Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field is a blooming success

By Dan Walsh

The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field, a heartwarming community project aimed at raising funds for the Daffodil Nurses of Ireland through the Irish Cancer Society and other local community groups, is preparing for its much-anticipated launch at the beginning of August.

The official launch date will be announced soon, contingent on the blooming of the sunflowers, which are already showing promising signs of becoming a stunning display. The field is located at the back of The Crosses Pub in the village of Kilmuckridge, or use Eircode Y25 V0Y1

Once the sunflowers are in full bloom, the field will open to the public, inviting visitors to pick their own sunflowers. In exchange, visitors are encouraged to donate to support this worthy cause. To facilitate contributions, honesty boxes and donation buckets will be placed throughout the field, and there will also be an online option for those who prefer to donate digitally.

“The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field is more than just a beautiful display of nature,” said Cllr Mary Farrell, Project Co-ordinator of the Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field project. “It symbolises the strength and resilience of our community, and it’s a beacon of light and hope for those who have been affected by cancer. We invite everyone to visit, enjoy the beauty of the sunflowers, and support the vital work of the Daffodil Nurses and the Irish Cancer Society.”

The community-driven project is expected to attract numerous visitors, each contributing to the cause and helping to make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer.

For more information about the Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field and to stay updated on the launch, please follow this Facebook page  Facebook.com/ Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall  or donate online Please Support Kilmuckridge Sunflowers Fundraising Page on https://www.idonate.ie

Support for families welcomed by Cllr McDonald

By Dan Walsh

The extension of parent’s leave and benefit from seven weeks to nine weeks is a major step in support and welcome relief to families across Wexford, according to North Wexford-based Cllr Darragh McDonald.

“Fine Gael have again increased parent’s leave to acknowledge the difficulties faced by families with young children,” Cllr McDonald told WexfordLocal.com, and he added; “Under these new measures, you can now claim nine weeks’ parent’s leave if your child is under the age of two on August 1st, 2024, or if your adopted child has been placed with your family less than two years on 1st August 2024.”

CLLR DARRAGH McDONALD

“Fine Gael introduced this leave in 2019 and it is great to now see it expanded further. This is a major support for many families so they can better balance work with family commitments which can be so challenging in today’s working environment.

“This measure will be available to both mothers and fathers and will apply to all future parents. Evidence shows that children benefit from being cared for and spending time with their parents when they are very young. From a parent’s perspective it’s clear that having that bit more time with a young child is incredibly beneficial.”

“Parent’s leave also gives an opportunity for fathers to take this leave in addition to their 2-week paternity leave, to have a total of 11 weeks off to be involved in the earliest stages of their child’s development.”

“Fine Gael knows parents are working hard, and we will continue to work to make life easier for families,” concluded Cllr McDonald.

Kayaker is safe and well at Kilmore Quay

By Dan Walsh

KILMORE QUAY (File Pic Wexford Local.com)

Kilmore Quay RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was launched on Sunday at 1.42pm to assist in a search for a kayaker that had become separated from a group kayaking to the small Saltee Island.

Weather and sea conditions were good at the time. The Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117 also joined the search and within minutes located the kayaker who had navigated to shore east of Kilmore Quay at Ballygrangans.

Speaking following the call out, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Grace said: “The kayaker is safe and well,” and he added; “We urge that all those going to sea at any time of year, to make sure to check weather and tides before going out. If you are not familiar with the area, talk to local people familiar with the tides, wear a life jacket or suitable flotation device, and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Saltee Island Puffin population on the increase

By Dan Walsh

Last January Minister of State for Nature Malcolm Noonan TD announced that the new Seas off Wexford SPA (special protection area) would be designated under the EU Birds Directive, will cover more than 305,000 hectares of marine waters for a range of bird species and give protection to 20 species, including puffins.

This news was first published on WexfordLocal.com under the heading ‘Seas off Wexford safer for the birds’ on January 13th and is available online.

A spokesperson for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the new SPA for seabirds off the coast of Co. Wexford could help to safeguard the puffin population on the uninhabited Saltee Islands.

It is believed that the number of puffins nesting on the islands five kilometres off the Irish coast has begun to rise again after years of decline. The breeding season usually starts in late March or early April, finishing in July or August.

The spokesperson said: “A recent series of counts of puffin at the Saltee Islands earlier this year indicate that the breeding population across these islands, which experienced a pronounced decrease at the turn of the century, is now increasing.

“While the population increase is good news, there are challenges for puffin in its nesting habitat. Puffin nest in colonies, at some locations such as the Great Saltee Island, the nests are mostly in old burrows, but the NPWS has addressed a previous problem of predation through a rat eradication programme.

