Jump racing returns to Bettyville Park, Wexford, tomorrow (Saturday), it is Ladies Day so plenty of the latest fashion and styles on show, but there is also a large entry, and the maiden hurdle has been ‘divided’, which creates an 8-race card. The first race is off at 1pm.
The card features four hurdle races, three steeplechases and an INH Flat Race and the feature event is the Micheál Ó Murchadha Memorial Chase with a prize fund of €22,000 and 13 declared.
Plenty of action on the turf throughout the afternoon, but it is also Ladies Day and that means fashion, style, music and fun for all the family.
Ladies Day is headlined by TV fashion stylist and broadcaster, Marietta Doran, who is no stranger to the Wexford enclosure and is extremely popular and well-known to racegoers. Sponsors are New Mood Boutique and Wexford Racecourse.
VERY REV. JOHN JORDAN, former parish priest at Oulart.
By Dan Walsh
The parish of Oulart and wider community are in mourning following news of the death of Very Rev. John Jordan, (83), who was parish priest of Oulart for 14 years (1997-2011) and was involved in setting up the Christian Media religious broadcasting studios at St. Peter’s College, Wexford.
In 1976, Fr Jordan was commissioned by Bishop Comiskey to set up a recording studio for religious broadcasting on local radio. Located in St. Peter’s College, Wexford, it was the headquarters of CMT (Christian Media Trust). Fr. Jordan received media training at the Booterstown Communications Centre in Dublin.
In tandem with his priestly duties, Fr Jordan directed pantomimes and musicals in many parishes. He was also involved with under-age hurling with Oulart-The Ballagh GAA teams.
Born at Clonjordan, Ballindaggin in 1941, John Jordan attended Castledockrell National School, Mount Melleray and St. Peter’s College Seminary, Wexford, where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 1st, 1969.
He served at the House of Missions, Enniscorthy, 1969-’70 and was posted in the Diocese of Orlando, Florida, United States, 1970-1973; On his return in 1973 he was curate at Wexford, transferred to Screen for 10 years in 1980 and took up a similar position in Coolafancy in 1990.
Fr. Jordan was appointed parish priest of Oulart on August 30th, 1997, and retired after 14 years in November 2011. His brother, Fr. Declan Jordan (d, 1991) served as curate at Galbally. He continued to live in retirement in the community at Chapel Lane, Kyle, Oulart.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred ofVery Reverend John Jordan, Chapel Lane, Kyle, Oulart, Gorey. Retired Parish Priest of Oulart. Beloved son of the late Richard and Mary Ann Jordan. Loving brother of Patrick, Esther Redmond (née Jordan) and the late Fr. Declan Jordan.
Deeply regretted by his loving nephews, grandnephews, cousins, Bishop Ger Nash and his brother priests of the Diocese of Ferns, the communities which Fr. John served so faithfully, his wide extended family, friends and neighbours. May he Rest in Peace
Reposing in Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy today, Thursday, from 2 o’clock with removal at 6 o’clock to St. Patrick’s Church, Oulart arriving at 6.30pm. (approx.) for reception prayers, followed by reposing there until 8 o’ clock.
Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in Castledockrell Cemetery.
Sixteen communities in County Wexford are set to benefit from €669,000 allocated for climate action projects, and today (Wednesday), Wexford County Council and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications announced the applications that were successful in securing funding under the Community Climate Action Programme.
