Come and join the Taghmon Town Team

By Dan Walsh

Taghmon has been allocated €10,000 towards the establishment of a Town Centre First Team and to ensure that as broad a representation as possible sit on the Taghmon Town Team, Wexford County Council are hosting a drop-in information session in the Taghmon Action Group (TAG) building on Monday, August 26th from 2pm to 6pm, with a wish to encourage local people to express an interest in serving on the team.

Town Regeneration Officer with Wexford County Council, Mick McCormack will be on hand to host information briefings on the hour and will meet and answer questions from anyone who calls to the event. It is hoped that all the sectors and groups within and around Taghmon will come and express an interest in sitting on this new Town Team.

CLLR JIM CODD; “It is an opportunity to develop on the fantastic community development work that has been ongoing in Taghmon and I look forward to working with all groups including Taghmon Action group who have done fantastic work in the town and area.” (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

Town Teams are typically made up of representatives from business, community groups, residents, tourism groups, An Garda Siochana, charities, social enterprises, sports organisations, cultural groups, voluntary groups, Chamber of Commerce, retailers, developers, and educational facilities. Each town however is different, and it is important that the Team reflects the ethos of the town.

Welcoming the news, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District and Chair of the Taghmon Town Centre First Team, Cllr Jim Codd said; “I am looking forward to working closely with the Taghmon community and the new Town Team in starting a process that will strengthen Taghmon Town Centre and enhance the lives of the residents of Taghmon and surrounding areas. It is an opportunity to develop on the fantastic community development work that has been ongoing in Taghmon and I look forward to working with all groups including Taghmon Action group who have done fantastic work in the town and area.”

Town Centre First aims to create towns that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit. It supports towns to function as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community, is Government Policy informed by data and best practice and is delivered by local authorities in partnership with communities.

Illicit alcohol seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers seized almost 19,800 litres of alcohol, with an estimated value of €80,400, at Rosslare Europort on Saturday.

The illicit alcohol consisted of approximately 19,600 litres of beer and 180 litres of prosecco and represented a loss to the Exchequer of almost €38,000.

ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The consignment was seized when Revenue officers stopped and searched an accompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. 

The driver that had accompanied the load was questioned in relation to the seizure, and the trailer carrying the alcohol products was also seized.

Investigations are ongoing. 

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.

Lecture and Garden Tour at Monksgrange

By Dan Walsh

Busy week of heritage celebration across Co. Wexford in the coming days, but booking is open for the Heritage Week Lecture and Garden Tour at Monksgrange, near Rathnure, Enniscorthy, which takes place on Saturday, August 24th from 2-5pm.

Magnificent MONKSGRANGE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The programme is as follows; 

2pm; Doors open

2.30pm; Jeremy Hill reviews the Farmleigh Gallery photographic exhibition; The vision of a 19th century lensman. Goddard Orpen 1852-1932.

3pm; The Edward Richards-Orpen Memorial Trust Annual Lecture. “Under the influence: contextualising Lutyens/Jekyll design principles in the garden at Monksgrange.” David Averill, FRIAI, architect and member of the UK Lutyens Trust, will discuss the influence of Lutyens’ worldwide garden design work on Edward Richards-Orpen’s own redesign of the garden at Monksgrange in the 1900s.

3.45pm; Garden tour.

4.30pm; Tea/Coffee

5.00pm; Close.

Tickets, €15, from Eventbrite   www.eventbrite.ie/e/under-the-influencecontextualising-the-garden-at-monksgrange-tickets-938745281407 

Ballycross Apple Farm closed to the public

By Dan Walsh

The ever-popular Ballycross Apple Farm in Bridgetown, south Wexford, has announced its decision to close its doors to the public this week. The farm was open over weekends for visitors up to six months of the year from May to December, with a particular festive atmosphere around Halloween, where visitors could come and pick their own pumpkins.

CLLR AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

In a statement, Ballycross Apple Farm said it was with “a heavy heart” that the decision to not re-open was made. “We would like to thank each and every customer who ever paid a visit to the farm over the many years we have been open, your custom has been very much appreciated,” the team at Ballycross Apple Farm stated.

Juice produce from the farm will remain available in the usual local and independent retailers in Wexford, but numerous families have been saddened by the news, and the community in Bridgetown is “feeling broken hearted”, according to Sinn Féin Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien.

“It was a fantastic amenity that put Bridgetown on the map, and it was something us locals were quite proud of,” said Cllr O’Brien, who added; “It was like a home away from home for some people,”

Cllr O’Brien is asking that the public provide privacy to the family at the moment and to “hold on to the fond memories the farm created”.

