Local issues dominate at Council meeting

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Fresh from the Local Elections with some newly elected members attending their inaugural meeting of Wexford County Council at Council Chamber, County Hall, this afternoon (Monday), the July meeting had a pre-holiday atmosphere, and one sensed the countdown to a General Election has started. Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, presided.

There was an endless line of dialogue and questioning of officials and, again, it appeared as if many members were bringing to the chamber issues, some new, but most of them historic at this point, that had arisen during canvass on the doorsteps!

Cllr Aidan Browne raised the matter of the Boil Water Notice on the Ferns Water Treatment Plant. Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathal Byrne and Jackser Owens added their ‘disappointment’ in the delay at Uisce Éireann in this matter, However, Eamonn Hore, Deputy Executive and Director of Services, shocked them with his reply which stated that the Boil Water Notice at Ferns is likely to continue for another 2/3 weeks!

Cllr Garry Laffan raised many road matters including the completion of the Oylegate to Rosslare motorway and other road issues related to Larkin’s Cross, Tomcole Cross and Kyle Cross. In reply, Mr Hore spoke of a delay in plans for the motorway including the provision of a service station every 50kms which has been added to the completion plans. Cllr John Dwyer mentioned the N25 at Ballinaboola. Cllr Jim Codd knows there the oldest pothole in Co. Wexford is! “It is a 50 years old pothole”, he said and called for more maintenance for rural roads.

Cllr George Lawlor spoke of issues at Hookless Village which he described as “a death trap” and demanded urgent action.

CATHAOIRLEACH CLLR PIP BREEN presided at Wexford County Council meeting.

Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien asked about the proposed Wexford-Rosslare greenway.

Cllr Joe Sullivan wanted to know if there are new reports of pyrite affecting buildings and asked about the Council’s role in helping those affected.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy asked about the Local Development Plan for Enniscorthy town and Cllr Jackser Owens also referred to the Plan and claimed that “taking 104 car parking spaces from the town centre is going to kill the town.” Cllr Owens also raised issues about the Murphy-Flood’s site in the town centre and wanted to know when demolition begins and called for more loudspeakers to be made available at the graveyard in the town during the forthcoming Patron.

Cllr Pat Kehoe asked about trimming back overgrown hedges to ensure health and safety on country roads. Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe assured Cllr Kehoe that any decision taken by a farmer in the interest of safety is guaranteed the backing of the Council.

Yacht breaks down near Saltee Islands

By Dan Walsh

Kilmore Quay RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched at 2.37pm on Saturday afternoon to assist two people aboard a 32-foot yacht with engine failure close to the Saltee Islands.

A fascinating view from the 32-foot yacht on tow to Kilmore Quay by the Kilmore Quay RNLI lifeboat crew on Saturday afternoon. (Pic; Tom O’Connor).

The lifeboat was under the command of Coxswain Eugene Kehoe with five crew members on board and it arrived on scene just north of the Great Saltee island at 3pm. Sea conditions at the time were described as “moderate with a two-metre swell and were not suitable for the yacht to return to the harbour under sail.”

The two people aboard the yacht were safe. With the tow established the lifeboat made its way back to Kilmore Quay, arriving at 3.30pm.

The call out came on a weekend where members of the crew also attended a commemoration service at the Memorial Garden in Kilmore Quay to mark the 100th anniversary of the loss of the SS Lismore six miles off the coast between Kilmore Quay and Hook Head on July 11th, 1924. One survivor made it to shore 28 hours after the vessel went down and raised the alarm. Despite extensive searches by lifeboat crews and coast guards at the time, none of the remaining 18 crew on board were ever found.

Speaking following the service on Sunday, Kilmore Quay Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace said; “Today’s service is a sobering reminder of the perils of the sea. In this year that sees the 200th Anniversary of the establishment of the RNLI, it is more important than ever that we commemorate those that have lost their lives at sea, reinforcing our resolve to save others from facing the same fate.”

