Celebrating “our wonderful beaches and coastline”

Attendees at beach clean at Burrow Beach, Kilmore, including Cllr. Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Laura Brien, CEO of MARA, officials from Wexford County Council and MARA and members of Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group and the local community. (Pic; Rocket Science Media)

By Dan Walsh

European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day was celebrated by Wexford County Council, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group and the local community who came together to carry out a community clean at the Burrow beach in Kilmore Quay last Friday.

Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council said; “the event highlights the importance of our coasts for our life and planet, and we are delighted to collaborate with MARA and local volunteers to celebrate our wonderful beaches and coastline. Our recent membership of KIMO International further demonstrates the Council’s commitment to cleaner seas and a more sustainable environment.

“The people of Wexford take enormous pride in their localities, and this has been reflected in the number of individuals, tidy towns groups and clean coast groups who give up their time to help clean their local communities. I would like to thank all the groups and volunteers who undertake clean ups all year round, you are all a credit to your local community,” concluded Mr Taaffe.

Laura Brien, CEO of MARA added; “At the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority we are deeply committed to the health and sustainability of our oceans.  Partnering with Wexford County Council, Tomhaggard Clean Coasts and the local community here in Kilmore today for this beach clean to mark both European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day underscores our dedication to protecting marine environments.” 

Cllr. Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, at what was one of his final engagements prior to his retirement at the end of this Council’s term, noted; “Here in Wexford we have 260 kilometres of coastline and 100 kilometres in the Rosslare Municipal District. We locally realise the value of our coastline and the need to be mindful of the care and attention that is required to maintain these very important biodiversity resources and all that it offers us as community members.”

Strong gales threaten yacht safety

ROSSLARE HARBOUR Lifeboat towing the yacht (Picl RNLI/Nuala McAloon)

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Harbour and Kilmore Quay RNLI came to the aid of two crew aboard an 8-metre yacht which was in danger of breaking up in a force 7 to 8 north-easterly gale in Rosslare Port on Monday morning. The Rosslare Harbour all-weather lifeboat was launched at 8.15 am following a call from The Irish Coast Guard.

The yacht had developed engine failure earlier and its crew were forced to tie up at The Fisherman’s Wall in Rosslare Port. However, the yacht was fully exposed to the strong gales and was in danger of breaking up. Due to the adverse conditions at Rosslare Harbour, it was decided to attach a tow line and bring the vessel to the nearest available safe shelter which was Kilmore Quay marina.

The RNLI crew at Kilmore Quay launched and arrived on scene at Carnsore Point at 10.15am. The crews worked together to transfer the tow to the second lifeboat, relieving the Rosslare Harbour lifeboat crew to return to base. The boats made their way back to Kilmore Quay arriving just after midday without further incident.

The seas were rough in a force 7/8 North-Easterly gale. There was no rain. Visibility was good.

First success for jockey Gabriella Hill

By Dan Walsh

Last Thursday evening at Leopardstown 18-year-old apprentice jockey Gabriella Hill celebrated the first winner of her career when the Jim Bolger trained Glor Tire (11/8 fav.) won a handicap mile race.

From Monksgrange, Rathnure, the talented teenager was keeping a family tradition going, as she is the great-granddaughter of the late Charmian Hill, owner of the legendary mare Dawn Run, winner of the 1984 Champion Hurdle and 1986 Gold Cup. 

GABRIELLA HILL riding her first wionner on Glor Tire at Leopardstown.

Hill had gone close earlier on the card when second on Bolger’s Bold Approach in the 1m5f apprentice handicap but got off the mark on her 14th mount.

Hill, who had her first ride last September, told the racing media; “I started at Coolcullen last year and I asked Mr Bolger (who is a native of Oylegate) to sign me on. I got my licence in late September. I had a couple of rides after that and this year it is really kicking on for me.” 

She added; “We always had a couple of horses at home and we’ve a few in training at the minute. I’ve always been riding. I started with a local point-to-point trainer down the road at weekends. I got a taste for it then and got my licence. I’m really enjoying it.” 

Gorey Show is postponed

By Dan Walsh

The annual Gorey Agricultural Show planned for next Saturday at Ashton, Ballycanew has been postponed due to “difficult ground conditions and a worsening weather forecast” and the organisers say “a new date will be set in due course”

In a statement issued this morning reads; “The Committee of Gorey Agricultural Show have had to make the very difficult decision to postpone our 2024 show due to difficult ground conditions and a worsening weather forecast. In the interest of health and safety and out of respect for our landowners it would be irresponsible to continue with preparations. Public Safety is our number one priority and all decisions made by our committee are reflective of this. We would like to thank our landowners, our sponsors and our exhibitors for their continued support. Please be patient with us,”

A new date for the Gorey Agricultural Show will be set in due course.

