Cllr Pip Breen is new Council Cathaoirleach

By Dan Walsh at the annual general meeting of Wexford County Council

Cllr Pip Breen, outgoing Cathaoirleach of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, was elected the 127th Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at the annual general meeting held in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Wexford, this afternoon. Independent Cllr Ger Carthy, of Rosslare Municipal District was elected to the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach, a position he also held in 2023.

CLLR PIP BREEN… Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council 2024. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Outgoing Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming presided over the election of Cathaoirleach. Cllr Breen was proposed by Cllr Donal Kenny and seconded by Cllr Oliver Walsh; Cllr Pat Barden was proposed by Cllr Paddy Kavanagh and seconded by Cllr Marty Murphy; and Cllr Tom Forde was proposed by Cllr Jim Codd and seconded by Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien. Cllr Barden was eliminated and in the final contest between Cllr Breen and Cllr Forde, 21 of the 34 elected members favoured Breen and he was duly elected.

In his maiden address as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Breen said; “I wish to thank the people who voted for me also those who didn’t – this is a democracy we live in. I welcome all new elected members here today and sympathise those who lost their seat. Going forward from today, I want this Chamber to be productive. I want it to work, Iknow all the staff here that I’ve worked with throughout the years. I have great faith in them and their commitment to Wexford. I want the same commitment from everyone in this chamber as well. You will have it 100% from me. I’m here for Co. Wexford, I wear the jersey and I am for the betterment of the County and everybody in it. We are all here for the right reason and I hope we will have a productive year.”

AUDIO ADITION; Newly elected Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council CLLR PIP BREEN talks to DAN WALSH after his election today.

Born in Boolavogue, but now resident at Curraduff, Killenagh, Cllr Pip Breen is a member of the Fianna Fáil Party, was first elected to Wexford County Council in 2014, was re-elected in the 2019 local election and is the outgoing Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

Proposed by Cllr Frank Staples and seconded by Cllr Jim Codd, Cllr Ger Carthy was elected unopposed to the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe added his support and congratulations but pointed out that the new Council has eight new members – and two are returning following previous experiences on the Council, Cllrs Paddy Kavanagh and John Dwyer – and he added that the officials look forward to working with the new Council members in the year ahead.

Female members remain at six out of the 34 councillors – same as the outgoing Council- but there are two new names in the chamber, Cllr Catherine Biddy Walsh and Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien.

Attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen and Senator Malcolm Byrne and proud members of Cllr Breen’s family.

The composition of Wexford County Council following the recent local elections is as follows; WEXFORD Borough District (7 seats); Tom Forde (Sinn Féin); Leonard Kelly (Non-Party); Garry Laffan (Fianna Fáil); George Lawlor (The Labour Party); Raymond Shannon (Non-Party), Robbie Staples (Fine Gael) and Catherine Biddy Walsh (The Labour Party).

ENNISCORTHY Municipal District (6 seats); Aidan Browne (Fianna Fáil); Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael): Pat Kehoe (Fine Gael); Barbara-Anne Murphy (Fianna Fáil); John O’Rourke (Non-Party) and Jackser Owens (Non-Party).

NEW ROSS Municipal District (6 seats); Pat Barden (Non-Party); John Dwyer (Non-Party); John Fleming (Fianna Fáil); Bridín Murphy (Fine Gael); Marty Murphy (Non-Party) and Michael Sheehan (Fianna Fáil).

GOREY Municipal District (6 seats); Nicky Boland (Non-Party); Anthony Donohoe (Fine Gael); Donal Kenny (Fianna Fáil); Darragh McDonald (Fine Gael); Fionntáin Ó Súilleabháin (Sinn Féin) and Joe Sullivan (Fianna Fáil).

KILMUCKRIDGE Municipal District (4 seats); Pip Breen (Fianna Fáil); Mary Farrell (Non-Party); Paddy Kavanagh (Non-Party) and Oliver Walsh (Fine Gael).