Looking forward to Heritage Week in Ballymurn

This is a view of the the older part of Kilmallock Cemetery, just a kilometre or two from Ballymurn village, where a QR Code of inscriptions will be launched during Wednesday Heritage Evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

By Dan Walsh

We will all be hearing lots about Heritage Week in the coming days as the annual event swings into place and there is so much to look out for, but one event with the ‘not to be missed’ tag happens in Ballymurn Hall at 6.45pm next Wednesday where the Ballymurn Heritage Group is hosting a Heritage Evening with an interesting programme of events.

It all kicks off with a visit to the Maher Mausoleum, historian Brian Ó Cléirigh will extend the knowledge of local history, there is a fascinating launch of the QR (stands for ‘quick response’ and is in common use on mobile devices) Code of inscriptions for Kilmallock Cemetery and a display of photos and items from Kilmallock House dating back to 1800.

Incidentally, I paid a brief visit to Kilmallock Cemetery this afternoon where the locals were dressing the graves of their loved ones for the annual Patron which takes place today (Sunday).

Kilmallock House was built by the Huguenot family of Peare, started in 1714, and the family lived there for 250 years! Richard Peare married in 1750, and his name is still clearly visible on the family tomb in the older part of the graveyard.

Add on a vintage car and tractor display, traditional music and free refreshments for all; what better way to spend an August Wednesday evening? All are welcome.

Over 9.5 million cigarettes seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers seized 9,540,000 cigarettes with an estimated value of almost €8 million, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €6.3 million, at Rosslare Europort, yesterday (Thursday).

The cigarettes, branded ‘Marlboro Gold’, were discovered when Revenue officers stopped and searched an accompanied freight unit that had disembarked a ferry arriving from Dunkirk, France.

A man in his 20s was questioned in relation to the seizure.

Investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the sale and supply of illegal cigarettes and tobacco in the shadow economy. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295. 

Banned in Melbourne and Paris, but OK in Wexford?

By Dan Walsh

Wexford town has stepped up to the mark with the launch of around 50 shared electric transport devices – the e-scooter scheme to be made available by the mobility firm Bolt . In the last few days, Melbourne became the latest city to ban e-scooter rental after hundreds of accidents sparked outrage from the public. Last September, Paris also outlawed them.

“Scooters have the potential to change towns and cities for the better, encouraging a more sustainable and environmentally friendlier way to travel, reducing car traffic, and connecting with existing transport networks,” said Aisling Dunne, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Bolt, who added; “We are excited to enable people to move around in an affordable, efficient and safe way.”

The scooters being deployed by Bolt will have a built-in speed-limit of 20km/h to prevent speeding.

The devices will have to be parked in mandatory parking locations in the town, like the shared e-bike scheme already in operation there by Bolt.

“Bolt’s existing e-bike scheme in Wexford has proved to be a popular travel option that has become an integral part of people’s daily commutes,” said Claire Goodwin, outgoing Cycling and Walking Officer at Wexford County Council.

To operate an e-scooter, a user will have to register their details and be at least 18 years old. The e-scooters will also have GPS tracking devices on them. To prevent their use while the user is drunk or impaired by any other substance, the Bolt app has a cognitive test that measures their reaction time between 10pm and 5am. The e-scooters also have a built-in tandem riding prevention system to stop more than one person from riding the device at the same time.

“These kinds of ‘micromobility’ schemes offer the public a range of sustainable transport choices, which is a vital contribution to the decarbonisation of transport emissions,” said James Lawless, Minister of State at the Department of Transport.

My first time at the Cow House Studios; what an experience!

On my first visit to Cow House Studios, Rathnure, I was thrilled to meet talented PAUL CASHIN who is really enjoying his artistic experiences through his chosen medium of oil on canvas. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh EXCLUSIVE at the Cow House Studios, Rathnure.

Born and bred in central Co. Wexford I have traversed the highways and byways of most of the county – north, south, east and west, and the bits in between! – but yesterday I paid my first ever visit to the Cow House Studios in the townland of Ballybaun, close to Rathnure, high up on the airy slopes of the White Mountain and as the words of the song might suggest; “the last place that God made and the first place that he blessed!”

Creative Places, Enniscorthy, has launched a partnership with Cow House Studios, for a residency programme and the co-ordinator Deryn O’Callaghan supplied me with all the details and advised me to get stuck in; but when I met legendary Wexford and Rathnure hurling star, Teddy O’Connor, and his wife, Anne, at the recent Fleadh in Wexford town, they gave me directions to the studios and yesterday I completed the pilgrimage. It was one of the nicest projects I have covered for some time!

