If the history of the Second World War is of interest, the Gorey Library is the place to be on Thursday from 6pm when historian Michael Rowley delivers an interesting talk titled WWII German Luftwaffe in County Wexford 1940-’41.
This event will focus on the crashes of WW2 German Luftwaffe aircraft in south County Wexford in the 1940-’41 period, featuring some incidents in the Gorey area.
Arrive early from 6pm to view the exhibition of original WWII artefacts Michael will be discussing and displaying for the event.
Then join historian Michael for his talk at 7pm with questions and answers to follow.
Booking is required. This can be done through gorey.library@wexfordcoco.ie or calling Gorey Library on 053 9483820.
European bronze winner KAYLEIGH BYRNE in Sarajevo. (Pic; Gorey Boxing Club)
There was a carnival atmosphere in the popular Willow Park estate in Gorey last evening as large numbers of family, friends, supporters and admirers turned out in celebration to welcome home the new super hero in the boxing ring, the talented Kayleigh Byrne.
Featherweight Kayleigh brought the first ever international medal to Gorey Boxing Club when she took bronze for Ireland in the 2024 European Junior Championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
Team Ireland, who brought home two gold and five bronze medals from the championships also included Kalib Walsh from Wexford CBS who also secured a bronze medal.
World Irish dance champions, the Gardiner Brothers, Michael and Matthew, met Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager and Cllr Mary Farrell, Gorey-Kilmuckridge District on their sensational visit to Enniscorthy promoting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Wexford Town August 4th-12th.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy was buzzing with excitement as the town played host to the internationally renowned TikTok sensations, The Gardiner Brothers, in a spectacular Fringe Fleadh event in advance of the official Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann set to take place in Wexford Town from August 4th-12th.
In a series of toe tapping performances, The Gardiner Brothers, Michael and Matthew, professional Irish dancers with five world titles to their credit and known for their innovative and energetic Irish dance routines, thrilled the crowds at three iconic Enniscorthy landmarks. Their dance on the storied slopes of Vinegar Hill captured the essence of Irish heritage and rebellion, resonating deeply with both locals and visitors.
The historic Enniscorthy Castle provided a majestic backdrop as the brothers’ rhythmic steps captivated their audiences. The performances culminated in a vibrant meet-and-greet at The Market Square, where fans of all ages had the opportunity to connect with the stars, take selfies, and even learn a few dance moves.
Claire Lawless, District Manager of Enniscorthy Municipal District, expressed her delight at the success of the event: “We are thrilled to have hosted The Gardiner Brothers for this unique Fringe Fleadh event. Their performances have brought an extraordinary energy to Enniscorthy, showcasing our town’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit. This event has set a wonderful tone for the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August.”
The magic continued all weekend in New Ross who hosted a foot stomping three-day festival in The Library Park with the Magic Feet Irish Dance Troupe, Remembering Ronnie Drew with Phelim Drew, and acclaimed Irish violinist Zoe Conway and traditional fiddler John McIntyre captivating audiences.
There was plenty of Cheoil agus Craic in Cahore with a huge crowd gathering to enjoy The Wild Turkeys outside The Strand on Cahore Pier.
The Fringe Fleadh events around the district marks an exciting prelude to the larger celebrations set for Wexford Town, promising an unforgettable summer of Irish music, dance, and cultural festivities.
Young artists from Co. Wexford schools received their awards for the Wexford County Council Annual Artwork Competition 2024 in the County Hall, Wexford, recently.
The theme of this year’s competition was ‘The Wildlife of Hedgerows.’ Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, presented prizes to 40 school children representing both primary and secondary schools.
The overall winner from Primary Schools was Ella Dundon, Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Bunclody and the overall winner from Secondary Schools was Júlía Ásmundsdóttir of Colaiste an Átha Kilmuckridge. The winning artwork was displayed in County Hall.
Prizes were also presented for the Snap into Action Competition, which is open to both schools and community groups. This competition encourages people from all walks of life to act against litter.
CLLR PIP BREEN, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, presented the prizes at the Annual Artwork Competition focus on diversity and the environment, File Pic; WexfordLocal.com
Kilmyshall National School received first prize in the Snap into Action School Competition and received a prize for €500. Wexford Educate Together National School and Caim National School were presented with runner up award of €250.
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns were the winners in the Snap into Action Community Group Competition and received a prize of €500. Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group and Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns were presented with runners-up awards of €250.