ROSSLARE Municipal District; (5 seats); Ger Carthy (Non-Party); Jim Codd (Aontú); Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fáil); Aoife Rose O’Brien (Sinn Féin) and Frank Staples (Fine Gael). 

Sunday is Rebellion Day in Enniscorthy

Calm before the battle on Rebellion Day at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Sunday is Rebellion Day, an afternoon of reflection on the history and heritage of Enniscorthy with Ireland’s only European officially preserved battlefield site at renowned Vinegar Hill, one of Ireland’s most recognised landmarks overlooking the River Slaney and recreated at the modern National 1798 Rebellion Centre.

Sunday’s Rebellion Day highlights will take place on Sunday, June 23rd from 12 noon to 4.30pm on the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. Manager Mico Hassett told WexfordLocal.com; “This family orientated day recognises the efforts of the local community in the fight for Irish independence over many centuries and in particular, in June of 1798.”

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society organiser, Ray Murphy, said; “Re-enactors will pay homage to our past heroes and participate in commemorations and re-enactments throughout the year. The Enniscorthy Re-enactors Society will set up camp in the gardens of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. Watch out – there may even be a few shots fired!”

Re-enactors will answer questions about the battles and weapons of 1798 throughout the day. Learn about the hand-crated weapons that were so important in 1798 with Gorey blacksmith, Finín Liam Christie, demonstrating the work that goes into making a forged iron pike.

The Wild Turkeys and other musicians will bring the Fringe Fleadh to Enniscorthy, providing live trad sessions throughout the afternoon. Bring the whole family and make a day of exploring the food and craft stalls, too. Café 98 will be open for brunch and reservations are recommended.

The Centre will be open for tours from 12-4.15pm, so if you haven’t been in to see the exhibition or it has been a while, come inside and take in a bit of interactive history. The new Café 98 will be open for brunch, coffee, tea, cold drinks, and sweet treats, too. Public toilet facilities are available to all. On Sunday, the carpark at St. Mary’s CBS will be open for free parking during Rebellion Day.

Deputy Manager Eve Furlong commented; “The Rebellion Day event is a free, family day out and for those wanting to see the 1798 exhibition, a general admission tour ticket will be reduced to €5 per adult (€4 student/seniors) or only €10 for up to a family of five, a super value, for the weekend.”  

Keep an eye on WexfordLocal.com for up-to-date information and news on weekend events.

Enniscorthy’s busking Saturday

By Dan Walsh

It is a busy weekend in Enniscorthy with historical anniversary events at Vinegar Hill and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, but there is also a number of music gigs happening.

Fringe Fleadh 24 events are popping up around the county and Enniscorthy town is the chosen venue for a traditional Irish busking competition on Saturday from 12 noon to 3pm. Not sure of the exact locations or how it works, but there is prizemoney for the best three performances and registration is necessary. Register at emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie

Market Square, Enniscorthy (4pm), Enniscorthy Castle (4.30pm), Ferns Castle (5.45pm) and Bunclody Mall (7pm) are the times and venues for FRIDAY’S pop-up music and dance with Danescastle Music Group and on MONDAY, The Gardiner Brothers will be ‘live’ in Enniscorthy at Vinegar Hill (12 noon), Enniscorthy Castle (1pm) and at market Square and Slaney Street (2pm).

Vinegar Hill ’98 Battle Commemoration

By Dan Walsh

A series of events to commemorate the 1798 Rebellion in Enniscorthy brings three days of activity this weekend, June 21st-23rd inclusive, and the organisers are keen to encourage large numbers to attend and boost historical tourism in the town and district.

The Battle of Vinegar Hill Commemoration takes place on Vinegar Hill on Friday, June 21st at 6pm where some distinguished speakers will provide historical context, along with poetry readings and the Enniscorthy Re-enactment Society in period dress. This event is free and open to the public.

