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.

New visitor plan at Hook Lighthouse

By Dan Walsh

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.

Man rescued from water at Ferrybank

By Dan Walsh

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.”

60 businesses leaders attend conference

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 Success Stories 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

Murphy family celebrations at Lingstown

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.

Sad loss of rowing stalwart Nim Dunne

By Dan Walsh

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.