The Hook Lighthouse Development Project received good news when Wexford County Council announced the appointment of Tandem Design to create an Interpretive Design and Experience Plan for the expansion of visitor experiences at the Hook Lighthouse.
HOOK LIGHTHOUSE (File Pic).
The project is being developed in association with Fáilte Ireland, Irish Lights and Hook Heritage CLG with funding provided through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) Scheme under the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Plans are underway to expand the visitor experience at the Hook Lighthouse to create an exciting, sustainable and environmentally sensitive visitor attraction on the Hook Lighthouse Campus.
After an international competition, Tandem Design won the competition to develop the Interpretation, Design and Experience for the Hook Lighthouse campus.
The project is part of an ongoing initiative to develop and improve County Wexford’s tourism infrastructure by Wexford County Council and Fáilte Ireland.
Keep an eye on http://www.hookheritage.ie/ where updates on the project will be available in the coming months.
A man who got cut off by the tide while walking near the Ferrybank area of Wexford town on Sunday evening was safely rescued by Wexford RNLI.
Wexford RNLI (Pic; RNLI/Lorraine Galvin).
The man alerted family members of his whereabouts and they contacted the Irish Coast Guard who coordinated the rescue.
Curracloe Coast Guard unit assembled and were on scene at 5pm and despite the darkness were able to locate the man who was in the water and unable to get ashore. Wexford RNLI then launched their inshore lifeboat to assist at 5.37pm and were on scene 5.55pm. With assistance from the shore-based Coast Guard unit on scene, the lifeboat crew quickly located the casualty and took him onboard the lifeboat. The lifeboat returned back to Wexford Lifeboat station with the casualty, who was slightly cold and wet but otherwise in good spirits. After being warmed up in the station, he went home with his family. Speaking after the rescue, Dave Dempsey, Wexford RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘It was a good result with great teamwork between us and our colleagues in the Coast Guard ensuring the casualty was brought back safely to his family. The casualty did the right thing in carrying a mobile phone while walking near the shoreline and we would like to commend him for that as it meant he was able to raise the alarm when he knew he was in difficulty.”
At the South East Business Conference were (left to right); Ankush Shirsath, Enterprise Ireland, Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Onyedikachi Onwusor, South East Energy Agency, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Master of Ceremonies and Michael Crowley, Microfinance Ireland.
By Dan Walsh
More than 60 business leaders gathered in ‘the Street’ at Wexford County Council for the Making Sustainability Happen: Funding Pathways and SuccessStories Conference where the objective was to create awareness of sustainability supports via the Local Enterprise Office and partner agencies and to encourage the business community in the South East to urgently integrate sustainability as a KPI for their business.
Renowned Irish biologist, environmental consultant and radio and television presenter Éanna Ní Lamhna was master of ceremonies and moderated two panel discussions on this topical and important subject. Attendees were delighted to hear direct from successful businesses owners Simon Lynch, Wicklow Wolf Brewery, Catherine Murphy Brady, Brady’s Coffee, and Michael Griffin, Griffin Group how they have implemented changes in their businesses to improve their sustainability credentials.
Michael Griffin detailed how the Griffin Group successfully incorporated solar panels as a key measure to reduce energy consumption. The benefits of renewable energy was reiterated by Simon Lynch who also outlined how Wicklow Wolf have focused on local sourcing of their ingredients.
Catherine Brady spoke about the positive impact of the Local Enterprise Office Green for business support on her coffee roasting business. With the help of a LEO appointed environmental consultant they have identified and implemented practical steps to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing their packaging usage amongst other measures. Information on the various supports available was outlined at the event by speakers Ankush Shirsath from Enterprise Ireland, Amanda Timbrell from the High-Performance Building Alliance, Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development Wexford County Council, Onyedikachi Onwusor of the South East Energy Agency and Michael Crowley of Microfinance Ireland.
