Cllr Aidan Browne elected Chair for Enniscorthy

CLLR AIDAN BROWNE is the new Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy District Council Chamber

Cllr Aidan Browne (Fianna Fáil) who was first elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council in 2022 is the popular choice of fellow members and was presented with the chain of office by Cllr John O’Rourke (outgoing) at the General Meeting held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, this afternoon.

Cllr Browne was nominated for the chair by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and seconded by Cllr Jackser Owens. There was no other nomination or dissenter, and Cllr Browne was duly elected and congratulated by all in the chamber.

Cllr Jackser Owens (Non-Party) is the new Leas-Cathaoirleach on the proposal of Cllr O’Rourke and seconded by Cllr Murphy. There were no other nomination and consequently Cllr Owens retains the position he was elected to in 2023.

Cllr Browne claimed the Council has been given a mandate to renew commitments and work for the benefit of all. “I want us to work together for the betterment of the town and district,” added Cllr Browne.

District Manager, Claire Lawless congratulated those who were re-elected, made special mention of Cllr Pat Kehoe, the new member to the chamber and said; “The officials are looking forward to working with you for the next five years.”

Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin, formally congratulated everyone and reiterated the positive desire; “looking forward to working with all of you going forward.”

Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke said he enjoyed working with everyone over the past year, congratulated Cllr Kehoe as the new member and acknowledged the contribution of Kathleen Codd-Nolan, who was a public representative for 20 years and recently retired.

All members contributed to endorsing the sentiments of the meeting and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. Newcomer Cllr Pat Kehoe in his maiden speech expressed his delight at being elected and promised to “do my best as a representative of the people.”

The Press were complimented for their coverage of Council events over the past five years, but there was a special ‘happy retirement’ message for popular Enniscorthy Guardian photographer, John Walsh, who has retired after long and dedicated service to the local media community.

ENNISCORTHY Municipal District (6 seats); Aidan Browne (Fianna Fáil); Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael): Pat Kehoe (Fine Gael); Barbara-Anne Murphy (Fianna Fáil); John O’Rourke (Non-Party) and Jackser Owens (Non-Party).

Cllr Oliver Walsh is new Gorey Kilmuckridge Cathaoirleach

CLLR OLIVER WALSH Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Council Chamber, Gorey Civic Offices

Cllr Oliver Walsh (Fine Gael) is the new Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council following a full attendance of 10 members at the Annual Meeting held in the Council Chamber, Gorey Civic Offices, today (Tuesday).

There was a strangely subdued and distinctive non-competitive atmosphere in the chamber as the positions of Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach dominated the agenda.

Cllr Walsh’s nomination was proposed by Cllr Anthony Donohoe and seconded by Cllr Donal Kenny. There was no other nomination and Cllr Walsh was duly elected and received the chain of office from outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen. His wife, Elaine and their three daughters were guests of honour for a special Walsh family occasion.

Cllr Walsh said it was “a great honour to be elected”, he thanked his proposer and seconder, and said he was “looking forward to the year ahead.” He continued; “I hope it will be a good year working together as a group for the betterment of Gorey Kilmuckridge district.”

Cllr Donal Kenny (Fianna Fáil) was nominated for the Leas-Cathaoirleach position proposed by Cllr Breen and seconded by Cllr Donohoe. There was no other nomination and Cllr Kenny was duly elected.

The meeting welcomed members attending for the first time – Cllr Darragh McDonald, Cllr Paddy Kavanagh and Cllr Nicky Boland – and there was an acknowledgement for the good work done over the previous five years by members who didn’t return after the local elections – Diarmuid Devereux (retired), Andrew Bolger and Willie Kavanagh.

The meeting also welcomed the election of Cllr Pip Breen as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council which took place in County Hall, Wexford, last Friday.

Director of Services, Liz Hore said she was looking forward to working with each member and promised that there are many exciting projects ahead. She thanked the previous members and said the staff found them accommodating and said they are all looking forward to the next five years.

BIOGRAPHY; A native of Inch, Blackwater, Oliver Walsh is one of the longest serving members of Wexford County Council following in the footsteps of his late father, John Walsh, who served on Wexford County Council for almost four years until his untimely death in 1998.

Oliver was co-opted in 2001 when Ivan Yates TD had to vacate his seat. A past pupil of Blackwater National School and Kilmuckridge Vocational School, he is a member of the farming community.

