Death of well-known funeral director

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Tom Browne, Lucas Park, Enniscorthy, who was one of the best-known funeral directors in the country. He was aged 92 years.

The family business known as Browne’s Funeral Directors is now in its fifth generation with Tom’s son, Paul, at the helm. It has a long history in Enniscorthy and has served generations of families.

TOM BROWNE

It started out with the O’Reilly family ca-1845. They had a base at Lower Church Street in the centre of Enniscorthy but lost nearly everything when an outbreak of fire destroyed the premises in 1920.

Tom’s father, Nick Browne became involved in the O’Reilly undertaker’s business at Lower Church Street in 1923.

Having attended St. Peter’s College, Tom Browne was aged about 17 years when he joined his father in the business and ran a very successful business serving both a wide urban and rural area throughout his working lifetime.

He moved from the Lower Church Street premises to set up Browne’s Funeral Parlour at The Folly, a short distance away, in 1986.

Tom Browne was highly respected for his professionalism and compassion towards those who sought his services at a very difficult time in their lives. He was also always admired for his attention to detail and the manner in which he showed dignity and support to all grieving families.

FAMILY NOTICE; TOM BROWNE, Lucas Park, Enniscorthy. Peacefully in the wonderful care of all at Knockeen Nursing Home, Barntown. Dearly loved husband of Sara and the late Nora, loving father of Mary, Ruth, Paul, Claire and Thomas and much-loved brother of Anne, John and the late Mary, Fr. Paddy, Breda and Celine.

Sadly missed by his loving wife, his children and their partners Killian, Andy, Joanne, Adam and Laura, brother, sister, grandchildren Tom, Conn, Lucy, Alex, Róise, Joe, Tadhg, Emily, Max, Ryan, Alice and Shea, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he Rest in Peace.

Reposing at Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy. Funeral arriving to St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy on Thursday morning for his Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

€4.1m drugs seizure at Rosslare Europort

Drugs seized at Rosslare Europort yesterday. (Pic; Revenue).

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 30s was arrested and he is being held at a Garda Station in Wexford after drugs were found in a unit that had arrived from France yesterday (Tuesday).

200kgs of herbal cannabis and 30kgs of cannabis resin, worth over €4.1 million was recovered when Revenue officers stopped and searched an unaccompanied freight unit in Rosslare Europort. The unit had arrived on a ferry from Cherbourg.

A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested by Gardaí. He is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in Wexford. 

Investigations are ongoing.

Death of rugby star’s father

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of James ‘Suzie’ Furlong from Ballyvelig, Campile, father of Ireland’s rugby international star Tadhg Furlong.

JAMES FURLONG

Mr Furlong, who was a farmer and former butcher, was in his 60s.

He was heavily involved with New Ross Rugby Club where his famous son, Tadhg, perfected his rugby skills as a student at Good Counsel College.

FAMILY NOTICE; JAMES FURLONG, Ballyvelig, Campile. Peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Sadly missed by his loving wife Margaret, sons Eoin and Tadhg, sister Ann, daughter-in-law Áine, Eoin’s partner Laura, uncles Dick and John (Martin), aunts Kitty (Joy) and Marie (O’Shea), brothers-in-law Danny, James and Tim (O’Leary), sister-in-law Mary (Ross), his many cousins, extended family and a large circle of friends. May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace.

Reposing at his residence, (Y34 PC96) on Thursday, December 14th from 2pm concluding at 8pm and on Friday, December 15th from 2pm concluding at 8pm. Removal on Saturday, December 16th, to St. James Church, Horeswood, arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by burial afterwards in Horeswood cemetery.

Alice Doyle makes IFA history

By Dan Walsh

ALICE DOYLE, Deputy President of the IFA (Pic; IFA).

Alice Doyle from Ballyoughter, Camolin, has made history by becoming the first woman to be elected Deputy President of the IFA (Irish Farmers’ Association).

The result of the vote was announced at the election count centre at the Castleknock Hotel in Dublin, at 8pm last night (Tuesday) where it was announced that Doyle received 16,502 votes. She beat off competition from Galway dairy farmer, Pat Murphy who received a total of 12,968 votes.

Prior to her election, she held the position of chair of the IFA National Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee for the past two years.

Alice Doyle is a native of Co. Carlow, and has been farming in partnership with her husband, Tom on their beef and tillage farm near Gorey for over 30 years.

Outside of farming, Doyle was a principal in rural and urban schools throughout Carlow and at Tombrack, in Co. Wexford, a role she felt provided her with crucial skills for the role of IFA Deputy President.

Along with her involvement in IFA, Ms. Doyle is a former county chairperson, national secretary and member of agricultural affairs committee of Macra Na Feirme.

She also is a member of the board of Wexford Mental Health Association and has served as Secretary of Tullow Show Society.

The 17th President of the IFA was confirmed as suckler beef and sheep farmer from Co. Laois, Francie Gorman who beat rival Martin Stapleton – 16,699 votes to 13,210. Gorman who is from Ballinakill will take over as President of the IFA from Tim Cullinan in January, 2024.

