Taghmon history recalled in new journal

By Dan Walsh

Wally O’Neill of Red Books and Eclectic Avenue launched The Journal of the Taghmon History Society Volume No 14, edited by Liz Wickham and published by the Taghmon History Society at Camross Hall.

WALLY O’NEILL launched the Taghmon History Society book.

There is a wonderful variety of stories here. Kay Doyle goes back to pre-Famine times to write about St Garvan’s Church, Caroreigh and the celebration of the 180th Anniversary of its founding. The current church replaced a smaller thatched Chapel of before 1845.

There is a fine tribute to great actor and director Des Waters written by his fellow actor Michael Stafford, The Benemerenti Medals by Kay Doyle and Marie O’Rourke, and the Cheltenham career of jockey Sean O’Keeffe all make up the column inches.

The recipients of the Benemerenti medals are named as Michael Waters of Chapel Street, Taghmon, honoured by Pope Benedict, Michael Walsh from Taghmon and Jack Stafford from Clonerane. Bishop Denis Brennan (now retired) presented the medals to them.

Progressively, the editors give Tom and Teresa Wickham space to stray outside the parish to put on the public record in the Journal, some of their collection of rare photographs of the development of the Killurin-Deeps bridge spanning Crossabeg and Glynn parishes across the River Slaney.

In another section, nineteen pages of black and white photographs give a wide-angle picture of the life and times of the entire community. The excellent photographs speak for themselves.

This is a heavy book in weight, in content and in substance. Within two years, the voluntary 20-member history society committee have presented in 200 pages a valuable feast of fascinating pieces from the past and the present of the area and beyond.

Adding to the previous thirteen volumes, conveniently listed in the book, the entire collection forms a library of rich content and achievements written by some of the best writers in the county.

Michael Doyle is committee chairman, President is Paddy O’Reilly, May Buttimer is vice-chairman, Kay Doyle is secretary and public relations officer, Catherine Seery and Tom Wickham are joint treasurers, Liz Wickham is editor, Philip Devereux is photographer and Paul Codd is Taghmon Town Council rep.

The Journal of the Taghmon History Society Volume No 14, edited by Liz Wickham and published by the Taghmon History Society. The book is available in good bookshops.

Gorey graduate receives top award

Muireann O’Connor ‘top of the class’ at Hibernia College.

Primary Education graduate, Muireann O’Connor, from Gorey, had double cause for celebration after achieving ‘top of her class’ status at the 25th annual Hibernia College conferring ceremony, held at Dublin’s Convention Centre recently, and at which the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD was guest of honour.

In addition to receiving her Masters qualification, Muireann was honoured with the INTO Vere Foster Medal – awarded by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) for ‘Outstanding Performance in School Placement’.

A former pupil at Bunscoil Loreto Gorey, Muireann was one of what was a record number of over 1,000 graduates from all 26 counties to qualify with Masters in Primary and Post-Primary teaching, and, for the first time, a Masters or Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education, or a BSc in Nursing.

Congratulating the graduates and acknowledging the remarkable achievements of each and every one of them, Dr Mary Kelly, President of Hibernia College Group, emphasised that those gathered had demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience throughout their studies. She affirmed her confidence that “each graduate will go on to make a vital and valuable contribution to their chosen profession.”

Support Local as New Ross celebrates Christmas

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Dwyer (seen here with Cllr John Fleming) helped Santa Claus turn on the Christmas lights in New Ross last weekend. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

New Ross Municipal District kicked into seasonal mode with the traditional Santa and Christmas Lights ‘Switch-On’ event last Saturday at 4pm.

‘Shop Local, Support Local’, the main theme of this Christmas period in New Ross.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr John Dwyer, was joined by his fellow Cllrs of New Ross Municipal District, and Deputies Verona Murphy and George Lawlor on stage for the big moment.

The day kicked off with a Sensory Santa, specifically designed for neurodiverse children, in a space where they could enjoy a calm and welcoming environment before meeting Santa for a family photo and selection box.

The excitement really kicked in later in the evening when DJ Paul Kelly, the Rathnure Pantomime characters, and the mischievous Grinch entertained the crowds while they waited for the arrival of Santa on his sleigh.