Launch of 2024 Tinahely Agricultural Show

By Dan Walsh

The official launch of the 2024 Tinahely Agricultural Show took place in picturesque Tinahely village on Thursday, where details were announced for this annual celebration of rural life which takes place on the August Bank Holiday Monday, August 5th.

The Tinahely Show is recognised as being one of the ‘Big 3’ agricultural shows in the country and attracts over 20,000 people each year from all over the country, due to the range of exhibits, displays, musical entertainment, competitions and events to suit all the family. 

Highlights for the 2024 show includes the The ‘Best of Wicklow’ exhibition, while Wicklow’s greatest ambassador and celebrity chef, Catherine Fulvio will be on Wicklow Naturally stage to share some of her amazing recipes using Wicklow sourced ingredients. Country music star Olivia Douglas and her band will headline the entertainment line-up that also includes Jack Keogh, Wexford’s amazing Theresa and The Stars and Alistair Fingelton.

The show will also feature all the usual attractions that provide the unique blend of agricultural competitions, entertainment, crafts, novelty events and amusements for all the family, local, national, and championship livestock competitions, massive trade stand display with over 400 businesses showcasing their services and products, the IFA Food Marquee, pony games and show jumping, pet’s corner, dog show, vintage display etc.

The Tinahely Show is extremely popular with Wexford exhibitors and visitors. Chairperson Margaret Healy told WexfordLocal.com; “The Tinahely Show is a fun day out for the whole family, with attractions and entertainment galore throughout the day for young and old.”

Entries are now open for all categories and can be made online at www.tinahelyshow.ie.

Kayakers located safely on Baginbun Beach

Fethard RNLI inshore volunteer lifeboat is launched at Slade Harbour. (Pic; RNLI/Mark Brennan)

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI were requested by the Coast Guard to launch their inshore lifeboat at 5.10pm on Thursday evening when vigilant members of the public raised the alarm concerned for the welfare of the kayakers heading west below Hook Lighthouse.

In a strong Force 5 south-westerly wind and choppy sea conditions, the lifeboat launched at Slade Harbour and made its way to Hook Head beginning to search the coastline. The inshore lifeboat, with the assistance of Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117, eventually found the two kayakers on Baginbun Beach having successfully navigated their way there.

The very experienced sea farers were navigating their way around the Irish coast and were well equipped with food, means of hydration and communications equipment.

Speaking after the call-out, volunteer Helm John Colfer told WexfordLocal.com; “It was great to find the two kayakers safe and sound, drinking tea! They were very well equipped and very experienced. They advised us that they will let the Coast Guard know their future movements to avoid another call-out.”

John concluded; “We were glad to find these lads well, but we would like to thank the members of the public who made the call. It is better to err on the side of caution. If you do get into difficulty or see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Prayers and emotion amongst parishioners

Bishop Ger Nash pictured with this year’s Jubilarians in The Diocese of Ferns. 415 years of priestly ministry combined. (Left to Right); Fr Jim Curtis (Diamond), Fr. Michael Byrne, Fr. Joe Kavanagh, Fr. Martin Casey, Fr. Thady Doyle and Fr. Bernard Cushen (Golden), Fr. Brian Broaders and Fr. Don Kenny (Ruby) and Fr. Robert McGuire (Silver). Missing from photo are Fr. Willie Howell (Golden) and Fr. Dick Hayes (Diamond). Pic; Diocese of Ferns.

By Dan Walsh

Recently announced clerical changes have been made in the Diocese of Ferns in response to the needs of the new Pastoral Areas and these changes are effective from next weekend, July 13-14th.

But this weekend is particularly emotional in many parishes across the Diocese as pastor and parishioners sever a friendship and move to pastures new. It is particularly distressing for large numbers of parishioners across the Diocese to accept that the day of always having a parish priest is no longer a reality.