Kiltealy drinking water ban is lifted

By Dan Walsh

The Boil Water Notice issued on the Kiltealy Public Water Supply on Friday, December 1sthas been lifted with immediate effect. This news was confirmed today (Tuesday) by Uisce Éireann following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and customers can now resume normal use of the water supply.

The notice was put in place to protect the health of approximately 250 customers due to elevated turbidity in the supply.

Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and Wexford County Council worked to lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible and following the successful completion of remedial works and the receipt of several satisfactory water samples, the Boil Water Notice has been lifted. 

Uisce Eireann’s Jim Fitzgerald acknowledged the impact of the notice on homes and businesses and thanked the community for their support while working to lift the notice. 

“Uisce Éireann’s primary focus remains the protection of public health and we worked to lift the notice as quickly as it was safe to do so. We are grateful to customers, elected representatives and the media for their assistance in sharing information on the boil water notice,” said Mr Fitzgerald.

FF new Wicklow Wexford area plans

Pictured at the Wicklow Wexford Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáil Ceantair meeting held in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD and Minister for State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, James Browne TD, were present at the inaugural meeting of the Wicklow Wexford Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáil Ceantair meeting held in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey, on Monday night.

Around 60 attended the meeting that lasted about an hour and a half and consisted of lively debate. The party is formulating its plans for the upcoming Local Authority elections, European Election, a General Election and a Presidential election.

The meeting was chaired by Cormac Devlin TD, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and the officers elected were as follows; Hon. Presidents, Kathleen Gleeson and Dr Bill O’Connell; Chairman, Barry Brennan; Vice-chairman, Anthony O’Connor; Secretary, Alison McCarthy; Assistant Secretary, Padraig Doran; Treasurers, Jack Redmond and Darragh Gregan; PRO, Sean O’Brien; Membership Officers, Fred Roche, Wicklow, and Paul Walsh, Wexford; and Women and Equality Officer, Irene Sweeney.

The attendance included Ministers Donnelly and Browne, Senators Malcolm Byrne and Pat Casey, and Cllrs Pat Fitzgerald, Pat Kennedy, Thomas Annesley, Joe Sullivan, Andrew Bolger, Donal Kenny, Pip Breen and Barbara-Anne Murphy.

BACKGROUND; The Electoral Commission Constituency Review Report 2023, recommended the formation of a new 3-seat constituency called Wicklow-Wexford.

This constituency should comprise 41 electoral districts with a population of 49,743 from north Wexford and 31 electoral districts with a population of 35,708 from south Wicklow. The Wicklow-Wexford constituency would have a population of 85, 451.

To facilitate the new constituency of Wicklow-Wexford it was decided to reduce the two 5-seat constituencies of Wicklow and Wexford by one seat each and added an additional seat to create this new 3-seat constituency.

Three constituencies are now contained in the counties of Wexford and Wicklow and will be operable for the next General Election. The new boundary between the Wexford constituency and the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency will follow the north electoral divisions to include Kilmuckridge, Wells, Monageer, Ballycarney, Castledockrell, Ballindaggin, Rossard and Bunclody.

Major milestones at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Europort has announced two major milestones in the Co Wexford port’s progress towards becoming Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub.

Port Authority Iarnród Éireann yesterday (Monday) made a formal application to the new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) for Marine Area Consent (MAC).

Additionally, it was announced that the contract for the design of an ORE hub at the port was awarded to Nicholas O’Dwyer (NOD) and partners Gavin and Doherty Geosolutions Consultants (GDG), renowned for their expertise and specialisation in civil engineering and marine projects. 

Rosslare Europort envisions becoming the (ORE) hub to service Ireland and Europe’s wider emerging offshore wind industry. This progressive initiative from Rosslare Europort aligns with the government’s ambitious offshore wind targets, which includes the delivery of 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2030, and an additional 2GW of capacity for non-grid uses to be in development by 2030.

With an estimated completion cost of circa €200 million, the proposed plans for the ORE hub have the potential to revolutionise the Southeast Region’s economy through new local industry, supply-chain development and job creation.

Today’s two milestones follow the recent granting of a foreshore licence from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which has facilitated the commencement of an extensive programme of site investigation works at the port are getting underway.

ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic).

The successful design team will lead the development of a comprehensive design and progress the various planning and statutory consenting applications. The design will encompass key engineering elements, including quay walls, piling, breakwaters, surfacing, services, a small new boat harbour and ancillary facilities, while the planning and consenting elements include obtaining a Marine Area Consent from MARA and preparation and submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report, Appropriate Assessment and planning application to An Bord Pleanála.