Networking sessions which afforded companies the opportunity to meet with LEO staff and Green Consultants who are available via the LEO to help business to apply for the Green for Business support and the €5000 EnergyEfficiency Grant.
Further information on both supports is available by contacting the Local Enterprise Office on 053 9196020 or by checking out on the website http://www.localenterprise.ie/green
KATHLEEN MURPHY displays the cup beside her son and handler DENIS MURPHY and rider JACK HENDRICK and extended family following LOUGH DERG SPIRIT’s brilliant success in the Nevilles Hotel Open Lightweight Race over the Banks Course at Lingstown point-to-point today (Sunday).
By Dan Walsh at Lingstown point-to-point races
Lough Derg Spirit made his debut over the Banks Course in the Open Lightweight Nomination Race at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, today (Sunday) and booked himself a place in the cross-country race at Cheltenham in December with the long-term plan to have a crack at the La Touche Cup at Punchestown next April.
It was a fourth time career success for the 11-year-old who runs in the colours of Kathleen Murphy, Ballinagore, Blackwater, handled by her son, Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, who had five lengths to spare in the hands of local Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick.
The feature race success was the second of the day for the Murphy/Hendrick partnership. They won division one of the maiden race for four-year-old mares with Presenting Doy who got the better of Ellen Doyle’s Whatmakes Honey (Brian Dunleavy) in a short-head finish.
Twoohthree carrying the Monbeg Syndicate colours scored by ‘a neck’ in division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings race for Ballindaggin handler Sean Doyle and rider Jamie Scallan who hails from beside the Lingstown track at Tomhaggard. Gordon Elliott and Barry O’Neill won division two of this ‘divide’ with Son of Anarchy, who is now destined for the sales ring. His winning verdict was 12 lengths.
SEAN STAPLES rode his 23rd career winner at his local track.
Sean Staples from nearby Duncormick enjoyed his 23rd career success aboard Theatre Light for the Blackhall Stables Partnership, Killurin, and a first victory of the season for handler Paul Martin Pierce. Three and a half lengths the verdict and they scuppered a treble for Denis Murphy and Jack Hendrick who filled the runner-up spot with Ciakat.
Stuart Crawford made the long journey from Larne in Co. Antrim to saddle Sawdust in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings, but it was all worthwhile and ended well with an impressive five lengths success and an excellent ride from veteran point-to-point rider Derek O’Connor. And guess who the runners-up were…Manlikemike for Denis Murphy and Jack Hendrick!
My Forever Annie (Declan Lavery up) won by ‘a nose’ in division two of the four-year-old mares maiden race for handler Patrick Turley, who came all the way from Downpatrick, Co. Down,
Darragh Allen from Kilworth, Co. Cork was the rider of Lonesome Boatman, a winner by two lengths in the concluding maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards.
Conditions were misty for much of the day, but the rain held off, and there was a fine attendance. The track was in good order, plenty of grass, and the racing was very competitive with close finishes. The first two races were ‘divided’, so it was an eight-race card and everything went off safely.
An additional point-to-point has been scheduled for Lingstown next Saturday, December 2nd with the first race at 12 noon. 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. Entries close next Tuesday.
Tributes have been pouring in from the rowing and regatta community lamenting the sad passing of Jim ‘Nim’ Dunne, Park, Bree, who is regarded as one of the greatest and most passionate members of the river sport throughout his lifetime.
Nim’s local club, in a statement on social media said; “Edermine Ferry Rowing Club are deeply saddened to announce the untimely passing of one of our club stalwarts and founder, Nim Dunne. A man who was deeply passionate about rowing and the club will leave a long history and many a story behind him.
“We are today sharing our sympathy with his beloved wife Breda and their family, Maura, Helen, Clodagh Tom, Pat, and extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís.
At his Funeral Mass today (Monday) Nim’s Lifetime Achievement award was brought to the altar and members of Edermine Ferry Rowing Club formed a guard of honour.
