated €3,925 to the RNLI.

Kilmore SCOPE also selected Kilmore Quay RNLI as their chosen charity for Christmas fundraising events organised throughout December 2025 that included a raffle, a Christmas Memory Tree and a Christmas Social Evening at the AOH Hall in Bridgetown, also in memory of Michael raising €1,519.60 in aid of the RNLI.

Speaking at the station today Michael’s father Declan, also a volunteer with Kilmore Quay RNLI, said; “We are extremely grateful as a family and as part of the RNLI for all the tremendous support we have received, and the incredible amount raised in aid of the RNLI.”

Coxswain Aidan Bates said; “We would not exist without the fantastic support of the fundraisers we have throughout the local community who run events throughout the year on our behalf, along with our own fundraising committee who do Trojan work on our behalf. Without this support we could not provide the service we do year-round. We are so lucky to have such a supportive community and very grateful for it.”

No show local politicians’ anger Enniscorthy flood victims

**Residents of Island Road watch their belongings destroyed by last week’s flooding.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at IFA Centre, Enniscorthy

A speaker at a public meeting held in the IFA Centre on Saturday evening expressed concern about the absence of councillors – “It is disgraceful that councillors are not here” – as flood victims, local residents, and business owners advocated for an expedited agreement on a flood relief plan for Enniscorthy, along with the immediate implementation of interim flood mitigation measures.

Around 50 people attended the meeting to seek urgent solutions after recent flooding along Island Road, the quays, and The Promenade caused major damage and financial loss for residents and businesses unable to obtain insurance due to ongoing issues.

Helen Lyons said all deputies and councillors were invited, but only Senator Cathal Byrne, who is a member of the Oireachtas Infrastructure Committee, and Cllr Jackser Owens (Independent) attended. Cllr Owens will raise the issue at Monday’s Wexford County Council meeting to call for immediate action.

Cllr Owens was critical of the absence of his fellow public representatives and drew a round of applause when he quipped; “There are more cups of tea than politicians here tonight!”

The meeting had active audience participation with many suggestions, but residents at risk of flooding feel ignored by absent politicians and authorities, despite public consultations.

There were calls for a new flood defence measures to be in place; a call for flood defences to be omitted from planning in the interest of public safety and security; change the planning system where flood relief is a priority; that the government would indemnify property against flood damage; and there was a suggestion that Island Road houses be demolished – give people new homes somewhere else – and turn the area into a carpark!

The home of Susan Byrne’s mother, Betty, on Island Road was one of those flooded. She posed an interesting question; “I would like to know when they are going to start, because Island Road is Phase 3 and Phase 1 hasn’t even started, hasn’t even gone for planning and, like, how long more is it going to take.”

Enniscorthy-born architect Kevin Tyrrell then joined the top table providing statistics and an outline of where the issue is at present.

He pointed out that Phase 1 is ‘Bridgeworks’ and this phase will include the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, and the construction of the new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. He said there are no plans for barriers or dredging of the water channels etc.

Phase 2 is ‘The Flood Relief’ Works’ and this phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for Enniscorthy town and this includes an update on ecological and project baseline data and preparation of planning documents and submission for planning approval. THERE IS NO MENTION OF ISLAND ROAD so far!

The matter will be raised at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council and the Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting on Tuesday week.

Good racing at Ballinaboola

**Barry O’Neill, Colin Bowe and Pat Nolan in family celebration mode after Galatrona won at Ballinaboola today.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Ballinaboola Races

The Wexford Hunt point-to-point survived an early morning precautionary inspection and went ahead in pleasant conditions at Ballinaboola, New Ross, this afternoon.

The opening race was for four-year-old maidens run over two and a half miles where Mister Boum from Ellen Doyle’s Baltimore Stables, near Enniscorthy was impressive when winning by four lengths ridden by Brian Dunleavy. “They went a sensible gallop and he’s for sale now,” said James Doyle afterwards.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill struck winning form in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares with Galatrona scoring by seven lengths.

It was a memorable day for 17 years old novice rider Caitlin Grant from Mullinavat who registered her first winner on the family-owned David O’Brien trained Occupational Force. Caitlin rides out at the Colin Bowe stables at Kiltealy.

The maiden race for five-year-old geldings produced a 16 lengths success for Grande J, trained by Nicky Stokes at Fethard, Co. Tipperary, and ridden by Finian Maguire.

There was another Tipperary winner of the maiden race for six-year-old geldings when the Sam Curling trained Kildare D’Irelande ridden by David Doyle took the honours by 12 lengths in the four-runner contest.

Only two contested the Winners Race Unlimited with Hearts And Spades from Ian McCarthy’s yard at Kildangan, Co. Kildare, coming home 10 lengths ahead of Sean Doyle’s Gale Force Jet ridden by Jamie Scallan.

It was a good day’s racing. While access was trickly everything ran smoothly. One fence per circuit was closed and track was riding heavy to soft in places in drying conditions and the fixture was run off safely and efficiently.

There were two Wexford winners at Punchestown on Sunday. Colin Bowe saddled Dedudefromhouston in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus who won by eight lengths with Barry O’Neill in the saddle.

Brian Lawless, who trains at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, enjoyed a 12 lengths success on newcomer County Prospect in the Abbie O’Connor colours in the maden race for four-year-olds. Lawless also took the mount.

Ballymitty handler Gary Murphy is enjoying his best ever season and he was in the winner’s enclosure at Scarteen this afternoon when newcomer Catchem Black in the Turbine Syndicate colours won the maiden race for four-year-olds by an impressive 16 lengths with Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke riding.