A series of guided walks and talks will be offered on Saturday, June 22nd, beginning with a walking tour of Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill at 10am with the ever-engaging Fintan Kelly. Booking is directly with Fintan at fintanibharkelly@gmail.com. 

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre will facilitate three talks covering different aspects of the Rebellion. The talks are €5 each or a 1798 Summer School pass, including entry to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre exhibition over the weekend, is only €12. Pre-booking is recommended through info@1798centre.ie or 053 9327596.

The day continues with a family-friendly presentation of ‘The Battlefields and Weapons of 1798’ with tour guides Mary Brickley and Paul Byrne at noon, followed by a break for lunch – bring your own for the picnic tables outside or book a table in Café 98. 

At 2pm, join Wexford County Archivist, Grainne Doran, who will present ‘Showcasing 1798 – a look at key documents, art, textiles and artefacts relating to the period from collections in Wexford County Archive’. This is a rare opportunity to see original artefacts from the archives! 

Go with FINTAN KELLY well-known director and stage performer on the Saturday morning Walking Tour. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Keynote speaker for the day, Stephen McCracken, will start at 3pm with his talk ‘The North Remembered (Eventually)’ covering the Northern United Irishmen from its foundation in the back entries of Belfast, the first places to rise in Rebellion, to Henry Joy McCracken`s hanging. Stephen grew up in North Derry and is a graduate from Dundee. He has been researching the 1798 period for the past 10+ years and has produced two books; one covering the Battle of Antrim, and the second on those who Emigrated from all of Ireland because of the rebellion, written with Wicklow historian, Colum O’Rourke.

Completing Saturday’s activities members of the public are welcome to attend a free talk on the battles of Vinegar Hill and Oulart Hill, presented by Jacqui Hynes and Brian O’Cleirigh at the top of Vinegar Hill. Meet in the Vinegar Hill carpark at 5pm and walk up to the old windmill for this informative discussion in an iconic location steeped in history. Toilet facilities are available.

Sunday is Rebellion Day with free events from 12 noon to 4.30pm on the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. WexfordLocal.com will publish a special feature on Rebellion Day and other events happening in the town over the weekend in the coming days.

The series of historical and cultural events taking place are organised by the National 1798 Rebellion Centre and Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Funded through Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Wexford County Council – Festival Grant Scheme 2024.

Marshalstown celebrates 50 school years

MARSGHALSTOWN NATIONAL SCHOOL celebrates its 50th anniversary on Thursday.

By Dan Walsh

Marshalstown National School will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening next Thursday, June 20th, with Bishop Ger Nash as the chief celebrant at 7pm Mass followed by a visit to the school, and afterwards there will be tea in the Community Centre,

It is an open event, and the school management would like to extend a warm invitation to all present and past pupils, their parents, friends, all parishioners, and the wider Marshalstown community to celebrate this great occasion.

Marshalstown National School (Scoil Íosaf Naofa) has about 200 pupils on the rolls and the Principal is Michelle O’Neill.

Pupils and teachers, Maurice Lyons, Mrs Kinsella and Mrs Lyons, moved into the new Marshalstown school on October 1st, 1973, after it was built on a two acre site in a location known locally as “the Priest’s Field.” It has been significantly enlarged and modernised within the passing decades. (History Source; Marshalstown & Castledockrell Parish Journal, pub. 2003).

Bree PP celebrates Golden Jubilee

By Dan Walsh

The parish priest of Bree, Fr. Michael Byrne celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his ordination at a special Thanksgiving Mass in Bree Church where the chief celebrant was the Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash.

FR. MICHAEL BYRNE, PP, BREE

It was an occasion of celebration in the parish and after Mass large numbers gathered in Bree Community Centre to congratulate Fr. Byrne and appreciate his contribution to the betterment of health and happiness shown to the parishioners and to partake in refreshments.