Cow House Studios is an artist run workspace. It is a unique, centre of excellence set on a working farm amidst the rolling hills and adjacent to a forest in rural Wexford. Founded in 2008 it provides a nurturing environment for artists to create, collaborate and engage with each other and local community. This is a wonderful opportunity for artists to meet and work alongside a dynamic group of local and international practitioners.

During my visit on Thursday afternoon, I met with Paul Cashin an enthusiastic talented artist from Laois based in Wexford whose chosen medium is oil on canvas, along with photography, drawing and sculpture. He is interested in large scale paintings that employ a sense of embodiment to create large complex scenes. Paul told me of “the magic of the Cow House Studios and how he is really enjoying his time there” and he has an engagement at the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig in the coming weeks and he is “really looking forward to performing there and he is hoping people will come along and admire his talent.”

During August four selected artists will experience CPE residencies, and each residency will last for one week during which time the artists will immerse themselves in their practice have opportunity to collaborate and contribute to the cultural landscape of Enniscorthy.

We have already met Paul Cashin. Other artists include Sarah Walsh, a Dutch/Irish actor, as well as a drama facilitator with an M.Ed in drama and education who used her week at Cow House Studio to finish a play she had been developing in a playwriting course that will be performed in a pub.

Gillian O’Shea is there from Monday 19th-25th August and is described as “an emerging visual Irish artist passionate about highlighting the importance of our natural world, particularly in the face of the climate crisis. Her practice explores themes of the nature, conservation.”

Fiona O’Connor is also coming to the Cow House Studios. Fiona is an artist who uses photography as a medium to explore her ideas. She has an interest in things that catch her eye, make her think, smile and spark her curiosity.”

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Co-Ordinator of Creative Places, Deryn O’Callaghan said; “Creative Places Enniscorthy are thrilled to partner with Cow House Studios on this initiative. We hope these residencies will encourage cultural exchanges, break down boundaries and build bridges between artists living and working in our community in ways that can be transformative.”

For more information about the Cow House Studios artist residency programme and full artists biographies and other Creative Places Enniscorthy projects contact Deryn O’Callaghan – Co-Ordinator at www.creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie https://cowhousestudios.com orcpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie.

Mobile; 087 9578984

Jazz Irish-Franco links at Enniscorthy Castle

Melanie O’Reilly’s Swing Jazz Trio

By Dan Walsh

There is a special Irish-Franco connection event taking place in the 13th century setting that is Enniscorthy Castle tomorrow (Friday) at 7pm titled “Eileen Grey and the Jazz Age” with music from Melanie O’Reilly’s Swing Jazz Trio.

The event is to honour the life and work of an Enniscorthy native, Eileen Grey who is considered a pioneer of the Modernist movement, her remarkable work in Architecture and design has cemented her as one of the most influential figures of her time

This brilliant event includes a short talk on the amazing Eileen Grey, and the modernist movement France in the 1920’s and 30’s. Followed by a concert by Melanie O’Reilly’s Swing Jazz Trio. Inspired by the Paris Jazz Age, Melanie and her Swing trio will celebrate the music of one of the most exciting periods when jazz reigned in clubs and cabarets in Paris and symbolised the decade’s spirit of liberation. Frequented by musicians, authors, avant-garde artists and socialites, it was in this jazz quarter where Eileen Grey had her successful design studio.

This concert is offered in partnership with the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association Tickets: €25 for Adults, €20 for Seniors/Students To book call 053 9234699 or email info@enniscorthycastle.ie

Funeral of crash victim on Saturday

By Dan Walsh

Deepest sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Kate Wibbe, (23), from Carne, Co. Wexford, who lost her life in a three-vehicle road traffic collision involving a truck, a van and a car, that occurred on the N25 at Barntown, near Wexford town, on Tuesday morning, at approximately 6.30am.

She was on her way to work in PepsiCo in Cork when the fatal collision occurred. Her body was taken to University Hospital Waterford for a postmortem examination.

Kate graduated from UCC last year with a Bachelor of Law Degree. During her time at the college, she worked as a radio host at UCC 98.3FM and played for the UCC Women’s Soccer team and was also a member of the LGFA Junior Team at Bishopstown GAA in Cork.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Kate Wibbe, St. Awaries, Carne, Wexford, August 13th, 2024, sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Fiona, Christian and brother Daniel, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.

Reposing in her home on Friday from 1pm. We will come together to celebrate Kate’s life on Saturday 17th at 1pm in her home, in Carne (Y35 E2P3) burial afterwards in Our Lady’s Island Cemetery.

Meanwhile, members of the public who may have witnessed the accident are asked to contact Gardaí with information.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time of the incident, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.