WexfordLocal.com

Engaging communities and artists in Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh at the December meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council

Creative Places, Enniscorthy, is an Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon award, a new and innovative initiative from the Arts Council, who is also funding the projects, which hopes to embed creative arts practice into communities and was introduced at the December meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

In a presentation to the meeting, Daryn O’Callaghan, Co-Ordinator, explained that Creative Places will engage with communities and artists in Enniscorthy, over this 3-year award and hope to put down strong roots for the future for creativity in the lives of the people.

“The priorities include making arts experience more accessible and consider how artistic interventions can contribute to a sense of place and community,” said Ms. O’Callaghan.

The presentation was appreciated by the members, but the Christmas spirit soon evaporated when members learned that they had no role in the distribution of funding towards the programme which they negatively appreciated was “not in our control”.

**CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal Dist. Council**

Cllr Jackser Owens questioned the lack of public representation on the committee. “This can’t be right. We need members of this Council on the committee,” he stated. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy supported Cllr Owens and queried “a lack of input from the committee.”

Cllr Cathal Byrne felt this was an attack on local democracy and stated that it was important that a councillor be on the committee. Cllr Aidan Browne added his support to the debate.

Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke complimented Daryn O’Callaghan, project co-ordinator, and Elizabeth Whyte, CEO Wexford Arts Centre, who was also in attendance for the excellent presentation and was promised the Council’s support for Creative Places, Enniscorthy, during its three-year existence.

Plans for two Co. Wexford schools

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD and Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Ossian Smyth TD today (Tuesday) launched the next phase of the school retrofitting pathfinder programme.

Two Co. Wexford schools are included in the programme; St Kevin’s National School at Tara Hill, Gorey and Kennedy College, New Ross.

Senator Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the announcement. “Schools often face significant bills for heating and energy use. Any way to make them more energy efficient is positive. These are two good schools in Wexford that will benefit but ultimately, it is hoped all schools could be retrofitted,” he concluded.

**SENATOR MALCOLM BYRNE welcomes schools retrofit funding.**

Up to 14 schools will be retrofitted and upgraded to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B with renewable heating to reduce their CO2 emissions by 51 per cent. There is a targeted budget of €50 million for this new phase of the Schools Energy Retrofit Pathfinder Programme. It is being jointly funded by the Department of Education and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The programme will be administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Department of Education, with delivery support from Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB).

2024 investment projects for Rosslare

By Dan Walsh

Preliminary figures from Iarnród Éireann show rail passenger journeys in 2023 achieved one of their highest ever totals, as the post-COVID recovery continued. An estimated 45.5 million journeys have been made during the past 12 months, up from 35.8 million in 2022.

Looking forward to 2024, Iarnród Éireann states that new train carriages will enter service, new DART carriages will begin to arrive, and major rail projects in all cities and Rosslare Europort ORE project are set to progress.

Iarnród Éireann is also Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, and its status as Ireland’s Gateway to Europe has been confirmed with 36 services operating directly between the Port and Europe each week.

As well as investment in the Port Masterplan, an ambitious €200 million plan to become Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy Hub is progressing, with the port uniquely placed to support the development of the industry in the Celtic and Irish Seas. The planning process for this key national and regional strategic investment will be progressed throughout 2024.

Waterford’s Plunkett Station is being relocated to be part of an integrated transport hub under plans to develop the city’s North Quays.

Shooting arrows in the rain at Hook Head

**Dunbrody Archers shooting arrows into the air in miserable weather conditions for the annual New Year’s Day tradition at Hook Head today.**

By Dan Walsh at Hook Lighthouse

“It was nice to get the honour. It was a fantastic experience and will go down in the history books,” Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council, told WexfordLocal.com today having led the way at the annual New Year’s Day ‘shooting the arrows’ celebration held at Hook Head.

Cllr Connick, armed with bow and arrow and carefully supervised by the Dunbrody Archers, was one of over 20 archers who sent arrows into the air in the presence of a large crowd who braved heavy rain and atrocious weather conditions.

Cllr Connick said the ceremony is symbolic of “taking ownership of the estuary”. He added; “It is a unique ceremony, and it was organised so well today, and we managed to weather the storm!

The age-old tradition dates to 1687 when the mayor and the corporation of New Ross Town Council claimed their authority over the Tower and waters by travelling to the point of the Hook and shooting an arrow into the sea from Hook Head Lighthouse.

The tradition was revived about 20 years ago and has become a popular New Year’s Day activity. “It is a very important occasion, attracts a great deal of public attention and is great for Hook Lighthouse tourism,” said Lorraine Waters, Manager, Hook Heritage, who was the chief organiser. She thanked New Ross Municipal District Council, the Coast Guard, An Garda Siochána, the Dunbrody Archers, New Ross District Pipe Band led by Brian MacMahon and the large crowd who turned up in the worst possible weather conditions for supporting the event

The attendance included Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council and Cllr Michael Whelan, Chairman and Wexford County Council’s representative on the board of Hook Lighthouse and Heritage Centre.

The Visitor centre which is open year-round at Hook Lighthouse and offers guided tours of the Medieval lighthouse tower, built by William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke and the most famous Knight of his time, as part of the development of his Lordship of Leinster. Purpose built as a lighthouse 800 years ago, and still fully operational today.

Guided tours take you through the lighthouse with fascinating insights, stories and facts of this unique building. Enjoy the spectacular view from the balcony. Our Visitor Centre located in the former keepers houses where there is a first-class gift shop, café and bakery.

Two injured in motorcycle collision

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí in Arklow are seeking information about an incident in the early hours of yesterday (Saturday) morning when a motorcycle struck a pavement kerb and the driver and passenger were ejected from the machine.

