Is Ballinatray a bridge too far?

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

Courtown received many favourable mentions at yesterday’s (Tuesday) March meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council; the Courtown /Riverchapel Town Centre First Plan got an airing and so did the 5.6kms that is the incomplete Gorey to Courtown footpath, but crossing the iconic Ballinatray Bridge appears to be a bridge too far!

Director of Services with responsibility for roads and Deputy Chief Executive at Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, addressed the meeting and outlined very detailed plans for the completion of the footpath in the wake of a recent topographical survey that focussed on the footpath crossing the bridge.

Mr Hore outlined three options; (1) construction of a new bridge, (2) a cantilever deck (“an attachment to the exterior of the existing bridge”) and (3), a surface traffic control or STOP/GO system on the existing roadway. Then there is the matter of cost which would be estimated at around €2 million and in the region of €300,000 of that would be eaten up by consultants before any physical activity on site!

The councillors were totally against the STOP/GO system, so no change then from the last time the matter had been discussed at last December’s meeting. Cllr Anthony Donohoe stated that a STOP/GO system was, using racing parlance, a non-runner. He suggested maybe a suspension bridge would solve the problem, but Mr Hore reminded the meeting of the exorbitant cost that would involve. Cllr Joe Sullivan felt a 60km speed limit would increase safety measures along the footpath.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux believed “the crowds that people talk about using that footpath don’t exist,” and that is from personal use. Cllr Devereux suggested bringing the existing footpath through the woods “down brickyard hill or to the Ballymoney turn off.” There was some support for taking the Courtown Woods route, but some expressed ‘safety’ fears.

So, definitely no support for the STOP/GO suggestion as it was generally felt that it would cause considerable congestion, particularly at holiday times, however, there was some support for looking at a one-way system and taking traffic out of Courtown and Riverchapel towards Bolaney and directly onto the M11?

Mr Hore suggested to the members that the footpath be completed to the Ballymoney turn-off this year to ensure funding and to explore ways of crossing the Ounavarra River or Ballinatray bridge or explore more alternatives afterwards. This was agreed by the Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen and the members.

HISTORY; A work relief scheme organised by Lord Courtown in 1846 for the benefit of the starving poor consisted of drainage and the construction of a road southwards from Ballymoney crossroads to join Gorey and Courtown Harbour road.
In 1847, the present three-arch bridge at Ballinatray, once known as the Courtown Viaduct and at the time, was the highest stone bridge in the country.
Ballinatray Bridge is a 19th century civil engineering feat designed by James Barry Farrell, (1810-1893), who was the County Surveyor, and other similarly amazing works by him can be admired at Carrigmannon, (1844), near Killurin, and Corbally Bridge (1854) on the Enniscorthy to Oulart Road.

Marshalstown to get a school crossing!

MARSHALSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL is in line for a new pedestrian crossing in the near future.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

Cllr Jackser Owens presented a notice of motion at today’s March meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council asking that a pedestrian crossing at Marshalstown Primary School be a priority for the safety of the 214 students arriving and going home from there.

He was supported by Cllr Aidan Browne who pointed out that “speeding also has become a problem because the roads have been upgraded.”

However, Neil Dempsey, Executive Engineer, told the members that a plan was in place, but was put on hold, the school had new extensions and will lose parking spaces, and stated “I am waiting on contractors and the right time of year.”

Cllr Owens asked questions about a possible pedestrian crossing on Templeshannon Quay, near the Bus Stop, the Duffry Gate crossing that was damaged following an accident, and Blackstoops graveyard. A crossing opposite Bunclody graveyard on Ryland Road, which has been mentioned at several meetings by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Cllr Owens is also under consideration.

Vinegar Hill could be ‘a goldmine’; but not just yet!

By Dan Walsh at Council Chamber, Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy

It was easy to sense the Local Elections coming up in a matter of weeks as members were animated, and many topics got an airing at today’s March meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre. Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke presided.

Promoting Enniscorthy was very much on the agenda and Cllr Cathal Byrne had questions about providing an Interpretive Centre on Vinegar Hill, re-locating the National 1798 Rebellion Centre up there, and regretted that the Athenaeum Hall is not open to the public.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was amused to hear a reference to Vinegar Hill. “We can’t even get the signs we ordered,” quipped the Bunclody-based member who was referring to an order for modern signage that is being held up because the vacancy for a Heritage Officer hasn’t been addressed. “We certainly won’t have them for the 21st of June,” she added. She didn’t state what year!