He served as a councillor in the Enniscorthy area for more than 13 years, until changes were imposed by the boundary commission, and he was automatically transferred into the Gorey Kilmuckridge district.

In 2011, he was elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council. Today, he declared; “It is a great honour to be elected as Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.” Applause filled the chamber.

GOREY Municipal District (6 seats); Nicky Boland (Non-Party); Anthony Donohoe (Fine Gael); Donal Kenny (Fianna Fáil); Darragh McDonald (Fine Gael); Fionntáin Ó Súilleabháin (Sinn Féin) and Joe Sullivan (Fianna Fáil). KILMUCKRIDGE Municipal District (4 seats); Pip Breen (Fianna Fáil); Mary Farrell (Non-Party); Paddy Kavanagh (Non-Party) and Oliver Walsh (Fine Gael).

Unmanned dinghy capsized off Courtown

By Dan Walsh

Pic; RNLI/Courtown

Courtown RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were called out on Thursday by the Irish Coast Guard at 7.44pm following a sighting of a small craft adrift south of Ardamine, near Rooney Rock.

They arrived on scene approximately one kilometre north of Rooney Rock at close to 8pm and observed that the small dinghy was capsized and unmanned.

The conditions were favourable at the time with partial cloud and a slight wind. With assistance from radio contact with shore crew, the crew established the boat had inadvertently drifted out to sea with no one onboard. A decision was made to tow the vessel to the nearest safe port at Courtown.

Speaking following the call out, Mark Chambers, Courtown RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘Thankfully no one was in danger in this instance, but we would always much rather launch and find that all is ok than not launch at all. We would like to thank the member of the public who raised the alarm when they thought someone was in difficulty, that is always the right thing to do.”

Book yields local discoveries on the N25 New Ross Bypass

At the TII book launch in New Ross Library ((L to R); James Eogan, MIAI FSA, Senior Archaeologist, Transport Infrastructure Ireland; Peter Walsh, Chief Executive, Transport Infrastructure Ireland; Patricia Long, Managing Director and Senior Archaeologist, Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd; Ian Doyle, Head of Conservation, The Heritage Council; and Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive, Wexford County Council.

By Dan Walsh

New Ross Municipal District has launched a new book in New Ross Library. It is a Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) publication, edited by James Eogan MIAI FSA, Senior Archaeologist, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and titled ‘Places for the Living, Places for the Dead; archaeological discoveries on the N25 New Ross Bypass’,

The event was attended by over 70 enthusiastic members of the public and representatives from TII, Rubicon Heritage Services Ltd, The Heritage Council, Wexford County Council and New Ross Municipal District elected members.

Peter Walsh, Chief Executive, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, presented landowner Philip Becker with a signed copy of the book. One of the most significant finds of a Norman period farmstead was discovered on Mr Becker’s land.

Deputy Chief Executive, Eamonn Hore, who acted as master of ceremonies on the night, said; “What a wonderful night of knowledge and learning about or past, excellently presented in the lovely setting of New Ross Library. My thanks to all who contributed.”

The publication which is the latest addition the TII Heritage Series was published in December 2023, alongside detailed reports on the evidence excavated at eight key sites. The book provides an overview of the archaeology of this region and shows how the remains uncovered on the bypass route deepen our understanding of human activity in the lower Barrow Valley over almost nine millennia.

Chapters written by experts in their fields consider different topics and periods in greater detail, including, the paleoenvironmental background of the sites uncovered, the nature and range of evidence for the first farmers and early metal-using societies in the region, the impact of Anglo-Norman colonisation and the establishment of a feudal economy in the area.

The book, which is richly illustrated with eight specially commissioned artistic visualisations, and more than 140 photographs, plans, drawings, and maps, describes the discoveries and shows how this new evidence provides fresh perspectives on the communities who called this place home over the past 9,000 years.

Places for the Living, Places for the Dead is TII’s latest publication. Find out about the fascinating archaeological discoveries made along the route of the N25 New Ross Bypass, and how they contributed to deepening public understanding of human activity in this historic area over nine millennia.

The book can be purchased from Wordwell Books, an e-book is also available from digital platforms.

Refugee photography on view at Wexford Town Library

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council’s Local Authority Integration Team has announced the winners of the Refugee Week 2024 Photography Competition themed Our Home, which received numerous inspiring and poignant submissions that beautifully captured the essence of what home means, particularly through the experiences of refugees and their supporters.

