Seven-year-old Wexford student artist, Jude Gregan, from St. Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill, Gorey, has won a top prize in this year’s 70th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.
Jude won a Special Merit Award for her artwork entitled ‘Jungle Leopard’, which Final Adjudicator, Gary Granville, Professor Emeritus of Education at the National College of Art and Design, said “demonstrated high levels of skill and imagination”.
The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates to the very first Competition held in 1955.
This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Wexford and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.
An attendance of more than 200 attended a Civic Reception organised by New Ross Municipal District in the Brandon House Hotel recently where 18 individuals/groups from the district previously nominated and endorsed by the members of New Ross Municipal District were honoured.
CLLR ANTHONY CONNICK, Cathaoirleach New Ross District Council. (Pic; Wexford Local.com)
Presentations of a framed, newly commissioned, bronze piece depicting the New Ross crest were presented by the New Ross councillors to each recipient.
Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, Cllr Anthony Connick, described “a fantastic opportunity to showcase and recognise excellence in sporting achievements of the sportsmen and sportswomen of the district, whilst it is also fitting to express gratitude and appreciation of the vast number of superb volunteers and community groups for their tireless efforts in serving their communities.”
The full list of the recipients honoured with a Civic Award are as follows…
EXCELLENCE IN SPORT: New Ross Rugby Club – Ladies Team, New Ross Boat Club, Sean Lyng, Ballycullane Ploughing Association, Gusserane Ladies Football Team, Michael (Mikey) Kent, Geraldine O’Hanrahan’s GAA Club – Poc Fada Winners, Derek Roche, New Ross Rugby Club – Junior Team (under 16 boys), Kai Butler, Evan Bailey and Denny Bookle.
EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY; Alan Bailey, Rathnure Pantomime Society, Cloughbawn FC, Clonroche Poulpeasty Meals on Wheels, Rathgarogue Community Cooperative Society and Courtnacuddy Development Group.
The official launch of the first street in any Irish town to have a retractable roof canopy for its entire lengths has happened at the 80-metres long Monck Street in Wexford town. It cost over €1.5 million.
The Monck Street Canopy is the final part of a major regeneration scheme that has transformed the once congested narrow street into a carefree pedestrianised zone where locals and visitors can chill for a while and enjoy a feast of local hostelries and food offerings.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr John Hegarty welcomed “this unique addition to Wexford town,” and His Worship added, “I hope it is something that will add to the experience for locals and visitors alike as they come to enjoy this vibrant and thriving part of our town.”
Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Interim Chief Executive Wexford County Council said; “This is a new and innovative scheme for Wexford town and hopefully will lead the way in making our town centres even more vibrant and attractive places to come and visit. We are particularly thankful to the National Transport Authority and Fáilte Ireland for the support they have provided in turning this vision into a reality for all to enjoy. The Monck Street area will be a vibrant and popular place during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August and for the next two years”.
MONCK STREET and its new retractable canopy roof – the first of its kind in Ireland (Pic; Wexford County Council).
Mr. Alan O’Shea, Senior Executive Engineer, Active Travel commented; “The Civil works involved in the pedestrianisation of Monck Street -Wexford’s newest pedestrianised street – was funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel Programme to a value of €1,230,099 as part of a multi annual spend.
Head of Ireland’s Ancient East Brian O’Flynn said: “One of Fáilte Ireland’s key objectives is to encourage tourists to explore and stay in the region for longer, increase spend and help to drive revenue for local businesses. Wexford is an important part Ireland’s Ancient East and we’re pleased to further enhance this destination with the newly opened Monck Street Outdoor Dining Infrastructure, funded by Fáilte Ireland’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme and developed in partnership with Wexford County Council. Outdoor dining is now a permanent feature of our hospitality offering and we are committed to supporting businesses to facilitate this for longer periods throughout the year.”
HISTORY OF MONCK STREET; Monck Street takes its name from General George Monck, Duke of Ablemarle, who was granted the land and ferry rights in the 1650’s.
It was previously known as Ferryboat Lane, from where the ferry to the opposite bank of the river departed prior to the construction of the 1794 bridge. It was renamed Monck Street in the late 1700s.
The Borough Council changed the name to McDonagh Street in 1920, but this name failed to be ratified in the plebiscite of 1932.
Would it have been a clever idea to rename it Ferryboat Lane now that it becomes a social hub for tourism and recreation beneath the canopy of everyday social intercourse?
(Source; “The Streets of Wexford” by Nicky Rossiter, first published by Nonsuch Ireland, 2009, ISBN 978 184588 959 3).
BARRY O’NEILL double today and back at the top of the riders’ championship.
Champion point-to-point rider Barry O’Neill is back at the top of the championship table tonight, just 24-hours of being passed out by Rob James double, following double success this afternoon at Tattersalls point-to-point and bring his seasonal tally to 29.
