Éire Ní Fhaoláin reads from her debut collection of poetry Tuigim at the launch in the Book Café, Gorey, last night. (Pic; John Ó Faoláin).
By Dan Walsh in Gorey
It was an occasion of poetry, celebration and song as Gorey teenager Éire Ní Fhaoláin, (17), who is a 6th year student at Meánscoil Gharman, Enniscorthy, launched her first Irish language poetry collection, called ‘Tuigim’ at a pleasant launch held in the Book Café, Gorey, last evening (Friday).
The official launch was performed in front of ‘a packed house’ by well-known local poet and traditional singer Máire Ní Bhriain who sang the praise of Éire’s exceptional talent at a very young age and praised her gift of contribution to the Irish language and congratulated her on a wonderful achievement in publishing her first collection of poetry.
Éire acted as master of ceremonies and concluded by reading the longest poem in the book, and the title poem, Tuigim. She thanked everybody who helped along the way from teachers, family, close friends and, especially, all who attend her launch.
Contributors on the night, who read their favourite poems from Éire’s collection included Colm Brennan, Stephen James Smith, Álanna Hammell, Rachel Uí Fhaoláin and Culainn Ó Faolain. A traditional music session followed.
The cover, design, layout and illustrations for Tuigim are all the work of talented Éire Ní Fhaoláin and the book is available at The Book Centre, Wexford town, Eason branches at Wexford, Enniscorthy and Gorey, Red Books, Wexford and Gorey, and the Irish National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig. The book is also available through Dublin’s main Irish language bookshop, An Siopa Leabhair, located in Conradh na Gaeilge’s premises on Harcourt Street.
Rosslare Harbour lifeboat volunteer Sean Cullen, (18), holding photographs of his great-great grandfather James Wickham and his great-grandfather Jack Wickham, both former lifeboat coxwains. (Pic; RNLI/David Branigan).
By Dan Walsh
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has launched its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the generations of families who have volunteered their time and commitment 24/7, 365 days a year, to ensure the charity’s lifesaving service has continued for nearly 200 years.
The charity has highlighted the dedication of one such family in Rosslare, through their Christmas campaign, who can trace their lifesaving back five generations to the 1800s.
The Wickham family from Rosslare in Wexford have an incredible record of service, having five generations serve on the lifeboat, from Thomas Wickham in the late 1800s, who was the Lifeboat Coxswain, followed by his sons Edward and James, both of whom also became Coxswains. Then Jack Wickham, James’s son, was second Coxswain and Mechanic on the lifeboat, while his son Matt became station mechanic. Matt’s cousin Fergus Wickham was also lifeboat coxswain and his brothers Brian and Billy were volunteer crew members. The current generation have also become lifeboat crew with Matt’s grandson, Sean Cullen, becoming a lifeboat volunteer, along with his cousin Ronan Hill.
The family have also received recognition for their callouts, including the Mexico rescue in 1914, which took place over three days, the Mountblairy in 1927, where a crew of five jumped from their wreck onboard the lifeboat and the rescue of seven people in November 1954, when the tanker World Concord broke in half during a storm of exceptional violence in the Irish Sea. Matt’s first callout was to the Tuskar Rock tragedy in 1968.
Matt Wickham is now retired as Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Mechanic and crew member and features with his grandson, lifeboat volunteer Sean Cullen (18) in the RNLI’s Christmas campaign, which celebrates the families that have given generations of service to the lifeboats.
Matt’s daughter Mag Wickham is again sharing a home with a lifeboat volunteer as she watches her 18-year-old son, Sean, volunteer for the lifeboat. Trained as a nurse in Dublin, Mag couldn’t follow family onto the lifeboat, but she now raises funds for the station, following in her own mother and grandmother’s steps. Mag commented; “I wasn’t tempted to the join the lifeboat crew but my cousin Pamela was a lifeboat volunteer for a while. I knew that Sean would volunteer the minute he turned 17 years of age.”
“With volunteering, everybody can do it and the funds raised make it all possible. If you want to help and commit, you’ll be shown how. You’ll be trained, provided with the correct equipment and what you get back, is that feeling of being able to save somebody, with the best people around you. With the RNLI, when someone calls for your help, they really need your help and when you stop and think about that, you realise it is just massive,” concluded Mag.
RNLI lifeboats launch throughout the year, including Christmas day, whenever and wherever they are needed. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea and on inland waters. These rescues, and others, all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews.