Cllr Pip Breen stated “that the aim of the competition was to raise awareness of the importance of Wexford’s environment and to encourage all to explore its uniqueness as something to be valued and cherished. Hedgerows are precious habitats made up of native trees, shrubs, and flowers. They form a network of wildlife corridors across our landscape, providing food and shelter for insects, birds, and mammals.”
“The artwork displayed here today reminds, us all to look after our environment, a precious legacy for generations to come. We all have a role to play in learning more about biodiversity and protecting the natural heritage of Wexford,” said Cllr Breen, who thanked Don Conroy for providing the colouring sheet and thanked Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club for supporting the competition and sponsoring birdboxes.
Cllr Breen congratulated all involved and praised the groups for all their voluntary work in ‘Keeping Wexford Beautiful’.
The artwork competition is an initiative run by the Environment Section of Wexford County Council in conjunction with Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club.
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has announced that eight Wexford schools have been shortlisted for an energy retrofit programme as part of an €81 million EU funding package.
The Wexford schools shortlisted are Clonroche National School, Scoil Naofa Mhuire, Danescastle, Carrig-on-Bannow, Scoil Naofa Clochar Mhuire, Rosslare, Scoil Naofa Chaomhain Torrchoill (St. Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill, Gorey, Scoil Naofa Seosaimh, Hilltown, Ballymitty, St. Mary’s National School, Parnell Avenue, Enniscorthy, Our Lady of Fatima Special School, Carrigeen St., Wexford, and Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School, Rosbercon, New Ross.
NORMA FOLEY TD, Minister for Education
Schools selected for inclusion in the programme will be given a deep retrofit to achieve a Building Energy Rating (BER) of at least B by installing heat pumps, LED lighting and mechanical heat recovery ventilation. The fabric and airtightness of the schools will also be upgraded, and electric car chargers will be installed.
Minister Foley told Wexford Local.com; “I welcome that eight schools in County Wexford have been shortlisted for inclusion in this Programme. The schools approved for an energy retrofit will enjoy significantly better energy performance and a more comfortable teaching and learning environment.”
An innovative Certified Water Stewardship Workshop has been launched in partnership with Uisce Éireann, County Wexford Chamber and the Sustainable Enterprise Skillnet to support small to medium Irish businesses and facilities in Wexford as they seek to improve water stewardship practices and become more sustainable, introduce water stewardship and opportunities for quick wins on site, and to outline the pathway to Water Stewardship Programme certification.
The workshop, which will be delivered by Uisce Éireann on Monday July 22nd at 2pm, aims at equipping businesses in the Model County with the knowledge and tools to lower water consumption, reduce operating costs and protect the environment.
Highlighting the benefits of water stewardship training Dave McCann, a graduate from Uisce Eireann’s Water Stewardship Programme from the Clayton Hotel Whites commented; “Sustainability and protecting the environment is a key policy at the Clayton. We have seen significant reductions in our water consumption following our participation in the Uisce Éireann Water Stewardship Programme and. In counties like Wexford where hot summers can impact water availability, we are delighted to be playing our part.”
Pictured are Lorraine Gaston Uisce Éireann, Jim Fitzgerald Uisce Éireann, Fionnuala Callery Wexford County Council, Paula Roche County Wexford Chamber, and Dave McCann Clayton Hotel Whites.
Paula Roche from County Wexford Chamber added; “The Water Stewardship Programme gives easy to follow steps on how businesses can conserve water, protect the environment, and enhance their sustainability credentials. These practices can also bring financial benefits to the businesses taking part as reduction in water usages can also mean lower bills and lower energy costs. We are encouraging all businesses in Wexford to sign up to this initiative and to play their part in conserving this precious resource.”
Jim Fitzgerald, Regional Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann said; “We all have a role to play in conserving water especially during the summer. Water demand always increases with an influx of tourists and visitors. This year more visitors are expected for the Fleadh as people are set to enjoy a week of traditional music and street activities. We are looking forward to working with the business community on this initiative and are very grateful for their support, and the support of County Wexford Chamber and the Fleadh committee.”
A Boil Water Notice has been issued to protect the health of approximately 1,723 customers supplied by Ferns Public Water Supply following the detection of cryptosporidium in the water supply.
The notice was issued this evening (Friday) following consultation with the Health Service Executive and Uisce Éireann.
All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.
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.