The festivities around the Tholsel were truly magical with plenty for the gathering crowds to enjoy such as market huts run by enterprise students from some of the local district secondary schools, offering lots of seasonal gifts and treats, while the kids funfair ride and free facepainting kept the little ones entertained.

Santa arrived to the Tholsel in style, riding a sleigh pulled by New Ross Town FC and led by the talented New Ross Pipe Band. Santa’s first job was to award gift hampers filled with toys and books from local shops to the winners of the Christmas Art Competition, with the overall winner, C.J. Young, in Senior Infants in Horeswood National School, being lucky enough to join Santa in switching on the lights.

Once the lights were twinkling, the children that had gathered had the chance to meet Santa in his brand-new grotto in the newly refurbished Shambles, giving locals a sneak-peak into the area before it is officially opened to the public later this month. There was an audible gasp from the waiting crowd once the doors opened and the grotto was revealed for the first time.

€220m Rosslare Europort Hub to create 2,000 jobs for the region

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, has confirmed its intent to lodge a planning application for the development of the Rosslare Offshore Renewable Energy Hub (Rosslare ORE Hub), a landmark new facility designed to support Ireland’s growing offshore wind industry.

The plans, which will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála next week, are a blueprint for the State’s largest ever purpose-built port facility dedicated to offshore renewable energy (ORE). 

The €220 million development will be important both locally and nationally, creating 2,000 long-term jobs for the region, while also supporting the country’s renewable energy targets. Located at Rosslare Europort, the project will transform Rosslare Harbour into Ireland’s primary base for the construction, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms in the Irish and Celtic Seas.

Subject to planning being granted and funding allocated, Iarnród Éireann aims to commence construction in early 2027, with delivery targeted for early 2029.

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, Mary Considine, said; “The Rosslare ORE Hub marks a once in a generation investment in Ireland’s clean energy future, integrating national transport and maritime infrastructure to unlock offshore wind potential and deliver sustainable growth for coastal communities. It will also be a significant boost for the South East, creating jobs in an emerging and vital industry, and becoming a crucial asset in Ireland’s energy transition journey.”

Spanning 80 hectares, the Rosslare ORE Hub will include two new heavy‑lift berths specifically designed for offshore renewable energy components, extensive areas for storage, marshalling and assembly and a new 64-berth, small boat harbour. The project also includes new access roads, utilities, environmental enhancements and facilities for local marine users, including the Rosslare Sea Scouts.

The planned works comprise 50 hectares of dredging, 32 hectares of land reclamation, including the creation of 19.7 hectares of new port lands capable of handling the largest wind turbine components. These facilities will enable Rosslare to serve multiple offshore wind projects underway in the Irish and Celtic Seas and deliver long-term economic and employment benefits to County Wexford and the southeast.

Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, said; “Lodging planning for Rosslare’s ORE Hub is a significant milestone in the development of this critical piece of infrastructure that will support the development, growth and long-term operation of the offshore wind industry in Ireland’s South East region. Delivering this nationally significant infrastructure will support the continued expansion Rosslare Europort, strengthen the local economy, support local employment and deliver on national and EU policy priorities.”

The project, which is owned by Iarnród Éireann, has also been co-funded to planning stage by the EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The 2,000 jobs created by Rosslare ORE Hub will span port construction, offshore wind construction activity and long-term operation and maintenance phases of offshore wind development.

Man (30’s) dies in Barntown road crash

By Dan Walsh

A motorcyclist in his 30s has died following a road crash this morning.

The single-vehicle incident happened on the R738 at Growtown Upper, Barntown, near Wexford town, at 6.20am.

The man was pronounced deceased at the scene and the coroner has been notified.

The road is closed for a technical examination and local diversions are in place.

Gardaí say no other injuries have been reported.

They are appealing for witnesses and ask anyone who was on the road between 6am and 6.30am, and who may have camera footage, to contact them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Success Sunday at the point-to-points

By Dan Walsh

The Carlow Farmers point-to-point went ahead today at Borris House with strong Wexford involvement and lots of success well spread round.

