Restoration at Wexford Franciscan Friary

The Romanesque Franciscan Friary in Wexford town is undergoing extensive restoration works. (Pic; (WexfordLocal.com)  

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Franciscan Friary

The Franciscan Friary in Wexford town is a fine classical Romanesque building, with an ornate barrel ceiling in the nave which is separated from the aisles by a colonnade of four massive pillars on each side.

The Friary has a long history, and fundraising remains a challenge as the prominent building is surrounded by scaffolding for localised roof repairs and other remedial work.

The Friary’s exposed urban and coastal setting has accelerated weathering of its likely 140-year-old slates, leaving them thin and brittle.

The decision was made that the best approach for the Friary would be to approach the project as a full re-roofing of the main slopes with new natural stone slate to the main slopes.

Repairs to the Friary is costing €600,000. Although the Friary Restoration Fund has received generous support, much more is needed.

A book launch in aid of the Friary Restoration Fund takes place on Thursday, October 8th at 7pm in Wexford Library, Mallin Street.

“Wexford Town – A Photographic Journey” showcasing a collection of 1933 aerial photos by Kevin Hurley and William Roche. It is an excellent publication.

HISTORY; This church was originally founded in 1230 AD and dedicated to St. John and St. Brigid, It was handed over to the Friars Minor in or about 1265. In the Dissolution of Monasteries in 1540 the Friars were expelled.

The Friars returned to this site in 1622, when under the Guardianship of Fr. John Sinnott OFM they got back the old friary and repaired it.

When Wexford town was attacked by Oliver Cromwell in October 1649 when 200 people were killed in the market place several friars were put to death at the Friary Church.

The church was granted by Cromwell to the Ivory family, however, using the still-standing walls of the pre-Cromwellian building, restoration began in 1688 and was completed in 1690.

The church was used as the parish church for the people of Wexford from 1690 until 1858.

In 1986-’87 the Franciscan Friary was extensively refurbished and reordered to conform with current liturgical requirements.

    

€90,000 for Slaney Search and Rescue

Members of Slaney Search and Rescue bringing families to safety at Templeshannon during the January flooding. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy-based Slaney Search and Rescue has expressed gratitude to Minister James Browne TD and Minister Dara Calleary TD for securing €90,000 under the 2026 CLÁR Programme towards the purchase of two new rescue and recovery vehicles.

In a statement on social media, Slaney Search and Rescue said; “This funding is a significant investment in our team and will strengthen our vehicle fleet, allowing our volunteers to continue carrying out our recovery operations effectively across the community.

“We greatly value the support of governmental bodies in recognising the work carried out by voluntary search and rescue organisations. Funding such as this is essential in helping us maintain the equipment and resources required to operate safely and effectively.

“We would also like to thank Minister Browne for meeting with members of our team at the National Services Day event in Wexford and for his support of Slaney Search and Rescue.

“We look forward to putting these new vehicles to work in support of our ongoing operations,” stated Slaney Search and Rescue.

Minister Browne said: “Slaney Search and Rescue and their brilliant, dedicated team regularly support our community rapidly and professionally in times of need and often in extremely difficult or upsetting circumstances. The vehicle that has been approved for Wexford today will have a transformative effect on many lives in the county and I want to thank the Slaney Search and Rescue team for their work.”

The CLÁR programme funds small-scale infrastructure projects in designated rural areas through a range of different measures.

Jesse Sludds returns to Late Late Show

By Dan Walsh

Young Wexford performer Jesse Sludds returns to The Late Late Show studio tonight (Friday) to take part in the Country Music Special with Patrick Kielty on RTÉ television.

JESSE SLUDDS returns to The Late Late Show. (Pic; Andreas Poveda/RTE Press Office)

Jesse will announce the release of his new single Dear Home and give an update on life since winning the The Late Late Show Opening Act competition back in April.

He then went on to open for Shania Twain at Thomond Park in Limerick in July in front of 25,000 people.

The 19-year-old full-time musician from Enniscorthy, who covered Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car on the night, won the competition when the results of the public vote, the music industry jury vote, and the country music jury vote were combined.

The Late Late Show, Friday, 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

Burst water main disrupts Clonroche supply

By Dan Walsh

Customers and businesses in Clonroche and surrounding areas may experience disruptions to their water supply this evening following a burst water main.

Uisce Eireann crews are on site carrying out repairs and every effort is being made to restore normal service as quickly and safely as possible.

An alternative water supply is currently being arranged for affected customers this evening and will be available in Clonroche village.

