Lorcan Kinsella is Chamber President

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber has announced the appointment of Lorcan Kinsella as its new President, a position effective since the recent annual general meeting and viewed as a significant milestone in the Chamber’s history, symbolising a new era of leadership and innovation.  

LORCAN KINSELLA President of Wexford County Chamber.

Mr. Kinsella envisions a Chamber that is at the forefront of digital transformation, supporting local businesses in adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. His leadership is expected to usher in a new era of growth, collaboration, and sustainability for the Chamber and its members, with a focus on the Chamber’s Strategic Vision, namely:  
– Promoting sustainability in business and the wider community. 
– Representing and growing the Chamber’s membership. 
– Advancing economic development in County Wexford. 
– Encouraging tourism, culture, and the nighttime economy. 
– Supporting workforce development and education initiatives. 
– Community Engagement and Future Aspirations.  

Lorcan Kinsella, Founder and CEO of Brand Nova Digital, brings a rich tapestry of experience and achievement to the presidency. His company, an award-winning digital marketing agency based in New Ross, specialises in UI/UX eCommerce website design, search engine optimisation, and digital marketing data analytics software.

His journey to the Presidency began in 2017 when he was invited to join the board of the New Ross District Chamber. His invaluable contributions there led to a seat on the committee responsible for the historic amalgamation of the County Wexford Chamber. Following the successful amalgamation, Mr Kinsella was elected Vice President of County Wexford Chamber.

Four nights of Craanford drama

Described locally as “an unforgettable theatrical experience” and a stage event not to be missed, Craanford Drama presents Martin McDonagh’s acclaimed play, “The Cripple of Inishmaan” for four nights in Craanford Commmunity Centre.

For a mere €10 admission, witness the talent of the cast, featuring Priscilla Mullen, Margaret Nolan, Clodagh Kenny, Ollie Doran, Patrick Lennon, Deirdre Malone, Ger Doran, Seamus Burnell, and Eoin McMahon. The characters, from Aunt Kate to Cripple Billy, are brought to life in a compelling narrative that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Set to captivate audiences at the Craanford Community Centre on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, December 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th and curtains up at 8 pm, this production promises an evening filled with laughter, drama, and superb performances.

Murphy’s winning ways continue

By Dan Walsh

DENIS MURPHY…a winner on Saturday and Sunday.

Denis Murphy from Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, who handled a winner at Lingstown yesterday continued his run of success at Borris House today (Sunday) where he saddled Port Joulain and scored a six lengths victory under Jack Hendrick in division one of the four-year-old geldings maiden race.

Billy Bates and John Martin Walsh from the Kilmore Quay area were also amongst the winners at the Carlow track. The Gypsy Davey scored by three and a half lengths in the five-year-old geldings maiden race ridden by Jimmy O’Rourke, Clonard, Wexford,

Rob James emerged as the sole finisher on Ask Mike, handled by Michael Butler, Piltown, in the maiden race for six-year-olds and over in difficult weather conditions at Borris House.

Point-to-pointing also today (Sunday) at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, where champion rider Barry O’Neill enjoyed an easy 24 lengths victory on Hathaways Cottage for Fermanagh handler David Christie.

Light Up the Night Road Run

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

Almost 300 trucks, tractors and motorbikes, vintage and modern, brought seasonal joy and excitement to Enniscorthy tonight (Saturday) as the Light Up the Night Road Run rolled into town having set out from Oylegate village.

The assembly was in Oylegate where the Christmas Lights were officially switched on before the colourful convoy were dispatched along the N11 with The Promenade beside the River Slaney at Enniscorthy as the collection point.

It was a scene of flashing lights, symbols of Santa and reindeers, and a reminder that Christmas is with us all once again. It was very well organised and apart from some inconvenience to traffic through the town, patience and tolerance and goodwill prevailed at all times and An Garda Siochána were on duty to ensure public safety.

This is an annual event organised by Oylegate Vintage Club, supported from groups from several parts of the county, and is a fundraiser for Pieta. The organisers were overwhelmed by the financial support, but also encouraged by the huge crowds, mostly families with young children, who braved cold to wrap up and enjoy the spectacle.

Lingstown Saturday races successful

By Dan Walsh at Lingstown races

An additional point-to-point fixture at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, today (Saturday) went off well with a satisfactory crowd and doubles for handler Matthew O’Connor-Flynn and riders Jack Hendrick and Brian Lawless.

ROBERT TECTOR saddled a winner at Lingstown today.