Kieran Roche from Adamstown saddled the winner of the maiden race for four-year-old mares with newcomer Norrismount Lady ridden by Donal Murphy beating the Colin Bowe trained Sorgean (Barry O’Neill up) by half a length.

The maiden race for four-year-old geldings was divided and both winners were from Wexford stables. Newcomer Quest for Answers from the Redbridge Stables of Michael Murphy, Duncormick, won division one by twenty lengths under Darren Higgins, while the O’Rourke family from Clonard, Wexford – owner Phyllis, handler Pat and rider Jimmy- enjoyed a family celebration when Gold Star Status won division two by four lengths.

Colin Bowe saddled Rou Du Roume to a half length success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. This was a first winner for rider Ronan McParland who had his first ride for Sean Doyle at Tinahely last month.

Harley Dunne was also in the winners’ enclosure. He saddled Jolly D’Olivate in the mares’ maiden race for five-year-olds plus and the outcome was a three and a half lengths success under rider Frankie Murphy.

JAMES WALSH rode a double today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Racing today at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork and three local winners beginning with Michael Goff’s newcomer Dancing Soldier in the colours of Caitriona Goff who scored by ‘a head’ in division two of the four-year-old maiden race. Tenth career winner for their son Harry Goff.

Carnew handler Sean Osborne saddled a double and both were confidently ridden by James Walsh from Tinahely. Ya Will Ya in the colours of Claire Neville gained a single length victory in the maiden race for five-year-old plus geldings maiden race and Honey Come Quick owned by Seamus Osborne had a whopping 24 lengths to spare at the end of the Winner of Two race.

The last fixture of 2025 takes place next Sunday with the Ballinagore Harriers at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy.

Seán’s new book takes an Enniscorthy ramble through time

By Dan Walsh at Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy

SEÁN WHELAN poses with his latest book. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

A new publication called The Lost and the Loved; A ramble through time, Enniscorthy 1963-2025 by Seán Whelan was officially launched before an overflowing attendance in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, earlier tonight.

The launch was postponed for two weeks because of severe weather, but it finally took place tonight with great enthusiasm. The turnout for Seán’s much-anticipated third publication was so large that, for health and safety reasons, many people missed the speeches.

Sean’s close friend and colleague from work at Echo Newspapers, Helen Ashdown officially launched the book, commending his extensive research and photographic work, and expressing admiration for his decision to share his experiences publicly.

Seán Whelan said; “This book is saying ‘a goodbye’ to what’s gone from us but

in a jolting way also brings, in its own right, those long-gone, once familiar but now half-forgotten people and places momentarily back to life.”

“The Lost and Loved is a small love letter of gratitude and admiration to my hometown and its people,” said the Bellefield bard, who added; “For that and for the joy that work on the book has given me personally, I can only say Thank You, Enniscorthy!

Tony McClean acted as master of ceremonies.

Seán’s book will be a favourite stocking filler this Christmas and will be revisited in homes for many Christmases to come – a sizeable chunk of pictorial nostalgia and memories.

It is a pictorial prose with 23 chapters and over 250 photographs and is packed with stories of people and places. 

Born in 1947, Seán Whelan is a native of Enniscorthy, and worked as a general news and sports journalist with the Enniscorthy Echo from 1968 until it closed in June 2017.

This is Seán’s third book. His previous publications were Just a Memory/Wexford GAA Memories, 1884-1984 and The Ghosts of Bygone Days; An Enniscorthy GAA History by Seán Whelan (pub. 1998).

The Lost and the Loved; A ramble through time, Enniscorthy 1963-2025 by Seán Whelan, A4 size, lavishly illustrated, colour and black and white, Price €25, is available At Easons Bookshop, Court Street, Enniscorthy, Delaney’s, Rafter Street, Enniscorthy, and in all good bookshops.

Christmas lights up Enniscorthy

Market Square is all lit up tonight following the big Christmas lights switch-on. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy’s Market Square was thronged with family groups this evening for the annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremony in the town. The magic switch was pushed by Santa Claus, who was accompanied by Mrs Claus.