Fr Michael expressed a desire for donations to St Patrick’s Missionaries, Kiltegan mission work in the Amazon Basin in lieu of any personal gifts.

BIOGRAPHY; Michael Byrne was born in 1951 in Foulksmills, attended Clongeen National School, educated at St. Peter’s College, Wexford, St. Peter’s Seminary and the Pontifical Liturgical Institute, San Anselmo, Rome, and was ordained at St. Peter’s College on June 7th, 1974.

Fr. Byrne was appointed to the staff of St. Peter’s Seminary in 1976 and was transferred to Gorey in September 1977. He joined the Ferns Mission to Brazil in 1980 and on his return, he was curate at Clonard from 1987 until his return to San Paulo, Brazil, in 1994. He took sabbatical leave in the United States, 1999-2000, and was appointed parish priest of Davidstown in September 2000. He took leave of absence in 2005 and was replaced by Fr. Jim Nolan PP. He returned and was appointed parish priest of Cushinstown in 2006.

Fr. Byrne succeeded Fr. Frank Murphy as parish priest of Bree in August 2014 and in 2022, assumed the pastoral duties of Ballyhogue and Galbally. 

Rosslare Harbour Festival under way

Pictured at the launch of the Rosslare Harbour Festival in the Garden Café this evening were (left to right); Leo Coy, Chair and Organiser of Rosslare Harbour Festival; Cllr Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District, who performed the official launch; Madeleine Quirke, Vice-Chair Rosslare Harbour Development Board; and Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien.  (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Rosslare Harbour Festival launch

The 3rd annual three-day Rosslare Harbour Maritime, Heritage, Art and Music Festival takes place this weekend and the official opening of the festival was performed by Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Jim Moore, at a pleasant function held last evening at the Garden Café in Rosslare Harbour.

Cllr Moore said he was delighted to be asked to open the festival and he thanked the organisers for the work they put into the role of community initiatives to develop culture and unveil the curiosity of coastal communities wondering what is beyond the horizon! “Rosslare district has 100kms of coastline,” he concluded.

Newly elected Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien thanked the organisers for the great welcome received and she pledged her support for initiatives in the district and stated she was “delighted to be part of it.”

Madeleine Quirke, Vice-chairperson of Rosslare Harbour Development Board had a warm welcome for guests at the launch and spoke passionately about the relationship between Ireland and France and the boost it gives to tourism and the hospitality sector, mentioned several ongoing projects in the area, and rejoiced at the strengthening connection that has developed between Rosslare and Europe.

Leo Coy, Chairman of the Rosslare Harbour Festival Committee and organiser of the festival, paid tribute to the generous sponsors and those who have contributed to getting the programme together and he thanked them all.

Saturday’s programme commences at 11am in the Maritime Heritage Centre and features a Cruinnia na nÓg workshop followed by a performance of ‘Echoes of the Sea’ by Rosslare National School pupils; a talk on the Wexford Zorro by author Eoin Christopher McAuley; and a talk on the Port of Cherbourg by Dr Michel Aumont, Normandy.

From 2pm Uileann Pipers, KRH Tops and guests, Sarah Deevy, Craobh Loch Garman Group and Carrig Ban Group will perform in the Memorial Garden. Night sessions include The Allabair Trio and Melanie O’Reilly’s Jazz Quartet in the Railway Social Club and there is also music in Kilrane Inn and Culleton’s Kilrane.

Sunday’s fare begins at 11am with a 4k sponsored walk from The Viewing Point. Crab fishing the blessing of boats ceremony by Fr. Diarmuid Desmond P.P, Crab fishing lines up and the Wexford Sailing Cots Race for the Jim Wickham Cup takes place at the Lagoon.

Sunday afternoon events are in the Memorial Garden and included is the Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat Wreath Laying at 1,30pm; Music with Mark O’Connor, the Competition Prize Presentation with DJ Pat and the High C’s Shanty Group will make for a memorable festival for all the family and the organising committee have a ‘cead mile fáilte’ and a warm welcome for everyone enjoying the festivities in Rosslare Harbour over the next few days.