“The main concern for puffin now is the level of recreation pressure on the island, with numbers of daily visitors to the island increasing significantly in recent years.”

Dr Mark Jessopp, senior lecturer in zoology at University College Cork, said: “The SPA designation ensures that additional measures are put in place to ensure that the vulnerable seabird populations in the area, including puffins, are fully considered when it comes to any future developments.

Dr Jessopp said the main limitation of the SPA was that it did not put many restrictions on fisheries. He said the main threat to puffins on the islands is land-based predation and disturbance.

Sailing ship safe after distress off Hook Head

Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat returns to harbour Pic; RNLI / Karen Harris.

By Dan Walsh

An 11-metre sailing vessel, with two persons on board, that sent out distress signals when approximately three nautical miles south-east of Hook Head was towed to safety by Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat yesterday.

The vessel had lost all power and called the Irish Coast Guard for emergency assistance. The Dunmore East RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were alerted at 6.16pm, the lifeboat was promptly launched and made best speed to the reported location. 

Conditions at sea were described as moderate with one metre swell and winds at a Force 3-4.

The boat was towed to the nearest safe port at Dunmore East Harbour. Once the safety of the vessel and its crew was established back at port, the lifeboat was washed down and ready again for service by 9.30pm.

Liz Power, Lifeboat Operations Manager with Dunmore East RNLI said; “Today’s shout was a good reminder of the importance of being able to stay in touch by VHF radio or phone when you go out on the water. You never know when something can go wrong and you may need to call for help. If you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty in the water, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Autumn 2024 ‘points’ fixture list

By Dan Walsh

This week, the INHSC (Irish National Hunt Steeplechase CLG) who is responsible for the governance and administration of point-to-points in Ireland announced the 2024 Autumn Point-to-Point fixture list.

Point-to-point racing at Fairwood, Tinahely (File Pic; wexfordLocal.com)

South East fixtures are as follows;

Sunday, October 20; Island Hunt at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy.

Sunday, October 27; Shillelagh & District at Fairwood, Tinahely.

Sunday, November 10; Wexford Foxhounds at Knockmullen House, New Ross.

Sunday, November 17; Wicklow Foxhounds at Fairwood, Tinahely.

Sunday, November 24; Killinick Harriers at Lingstown, Tomhaggard.

Sunday, December 1; Carlow Farmers at Borris House, Borris.

Sunday, December 8; Ballinagore Harriers at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy.

Bus transfers to operate to/from Rosslare

By Dan Walsh

Between Sunday, August 4th and Sunday, August 11th, most scheduled services between Dublin Connolly and Rosslare Europort will operate between Dublin Connolly and Wexford only, with bus transfer arrangements in place for customers travelling to/from Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort.

This is to facilitate the Garda and event organisers event plan, which will see thousands of people on Wexford Quay, through which the railway line runs unprotected.

Arrangements for travel to/from Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort are as follows from Sunday to Sunday, August 4th-11th, inclusive:

On Sunday 4th August, 09:40hrs Rosslare Europort to Dublin Connolly operates as normal

All other scheduled Rosslare Europort to Dublin Connolly services will commence from Wexford. Bus transfers will operate from Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Strand to Wexford (before 10:00hrs) and to Enniscorthy at all other times. After 10:00hrs, those travelling from Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Strand to Wexford can avail of TFI LocalLink Route 387 each day.

All scheduled Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort services will operate from Dublin Connolly to Wexford only. Bus transfers will operate from Wexford to Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort.

Scheduled Dublin/Gorey and Dublin/Wexford services will operate as normal, with the evening 22:10hrs Gorey to Connolly extended to commence from Wexford at 21:30hrs.

50th annual exhibition at Gorey Art Circle

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

The opening of Gorey Art Circle’s 50th annual exhibition took place in the Freemason Hall, The Avenue, Gorey last night and celebrated its longevity with an impressive exhibition of paintings which will be open daily until August 5th.

An internationally respected painter and art enthusiast Paul Funge (1944 – 2011), who was a founder member and director of Project Art Centre in Dublin in 1967, felt it was important to bring art into local communities and decided to start in his native Gorey.

Gorey Art Centre was established in 1970 by Paul Funge together with many others including Joe Browne, Rita Stokes, Betty O’Loughlin and the first Gorey Arts Festival was held in 1970 introducing the Gorey area to various forms of art including music, drama, painting, photography and sculpture.

Founder member of Gorey Art Circle, Mr Joe Browne, who officially opened the 50th exhibition and Margaret O’Morchoe, Chairperson of Gorey Art Circle at the opening in the Freemason’s Hall, Gorey, last night.