Earlier Cllr Jackser Owens noted that “you can’t get a drink of water on Vinegar Hill”, but he came back to the table to point out many of the features missing on Vinegar Hill and the lack of opportunities to get buses up there and provide hospitality and tour guides. “We should make better use of Vinegar Hill,” suggested Cllr Owens, who feels that if the place was properly marketed it would be “a goldmine.”

Director of Services Carolyne Godkin, recognised the value of Vinegar Hill and the passion for the place, especially in Enniscorthy, but she stated that there is no money to bring it into community use now. She also pointed out that most battlefields are in remote locations and getting to them can involve long distances!

Ms. Godkin noted the call for the Interpretive Centre but stated that more land would need to be purchased, better parking facilities could be secured, but the whole process would be “very expensive.” She suggested maybe looking at the issues raised again in 2025.

As for the Athenaeum Hall on Castle Street re-opening and Wexford County Council taking charge, this reporter understands that discussions are taking place, but no further information from today’s meeting, and no mention whatsoever that access to Enniscorthy Castle grounds are padlocked in recent days denying wheelchair access to Enniscorthy Castle and rumour that the old Castle Ballroom site is destined for the property market very soon.

Enniscorthy man’s 3-day Fast for the people of Gaza

Brian Corcoran waking up this morning (Monday) inside his waterlogged tent at Rectory Road, Enniscorthy during his 3-day Fast in support of the people of Gaza. (Pic; Slaney News).

By Dan Walsh

A young Enniscorthy man is on a three day Fast from food, limiting water consumption and living in a tent on a green area at Rectory Road, Enniscorthy, to highlight the plight of the people of Gaza. Brian Corcoran has a strong interest in human rights and is a member of Amnesty International Wexford Group.

Mr Corcoran told WexfordLocal.com; “I officially started my 3-day fast at 12 midnight on Saturday night. I will be eating no food whatsoever, restricting total water usage/consumption to 2.5 litres per day, living outside in a tent, as well as foregoing phones/ipads/TV/kindle etc, to try and get a slight insight into the inhumane hardship and suffering that Palestinians in Gaza experience daily, and not forgetting Palestinians in the West Bank who are suffering also.

He continued; “I have set up my camp at the green area in front of Rectory Heights on the outskirts of Enniscorthy. My protest will last until 4am on Wednesday morning when it will cease due to a prior commitment.

Mr Corcoran says, “Amnesty International has condemned Hamas for their targeting of civilians which resulted in 1,000 deaths. Similarly, Amnesty has condemned the killing of 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza, and condemned the 16-year-long illegal blockade of Gaza and the forced restricted access to humanitarian aid for those in need.

“We are on the precipice of a genocide with Gaza already undergoing a famine and children dying from hunger, said Mr Corcoran, who added; “I am asking for support and help to publicise my protest to help in some way to increase national and international pressure on Hamas, the Israeli government, the EU and the UN to call for a ceasefire. I also want countries to place an arms embargo on Israel to help prevent further bloodshed.”

Mr Corcoran can be contacted on amnestywexford@gmail.com at ‘Amnesty International Wexford Group’ on Instagram or Facebook.”

Check out the video on the Amnesty International Wexford Group Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/61552680296707/videos/953653642605007

Rob James enjoys a weekend treble

By Dan Walsh

Popular Killanne rider Rob James (19) has gone into second place behind Barry O’Neill (26) following a weekend treble; a winner for Colin Bowe at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary today (Sunday) and a double at Portrush, Co. Antrim, yesterday (Saturday). This is the second week in a row that James has ridden three winners including last Sunday at Ballyraggett, Co. Kilkenny. This has brought Rob James to his 325th career success.

ROB JAMES very successful weekend with three winners.

At Lisronagh today, James was aboard Copper Jack for Colin Bowe to record a two and a half lengths success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. It was an all-Wexford finish. Phoenix Arizona handled by Paul Martin Pierce, Blackhall, Killurin, with Sean Staples up was runner-up and Matthew Flynn O’Connor’s Rucker Road (Brian Lawless up) was three lengths back in third place.