As we see from the published list of changes (first published on WexfordLocal.com on June 10th – and receiving almost 9,000 views on this website alone – the future in our churches will require priests to serve several pastoral areas simultaneously. It is a daunting task, it is a burden unfair to share for many, but we live in challenging times and wish them all well.  

The new appointments are as follows;   

Fr. Sean Devereux Cushinstown appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area of Bunclody-Ferns-Kilrush and assigned to Ferns.

Fr. John Byrne Oylegate appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area of Bunclody-Ferns-Kilrush and assigned to Bunclody.

Fr. Paddy Banville Enniscorthy Pastoral Area appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area of Gorey-Camolin-Craanford-Riverchapel and assigned to Craanford.

Fr. James Cullen Wexford appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area of St. Senans-St. Aidans-Marshalstown and assigned to Marshalstown.

Fr Michael Doyle Templetown appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral area Imeall na Screige and assigned to Oulart/Ballaghkeene.

Fr Dermot Gahan returning from Indiana, USA and appointed as Co-PP to the pastoral area Castlebridge-Crossabeg-Oylegate and assigned to Oylegate/Glenbrien.

Fr Brian Whelan Craanford appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area New Ross-Cushinstown-Adamstown-Newbawn and assigned to New Ross.

Fr. Roger O’ Neill Gorey appointed  as Co-PP to  the  Pastoral Area New Ross-Cushinstown-Adamstown-Newbawn  and assigned to Cushinstown.

Fr. Tom Orr New Ross appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area Horeswood-Ramsgrange-Duncannon-Templetown-Ballycullane and assigned to Duncannon and Templetown.

Fr. Paddy Browne, Oulart appointed as Co-PP to the Pastoral Area Wexford-Clonard-Glynn-Piercestown and assigned to Wexford.

Fr. Odhran Furlong Chaplain in Wexford General Hospital to assist in the Pastoral area of Bannow-Clongeen-Taghmon-Rathangan in addition to his duties in the Hospital.

Fr. David Murphy, Chaplain to the Defence Forces to assist in the Pastoral area of Tagoat-Kilrane-Our Lady’s Island-Kilmore-Ballymore in addition to his duties with the Defence Forces.

Baginbun Beach is safe for public use

By Dan Walsh

The DO NOT SWIM notices issued for Baginbun Beach last Thursday have been withdrawn with immediate effect.

In a short statement tonight Wexford County Council informed WexfordLocal.com that the results of the repeat bathing water samples at Baginbun fall within the acceptable standards.

Following consultation with the HSE, Wexford County Council is now lifting the bathing prohibition with immediate effect.

Mayor Lawlor leads fight on gum litter

Leading the way at the Gum Litter Taskforce Summer Roadshow in Wexford town today were (left to right);  Mummy Mokgalo, Wexford Tidy Towns, Cllr George Lawlor Mayor of Borough District of Wexford and Siliudile Zulu, Wexford Tidy Towns.

By Dan Walsh

The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) Summer Roadshow took to the streets of Wexford today and leading by example was the Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor, showing the way with fun and engaging education and awareness initiatives in the fight against gum litter.

Mayor Lawlor welcomed the Roadshow which he said; “is a fantastic initiative to raise awareness of the negative impacts of gum litter and encourages all to dispose of gum litter responsibly and to continue to protect our local environment.” He added; “The reduction of gum litter in recent years demonstrates the success of the campaign and I hope this year’s campaign will continue to further encourage positive changes in people’s behaviour towards gum litter.”

Now in its 17th year, the GLT campaign travels across the country, working with local authorities to host its Summer Roadshow, which promotes responsible gum disposal by highlighting the environmental impacts of gum and general litter.

Gum Litter Campaign Manager, Avril Donlon of Food Drink Ireland said; “We are delighted to launch the 2024 Gum Litter Taskforce campaign with the support of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. The results of the campaign are evident, and we are thrilled that 1 in 4 people state the GLT campaign as the reason for deterring them from littering gum.”