The competition judges were deeply moved by the diversity and depth of the entries, each one telling a unique and heartfelt story. The winning photographs stood out for their emotional resonance, creativity, and powerful narratives.

Sasha Bratkova accepting 1st Prize presented by John Caulfield, Integration Support Worker, Wexford Local Authority Integration Team.

Amanda Byrne, Acting Director of Service, Ukraine Response, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Wexford County Council told WexfordLocal.com; “The photographs capture the spirit of Refugee Week, highlighting the importance of home and the resilience of those who have had to rebuild theirs and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their thoughtful and compelling entries, and to our judges for their dedication and insight. This competition has underscored the power of photography to convey profound messages and foster understanding and empathy within our community.

“Refugee Week is an annual event dedicated to celebrating the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees around the world. It provides a platform for displaced individuals to share their stories and for communities to show their support and solidarity,” added Ms. Byrne.

Hiella Akhundova accepting 3rd Prize on behalf of her mother Ganna, presented by John Caulfield, Integration Support Worker, Wexford Local Authority Integration Team.

Prizewinners were; 1st Prize: Winner: Sasha Bratkova Title of Photograph: “Tea Time” Description: Whatever happens there’s always a time for cup of tea. “This flask reminds me the same, which I left in my cupboard in Kharkiv. The flavour of mint, thyme, honey, sea buckthorn and lemon bring me to my previous life, bring me back to home,” said Ms. Batoka.

2nd Prize; Winner: Artem Vartanyan. Title of Photograph: “Cleaning my Garden” Description: “I am 71 years old, I am from Ukraine, from the Donetsk region, Bakhmut. In this photo, I am cleaning the garden, unfortunately, my house was destroyed by a rocket, and I only have a few pictures of my house left. Now all I have left are the memories of my home. This is the perfect place for me!

3rd Prize: Winner: Ganna Akhundova. Title of Photograph: “Routine” Description: I’ve moved from place to place several times in Ireland. In each place I’ve lived, I’ve always used common cutlery. There was no need for my own plate or cup. Even at work, we had corporate mugs with logos. I remember strolling through a charity shop with a friend while she was looking for a plant pot. Then I caught myself thinking that I have no need for any things like that. They wouldn’t fit into my small suitcase. Now, I have my own plants in pots, my own cups, and many other things that won’t fit into a suitcase,”

The winning photographs on display at the Wexford Town Library until June 30th.

‘Street theatre’ comes to Vinegar Hill

Street theatre and art performing on Vinegar Hill (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh on Vinegar Hill

About 30 young people from Creative Places Enniscorthy (CPE) paid their first visit to Vinegar Hill last evening with an impressive “street theatre” performance where dance, pageantry and the rhythm of the drums brought a fresh atmosphere to a sacred battlefield place linked to the 1798 Rebellion.

Themed ‘The Night Belongs to Youth’ proceedings commenced with a procession of costumed artists who performed along the way from the Grotto at Father Cullen’s Terrace, along Shannon Hill, entered the hill via the walking trail before ceremonially gathering beside the famed ruined windmill on the summit of the hill.

AUDIO ADDITION; Actor FINTAN KELLY speaking with DAN WALSH at the youth event on Vinegar Hill.

Local actor and director Fintan Kelly and Mary Doyle, an experienced artist who worked with Buí Bolg, both co-ordinators with CPE and dressed in costume, acted out a ‘human hostage scene’ narrative encouraged by the enthusiastic crowds, drummers and musicians… thankfully, it all ended in friendship and goodwill. Members of the FDYS and Martina Leacy’s Dancers were also part of the colourful prehistoric scenery.

Daryn O’Callaghan, Co-Ordinator of the CPE was on hand to direct proceedings, but explained that the pageant, making the costumes and co-ordinating the procession and acting out the scenes was solely the creation of the local youth and their co-ordinators. They also had the support of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns represented by Billy and Mary Murphy and a fine gathering of family and friends.

Battle of Vinegar Hill remembered

Difficult weather conditions on Vinegar Hill on Friday evening for the annual Battle of Vinegar Hill Remembrance (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh on Vinegar Hill

Poor weather conditions failed to dampen the remembrance service marking the 226th anniversary of the Battle of Vinegar Hill which took place on the historic battlefield site last evening where, according to Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District, speaking on site, said; “It is hard for us today, in such a scenic place, to picture what our ancestors’ experienced here and to comprehend their feelings on June 21st 1798.”