At Portrush yesterday, James teamed up with handler Donnchadh Doyle aboard Michael Murphy’s Lucky Lioness that happily ended in a three lengths victory. Rob James completed his double aboard Winged Leader for David Christie by an easy 15 lengths in the Open Race.

The annual Bree Hunt point-to-point takes place at Monksgrange on Easter Sunday. Entries close on Tuesday. First race at 2pm.

Man (40s) dies as truck overturns

An overturn truck on the N30 near Clonroche in which the driver lost his life.

By Dan Walsh

The driver of an articulated truck that struck a tree and overturned on the N30 at Tomfarney, on the New Ross side of Clonroche, has died. He is in his 40’s.

The vehicle was travelling from New Ross direction towards Clonroche village when the incident occurred on the N30 at a spot known locally as ‘Leech’s Bend’ at approximately 10.15am this morning (Sunday).

Gardaí and ambulances were quickly on the scene, but, sadly, the driver and sole occupant of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene.

The N30 at Clonroche is currently closed and is expected to remain closed as Forensic Collision Investigators examine the scene. Local traffic diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling on the N30 in the Clonroche area between 10am and 10.30am are asked to make this footage available to gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 924 2580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Ballycogley and Kilrush are Wicklow winners

IMELDA McDONAGH (Adjudicator) and members of the South Wicklow Drama Festival Committee with members of Ballycogley Players at St. Brigid’s Hal, Carnew.

By Dan Walsh

Ballycogley (Open Section) and Kilrush (Confined Section) have been named as winners at the South Wicklow Drama Festival which ran for eight nights in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, and finished tonight (Saturday). The adjudicator was Imelda McDonagh.

OPEN SECTION; 1st, Ballycogley Players with Out of Order by Ray Cooney; 2nd, Bridge Drama with The Wake by Tom Murphy; 3rd, Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group with The Lonesome West by Martin McDonagh.

CONFINED SECTION; 1st, Kilrush Drama Group with Hooked by Gillian Grattan; 2nd, Clodiagh Players with Trad by Mark Doherty; 3rd, Kilmuckridge Drama Group with I Do Not Like Three Dr. Fell by Bernard Farrell.

Confined Section:

Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Eddie Condon as Fr. Rice in ‘Trad’, Clodiagh Players

Best Actor in a Major Role – John Redmond, in ‘Hooked!’, Kilrush

Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Kay Cahill as Mary in ‘Hooked!’, Kilrush

Best Actress in a Major Role – Erin Hogan as Lydia, in ‘Hooked!’, Kilrush

Best Director – Niall McGrath – ‘Hooked’, Kilrush

Open Section;

Best Supporting Actress – Catherine Stafford as Pamela Willey in ‘Out of Order’, Ballycogley

Best Supporting Actor – Ken Murphy as Finbar in ‘The Wake’, Bridge

Best Actress – Mairéad Ryan as Vera in ‘The Wake’, Bridge

Best Actor – Fr. Pat Mernagh as Richard Willey in ‘Out of Order’, Ballycogley

Best Director – Pat Whelan – ‘Out of Order’, Ballycogley

Adjudicator Award 1 – Tom Kennedy & Kris Mooney, for lighting design, Balally

Adjudicator Award 2 – Joseph Sunderland, Bridge

Adjudicator Award 3 – Mag Clooney for window work, Ballycogley

Best Comedy Performance (Jim Tighe Trophy) – Sean Carthy as George in ‘Out of Order’, Ballycogley

Magic Moment in Theatre (Pat Connaughton Award) – The fight scenes in ‘The Lonesome West’, Bunclody-Kilmyshall

Audience Cup (Altura Credit Union Award) – ‘Out of Order’ – Ballycogley Players

Best Presentation – ‘The Wake’ by Bridge Drama.

Rob James adds another double

By Dan Walsh

Killanne rider Rob James is sharing second place with Derek O’Connor (18 each) behind Barry O’Neill (26 wins) in the 2023-’24 National Point-to-Point Riders’ Championship following a double at Portrush, Co. Antrim, today.