O’Neill was successful aboard newcomer Kalo Athena, running in the colours of Patrick Fortune, Adamstown, and handled by Colin Bowe, who had one and a quarter length to spare at the finish of the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares. Half an hour later and he completed the double partnering Winged Leader for David Christie in the Open Lightweight Race. The verdict was a bit easier this time – nine and a half lengths.
Newcomer Kepler’s Law from the Ballycarney, Enniscorthy stables of Andrew Latta was the 12 lengths winner of the five- and six-year-old geldings maiden race with Jack Hendrick up. Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, was also a winner today. He saddled Manlikemike (Sean Cotter up) to a two lengths victory in the maiden race confined to novice riders.
A second point-to-point fixture took place today at Dromahane, Co. Cork, where rider Sean Staples from Duncormick and handler Paul Martin Pierce from Blackhall Stud, Killurin, shared a double. They captured the maiden race for four-year-old mares with newcomer Fireball Frenzy by one length and added division two of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings with another newcomer, Dalston Lad, who had six lengths to spare. This was Pierce’s sixth winner of the season, which is a career best in his 17 seasons as a point-to-point handler.
Jim O’Neill from Ballindaggin saddled his first winner yesterday in Waterford and added number two today at Cork when Jamsieconn took the honours in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus under Jamie Scallan.
A double for Rob James that took him to the top of the point-to-point riders’ championship, a treble for Donnchadh Doyle, doubles for Jamie Scallan and Sean Doyle, and a first winner as a handler for Jim O’Neill were amongst the highlights at today’s point-to-points at two venues that saw seven Wexford winners.
Sean Doyle and Jamie Scallan had a quick double at Curraghmore, Co. Waterford. Eastern Shores was the one and a half lengths winner of the maiden race for four-year-old mares. The four-year-old geldings’ maiden race was divided and they won division two with Moon Rocket. The first division provided Jim O’Neill, who is based at Ballindaggin, with his first success with newcomer El Cairos who grabbed the verdict by a neck under Sean Staples, Duncormick.
JACK HENDRICK enjoyed his 75th career point-to-point victory today in Co. Antrim.
The five-year-old geldings maiden was also divided and Donnchadh Doyle and Rob James took both divisions. Disguised Limit in division one and Jarrive De Mee in division two. As a consequence, Rob James went to the top of the championship table with 28 winners, one more than reigning champion Barry O’Neill.
Donnchadh Doyle saddled his third winner of the day with newcomer Keops Des Bordes by five lengths in the four-year-old geldings’ maiden race at Loughanmore in Co. Antrim, providing Tinahely rider James Walsh with his 75th career success.
Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick also scored his 75th career success at the Antrim venue. Riding for Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, they won the mares’ four-year-old maiden contest with newcomer Lets Mingle.
BREAKING NEWS; It has been officially announced today (Saturday) by the IHRB (Irish Horse Racing Board) that the Bree Foxhounds fixture scheduled for Sunday, April 28th at Monksgrange has been cancelled. Following a track inspection the course was found to be unfit for racing.
Artist’s impression of Riverchapel Community Complex project (Image; molloyarchitecture)
By Dan Walsh
Over €3 million investment has been announced for projects at Riverchapel Community Complex (€1,797,919) and Ballymitty Community Development (€1,398,035).
“This news for Ballymitty and Riverchapel is a gamechanger for these communities. Two state of the art community centres will be delivered, benefitting the communities for years for come,” Fine Gael TD for Wexford Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com.
It’s the first time in the history of the State that a dedicated fund has been set up to deliver new-build community centres in rural Ireland and part of a €30m to deliver 12 new community centres nationwide.
Minister Heather Humphreys said; “Ourcommunity centres bring people of all ages together, whether it be for sporting, educational or social occasions. This funding will assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs and the level of interest has shown that these centres, when complete, will be the heart of many a community.”
The Community Centre Investment Fundwas launched in March 2023 to provide investment for new and ambitious community projects in towns and villages.
These projects are all on brown or green field sites and have all the necessary planning and consents secured so they are already at an advanced stage and ready to commence following a tender process.
Celebrating the Awards won by Kilrush Drama Group 2024; (Left to Right): Cathy Tighe, Dougie Doyle, John Redmond, Kay Cahill, Raymond Byrne, Niall McGrath (Director) Tommy Kavanagh, Erin Hogan, Dean Furlong, Kevin McEvoy and Lar Duffy. (Pic; Eamon Doran).