Older People’s Council annual general meeting

Pictured; Tony Dempsey (Age Friendly Ambassador), Mary B O’Leary (General Manager Local Link),Deirdre Mullally (Healthy Age Friendly Homes Coordinator), Sue Kent (Wexford PPN),Amanda Byrne (Director of Services Wexford County Council), Cllr. Ger Carthy (Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Niamh Bolger (Age Friendly Programme Manager), Dymphna O Connor (SEO Community Dept., Wexford County Council), Mary O’Connor (Healthy Age Friendly Homes Co-ordinator), Alice Corbett (Regional Programme Manager Age Friendly Ireland). Pic; Wexford County Council/Pat O’Connor)

By Dan Walsh

Age Friendly Wexford and Wexford County Council hosted the annual general meeting of the Older People’s Council where issues of importance were raised and help to influence decisions and actions to be taken in the year ahead.

Guest speakers on the day were Leas-Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy and Amanda Byrne Director of Services Wexford County Council.

Cllr Carthy told attendees “To engage in open and meaningful conversations, sharing your insights, experiences, and concerns. Your voices matter, and rest assured that we will be listening attentively and taking your views on board. Together, we can shape policies and initiatives that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of older persons in our society.”

Director of Services Amanda Byrne said; “Under the Wexford Age Friendly Strategy, we have made significant progress in key areas such as public realm improvements. However, we recognise that there is still work to be done. Looking ahead our new strategy will focus on building upon our

achievements and addressing emerging challenges, including the provision of age-friendly housing, enhancing public spaces, and promoting the rights of older people to live independently and with dignity.”

Attendees expressed an interest in joining the Older Person Council. Training will be held on June 19th to provide further details of duties in relation to joining the Older Persons Council.

There were presentations from Laura Reidy, Health Insurance Authority of Ireland an Impartial body on Health Insurance and Nutritionist Sarah Siggins from FDYS. This initiative is supported by Wexford County Council.

Music on the day was provided by Emily Redmond on violin and Luke Cosgrave on guitar and vocal with Arthur McGreevy an attendee joining in as guest vocalist.

For further on the Wexford Age Friendly Programme please contact the Age Friendly Coordinator, Niamh Bolger at niamh.bolger@wexfordcoco.ie

Major clerical changes in Diocese of Ferns

By Dan Walsh

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 weekend of July 13-14th.  

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

BISHOP GER NASH

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.

The Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash has accepted the retirement of Monsignor Joe McGrath as Vicar General of the Diocese and wishes to thank him for his immense service in this role and for the wise and gentle counsel provided over many years and wishes him good health in his continued Ministry as Co-PP in his Pastoral area  

Bishop Ger is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Broaders as Vicar General of the Diocese of Ferns and wishes him every blessing in his new role.

Enniscorthy and Gorey Counts concluded

New Fine Gael candidate on Enniscorthy Municipal District Council PAT KEHOE being congratulated by his party colleague KATHLEEN CODD-NOLAN who is retiring, at the Wexford Count Centre this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Count Centre on Monday 3pm

Here at the Wexford Electoral Count Centre at St Joseph’s Community Centre, Wexford, a full recount for the Rosslare is taking place. Call for a recount for the Gorey district was withdrawn. And in Enniscorthy Colette Nolan’s votes were re-checked and the Enniscorthy count concluded on Count 8.

The incoming Enniscorthy Municipal District Council will consist of Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael), John O’Rourke (Independent), Barbara-Anne Murphy (Fianna Fail), Jackser Owens (Independent), Aidan Browne (Fianna Fail) and newcomer Pat Kehoe (Fine Gael) who replaces the retiring Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan.

Jimmy Fleming’s call for a recount in the Gorey district has been withdrawn. Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Sinn Féin) and Anthony Donohoe (Fine Gael) have taken the remaining two seats.

The incoming Gorey Municipal District will consist of Donal Kenny (Fianna Fáil), Nicky Boland (Independent), Joe Sullivan (Fianna Fáil, Darragh McDonald (Fine Gael), Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Sinn Fein) and Anthony Donohoe (Fine Gael).

Recounts in 3 Wexford districts under way this morning

By Dan Walsh

It was after midnight when the doors closed and overnight security engaged at the Wexford Elections Count Centre at St. Joseph’s Community, Wexford, but the breaking drama surrounded a return today when recounts were called for Enniscorthy, Gorey and Rosslare.

Kilmuckridge, Wexford and New Ross are complete and will be celebrating today, but recounts will take place following intervention and concerns amongst those locked in close battles. The big question is can a recount make any difference?, There are just a handful of votes separating some of the final seats and that is where the recount focuses.

Gorey had completed its tally on the 10th Count. Enniscorthy had reached the 6th Count. Rosslare also on the 6th Count.

All yesterday’s returns are found on WexfordLocal.com pages – just call up the name of the district, it’s in all the headings.

I reported from the Count Centre for WexfordLocal.com over the past two days and I’ll be there again later today.

I’ll keep you up to date on the latest happenings, unable to focus when everything will come to a complete conclusion, it could be late in the evening, or we may be back again on Tuesday! It’s a busy Monday. Get all the facts and news that matter here on WexfordLocal.com

‘DO NOT SWIM’ at St Helen’s Beach

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council have issued ‘Do Not Swim’ notices at St. Helen’s Beach, in South Wexford. Testing conducted as part of the Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water quality showed elevated levels for E. Coli bacteria at St. Helen’s Beach.