In September, the Gum Litter Taskforce’s Bin It! education programme will travel across the country and deliver 60 performances a year to primary and secondary schools nationwide, with the ambition to visit 180 schools by 2025. This is in addition to useful lesson plan material that has been made available to almost 730 schools across Ireland.

Ferns Boil Water notice remains in place

By Dan Walsh

Customers impacted by the Ferns Public Water Supply Boil Water Notice issued on June 28th were informed by Uisce Éireann this afternoon that it will remain in place until further notice. 

This notice was issued as a precautionary measure to protect the health of approximately 1,723 customers due to the detection of cryptosporidium in the water supply.

All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.  

Dan McCartan, Uisce Éireann Assets Operations Lead, told WexfordLocal.com; “Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect their wellbeing. Our compliance and operations experts are on site and are working to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. We understand the impact a Boil Water Notice (BWN) has on the local community and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on Boil Water Notices. Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.

Many tributes to Enniscorthy’s Henry Goff

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy is mourning the sad passing of academic, historian, teacher, GAA community and family man, Henry Goff, Templeshannon.

HENRY GOFF

Many tributes are being paid. Official Wexford GAA posted; “Deepest sympathy to the Goff family and Shamrocks GAA club on the sad passing of Henry Goff, who was a member of the Wexford senior hurling team that won the National Hurling League title in 1973, and father of current Shamrocks player Harry.”

Enniscorthy Shamrocks GAA Club expressed “our deepest condolences to the family of Henry Goff, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy on his recent passing.
Henry was a very proud Shamrocks man and had a long association with the club as a top class forward and manager. His contribution to all things to do with promoting the club were always highly valued by all. A true gentleman in every sense who will be sadly missed by family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam“.

Educated in Enniscorthy at Mercy Convent, CBS Primary and Secondary Schol and St. Peter’s College of Education, Maynooth, were he received a Teaching Diploma in 1966, and having qualified as a teacher Mr. Goff worked at schools in Rathnure 1966-’67), Caim (1967-’69), Donnycarney CBS (1972) and Ballindaggin (1972-’79) and served as Principal of St. Senan’s Primary School, Enniscorthy, from 1979 until his retirement 32 years later in 2011.

He was a keen historian and most knowledgeable in the history of his native town and the events of the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy and the 1798 Rebellion. He contributed to many journals and lectured at seminars and conferences over many years.

He also held a strong interest in local politics and served as a Fianna Fáil member on Enniscorthy Urban District Council and proudly served as Chairman in 1978.

FAMILY NOTICE; HENRY GOFF, St. Kevin’s, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, July 4, 2024 peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Dearly loved husband of Bridie, loving father of Ciaran, Fiona, Orla, Harry and Eimear, much loved brother of Chrissie, Pat, Anne, Eileen and the late Noel and cherished son of the late Patsy and Mary Ellen.

Sadly missed by his loving family, sons-in-law Patrick, Fabio and Patrick, daughters-in-law Julie and Lynn, his adored grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he Rest in Peace.

Reposing in Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy today (Friday) from 3 o’clock until 7 o’clock. Funeral arriving at St. Senan’s Parish Church, Enniscorthy on Saturday for his Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Enniscorthy Cemetery.

Ban on bathing at Baginbun Beach

By Dan Walsh

Testing conducted as part of Wexford County Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water quality showed elevated levels of E. Coli bacteria at Baginbun Beach where ‘Do Not Swim’ notices have been issued.

In a statement issued a short time ago, Wexford County Council said; “Following consultation with the HSE, it is necessary to issue ‘Do Not Swim’ warning notices at the above beach (Baginbun) in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.”

Further samples were taken today (Thursday) and results are expected on Saturday at which stage the bathing notices will be reviewed. Wexford County Council’s Technical Team are investigating the matter.