The Gorey Art Circle evolved from this group. The first ever exhibition of the Arts Circle was held in the lounge of Browne’s pub and it is very special for The Art Circle to had Mr. Joe Browne to officially open its exhibition on this its 50th anniversary.

The Art Circle went on to exhibit in the Market House, initially, in the Council Chamber upstairs and later it held its exhibitions at street level in the Market House for many years.

Margaret O’Morchoe, who spoke eloquently on the opening night, has been the chairperson of the Arts Circle Committee for many years and has provided leadership and guidance to the group.

The Gorey Art Circle has 42 members who come together to exhibit their paintings. These exhibitions provide the opportunity for individual artists to display a diversity of work in oil, watercolour, charcoal or mixed media. The group also engage in activities such as visits to galleries, gardens, historic buildings and other places of interest to gain inspiration for their work.

Exhibitors include Iwona Blasi, Ann Breen, Margaret Carroll, Elsie Foley, Máirín Graham, Adri Harnett, Avis Horn, Marie Louise Hayden, Paul Hayes, Barbara Jameson, Siobhán Kenny, Claire Lacey, Madge McDonald, Sheila MacNally, Maria O’Callaghan, Margaret O’Morchoe, Lisa Popplewell, Pat Power, Diane Quillinan, Venis Reilly, Una Stack, Deborah Stedmond, Phyllis Stedmond and Liam Van Nickerk.

Located in the Freemason Hall, The Avenue, Gorey, the exhibition is open daily, including Sundays, 11am to 5pm until Monday, August 5th. Gorey Art Circle invite visitors to donate to a selected charity and also the exhibitors this year will donate a percentage of all painting sold to this  year’s charity which is the The Hope Cancer Support Centre, Enniscorthy, which is the nearest such service centre to Gorey.

Uisce Éireann asks Wexford to conserve water

Pictured are Paula Roche from County Wexford Chamber, Jim Fitzgerald Uisce Éireann, Eimear Kennedy, Fleadh Committee, Wexford County Council. Fionnuala Callery Wexford County Council.

By Dan Walsh

With the population of Wexford increasing over the summer months Uisce Éireann is calling on households across the county to take practical steps to reduce their water consumption and to report any leaks to Uisce Éireann. 

As tourists flock to the Model County, the public are being asked to help play their part in protecting essential water supplies for their local communities, and to conserve water where possible.

Speaking of the importance of water conservation this summer Uisce Éireann Water Regional Operations Manager, Jim Fitzgerald told WexfordLocal.com; “Water plays a vital role in our everyday lives, and by making small changes to use only what we need in our homes, gardens, and businesses, we can all contribute to ensuring a sustainable water supply for everyone. We are encouraging people across Wexford to play their part and think water conservation.” 

Jim continued: “Water demand always increases with an influx of tourists and visitors. This year more visitors are expected for the Fleadh as people are set to enjoy a week of traditional music and culture. Uisce Éireann would like to thank the Fleadh Committee and Wexford County Chamber for getting behind our Water Conservation Campaign, and to everyone who is playing their part in protecting our valuable resource.”

For further information visit www.water.ie/conservation/

 

50 extra train services to Wexford for the Fleadh

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed over 50 extra train services will operate during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to/from Wexford, allowing more people to attend the country’s leading traditional music festival.

However, services from Connolly Station, Dublin, will terminate at Wexford Station. Rosslare to Wexford services will be replaced by bus transfers to facilitate Garda event plan for Wexford Quay activities

An extra Dublin Connolly to Wexford train will operate each day between Tuesday and Sunday, August 6th-11th, and an extensive range of shuttle services between Arklow and Wexford, up to a final service at 23:00hrs from Wexford to Arklow each evening.

The additional trains will operate from Tuesday 6th to Sunday 11th August, as follows:

Tuesday 6th to Friday 9th August

10:34hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford

18:40hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly

21:30hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly

14:40hrs and 17:05hrs Arklow to Wexford

13:40hrs, 16:04hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow

Saturday 10th August

10:25hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford

21:25hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly

14:40hrs, 16:00hrs, 17:15hrs and 18:50hrs Arklow to Wexford

13:40hrs, 14:15hrs, 16:04hrs, 17:25hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow

Sunday 11th August

10:50hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford

21:25hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly

14:35hrs, 16:00hrs, 17:20hrs and 18:55hrs Arklow to Wexford

13:35hrs, 14:10hrs, 17:30hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow

Customers are advised to book rail travel in advance on scheduled and extra train services to/from Wexford throughout Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at www.irishrail.ie or the Iarnród Éireann app, as demand is expected to be high.