The successful applications are spread across all five municipal districts in the county. The allocations to groups in County Wexford are as follows: Yola Hedge School €12,835.51. St Martins GAA Club €19,333.30. Enniscorthy Community Allotments €19,393.78. 12th Wexford Scouts Horeswood €20,000.00. Buffers Alley GAA Club €18,073.25. Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Development Association €49,974.54. Glynn Barntown GAA Club €49,066.40. Our Lady’s Island Community Development Company €33,068.65. Marshalstown/Castledockrell GAA Club €21,551.76. New Ross Rugby Football Club €33,504.40. Rosslare Community Development Association €33,533.55. Bannow Ballymitty GAA Club €40,287.23. South West Wexford Family Resource Centre €84,598.40. Naomh Eanna GAA Club, Gorey €72,011.83Reachability Enniscorthy (Kilcannon) €89,380.00Faythe Harriers Hurling & Camogie Club €72,387.40
DIRECTOR OF SERVICES CAROLYNE GODKIN (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The aim of the programme is to support and empower communities to take direct climate action and build low carbon, sustainable communities which help to contribute to national climate and energy targets.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen, in welcoming the allocation of funding, toldWexfordLocal.com; “The Community Climate Action Programme provides practical support to community groups to begin their climate action journey and harnesses the positivity and enthusiasm that exists to create a more sustainable future for all”.
Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin, added; “This funding provides a great opportunity for communities to take direct climate action, while also reducing their energy bills and facilitates new and exciting opportunities such as grow your own,biodiversity enhancement and active travel”.
According to Climate Action Co-ordinator, Frank Burke, the groups will be supported by the Climate Action Team to successfully deliver on the wide range of exciting projects.
A second round of funding is expected in 2025 and any groups interested in formulating their own climate action ambitions can contact Clinton Donovan, Community Climate Action Officer, by emailingclimateaction@wexfordcoco.ie
Corra O’Donovan, Scott O’Reilly, Grace Murphy and John Roche pictured on the stage of the Wexford Opera House pictured at the launch of this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Pic; Andres Poveda.
With just a few weeks to go until Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann echoes the best in traditional Irish music through the streets of Wexford, (August 4th-11th), the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has announced that tickets for the 2024 events are now officially available for purchase.
Fans can now purchase tickets here to see some of the best traditional music acts live throughout the week. With this year’s theme of ‘A Fleadh for All’, the festival promises an inclusive and diverse events programme with something for everyone, including Cherish the Ladies, Seoid, Maurice Lennon Trio, and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
Cathaoirleach of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe, told WexfordLocal.com; Each year, these gigs are a highlight in a week filled with unforgettable music. We’re thrilled to bring such exceptional talent to Wexford for the Fleadh Cheoil this year. These performances will showcase the very best of traditional Irish music and culture, offering a truly unique experience for both Wexfordians and visitors alike.”
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is kindly supported by Wexford County Council, Fáilte Ireland, and Wexford Credit Union. RTÉ and TG4 will once again act as broadcast and live broadcasting partners, respectively.
Dan Walsh reports from Wexford County Council meeting
Speaking at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council at County Hall, Wexford, Enniscorthy District Cathaoirleach, Cllr Aidan Browne, paid tribute to the late Henry Goff and extended sympathy to his wife and family. Mr Goff from Templeshannon was laid to rest in Enniscorthy Cemetery last Saturday.
CLLR AIDAN BROWNE
Cllr Browne stated; “As you know, former Fianna Fáil representative on the Enniscorthy Urban District Council Mr Henry Goff passed away last Thursday. Henry was a dedicated local representative Enniscorthy Urban District Council and proudly served as Chairman in 1978.
“He was well known as principal of St. Senan’s Primary School between 1979 and 2011. A stalwart of the GAA, Henry played with Shamrocks GAA Club and he was part of the County Wexford senior hurling team that won a National Hurling League title in 1973.
THE LATE HENRY GOFF
“He was an avid historian, who was especially knowledgeable on events in Enniscorthy during the 1798 Rebellion and 1916 Easter Rising. He was a member of our county’s 1798 commemorations committee: Comoradh ‘98. Henry’s loyal service to his community will be fondly remembered by many Enniscorthy people.
“On behalf of Fianna Fáil’s elected representatives to Wexford County Council and the current Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Bridie, sons Ciarán and Harry, daughters Fiona, Orla, and Eimear and his wider family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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