JIM ‘NIM’ DUNNE
A native of Borrmount, Nim became associated with rowing when the Edermine Regatta on the River Slaney was revived in 1974, by a committee from Edermine and Oylegate.
In 1977 Nim was chosen for the first ever award for rowing in the Bree Parish Awards.
Nim Dunne (and Tom Dempsey) were unbeaten in the senior pair-oar for many years at the regattas at Edermine, Killurin, Ferrycarrig, Wexford and other venues. They were a legendary duo in the tough river sport and Nim never lost his passion for rowing and continued to compete into the veteran stages.
He also officiated at the Edermine regatta up to this year and retained a love of rowing and a devotion to his local club. Nim will be sadly missed throughout the community and deepest sympathy is extended to his wife, Breda, their children, extended family and friends. R.I.P.
FAMILY NOTICE; JIM ‘NIM’ DUNNE, Park, Bree, Enniscorthy, November 24th 2023; Sadly missed by his beloved wife Breda (Bolger), his children Maura, Helen, Clodagh, Tom and Pat and their partners Pat, Mat, Hugh, Anne and Colleen, his grandchildren Nicole, Rachel, Katie and their partners Davis, James and Tommy, Arthur, James, Aoife, Paudie, Tom, Niamh, Jim and Ned and his two great grandchildren Darragh and Éabha and also Robert and Nathan, his brother John, sisters Margaret and Josephine, brother in law and sisters in law, nieces and nephews and his many many friends. May he Rest in Peace
Reposing at his home (Y21 A6K5) today (Sunday) from 2pm to 8pm.
Removal on Monday to the Church of the Assumption, Bree arriving for his Funeral Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Bree Cemetery.
SANTA and MRS CLAUS acknowledging the cheers of the crowds on Gorey’s Main Street. (Pic; Joe Dixon Photography).
By Dan Walsh at Gorey
A massive crowd estimated to be in the region of 10,000 packed Gorey’s long Main Street tonight (Saturday) to witness Santa and Mrs Claus make a special family friendly appearance on stage and perform the annual ‘Switch-On’ of the Christmas lights.
Believed to be the biggest crowd ever to converge on the Main Street for many years, aided by good weather behaviour, the families were arriving long before the big event and were excellently entertained in seasonal style by The Gorey Ukes and members from St. Aidan’s Services, Gorey, and all were in excellent voice.
A procession through the crowds to the stage was carried out safely and the cheers reached a crescendo when Santa and Mrs Claus appeared on stage. They were interviewed by master of ceremonies Dave Redmond before pressing the plunger and Gorey erupted into a feast of light and the official countdown to Christmas is on its way!
On stage were Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Cllrs Andrew Bolger and Joe Sullivan, District Manager Philip Knight, Director of Services Liz Hore, Michael Gleeson, Chairman, other members of the organising committee and LoveGorey.
Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council has plans for the inaugural Christmas market on the three Saturdays and Sundays of December on the Plaza Area in front of Gorey Civic Offices and at the entertainment centre adjacent to The Avenue. 15-20 stalls trading each day featuring arts, crafts, gifts, food and more.
And news of Christmas parking arrangements in Gorey is that free off-street parking is available from 11am on Saturday, December 2nd, 9th and 16th and Monday to Saturday, inclusive, December 18th-23rd.
On Sunday, December 3rd, Kilmuckridge welcomes the Santa Truck or Santa’s Grotto Lorry from 3.30pm and all proceeds from this event are donated to the Laura Lynn foundation.
The going is ‘soft’ for tomorrow’s Killinick Harriers fixture at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, where the first of six races get under way at 12.30pm. There is a large entry of 141 and the feature race is the Open Race over the Banks Course which is always an exciting spectacle.
And more good news for point-to-point enthusiasts, An additional point-to-point has been scheduled for Lingstown next Saturday, December 2nd. Entries close next Tuesday.