‘DO NOT SWIM’ notices lifted

By Dan Walsh

ST. HELEN’S BAY and BEACH … ‘Do Not Swim’ notices have been lifted (Pic; Visit Wexford)

Wexford County Council is advising the public that the “Do Not Swim” notices issued for St. Helen’s Beach, Rosslare, on June 10th has now been lifted, following clear resampling and consultation with the HSE.

Bathing water quality results for 19 Wexford beaches sampled over the 2024 to date bathing season, have been mainly excellent as published on the EPA operated website http://www.Beaches.ie

“We are friends with Ireland”; President Macron tells Wexford guests

Pictured at the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Ballineskar Beach (l-r): Catherine McPartlin, Treasurer, Wexford Normandy Cultural Association (WNCA); Leo Coy, Chairperson, WNCA; Lorcán Kinsella, President, County Wexford Chamber; His Excellency Vincent Guerénd, Ambassador of France to Ireland; and Melanie O’Reilly, Secretary, WNCA. (Pic; Larry Dunne)

By Dan Walsh

Some extraordinary links between France and Ireland emerged as Melanie O’Reilly, Secretary of Wexford Normandy Cultural Association was special guest at the 80th anniversary of the D Day Landings ceremonies in Saint Lo recently.

Ms. O’Reilly who relates the atmosphere of the historic occasion exclusively in an audio presentation on WexfordLocal.com (see Audio Addition on this page) had a brief meeting and handshake with President Emannuel Macron of France, who said; “We are friends with Ireland.”

But there are other connections too. The Red Cross and a nurse from Wexford, the role played by Rickard Donovan of Ballymore, Camolin, and, of course, the beach at Ballineskar used to recreate the scenes of Omaha beach in the Steven Spielberg movie Saving Private Ryan.  

AUDIO ADDITION; MELANIE O’REILLY, Secretary of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association tells DAN WALSH of WexfordLocal.com about recent events happening around D-Day commemorations.

A poignant ceremony marking the 80th anniversary Commemoration of the D-Day landings took place at Ballineskar Beach, hosted by the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association where wreaths were laid, including one by Ambassade De France En Irelande Vincent Guérend.

Ballineskar Beach was the location for the filming of scenes for the film Saving Private Ryan and the wreaths were in honour of all those who lost their lives on June 6th, 1944.

That was the day that the Allied Forces stormed the beaches in Normandy, France, a day which was recreated to spine chilling effect in Steven Spielberg’s 1998 war epic.

Some upcoming events related to the D-Day include Saturday, June 15th; Melanie & guests: Rosslare Harbour Festival. Railway Club at 8.30pm.

Wednesday, June 19th; La Fête de la Musique at 2pm; Melanie O’Reilly Jazz Trio with special guest Brewen Favreau at Wexford Arts Centre,Presented in association with l’Ambassade de France en Irlande, and Wexford Normandy Cultural Association.

Friday, June 21st, at Sigginstown Castle, 8pm; The Allabair Trio: The Last of the Irish Bards. Saturday,   June 29th at  Jazz at Johnstown Festival,  Johnstown Castle : Summer Song Trio at 4.15pm 

Wallace loses his European seat

By Dan Walsh

MICK WALLACE (Pic; RTE)

Wexford-born Independents4Change MEP Mick Wallace has lost his seat as the lowest-placed candidate after the 20th count in the Ireland South constituency.

Independent Michael McNamara, Sinn Féin’s Kathleen Funchion and Fianna Fáil’s Cynthia Ní Mhurchú have taken the final three seats. They will join Fine Gael’s Seán Kelly and Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher as MEPs for the constituency.

68 years old Wallace is a native of Welingtonbridge and served as a Wexford constituency member of Dail Éireann from 2011 to 2019, when he was elected a member of the European Parliament.