Updates are available on water.ie, on Twitter @IWCare and via the customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
Pictured at the launch of the naming rights at Samaritans St Patrick’s Park last Wednesday
By Dan Walsh at Samaritans St Patrick’s Park
Wexford GAA has teamed up with Samaritans and the suicide prevention charity has secured the naming rights of the second county ground, which will be known as Samaritans St Patrick’s Park for the next three years.
The new name and signage at the Enniscorthy ground was officially revealed this week by Michael Martin, Cathaoirleach, Wexford GAA, Sarah O’Toole, Executive Director of Samaritans Ireland, and Jonathan Neville, volunteer and Regional Director for Samaritans Ireland.
Wexford county stars Eoin Porter and Kevin Foley and senior football manager John Hegarty also attended, and they were joined by Samaritans volunteers from Arklow and Waterford, as well as others representing Wexford GAA.
Micheál Martin said; “Samaritans is one of the leading mental health charities in Ireland, and Wexford GAA is delighted to offer them naming rights of our second county ground to Samaritans free of charge. We want to create awareness of their work and highlight the support they offer to people of all ages who need emotional support.
“St Patrick’s Park is the most used county ground in Wexford, with more than 300 matches there last year, and more than 30,000 people through the turnstiles, for inter-county games, club finals, schools games, and LGFA and camogie matches. It is also the training base for the county minor and U20 teams,” added Mr Martin.
Wexford native Sarah O’Toole said the charity was delighted to be chosen by Wexford GAA for the naming rights at St Patrick’s Park. Samaritans has been the mental health partner of the GAA for the last 10 years and this initiative cements that partnership even more, making sure we are there at grassroots,” she said.
Ms. O’Toole concluded; “It is amazing that now our name and number can be seen by anyone attending a game at Samaritans St Patrick’s Park over the next three years. “We want everyone to remember that no matter how big or small a problem may seem, our trained volunteers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123 or email joe@samaritans.ie”
HISTORY OF ST. PATRICK’S PARK; “In 1956, St Patrick’s Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society took charge of the running of the Boys’ Club in Enniscorthy. One year later, St Patrick’s Boys’ Club invested in two fields at Pearse Road, one converted into GAA pitch known as St Patrick’s Park, forever referred to locally as the New Park or simply the Boys’ Park. “August 1957 brought the glad tidings for local Gaels of the commencement of development of a new playing pitch for the youth of the town on a nine-acre site involving two fields at Parnell Avenue, following its purchase earlier that year. The fields, bought for £1,500, are parochial property and the new park is under the supervision of the local St Vincent de Paul Society. “Development work entailed considerable expenditure and at the time the considerable sum of £600 had been contributed by the people of the town, with the hope that further moneys would be raised for the project.” SOURCE; ‘The Ghosts of Bygone Days’ (1998), by Sean Whelan.
Launch of the CPE Open Call at Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy
Artists and community groups gathered in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, yesterday (Thursday) for awarding nine projects through the recent CPE Open Call officially launched by Cllr John O’Rourke for Creative Places, Enniscorthy.
Deryn O’Callaghan, CPE Co-Ordinator told WexfordLocal.com; “We are so excited to see the start of projects in Enniscorthy for Creative Places and we are looking forward to seeing how these projects will engage and inspire our community.”
Speaking directly to all the artists and community groups who put themselves forward and applied for these awards, Ms. O’Callaghan said; “All or most of these projects will be based in places and spaces not always thought of as places for creativity and art. A lot of the artists are linking in with community groups that haven’t linked in before for this sort of project. This is an opportunity here for these artists and groups to start working within their community and to listen to what the community want and bring these ideals to the project.”
Ms O’Callaghan mentioned a number of brilliant partnerships already established such as the Presentation Arts Centre, Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford County Council Arts Office, and Enniscorthy Municipal District with SETU, the socially engaged arts projects that started CPE projects in February out across in Templeshannon with many community groups.
Ms. O’Callaghan said CPE have started a project with Red Moon Creative Arts Theatre – Tempest over Templeshannon – in Templeshannon, of course, and she recalled last Saturday’s “spark of colour on Vinegar Hill” and acknowledged the artists and participants.
The attendance at yesterday’s launch included Elizabeth Whyte, Chief Executive Wexford Arts Centre, Liz Burns, County Arts Officer, Larry Dune and Conor Gibson at the Presentation Arts Centre, councillors and staff from Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
WexfordLocal.com 