Cllr O’Rourke stated that “we come here to remember not only those that died on Vinegar Hill on that day, but those who lost their lives during the summer of 1798 where it is estimated 20,000 people, a sixth of the population, lost their lives.”

“We also remember the tens of thousands who survived and left County Wexford after 1798, in either exile or emigration, who would never see their home place again,” continued Cllr O’Rourke, who added; “It is important we honour them by passing these ideals to our younger generations and all future generations.”

Two wreaths were laid at the foot of the memorial in the car park at Vinegar Hill, one by young Emily Murphy, who has performed this honour on many previous occasions, and a joint laying by Cllrs O’Rourke and Murphy.

Rev. Tom Dalton, Administrator at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, and Canon Nicola Halford, Rector at Enniscorthy Union of Parishes also presided.

Jacqui Hynes, joint editor (with Ronan O’Flaherty) of Vinegar Hill; The Last Stand of the Wexford Rebels of 1798, read the Proclamation and actor and stage performer Fintan Kelly read Requiem for the Croppies by poet Seamus Heaney.

In attendance were Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen and Cllrs Aidan Browne, Pat Kehoe. Cathal Byrne and Jackser Owens, who had just returned from the annual general meeting of Wexford County Council held earlier.

Thanks was expressed to the Enniscorthy Castle team of Mico Hassett (Manager), Eve Furlong (Deputy Manager), District Manager Claire Lawless and outdoor staff of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Master of ceremonies for the occasion was Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy in her role as chair of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre and Enniscorthy Castle Board.

A guard of honour was presented by Enniscorthy Historical Re-eactment Society and the ceremony concluded when Ballindaggin Pipe Band played Amhrán na bFiann.

Cllr Pip Breen is new Council Cathaoirleach

By Dan Walsh at the annual general meeting of Wexford County Council

Cllr Pip Breen, outgoing Cathaoirleach of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, was elected the 127th Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at the annual general meeting held in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Wexford, this afternoon. Independent Cllr Ger Carthy, of Rosslare Municipal District was elected to the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach, a position he also held in 2023.

CLLR PIP BREEN… Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council 2024. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Outgoing Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming presided over the election of Cathaoirleach. Cllr Breen was proposed by Cllr Donal Kenny and seconded by Cllr Oliver Walsh; Cllr Pat Barden was proposed by Cllr Paddy Kavanagh and seconded by Cllr Marty Murphy; and Cllr Tom Forde was proposed by Cllr Jim Codd and seconded by Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien. Cllr Barden was eliminated and in the final contest between Cllr Breen and Cllr Forde, 21 of the 34 elected members favoured Breen and he was duly elected.

In his maiden address as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Breen said; “I wish to thank the people who voted for me also those who didn’t – this is a democracy we live in. I welcome all new elected members here today and sympathise those who lost their seat. Going forward from today, I want this Chamber to be productive. I want it to work, Iknow all the staff here that I’ve worked with throughout the years. I have great faith in them and their commitment to Wexford. I want the same commitment from everyone in this chamber as well. You will have it 100% from me. I’m here for Co. Wexford, I wear the jersey and I am for the betterment of the County and everybody in it. We are all here for the right reason and I hope we will have a productive year.”

AUDIO ADITION; Newly elected Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council CLLR PIP BREEN talks to DAN WALSH after his election today.

Born in Boolavogue, but now resident at Curraduff, Killenagh, Cllr Pip Breen is a member of the Fianna Fáil Party, was first elected to Wexford County Council in 2014, was re-elected in the 2019 local election and is the outgoing Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

Proposed by Cllr Frank Staples and seconded by Cllr Jim Codd, Cllr Ger Carthy was elected unopposed to the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe added his support and congratulations but pointed out that the new Council has eight new members – and two are returning following previous experiences on the Council, Cllrs Paddy Kavanagh and John Dwyer – and he added that the officials look forward to working with the new Council members in the year ahead.

Female members remain at six out of the 34 councillors – same as the outgoing Council- but there are two new names in the chamber, Cllr Catherine Biddy Walsh and Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien.

Attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen and Senator Malcolm Byrne and proud members of Cllr Breen’s family.

The composition of Wexford County Council following the recent local elections is as follows; WEXFORD Borough District (7 seats); Tom Forde (Sinn Féin); Leonard Kelly (Non-Party); Garry Laffan (Fianna Fáil); George Lawlor (The Labour Party); Raymond Shannon (Non-Party), Robbie Staples (Fine Gael) and Catherine Biddy Walsh (The Labour Party).

