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.
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, has announced the completion of significant upgrades to the sewer network in Enniscorthy.
The upgrades involved the construction of over 110 metres of new sewers on Mary Street and at the Promenade Pumping Station, along with the decommissioning of the existing outfall pipe into the River Slaney, which will ensure compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
These essential upgrades will improve the capacity and operational performance of the sewer network for homes and businesses on Mary Street and surrounding areas and enhance water quality in the River Slaney by eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into the river.
In correspondence with WexfordLocal.com David Shalloo, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said; “I would like to thank all our stakeholders including local residents, commuters, business owners, elected representatives, and the media for their support while we worked to complete this crucial project for the people of Enniscorthy. We know from previous experience that the short-term impacts experienced during construction will be outweighed by the benefit that these wastewater upgrades will bring to the community.”
The works were carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward & Burke Ltd.
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting
Santa Claus has been a regular visitor to Gorey, always promising to come back, and he will be the celebrity in the town for the Big Switch-On at 7.30pm on Saturday evening on Main Street which kick starts the Christmas season in Gorey and North Wexford.
Details were unveiled at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting held in the Council Chamber at the Civic Offices, Gorey. Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen was in the chair.
There will be entertainment from shortly after 6.30pm from the local music group, The Gorey Ukes and members from St. Aidan’s Services, Gorey. The Grinch will make an appearance, carol singers, performers from school groups and community will also be in seasonal voice. Also look out for snowmen and Christmas trees. Dave Redmond will be master of ceremonies.
GOREY looking splendid under the Christmas lights. December 2020 (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com
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.
A man in his 70s has died in an accident on a farm at Ballyfad, a few miles north of Coolgreany in North Wexford.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene after the accident which happened around 11am this morning (Wednesday). Emergency services were quickly on the scene.
The body was removed from the scene and taken for a post mortem examination. The coroner has been notified.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was also called to the scene and an investigation is now under way.
In a media statement issued today to WexfordLocal.com Wexford County Council wishes to provide clarification and an update in relation to the proposal to develop a Direct Provision Centre at the former Great Southern Hotel on St. Martin’s Road in Rosslare Harbour.
The Council carried out inspections of the work being carried out at the site and identified a number of modifications to the building which were not consistent with the planning permission granted.
The Council then issued a Warning Letter to the developer pursuant to Section 152 of the Planning and Development Act. The Council’s legal advisors advised that this was the appropriate response, and that the Council had an obligation to act reasonably and proportionately and on the basis of the evidence available to it. The Council fully intends following through the enforcement process underway.
A second and more involved issue has arisen in relation to whether the proposal to convert the building into accommodation for persons seeking international protection is classed as exempted development.
This is a complex issue and Wexford County Council on 10th November made an application to An Bord Pleanála under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requesting a determination by An Bord Pleanála in relation to exempted development status and the proposed intensification and increased occupancy of the building.
A decision from the referral to An Bord Pleanála is awaited.
In these circumstances the Council has been advised that there is currently no reasonable basis upon which it could commence injunction proceedings against the developer under the Planning legislation.
Separately, Wexford County Council received a Section 5 application from Deputy Verona Murphy on 15th November quoting similar grounds on which Wexford County Council made its application to An Bord Pleanála.
The Council has a statutory role to ensure compliance with Planning and Building Control legislation and wishes to make it clear that it intends to use its powers to ensure compliance with the above legislation where non-compliances are identified.
The Council also has a duty to follow due process and to act in a manner that is fair, appropriate, and proportionate and failure to do so could undermine the Council’s ability to perform its statutory enforcement role.
Gardaí investigating a shooting incident which occurred in Carlow on December 5th 2022 have made a number of arrests as part of their investigation. Searches were carried out earlier this morning in Carlow, Wexford and Waterford.
A total of five men were arrested by Gardaí. Three of the men are aged in their 20s, one in his 30s, and the other in his 50s.
They are currently detained at a number of Garda Stations in the South East under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.
Legendary Comhaltas stalwart PADDY BERRY, who is President, speaking at the Public Information Fleadh Cheoil event in Wexford.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Buildings
Fleadh Cheoil 2024 hit the headlines last night (Monday) with a very well attended public information event in ‘the Street’ at Wexford County Council buildings, Carricklawn, Wexford, The purpose was to provide information and outlined the huge planning and logistics necessary to bring the event to a successful weekend of music and culture.
Mayor of Wexford, Cllr John Hegarty said “it is a really exciting time in Wexford to have the leading Irish traditional and cultural event taking place in Wexford in 2024, and hopefully again in 2025, and it is important to hear your views and make it the most successful Fleadh ever.”
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr John Fleming was thrilled at the news that the Fleadh is coming, and he commended Comhaltas and Wexford County Council who made it happen. “The Fleadh is by far the single biggest attraction Irish cultural event. We expect over 500,000 visitors to Wexford between 4-11th August. The county stands to benefit from a €50 million boost – that’s an awful lot of money – it is wonderful, and it is coming,” he concluded.
Josh O’Connor from Wexford Credit Union also addressed the large attendance. “Music is not just a collection of music and melodies. It represents our culture and heritage, our history along with the essence of our community. Sponsoring this festival is not just a financial commitment for Wexford Credit Union, it’s an investment in our identity and the preservation of our traditions.”
Inspector Graham Rowley from An Garda Siochana said he attended Mullingar this year and promised “what is coming to Wexford is phenomenal. It is definitely going to be fun. It is a family event and a really magic event to showcase what Wexford is all about.”
Inspector Rowley said meetings had already taken place with the fleadh committee and a lot of planning is required. “We (An Garda Siochana) plan for all kind of events but we haven’t planned for anything as big as this and we are really looking forward to the challenge. We want the event to be safe, secure and enjoyable. Safety is a priority,” he concluded.
Chairperson Eddie Taaffe outlined the many aspects of planning for the Fleadh and commended the volunteers, however, the public information event was important for distribution of information and answering any queries that businesses and the community may have. Regular public information updates and progress reports will be published in the coming months.
Anthony Bailey acted as master of ceremonies.
Wexford Fleadh Cheoil 2024 Team; President, Paddy Berry; Chairperson, Eddie Taaffe, Vice-Chairperson, Barbara Walsh; Treasurer, Paudie Berry; PRO/Branding/Marketing, Cllr George Lawlor; Accommodation, Cllr Maura Bell; Voluntary Emergency Services, Cllr Ger Carthy; Venues, Brian Byrne and John Roche; Gig Rig, Senan Lillis; Sponsorship, Madeleine Quirke; Secretary FEC, Fiona Bennett; Seachtain na Gaeilge, Darren O’Callaghan; Comhaltas, Sinead Tobin-Broughan; Street Sessions, Jennifer Byrne and Church Services, William Considine.
WexfordLocal.com 