Matthew O’Connor-Flynn from Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, saddled the winners of both ‘divides’ of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings, both ridden by Brian Lawless. Nine ran in each division with Tumuch, a €65,000 bargain at the Derby Sales, taking division one by 12 lengths and half an hour later Going Live clinched the double with four lengths to spare.

Owner Kathleen Murphy from Ballinagore, Blackwater, who enjoyed success with Lough Derg Spirit over the Banks Course last Sunday, was back in the Lingstown winners’ enclosure today following the eight lengths success of River Agent handled by Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

This was the first leg of a double for Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick at his local track. Hendrick was aboard Majestic Force for Robert Tector’s Coolbawn, Rathnure stables in the maiden race for mares aged five-years-old and upwards. Likely to go to the sales now, Majestic Force was very impressive with a 28 lengths success in the soft ground conditions.

SHANE COTTER rode his first winner at Lingstown races today.

Air of Entitlement was impressive with a 16 lengths success for Colin Bowe in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. In the absence of the handler, rider Barry O’Neill said; “she loves and soft ground and is a great jumper.”

Billy Codd from nearby Mayglass saddled Special Prep in the Open Lightweight Race confined to novice riders and a two and a half lengths victory provided Cork rider Shane Cotter with his first winner.

Claire O’Connell made the journey from Ashbourne, Co. Meath to saddle Born Braver, who was successfully a few weeks again at Knockmullen House and the home-bred added another Wexford track success by ‘a neck’ in the Winners of Two Race for Cork rider John Barry.

It was a good day’s racing. The start was delayed by half an hour following a heavy night’s frost, one race was divided, and the seven-race card went off safely before darkness fell despite a very heavy shower.

Racing tomorrow (Sunday) is run under the auspices of the Carlow Farmers at Borris House with a large entry and an early start – 11am the first flag falls. 

New folklore book launched in Gorey

At the launch of The Folklore of Wexford in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey, were (left to right); LIZ BURNS, Wexford County Arts Officer, MICHAEL FORTUNE who researched and compiled the publication and MICHAEL DOYLE, South East Radio, who performed the official launch.

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

A new publication embracing living folklore, traditions, stories and calendar customs, compiled by well-known folklorist Michael Fortune under the title The Folklore of Wexford was launched before a packed attendance in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey, tonight (Friday).

The official launch was performed by South East Radio presenter Michael Doyle, who is also Chairman of the Taghmon Historical Society, who reflected on some of the stories in the book, many that he was familiar with, and he complimented Michael Fortune on the book which is filled with observations, accounts, images and films.

There was support from Wexford Arts Officer Liz Burns who stated that the publication was produced by Michael Fortune with the support of the Arts Office and Wexford County Council under their ‘Creative Communities Programme’ and North Wexford Historical Society.

Gerard Fleming, Chair of North Wexford Historical Society Committee, who acted as master of ceremonies, said; “As our traditions and memories are now fast fading with time and the march of technology, we hope that this volume preserves some of Michael’s vast collection and gives the reader pleasure in remembering and sharing these with family and friends.”

Mr Fleming also noted “the QR codes throughout the book are a modern invention and are an interactive and engaging link for you to hear the real voices of your kinspeople sharing their stories and memories from the furrows of our ancient land and the heath-stones of our ancestors.”

Michael Fortune said; “The folklore of Wexford is something which I grew up with in Ballygarrett. It runs deep and is personal. I have a deep connection to the stories and the people and as a result an obligation to represent their voices in the truest way possible.”

In conclusion to a pleasant evening, Michael Fortune expressed his appreciation of the support and shared the great news that almost all copies are sold out, but the greater news is that more is been published and will be available next week and would make the Christmas present!

He thanked Michael Doyle, Liz Burns, Cllrs Pip Breen and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Gerald Fleming and the members of North Wexford Historical Society. There was music from Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann craobh Gorey-Ballygarrett, songs from Aileen Lambert and their talented children, Eppie. Nellie and Nan. Refreshments followed.

The Folklore of Wexford Vol. 1 by Michael Fortune, 128 pages, illustrated. A folklore.ie production in association of the North Wexford Historical Society. ISBN; 978-1-7398403-3-4

Water alert for 250 customers in Kiltealy

By Dan Walsh

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann and Wexford County Council have issued a Boil Water Notice to protect the health of approximately 250 customers supplied by Kiltealy Public Water Supply.

All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking. This is due to elevated turbidity in the supply. All customers supplied by Kiltealy Public Water Supply are impacted.