Both the driver and passenger made their way home afterwards, however, the driver, a man in his 50s collapsed and was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, where he remains in ‘a serious condition’.

The passenger, a woman in her 40s, was also taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital where she is being treated for ‘non-life threatening’ injuries.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. Any road users or pedestrians who were in the vicinity of the R772, at exit 20 from the M11 southbound travelling towards Arklow town on Saturday morning, between 12.15 and 12.45am and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Arklow Street Garda Station on 0402 32304, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

New Year’s Day archery at the Hook

By Dan Walsh

The centuries-old tradition using a bow and arrow takes place on New Year’s Day at the 800-year-old Hook Lighthouse as the Dunbrody archers re-enact the amazing traditional ‘arrow ceremony’.

Commencing at 1pm The Dunbrody Archers and the Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council, Cllr Anthony Connick, will participate in the ceremony.

The age-old tradition dates back to 1687 when the Mayor and the corporation of New Ross Town Council claimed their authority over the Tower and waters by travelling to the point of the Hook and shooting an arrow into the sea from Hook Head Lighthouse.

On New Year’s Day 2024, The Dunbrody Archers will assist the Mayor of New Ross in an ‘arrow ceremony’, and demonstrating his Robin Hood skills, the Mayor will cast an arrow into the sea symbolising the Ports’ authority over the estuary.

Members of the public are invited to come and watch the free historical event on New Year’s Day.

Please ensure you arrive early as parking is limited on the Lighthouse grounds, if spectators chose to park outside the Lighthouse grounds, please ensure you park safely and not obstructing any area of the road.

Fancy a New Year’s Day swim?

By Dan Walsh

We are now in the fading days of 2023 and trying to discover a reason to get 2024 off to an exciting start! Well, how about bravely dipping into the sea this weekend by adding joy and support to two deserving charities.

WexfordLocal.com has been informed of two challenges coming up this weekend that could fit nicely into the new diary!

Why not make a Big Splash for Little Heroes by taking a dip at Old Bawn Beach, Ballygarrett, on Saturday, December 30^th at 11am in aid of the Laura Lynn Hospice. Donations are welcomed and appreciated, please see link; https://www.idonate.ie/fundr…/BigSplashforLittleHeroes2023.

The annual New Year’s Day Swim with Cahore Inshore Rescue Service takes place on Monday, New Year’s Day, at Cahore Pier, starting at 1pm.

Wexford winners celebrate Christmas

By Dan Walsh

The annual Christmas racing festival kicked off today (St. Stephen’s Day) with three fixtures countrywide at Leopardstown, Limerick and Down Royal and the Wexford flag was flying successfully with doubles for jockeys Sean Flanagan and Sean O’Keeffe and one win each for jockey JJ Slevin, Philip Rothwell and Davidstown, Enniscorthy, trainer Paul Nolan.

Paul Nolan saddled the promising grey four-year-old Joyau De Thaix (7/1) to a one- and three-quarter lengths victory in the maiden hurdle at Limerick ridden by Sean Flanagan, Palace East, Clonroche.

**SEAN O’KEEFFE, St. Stephen’s Day double at Limerick.**

Flanagan recorded a double on the Gavin Cromwell trained The King of Prs (10/3) by two and a half lengths in the novice chase.

Sean O’Keeffe, Harveystown, Taghmon, enjoyed a double, both from the Willie Mullins stables, newcomer Bunting (2/5 fav) by eight lengths in the maiden race for three-year-olds and Loughglynn (9/4 fav) by one length in the Grade 2 novice hurdle.

Philip Rothwell was also amongst the winners at Limerick. The Fairwood Stables, Tinahely, trainer saddled Phil’s Choice (9/1) with Sam Ewing up and the came home first in the handicap hurdle.

JJ Slevin, Kiltrea, Enniscorthy, turned up at Leopardstown and rode a televised race winner on Ataboycharles (17/2) for Meath trainer Edward Cawley.

Closing date for Wexford sports clubs

By Dan Walsh

Former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan has been in contact with WexfordLocal.com to issue a reminder to sports clubs in Co. Wexford that the closing date for applications for a €5,000 award under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative is January 31^st.

Former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan has issued a call to all sports clubs reminding members that the countdown is on to the January 31st closing date for applications for a €5,000 award under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative.

Noting the benefit to be gained by the award, the popular broadcaster and adjudicator confirmed that “entry is open to all clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal, or gender, including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.”

This is its fourth year, the annual initiative has already seen funding of €385,000 distributed to clubs across the 26 counties, of which €15,000 has come to Co. Wexford with successful applicants including Kilmore United FC (2021), Menapians Athletic Club (2022) and Aspire Gymnastics Academy, Kiltealy (2023) each receiving €5,000.

Further information can be viewed at www.TexacoSupportforSport.com

HAPPY CHRISTMAS 2023

WexfordLocal.com wishes all our loyal readers and followers a HAPPY CHRISTMAS 2023. We are your e-newspaper covering local news, sport and events that matter across Co. Wexford since June 2020.

This is your first search for all the breaking news and coverage of local events as they happen in the community where you work, rest or celebrate.

WexfordLocal.com wishes to thank everybody who have co-operated in generating news stories, those who generously share their press releases, the photographers, and those thoughtful supporters who always send us in the right direction to cover a breaking story, and, of course without readers there would be no point in keeping the local news and events on the front page! Our loyal readers are ‘gold dust’ in the survival of the evolving media industry.

Quality production is an important ingredient, and we applaud our universal publisher WordPress for the high standard of production and technical support always provided.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS 2023 to readers and followers everywhere.

Regards. Dan Walsh, member of National Union of Journalists, Managing Editor, WexfordLocal.com. Always available by email at WexfordLocal@gmail.com

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