The attendance included Minister for Housing, local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Cllrs Trish Byrne, Pat Kehoe, Aidan Browne, John O’Rourke and Jackser Owens.

The colourful occasion began with a parade from Enniscorthy Castle via Church Street, Rafter Street and into Market Square with entertainment from Martina Leacy Dance Academy and Rathnure Pantomine Society. Liam Sharkey acted as master of ceremonies and entertained the crowds in the build up to the switch-on.    

Christmas free parking will be available in Enniscorthy public car parks only from 11am Saturdays, November 29th, 6th, 13th, and 20th December. And on Monday to Wednesday, December 22nd to 24th, inclusive.

Enniscorthy has ten car parks, namely Abbey Square, Fairgreen, Parnell Road, Railway Square, Castle Hill, Irish Street, Convent Road, Murphy Floods, Island Road and Minch Norton.

Bookings are being taken for the annual Athenaeum Christmas Craft and Gift Fair Market on Saturday and Sunday, December 6th, and 7th. Contact Maura Flannery on 085 7723329. 

Man (40’s) arrested following drugs seizure

ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 40’s has been arrested following a seizure of drugs worth approximately €1.2m by Revenue Officers at Rosslare Europort on Thursday.

204kg of suspected cannabis resin with an estimated value of €1,200,000 was seized by Revenue Officers following the search of a vehicle which had disembarked from a ferry.

The man, aged in his 40s, who was arrested is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in Co. Wexford.

The illicit drugs with an estimated value of €1,224,240 were discovered when, as a result of routine profiling, an accompanied freight unit that had disembarked a ferry from France, was stopped, scanned and searched by Customs officers.  

The seizure was made with the assistance of Revenue detection dog Mollaidh.

Investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.

If businesses, or members of the public. have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

“AI is the technology that is going to change everything,”

Pictured at the County Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit were (l-r): Dan Barry, Regional Director, Southern Region, Enterprise Ireland; MC Ciara Doherty; Catherine Doyle, General Manager, Microsoft Ireland; Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber; Ed Murphy, President, County Wexford Chamber; Professor Veronica Campbell, President, South East Technological University; Eamonn Sinnott, former General Manager, Intel Ireland; and Geraldine Heavey, Executive Director, Enterprise Services, ESB.

By Dan Walsh

The County Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit, held at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Monday was a remarkable success, bringing together business leaders and innovators from across the region.

The event, hosted by broadcaster and barrister Ciara Doherty, featured a fireside chat with Catherine Doyle, General Manager of Microsoft Ireland, who captivated the audience with her insights on Strategic Leadership in an AI Environment. “AI is the technology that is going to change everything,” Doyle emphasised, highlighting the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and responsible innovation in leadership.

The summit provided attendees with actionable strategies for business growth and leadership development. “We were privileged to hear from Catherine Doyle, who shared powerful perspectives on how AI is reshaping leadership and business,” said Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber.

Other notable speakers included Professor Veronica Campbell, President of South East Technological University; Geraldine Heavey, Executive Director of Enterprise Services at ESB; Eamonn Sinnott, Former General Manager of Intel Ireland; Dan Barry, Regional Director for the Southern Region at Enterprise Ireland; Joanne Somers, Managing Director of Johnsons Celtic Linen; Chris Parle, Commercial Director of Midland Tyre Services; Sarah Tenanty, Financial Operations Lead at Zurich Insurance; and Leanne Davey, Senior Director of Clinical Product Solutions at Waters Technologies.

The Showcase Spotlight celebrated local success stories from Kent Stainless, highlighting how small projects opened doors to global opportunities in the UK, US, and Qatar, and Stafford Irish Spirits, emphasising import substitution, supporting local suppliers. Aisling O’Connor, Network Manager of County Wexford Chamber Skillnet, outlined how funded training is available to upskill employees across a range of areas.

“This summit was a fantastic opportunity to connect and learn from leaders who are shaping the future of our business community,” added Ms. Roche.

The interactive panels, networking opportunities, and insights were designed to inspire and equip attendees with strategies for growth and leadership in a rapidly changing business environment.

The event was generously supported by ESB and County Wexford Chamber Skillnet, ensuring its success and impact on the local business community.