Uisce Eireann’s Regional Operations Manager Jim Fitzgerald acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community. “Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect public health. We are working to lift the notice as quickly as possible,” stated Mr Fitzgerald. 

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of www.water.ie and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278. A map of the area is attached and available to view on the supply and service section of water.ie. 

Saturday racing at Lingstown

By Dan Walsh

Following on from last Sunday’s successful point-to-point fixture at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, an additional fixture takes place tomorrow (Saturday) with the first race off at 12 noon.

Point-to-point action at Lingstown (File Pic)

The ‘going’ will be like last Sunday, “yielding, yielding to soft in places” and there are 110 entries for the six races. Killinick Harriers are hoping for a good crowd and promising good action on the popular south Wexford track.

The card consists of Race 1 – 4yo Mares Maiden; Race 2 – 4yo Geldings Maiden; Race 3 – 5yo Geldings Maiden; Race 4 – 5yo & Upwards Mares Maiden; Race 5 – Open (Novice Riders) and Race 6 – Winners of Two.

Point-to-point action in the south-east continues on Sunday with the Carlow Farmers fixture at Borris House. It has an early start – the first race is off at 11am.There is a big entry – 150 – and 57 of these are entered in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Songs of Bunclody aired in new book

CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE and AILEEN LAMBERT at the book launch in Bunclody Library .

By Dan Walsh in Bunclody

A new book called O Were I at the Moss House; Songs of Bunclody, a compilation of songs relating to Bunclody and the surrounding area was officially launched tonight (Thursday) in Bunclody Library by Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Cllr O’Rourke said Aileen Lambert’s work involved poems, songs and esteemed writers in the community reflecting the history, heritage and nostalgia and is testament to the town (Bunclody) and the community. He acknowledged the presence of Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Una Cahill from the Wexford Arts department.

“My aim with this project is to draw the attention of singers, locals and visitors to songs associated with Bunclody and the surrounding area,” said editor and facilitator Aileen Lambert, who added; “It is hoped that this songbook may provide the basis for a further performance related project that will see the songs all given voice, some for the first time, as intended by the writers of the songs many decades and even centuries ago.”

It was a launch of few words, but strong on songs with contributions from Deirdre Tobin, Paul Tobin, Noel Armstrong, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Gavin Byrne, Aileen Lambert, Niall Toner, Ian Barry and Suzi Brooks White.

The title O Were I at the Moss House is the opening line of the Streams of Bunclody which is universally acknowledged as “one of the best-known traditional songs in the country.”

O Were I at the Moss House; Songs of Bunclody and Beyond, compiled and edited by Aileen Lambert, 25 songs, 48 pages, published by folklore.ie. ISBN: 978-1-7398403-4-1

Rosslare Harbour IPAS proposal goes before An Bord Pleanala

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS (File Pic).

By Dan Walsh at Special Meeting of Wexford County Council

A proposal to convert the old Great Southern Hotel building at St. Martin’s Road, Rosslare Harbour into accommodation for persons seeking international protection (an IPAS Centre) and to consider if it is classed as “an exempted development” came before a Special Meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber at Carricklawn, Wexford, today (Wednesday).

Three motions were listed, but all three were rejected and not open for discussion following legal advice taken by Wexford County Council. Cathaoirleach Cllr John Fleming was in the chair.

The Council claims it first received a complaint of unauthorised development at St. Martin’s Road in early November 2023. The Council arranged for a site inspection and having regard to the findings of same a Warning Letter was issued on November 10th, 2023, to the developer pursuant to Section 152 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

On November 15th, Deputy Verona Murphy issued an application for a Section 5 Referral on behalf of The People of Rosslare Harbour, and in a written reply, it was stated that the Council’s preference was to have the direction from An Board Pleanala on the issue.

Minister Roderick O’Gorman has written to Wexford County Council on November 21st to confirm that he will not enter a contract until the planning matters referred by Wexford County Council to An Bord Pleanala are concluded. No timeline was mentioned, but there is a general feeling in the Rosslare Harbour district that it will “be sooner rather than later!”

Chief Executive Tom Enright welcomed a deputation from Rosslare Harbour to the Council Chamber and he assured them that “the Council will continue to work in the best interests of their community.”

Cllr Lisa McDonald proposed a motion calling for “a united and dignified way forward”, Cllr Jim Moore seconded. There was strong support from the meeting for the people of Rosslare Harbour, who were represented in the chamber and staged a peaceful protest outside the Council buildings as the members arrived for the special meeting.