An additional tanker will also be available at Clonroche Community Centre from 9am tomorrow morning. Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from tankers and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

Padraig Lyng Water Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “We understand how inconvenient an unexpected water outage can be. Our main priority is fixing this burst and returning a normal supply to all our customers. We really appreciate everyone in the community bearing with us while our crews get water back to homes and businesses.”

Repairs are expected to be completed by 4pm tomorrow (Friday) October 2nd. Once repairs have been completed, water supplies will return gradually over the following hours. Customers in higher-lying areas or at the ends of the network may experience a longer wait while the water network refills.

To keep crews and the public safe while repairs are underway, traffic management measures will be in place and clearly signposted along the N30 at Leech’s bend with traffic management starting from 9am tomorrow.

Bree water treatment plant issue resolved 

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the issue at the water treatment plant serving the Bree and Ballyhogue areas has been resolved and the plant is returning to normal operation.

Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann, said: “The issue at the water treatment plant has now been resolved. I would like to thank customers in Bree and Ballyhogue for their patience and understanding while crews worked to restore normal service.”

“The support and cooperation shown by the local community throughout the day was greatly appreciated. We are asking customers to continue to use water carefully while supplies fully recover across the network,” added Mr. Lyng. 

The measures put in place throughout the day, including tankering water to the treated water reservoir, helped maintain supply to the local community while crews worked to address the issue.

As the network continues to stabilise, Uisce Éireann is asking customers to continue to use water carefully where possible to help support the return to normal supply levels across the area.

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal water supply to fully return as the network recharges. However, it may take longer for normal supply to return to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground.

 

Water supply difficulties in Bree and Ballyhogue

Water difficulties at Ballyhogue and Bree. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is working to maintain water supply to customers in the Bree and Ballyhogue areas following an issue at the local water treatment plant.

Padraig Lyng, Water Network Operations Manager Uisce Éireann, said: “Our crews are working to manage this issue and maintain water supplies for customers in Bree and Ballyhogue. We have put measures in place to support the local network, including tankering water to the treated water reservoir, while repairs are progressed.”

“We are asking customers to be mindful of their water use while the supply network remains under pressure. We understand the inconvenience that low pressure or interruptions to supply can cause and we thank the community for their patience and cooperation while we work to restore normal operations,” added Mr. Lyng.

Crews are on site. Repairs are expected to be completed later today. Customers can check the water supply and services section of the Uisce Éireann website for the latest updates: www.water.ie.

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal water supply to fully return as the network recharges. However, it may take longer for normal supply to return to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground.

Wexford applications for ‘Support for Sport’

Former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan has launched the sixth Texaco Support for Sport funding initiative. Now open to sports clubs across Ireland, a fund of €130,000 will be distributed to 26 clubs on a county-by-county basis, with successful applicants receiving €5,000 in each case.

By Dan Walsh

Sports clubs from Co. Wexford and beyond are invited to apply for the sixth Texaco Support for Sport initiative in which a fund of €130,000 will be divided equally in €5,000 amounts and distributed to successful applicants in each of the twenty-six counties.

To date more than €600,000 has been distributed to over 125 sports clubs across Ireland, of which €5,000 each went to five successful Co. Wexford clubs: Kilmore United FC (2021), Menapians Athletic Club (2022), Aspire Gymnastics Academy, Kiltealy (2023), Naomh Éanna GAA Club (2024) and Edermine Ferry Rowing Club (2025).

Open to all sports clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender (including clubs that may have been unsuccessful in their application previously), the initiative is one that “recognises and supports the valuable contribution that sports clubs make to communities and throughout Irish society”.

Launching the 2026 initiative, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, described sports clubs as “an integral part of communities across Ireland, where people of all ages can enjoy the many physical, social and personal benefits that sport brings.”

Following lines similar to that which proved successful over the past four years, clubs wishing to apply should first register their interest on http://www.TexacoSupportforSport.com, followed, before closing date, by a completed application that should include details of their sporting activity, the importance of the club in their local community, the purpose for which the funding is sought, and the use to which the funds will be put.

A sole qualifying requirement is that clubs must be properly constituted and hold a valid GS Exemption Number (Games and Sports Exemption Number) that features on the list published by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on July 2nd 2026.

Closing date for applications is January 21st 2027 with adjudication taking place thereafter.

Leading the adjudication process once again is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan. Clubs that received funding to date span the spectrum of Irish sporting activity – archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowling, bowls, boxing, camogie, climbing, cricket, cycling, diving, GAA, Gaelic football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, hurling, inline hockey, kayaking, rowing, rugby, soccer, squash, swimming, and tennis amongst them.