ENNISCORTHY Municipal District (6 seats); Aidan Browne (Fianna Fáil); Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael): Pat Kehoe (Fine Gael); Barbara-Anne Murphy (Fianna Fáil); John O’Rourke (Non-Party) and Jackser Owens (Non-Party).

NEW ROSS Municipal District (6 seats); Pat Barden (Non-Party); John Dwyer (Non-Party); John Fleming (Fianna Fáil); Bridín Murphy (Fine Gael); Marty Murphy (Non-Party) and Michael Sheehan (Fianna Fáil).

GOREY Municipal District (6 seats); Nicky Boland (Non-Party); Anthony Donohoe (Fine Gael); Donal Kenny (Fianna Fáil); Darragh McDonald (Fine Gael); Fionntáin Ó Súilleabháin (Sinn Féin) and Joe Sullivan (Fianna Fáil).

KILMUCKRIDGE Municipal District (4 seats); Pip Breen (Fianna Fáil); Mary Farrell (Non-Party); Paddy Kavanagh (Non-Party) and Oliver Walsh (Fine Gael).

ROSSLARE Municipal District; (5 seats); Ger Carthy (Non-Party); Jim Codd (Aontú); Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fáil); Aoife Rose O’Brien (Sinn Féin) and Frank Staples (Fine Gael). 

Sunday is Rebellion Day in Enniscorthy

Calm before the battle on Rebellion Day at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Sunday is Rebellion Day, an afternoon of reflection on the history and heritage of Enniscorthy with Ireland’s only European officially preserved battlefield site at renowned Vinegar Hill, one of Ireland’s most recognised landmarks overlooking the River Slaney and recreated at the modern National 1798 Rebellion Centre.

Sunday’s Rebellion Day highlights will take place on Sunday, June 23rd from 12 noon to 4.30pm on the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. Manager Mico Hassett told WexfordLocal.com; “This family orientated day recognises the efforts of the local community in the fight for Irish independence over many centuries and in particular, in June of 1798.”

Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society organiser, Ray Murphy, said; “Re-enactors will pay homage to our past heroes and participate in commemorations and re-enactments throughout the year. The Enniscorthy Re-enactors Society will set up camp in the gardens of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. Watch out – there may even be a few shots fired!”

Re-enactors will answer questions about the battles and weapons of 1798 throughout the day. Learn about the hand-crated weapons that were so important in 1798 with Gorey blacksmith, Finín Liam Christie, demonstrating the work that goes into making a forged iron pike.

The Wild Turkeys and other musicians will bring the Fringe Fleadh to Enniscorthy, providing live trad sessions throughout the afternoon. Bring the whole family and make a day of exploring the food and craft stalls, too. Café 98 will be open for brunch and reservations are recommended.

The Centre will be open for tours from 12-4.15pm, so if you haven’t been in to see the exhibition or it has been a while, come inside and take in a bit of interactive history. The new Café 98 will be open for brunch, coffee, tea, cold drinks, and sweet treats, too. Public toilet facilities are available to all. On Sunday, the carpark at St. Mary’s CBS will be open for free parking during Rebellion Day.

Deputy Manager Eve Furlong commented; “The Rebellion Day event is a free, family day out and for those wanting to see the 1798 exhibition, a general admission tour ticket will be reduced to €5 per adult (€4 student/seniors) or only €10 for up to a family of five, a super value, for the weekend.”  

Keep an eye on WexfordLocal.com for up-to-date information and news on weekend events.

Enniscorthy’s busking Saturday

By Dan Walsh

It is a busy weekend in Enniscorthy with historical anniversary events at Vinegar Hill and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, but there is also a number of music gigs happening.

Fringe Fleadh 24 events are popping up around the county and Enniscorthy town is the chosen venue for a traditional Irish busking competition on Saturday from 12 noon to 3pm. Not sure of the exact locations or how it works, but there is prizemoney for the best three performances and registration is necessary. Register at emdreception@wexfordcoco.ie

Market Square, Enniscorthy (4pm), Enniscorthy Castle (4.30pm), Ferns Castle (5.45pm) and Bunclody Mall (7pm) are the times and venues for FRIDAY’S pop-up music and dance with Danescastle Music Group and on MONDAY, The Gardiner Brothers will be ‘live’ in Enniscorthy at Vinegar Hill (12 noon), Enniscorthy Castle (1pm) and at market Square and Slaney Street (2pm).