To donate to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, please support your local lifeboat station or visit RNLI.org/Winter Appeal.
Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council welcomed over 250 people from across Ireland to this year’s National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards ceremony held in Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford.
At the National Age Friendly Awards in Clayton White’s Hotel, Wexford were; (left to right); Caroline Horan, Access Officer Wexford County Council, Dymphna O’Connor, S.E.O. Community Section, Cllr Ger Carty, Chairman Our Lady’s Island Community Development Committee, Annette Dupuy, Healthy County Co-ordinator; Lorraine Burke, Our Lady’s Island Community Development Committee. (Pic; Browne’s Photography).
The awards recognise and reward, groups and individuals who have put significant time and effort into ensuring projects become a reality to make a difference to the lives of the older generation.
Tom Enright, Chief Executive, had a special welcome for the Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD. Mr Enright said; “Wexford County Council is delighted to be hosting these National Awards which recognise the contribution made across the country to enhance the lives of older people.”
This was the seventh annual awards ceremony for Age Friendly Ireland since 2014, presented by Age Friendly Ireland, a shared service function of Local Government in Meath County Council and was hosted by Wexford County Council, which has been an Age Friendly County since 2013.
Turning the sod on the new housing scheme at Tober Cormaic, Tagoat (left to right); Cllr Ger Carthy, Cllr Lisa Mc Donald, Cllr. Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District and Cllr Frank Staples.
By Dan Walsh
Cllr Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District has turned the sod on an 18-unit social housing scheme at Tobar Cormaic, Tagoat.
“This new social housing development is much welcomed by the elected representatives from the Municipal District of Rosslare and the people living in our uniquely rural District,” said Cllr Moore, who added; “The continued delivery of social housing units is of critical importance to the sustainability of our rural communities.”
Eddie Taaffe, Director of Services for Capital Development said; “This scheme in Tagoat represents the latest project in Wexford County Council’s programme of social housing construction.
Mr Taffee continued; “Together with our partners in the Approved Housing Bodies, over 400 new dwellings have been delivered since the start of 2022 and a further 700 will be completed by 2026. The Housing Construction team is working hard to develop more projects and increase the amount of social housing construction delivered by Wexford County Council and we hope to exceed our targets set under the Government’s Housing for All plan.
The Tober Cormaic scheme is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under ‘Housing for All’ the national housing plan, will help to address the demand for social housing in the area. It will comprise of modern and energy efficient homes designed to meet the needs of individuals and families. The development consists of two by 2-bedroom single storey houses, six 2-bedroom Duplex apartment units, two 1-bedroom Duplex apartment units, one 2-storey 4-bedroom house and two 3-bedroom houses.
Kevin Thorpe Ltd (KTL Construction), Newtown, Adamstown, have been appointed by Wexford County Council for the construction works, with the development expected to be completed and occupied by early 2025.
Pictured in Enniscorthy today were (left to right); Ed Murphy (Platinum Homecare), Dermot Bolger (Platinum Homecare), Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD and Charlotte Reilly (Platinum Homecare). (Pic; Slaney News).
By Dan Walsh
Minister for Finance Micheal McGrath TD was in Enniscorthy today with Platinum Homecare at the Peare Campus, Old Dublin Road, for an important jobs’ announcement.
Founded in February 2023 by two entrepreneurs with a strong Co. Wexford background, Ed Murphy and Dermot Bolger, and supported by Charlotte Reilly, Platinum Homecare has put together a team of skilled care and business professionals nationwide. At present the company has created six jobs in Enniscorthy and that number is expected to grow to around 20 by the end of 2024.
Platinum Homecare is forecasting an additional 250 new carer, care and regional manager positions across Ireland within the next 12 months, contributing to the economy while addressing the critical need for enhanced home care services.
Minister McGrath stated; “Platinum Homecare’s ambitious plan to create 250 new jobs in Ireland is a testament to their commitment to transforming home care services in our country. This initiative will benefit our economy, the healthcare system, and, most importantly, the families who need these services. By enabling individuals to age gracefully in their own homes, Platinum Homecare is not only empowering our aging population but also reducing the strain on our healthcare facilities.”
Ed Murphy, founder and Chair of Platinum Homecare, stated; “Our goal is to fundamentally change the home care model, making it more effective, personal, and technology driven. We are proud to play a vital role in the evolution of home care services in Ireland.”
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
WexfordLocal.com 