Easter Sunday address at Oulart monument

By Dan Walsh

The third annual Mise Éire Easter Address takes place at Oulart on Easter Sunday at 12 noon and will be delivered by one of Ireland’s best-loved historians, journalists, authors, biographers and editor of the defunct newspaper, The Irish Press, Tim Pat Coogan.

TIM PAT COOGAN

Mr Coogan will speak at Oulart Monument on the topic of the Role of The Kennedy Family in the Northern Ireland Peace Process. This is a subject that well deserves to be brought to public notice as the input of Ted Kennedy and Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith were often critical.

Besides, the late Jean Kennedy Smith had a soft spot for Oulart and visited the hill and village twice. In 1995, she planted the Tree of Liberty at the Wake Field, and in 1998 she was principal speaker on Oulart Hill for the Bicentenary Celebrations where she addressed some 15,000 people including up to 2,000 pike people.

On that great day in Oulart she then crossed the hill and turned the first sod for Tulach a’ tSolais. This is now remembered in the Jean Kennedy Smith Walk around Oulart Village and Hill.

Elected local representatives have been invited by new Hon. Sec. Bridget Mythen and Tim Pat Coogan will be officially welcomed on behalf of all by new Chairman, Chris Furlong of Kilnamanagh.

The ceremony will begin at 12 noon and end at or near 12.30. Everybody is very welcome to attend.

Oak tree is planted in Clonroche

At the tree planting ceremony in Clonroche, (left to right); Cliona Connolly, Wexford County Council; Tom Furlong, Clonroche Development Association); Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council); Martin Kelly, Clonroche Development Association; Cllr John O’ Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Diarmuid O’ Sullivan, Clonroche Development Association.

By Dan Walsh

Local public representative and Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming planted an oak tree with members of Clonroche Development Association to celebrate National Tree Week, an annual event organised by the Tree Council of Ireland in partnership with Coillte.

This year’s theme was “Planting Trees for a Greener Future” highlights the importance of planting more trees as a crucial component of addressing biodiversity challenges and fighting climate change.

Cllr Fleming said; “Trees are an essential part of the environment and by doing something as simple as planting a tree, we can all play a part in helping the environment. I would encourage everyone to plant trees so we can help to tackle climate change and provide cleaner air for all.”

To celebrate National Tree Week, Wexford County Council in conjunction with the Tree Council of Ireland and Coilte distributed 500 native saplings to schools and community groups across County Wexford.

Wexford County Council also promote and support local communities with the ‘Trees for Wexford Scheme’ which saw 8,957 trees, saplings, and hedging distributed to voluntary community groups and schools last February,

Traffic plans for Wexford’s Newtown Road

By Dan Walsh

There is important information for road users and the Stop/Go system in operation outside Applegreen on the Newtown Road between Wexford Racecourse and the Maldron Hotel roundabout.

This has opened to a two-way traffic flow from 6.30pm this evening (Wednesday). The Stop/Go traffic management will be reinstated at 9.30am tomorrow (Thursday) morning until 4.30pm. tomorrow evening. Road works will then be recommenced following the Bank Holiday weekend on Tuesday, April 2nd.

Meanwhile, the main contractor, Glas Civil Engineering Ltd, have issued an apology to road users who were subjected to long delays and traffic confusion that occurred this morning at the roadworks on the Newtown Road.

“Completion of our works were unfortunately delayed due to weather and other circumstances which necessitated the works continuing into the morning of Wednesday. The delays were also compounded by an over ambitious night works programme in trying to complete the works as quickly as possible. This will not be repeated,” said the statement, which added; “We would like to apologise for the delays caused this morning and we want to assure that these delays will not be repeated.”

Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day winners

CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council presents the prizes from the St Patrick’s Day Parade Festival. (Pic; Enniscorthy Municipal District Council/Pat O’Connor).

By Dan Walsh

Winners at the recent Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day Festival parade which involved 700 participants and almost 30 groups have been announced and presentations made by the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke.  

Enniscorthy Municipal District, Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Creative Places kindly sponsored and the winners were Martina Leacy Dance Academy (€500), Brazilian Community Group (€500) and Smyths Homevalue (€500) for the best Business Window Display. Philomena Murphy won €100 Hamper Prize from Pettitts SuperValu Enniscorthy for the ‘Best Dressed’ on the day.

Cllr John O’Rourke said; “Enniscorthy Municipal District are delighted to sponsor the prizes for this year’s event. On behalf of the Elected Members, I would like to thank all the participants in the parade and the business owners who entered the Best Business Window Display competition for their creativity and great effort they put into this year’s St. Patricks Day.”

Deryn O’Callaghan, Creative Places Enniscorthy who also sponsored the prizes congratulated all the team new and old and said that the parade was a great success.

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.