Key project elements of the proposed development include:

  • Minimum circa 20 hectares of land reclamation
  • A 330m long heavy lift berth to accommodate ORE installation vessels.
  • A 240m long Roll-On Roll-Off berth to facilitate component delivery.
  • Dredging approach channel to an effective depth of -10m Chart Datum with a declared depth of -9mCD
  • Main berth pocket for Staging and Installation vessels with dredged depth of -12mCD with a declared depth of -11mCD
  • Small boat harbour with enhanced access from deeper water.
  • Operations & Maintenance facilities to include warehousing, offices and carparking.
  • Access facilities to accommodate potential future rail spur connection to site.
  • New access road to small craft harbour and site access to the ORE facility

In the preliminary design phase, this transformative project is set to progress to public consultation in 2024. Following participatory engagement with the public and wider stakeholders, the project design will be finalised, with a planning application intended for submission to An Bord Pleanála in 2024. Construction is scheduled for 2025/26, with project completion anticipated in 2027.

Enniscorthy in Christmas market mode

At the launch of the Enniscorthy Christmas Market were Cllr Cathal Byrne, Minster Paul Kehoe, Claire Comiskey, Le Mo Lamh and Cllr John O’ Rourke (Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, (Pic; Pat O’Connor).

Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The Enniscorthy Municipal District Christmas Market was officially launched in Market Square, Enniscorthy, last weekend and already it is proving a popular choice with plenty of visitors and a distinct seasonal atmosphere.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke said that “Enniscorthy Municipal District is delighted to be bringing this new market to Enniscorthy this Christmas along with free family entertainment. It is hoped that the market can increase the footfall in the town and encourage people to shop locally.”

The talented entertainer ‘Juggler Brendan’ was up to his usual tricks and magic gestures, and he gave two live performances on the day. Free family entertainment over the weekend was provided by Giggles the Clown and Craft Central.

The market is stocked with a variety of local arts and crafts, festive treats hot food and lots more.

The market continue will run over next weekend on December 15th, 16th and 17th from 12 noon to 6.30pm. You will have a chance to see the hilarious Giggles the Clown again next Saturday, December 16th from 1pm to 3pm and there will be free children’s face painting from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday.

Free Christmas Parking is available in public car park only from 11am on Saturday, December 16th and Monday, December 18th to Saturday, December 23rd, inclusive. The local message for Christmas 2023 is as follows; “Join the festive cheer in your town and remember to Shop Local this Christmas.”

Adamstown adopts Safe School Scheme

Students of Adamstown National School embracing the new Safe Route to School Scheme which has been completed and officially opened. (Pic; Mary Browne, Brownes Photography).

By Dan Walsh

The Safe Route to School Scheme was officially opened at Adamstown Primary School marking the completion of construction works as part of the Safe Routes to School Scheme.

The project had an initial allocation of €80,000 in 2023. This was increased upon application by Wexford County Council to increase the project scope to €400,000 and include further safety enhancements at the main village junction.

Cllr. Anthony Connick Cathaoirleach, New Ross Municipal District performed the official opening of the scheme supported by local representatives, Cllrs John Fleming, Bridin Murphy and Pat Barden, Rev. Robert Nolan PP, Adamstown, and representatives of the Safe Routes to School Section of An Taisce.

Cllr. Connick said that the project “has been a great improvement to the village as a whole” and he complemented and congratulated all involved.

School principal Mrs. Claire Kickham said that “it was an absolute pleasure to work collaboratively with representatives from An Taisce, the National Transport Authority and, of course, Wexford County Council.

John Nolan, Principal of Coláiste Abbáin Secondary School also offered his support for the scheme saying that the scheme is of huge benefit to the students of Coláiste Abbáin.

The Adamstown scheme includes distinctive street furniture and crossing points to emphasise school location. The design also includes new footpaths and pedestrian crossings to facilitate the safe movement of pedestrians to school, shop, housing estates and church. Re-surfacing and drainage upgrades were also carried out at the main village junction.

Works were completed by contractor Paddy McGee (Wexford) Ltd. The project was designed and managed by the Active Travel Dept. in Wexford County Council.

Liam Mellows twice remembered today

A lone piper plays the National Anthem at the grave of Liam Mellows in Castletown this morning.

By Dan Walsh at Castletown

The annual Liam Mellows Commemorations took place at St Patrick’s Church and graveyard at Castletown Gorey, this morning. Speeches were delivered and wreaths laid in memory of Liam Mellows (1892-1922).

Lorcan Allen was master of ceremonies at the Fianna Fail committee commemoration where a decade of the rosary was recited ‘as Gaeilge’.

The keynote address was delivered by James Lawless TD, Kildare, who has roots in Courtown, he also laid a wreath on Mellows grave. A piper played the National Anthem.

The attendance included Senator Malcolm Byrne, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Cllrs Andrew Bolger and Joe Sulivan.

In the afternoon, Liam Mellows was again remembered and commemorated at the graveside in a separate annual ceremony organised by Sinn Féin. A wreath was laid on Mellows’ grave. The keynote speaker was Deputy Johnny Mythen from Enniscorthy.

The attendance included Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaourleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, who acted as master of ceremonies.

There was a Colour Party present and members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society also participated and added a traditional atmosphere to the respectful occasion.