ELLEN DOYLE enjoyed a winner in Waterford today (Saturday).
Ellen Doyle from Baltimore Stables at Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, saddled her 45th career winner and opened her account for the new season at Boulta in west Waterford today (Saturday) when newcomer Mountain Ash scored by a head in the maiden race for four year old mares. Ridden by Brian Dunleavy, Mountain Ash got the better of Neon Diamond for the Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neil team.
Jonathan Fogarty also found himself in the winner’s enclosure at Boulta after newcomer Mulinas took division one of the maiden race for four year old geldings with Barry Stone up. Operating from Gaynestown Stud, Cleariestown, this was Fogarty’s 15th career winner as a handler and he has made an excellent start to the new season.
Virtual Dementia Tour and Training for staff on Monday morning in Wexford County Council. (Pic; Wexford County Council.)
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council recently welcomed the ‘Virtual Dementia Tour Bus’ to County Hall. The Tour allows people to experience the lived reality people with dementia can go through daily, allowing participants to gain an insight into what it is like for those who are living with dementia.
Speaking after the training Ann Marie Laffan from the Community Section at Wexford County Council said;” Participants found the training quite overwhelming, thought provoking and a great way to develop an understanding of what people living with dementia might experience.’ She continued; “Our aim in delivering this training was to enable participants to gain a greater understanding and to consider the lived reality of dementia in design and delivery of our services and how we interact with people.”
The initiative was supported by Healthy Wexford, at Wexford County Council. Annette Dupuy, Healthy County Co-Ordinator added; “In our vision for a Healthy Wexford we are working to support the wellbeing of all of our citizens and enabling this type of dementia awareness training with staff and stakeholders is a further step to delivering on this vision.”
Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council who took part in the training said; “This is one of the most powerful things I have experienced, and I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to experience this training to fully
understand exactly what is like for someone living with dementia. This training will assist those who attended to understand the needs of those living with dementia better as well as to communicate better with them which is important for us as a local authority.”
Alongside the Dementia Bus, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Mobile Information Service attended County Hall, offering both staff and those visiting County Hall the opportunity to pop in and gather some information on local resources and supports
available.
This training follows on from a series of initiatives that Wexford County Council has delivered over recent years to make the organisation more dementia friendly. These included their involvement in the setting up of the Wexford Dementia Alliance, a
multi-agency group that aims to improve the health and wellbeing for people living with dementia and their families and carers in Wexford as well as the production of a dementia information leaflet and directory of services with information on key services and supports available locally.
Other agencies that attended the training included An Garda Siochana, HSE, WWETB and Wexford Local Development.
With a gentle flick of a switch from the nimble fingers of Mr and Mrs Claus the streets of Enniscorthy were illuminated for Christmas this evening in Market Square and the crowds cheered loudly across the town.
Performers, cartoon characters and children decorated in seasonal costume gathered in the grounds of Enniscorthy Castle before squeezing though the crowds along Rafter Stret and into Market Square led by a piper and safety was ensured by members of An Garda Siochana.
Market Square was packed with family groups and excited little children as Liam Sharkey entertained the waiting crowds and played seasonal music. The weather was on its best behaviour. The occasion was merry and it was wonderful to see so many happy smiling faces everywhere.
There were no official speeches, but the general message emanating from the festive occasion is simple; “Shop local and keep the business in Enniscorthy this Christmas”.
The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Jackser Owens, Cathal Byrne and Aidan Browne; Claire Lawless, District Manager, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services and Edel Nolan, Staff Officer. Enniscorthy District staff supervised street closures and crowd control duties.
An 84-year-old pedestrian has died in a road traffic collision on the R772 Arklow Road at Aske a few kilometres north of Gorey.
The incident occurred around 7.30pm last night. It is understood the deceased was walking a short distance to visit a neighbour when he was struck by a passing vehicle.
Emergency services attended the scene.
Anyone witnesses to the incident is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on (053) 9430690, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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