By Dan Walsh
Multi-award winning Kilrush Drama Group’s Hooked by Gillian Grattan, directed by Niall McGrath and featuring Kay Cahill, Erin Hogan and John Redmond have won seven out of eight Festivals on the Drama Circuit
Kilrush Drama Group topped the leader board of the Confined Drama All Ireland League Tables, with Niall McGrath in his first time directing, winning seven Best Director Awards to date. Their hugely popular production of Hooked has wowed both adjudicators and audiences alike. The Group also won a host of Awards to date, including Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, Best Technical, Best Lighting, Best sound and Best Set.
There are two chances to see pre-All Ireland performances just days away. This amazing production will be performed in St. Bridget’s Hall, Carnew, this Monday and Tuesday at 8pm.
Very best of luck as they go on to perform in The Confined All Ireland Drama Finals on Thursday, April 25th in Mountmellick.
Five people aboard an angling charter boat were rescued this afternoon after a rope became entangled in a propeller south-east of the Saltee Islands.
KILMORE QUAY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coast Guard at 1pm today. Under the command of Coxswain Trevor Devereux with four crew members on board and it arrived on scene at 1.30pm. Having checked all on board were safe and well, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow.
The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay, arriving at 2pm. Weather and sea conditions were described as good at the time.
Speaking on the call out Kilmore Quay Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace said; “It was great to see all on board wearing life jackets and having followed the correct procedures when they got snagged. Stray ropes or nets floating in the water can be a hazard to any vessel in this way.”
Wilkie Way (Wilkie Slí as Gaeilge) Enniscorthy’s latest tourist attraction.
By Dan Walsh
The ancient steps that link Castle Hill with Church Street opposite Enniscorthy Castle has been renamed Wilkie Way (Wilkie Slí as Gaeilge) and was officially launched recently by Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
WexfordLocal.com has compiled the following information explaining who is Wilkie and what is the significance of his fame and contribution that merits a section of street steps named in his honour.
BIOGRAPHY; SAM ‘Wilkie’ THORPE (1909-2005); Sam Thorpe was one of seven children born to Annie (née Ryan) and Michael Thorpe of The Shannon, Enniscorthy.
He married Mary Donnelly of Ross Road and they had one son who sadly died in infancy, Michael.
Sam served as a gunner in the 3rd Battalion with the Irish army on Spike Island in Cork for seven years. He was always very proud of this achievement and in his later years was a member of ONE (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel). Following his army career, Sam worked at Armstrong’s general merchants store in Enniscorthy, worked on the railway, and in his later years he travelled the roads working on a lorry for Davis’s Mill.
But it was through his sporting achievements that Sam’s name was most familiar. He played hurling and football for Wexford and Leinster in the early 1950s. Two weeks ago before his sad passing he was honoured for this sporting achievements at a GAA function held Ferrycarrig Hotel. He was also played soccer with Cork United during his years in the army.
In his sporting book, The Greatest Hurling Decade, the legendary historian Nicky Furlong paid tribute and wrote; “Wilkie Thorpe in fact never played for Wexford after the summer of 1953. This colourful crowd entertainer from Vinegar Hill had contributed his rich talents to both hurling and football at the highest inter-county and club level for twenty years.”
North Wexford’s Cllr Joe Sullivan is calling on Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to take up the invitation and attend the GRA Annual Delegate Conference taking place in Westport, Co. Mayo and support An Garda Siochána management and rank and file membership in equal measure.
In a statement issued earlier today, Cllr Sullivan, who served as a member of An Garda Siochána, 1985-2014, said; “I wish to highlight my disappointment in Justice Minister Helen McEntee’s decision not to attend the GRA Conference. This course of action chosen by Minister McEntee clearly sets out the fact that she stands four square behind Commissioner Harris (who is not invited) despite the fact that 98% of rank and file Gardai have no confidence in his leadership.
“I believe that by attending this forthcoming conference Minister McEntee would have a perfect opportunity to meet with the ordinary frontline members of An Garda and have them articulate their concerns in an open and frank manner without the presence of Commissioner Harris who if one is to listen to on the job Gardai is contributing to the current low morale and general discontent amongst Gardai.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN
“I am firmly of the opinion that Minister McEntee’s course of action in this case is effectively taking sides in this case the management side against almost 11,000 men and women who daily put their lives on the line to ensure that we, the citizens, can live a peaceful life in the security and knowledge that they are there to protect us and our rights,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “It goes without saying that An Garda Siochana enjoys more public support than any other law enforcement agency in the world, this has been built up due to good work trust and loyalty between the people and the Gardai over the last 102 years..”
Cllr Sullivan alleges that the current Commissioner appears to be over-zealous and rigid in his application of the rules regulations and disciplinary procedures which appears to be causing unrest amongst the rank and file members.
“Where better for the Minister to acquaint herself with these issues than at the Annual Delegate Conference. I would therefore call on Minister McEntee to take up the invitation and attend the Annual Delegate Conference and support An Garda Siochana management and rank and file membership in equal measure, he concluded.
WexfordLocal.com 