Missing person found safe and well

By Dan Walsh

UPDATE; Sarah Louise Doyle has been located safe and well. An Garda Siochana thanks the general public and the media for their support.

Gardaí are renewing their appeal for the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Sarah Louise Doyle (16), who was reported missing from Barntown, Co. Wexford on 22nd August 2026.

SARAH LOUISE DOYLE

Sarah Louise is described as being approximately 5 foot 7 inches in height, with a slim build, blonde hair and blue eyes.

When last seen Sarah Louise was wearing a black tracksuit.

Gardaí and Sarah Louise’s family are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone with any information on Sarah Louise’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on (053) 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Preservation of 800 years at Enniscorthy Castle

Although Enniscorthy Castle is supporting scaffolding it is open for business as usual during the conservation works. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

Not for the first time in its 800 year history Enniscorthy Castle is undergoing repairs to guttering and downpipes and the presence of scaffolding recently has highlighted the works.

The work is expected to take 13 weeks and the good news is that the castle will remain open to the locals, visitors and tourists for the duration of the rooftop repairs.

Building the 13th century Norman castle was commenced by Philip de Prendergast ca-1205. It was walled and trenched by Gerald de Prendergast between 1225 and 1228 and when Gerald died in 1251 it passed to Maurice Rochford by his marriage to Matila Prendergast and was held by the Rochford family up to 1370 and later was occupied by the MacMurrough Kavanaghs, Kings of Leinster, who are best remembered as occupants of Ferns Castle.

Then along came Sir Henry Wallop in 1582 and it is on the record that “during his tenure the castle was put into a state of repair.” Oliver Cromwell came along next and laid siege to the castle while on his way to Wexford town.

In 1745, the first Earl of Portsmouth, a descendent of Sir Henry Wallop had repairs carried out to the building. Though restored from time to time the castle retained its characteristic Irish Castle shape – a rectangular keep with four circular towers at the four corners.

Between 1806 and 1812 the castle was restored as a modern residence by the Earl of Portsmouth. In 1900 it was sold to the Roche family from Woodville, New Ross, who had the building restored and enlarged as a residence for his son, Henry J. Roche as a wedding present and the Roches lived there until 1951.

When the castle became available for sale in 1961 Fr. Joseph Ranson persuaded the Governing Body of the Athenaeum to purchase it and convert it into a folk museum. It opened as the County Museum on Easter Sunday, 1962.

The present conservation work was badly needed and will secure the future of this historic building for future generations.

This project has received funding from The Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage under the Historic Towns Initiative.

Source; The County Museum Enniscorthy; an illustrated history and guide compiled by Fintan Murphy, printed by Courtney & Hogan Print Ltd, 28 pages, illustrated, undated.

Fethard RNLI volunteers are honoured

Fethard RNLI volunteers John Colfer, Jamie Chapman, Walter Foley, Dr John Cox and Peter Barry with their 30 year Long Service Awards presented by Domini Codd, Lifeboat Operations Manager (third from left). (Pic; Pat Kent)

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI has honoured its volunteers, past and present, when they assembled in the lifeboat station recently to celebrate 30 years since the reopening of the station.

The event provided an opportunity to recognise three decades of lifesaving service by Fethard RNLI volunteers and to thank the many people who have supported the station since it reopened in 1996.

Visitors enjoyed tours of the station and lifeboat, meeting crew members and learning more about the RNLI. The day also offered an opportunity to reflect on the station’s history and the dedication of the volunteers who have answered the call whenever their pagers have sounded over the past 30 years.

A highlight of the day was the presentation of RNLI 30 Year Long Service Awards to five dedicated volunteers whose commitment has helped shape the station since its reopening. Walter Foley, Launch Authority and former Lifeboat Operations Manager; Peter Barry, Launch Authority and former crew member; Dr John Cox, Chairperson and former Lifeboat Medical Advisor; John Colfer, Helm; and Jamie Chapman, Helm, were all recognised for their 30 years of service to Fethard RNLI.

Earlier this year, Walter Foley and Dr John Cox joined fellow RNLI volunteers from around Ireland at a special RNLI Volunteer Recognition Event held at Clontarf Castle, where they were formally presented with their medals in recognition of three decades of dedication to the charity.

The anniversary celebrations at Fethard RNLI provided an opportunity for fellow volunteers, family members and supporters to acknowledge their achievements alongside those of the other long-serving award recipients.

Speaking at the event, Fethard RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Domini Codd said: “Today was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 30 years of service and to thank the local community for the incredible support they have shown Fethard RNLI since the station reopened.

“I would also like to remind everyone that if they see someone in difficulty on the coast, or if they get into trouble themselves in, on or near the water, to call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.”