DONNCHADH DOYLE trained his 270th winner today at Portrush.

James teamed up with handler Donnchadh Doyle aboard Michael Murphy’s Lucky Lioness in the maiden race for -year-olds and over that happily ended in a three lengths victory. The 270th career winner handled by Donnchadh Doyle.

Donnchadh’s brother, Sean Doyle saddled newcomer Banter At the Bar, the two and a quarter lengths winner of the opening maiden race for four-year-olds ridden by Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard.

Rob James completed his double aboard Winged Leader for David Christie by an easy 15 lengths in the Open Race.

Point-to-point action tomorrow (Sunday) at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary – lots of Wexford stables have entries – and the annual Bree Hunt point-to-point takes place at Monksgrange on Easter Sunday.

Ramsgrange Community School endorses Green Flag for water

Supporting the Green Schools programme are (left to right); Rachel from Ramsgrange Community School Wexford, Taylor from St. Michael’s Finglas and ZuZa from St. Patricks Celbridge. (Pic; Uisce Éireann).

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann has announced its ongoing partnership with An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme for the 11th consecutive year. This collaboration aims to support 519 schools across Ireland as they work towards achieving a Green Flag for water conservation.

With 120,000 students actively participating, including Ramsgrange Community School in Co. Wexford, the grassroots sponsorship focuses on changing behaviours, enhancing education, and fostering an understanding of the vital role that water plays in our daily lives.

Geoffrey Bourke, Head of Customer Operations at Uisce Éireann told WexfordLocal.com; We are helping the next generation realise the importance of conserving and protecting water is a key part of our role in safeguarding Ireland’s water supply. We are delighted to be teaming up with An Taisce again this year for the Green-Schools Water Theme. There are so many small actions we can take to make a difference. We can change simple habits like fixing leaking or dripping taps, reducing shower time and not running the tap while brushing teeth. There are great tips on www.water.ie/conservation.”

€50,000 for 20 Wexford festival events

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has announced that 20 Festivals throughout the county have been awarded funding in 2024 through the Arts Office Small Arts Festival Fund and Fáilte Ireland Festival Scheme. This amounts to a total investment of €50,000 in local communities.

This year the Grant Scheme was broken into two strands:  Strand 1 – Small Arts Festival Grant Total Fund €25,000; This grant supports a diverse range of small arts festivals or experimental artistic events throughout Co. Wexford. The focus is on festivals of artistic quality and have a strong emphasis on public engagement.

Strand 2 – Fáilte Ireland Festival Grant Total Fund €25,000; This strand supported by Fáilte Ireland aims to support festivals that drive domestic tourism, help to improve the visitor experience in Co. Wexford, focusing on historic festivals, traditional culture festivals and festivals promoting food culture.

A total of 20 festivals were awarded funding of between €1,000 – €3,000 each, out of a total of 37 applications. These include The Gap Arts Festival 2024; The Gorey May Bush Féile 2024; Flow Youth Dance Festival – a two-day festival of dance workshops and a live dance performance in New Ross aimed at young people; New Ross Guitar Festival; FuddleFest in the rural environment of Fuddletown Farm, Killinick; Jazz at Johnstown Castle; ‘Write By The Sea’ Literary Festival in Kilmore Quay; ‘SpringMoves’ Dance Festival, in partnership with the National Opera House; One Voice Festival: Wexford Reflections 1974-2024 – A festival celebrating new playwrighting voices in Wexford, culminating in eight short monologue plays, performed over a series of evenings in Wexford Arts Centre; The Wexford May Bush Festival 2024; Coolcotts Halloween Fest 2024, a festival of music, magic, opera and extreme rhythm for young people in Wexford town.

Fáilte Ireland Awarded Festivals 2024. Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival Enniscorthy; Leo Carthy Weekend in Our Lady’s Island; Rosslare Harbour Festival 2024; North Wexford Traditional Singing Féile; The Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre at New Ross; Blackstairs Blues Festival 24 at Enniscorthy; Festival of Ferns; Kilanerin Food & Heritage Festival; Rebellion Day & 1798 Summer School with a programme of special guest lectures and guided tours at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy Castle and Vinegar Hill focused on the events of 1798.