Following consultation with the HSE, it is necessary to issue “Do Not Swim” warning notices in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.

Further samples have been taken today and results are expected on Wednesday at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed. The Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.

More information on bathing water quality can be obtained on http://www.beaches.ie

It’s a wrap in GOREY local elections

DONAL KENNY reporting from the Wexford Count Centre where he topped the poll in the Gorey district

By Dan Walsh at the Wexford Count Centre on Monday 4pm

UPDATE; Call from Jimmy Fleming for a recount this morning was withdrawn. Count for Gorey district is now completed.

Outgoing Fianna Fail Cllr Donal Kenny has topped the poll and has been elected in the Gorey Electoral District. He had a surplus of 61 on the First Count

Sitting Cllr Joe Sullivan (Fianna Fáil) was elected on the Ninth Count along with newcomers Nicky Boland (Independent) and Darragh McDonald (Fine Gael).

Jimmy Fleming withdrew his call for a recount and the Count has concluded. Fionntáin Ó Suilleabhain (Sinn Fein) and Anthony Donohoe (Finae Gael) took the final two seats following Count 10.

FIRST COUNT Total Poll 11,561 Quota 1,641; 6 Seats; 14 Candidates KENNY, Donal (Fianna Fail) 1,702 ELECTED BOLAND, Nicky (Independent) 1,341 SULLIVAN, Joe (Fianna Fail) 1,269 DONOHOE, Anthony (Fine Gael) 1,175 McDONALD, Darragh (Fine Gael) 1,065 FLEMING, Jimmy (Independent) 977 Ó SÚILLEABHAIN, Fionntáin (Sinn Fein) 854 BOLGER, Andrew (Fianna Fail) 851 MOLLOY, Kevin (Sinn Fein) 521 BYRNE, Cillian (Independent) 449 FITZPATRICK, Lorna (Labour) 425 McGOVERN, Darren (Ireland First) 389 WALSH, Ann (Green Party 330 HUDSON, Aisling (People Before Profit) 133

SECOND COUNT. Elimination of Hudson and distribution of 133 votes BOLAND +9 1,350 SULLIVAN +2 1,271 DONOHOE +2 1,177 McDONALD +4 1,069 FLEMING +7 984 Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN +13 867 BOLGER +1 852 MOLLOY +15 536 BYRNE +12 461 FITZPATRICK +23 448 McGOVERN +2 391 WALSH +31 361

THIRD COUNT Distribution of KENNY’S surplus of 61 votes. BOLAND +7 1,357 SULLIVAN +13 1,284 DONOHOE +14 1,191 McDONALD +7 1,076 FLEMING +3 987 Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN +3 870 BOLGER +9 861 MOLLOY +1 537 BYRNE +1 462 FITZPATRICK +2 450 McGOVERN +1 392 WALSH +0361

FOURTH COUNT Elimination of Walsh and distribution of 361 votes. BOLAND +18 1,375 SULLIVAN +32 1,316 DONOHOE +18 1,209 McDONALD +63 1,139 FLEMING +8 995 Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN +15 885 BOLGER +21 862 FITZPATRICK +119 569 MOLLOY +15 552 BYRNE +23 485 McGOVERN +8 400. Non-transferrable 21.

FIFTH COUNT McGovern eliminated. Distribution of 400 votes. BOLAND +100 1,475 SULLIVAN +8 1,324 DONOHOE +5 1,214 McDONALD +7 1,146 FLEMING +89 1,084 Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN +29 914 BOLGER +5 887 FITZPATRICK +6 575 MOLLOY +17 569 BYRNE +56 541

SIXTH COUNT Distribution of Byrne’s vote of 541. BOLAND +115 1,590 SULLIVAN +26 1,350 DONOHOE +23 1,237 McDONALD +56 1,202 FLEMING 72 1,156 Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN +57 971 BOLGER +42 929 FITZPATRICK +54 629 MOLLOY +30 599

SEVENTH COUNT Distribution of Molloy’s 599 votes. BOLAND +29 1,619 Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN +412 1,383 DONOHOE +3 1,240 McDONALD +20 1,222 FLEMING +42 1,196 BOLGER +20 949 FITZPATRICK +20 649

EIGHTH COUNT Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN +118 1,501 SULLIVAN +40 1,418 McDONALD +122 1,344 DONOHOE +36 1,276 FLEMING +62 1,260 BOLGER +99 1,048

NINTH COUNT Distribution of Bolger’s 1,048 votes. SULLIVAN +292 1,710 ELECTED BOLAND +0 ELECTED McDONALD +303 1,647 Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN +93 1,594 DONOHOE +123 1,399 FLEMING +126 1,386

10th COUNT Distribution of Sullivan’s 69 votes. Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN +15 1,609 ELECTED DONOHOE +35 1,434 ELECTED FLEMING +19 1,405