By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright addressed today’s (Monday) monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District held at the Presentation Centre where he briefed members on several projects planned for the town and district.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE TOM ENRIGHT addressed Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting.
Mr Enright said the Council has been working in partnership with the GAA for the development of sporting and community facilities at Bellefield that will incorporate a playground, car parking and a market garden and he acknowledged a significant financial investment of €500,000 from local businessman Sam McCauley towards this proposed development.
There was information on a new amenity area and a site for a new Community Playground for 0–12-year-olds at Springvalley, on the Shannon side of the town and €25,000 is available for the Turret Rocks development, The Fairgreen playground is also to receive attention. Facilities at the athletics track and other sporting facilities are in the mix.
A playground and public park for Bunclody is being explored. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy asked for the Council to consider the sites at Hospital Hill and the Bunclody Parish Field.
Mr Enright stated the commencement of the planning process for a new playground, car park and public space in Bunclody.
Senior Executive Engineer Rory O’Mahoney gave a progress report of the proposed 600-metre loop at the Urrin Bridge on the country walk, efforts will be made to address the crossing of the river and suggestions to link the riverside country walk with Borodale via the Ringwood and discussions will take place with local landowners.
Enniscorthy’s beautiful riverside walk.
Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin also participated in the presentation.
In a summary, Mr Enright said “there is a huge amount of work going on in Enniscorthy and Bunclody. Projects that will make a real difference”, however, he added; “These projects will take time, so please be patient.”
Cathaoirleach John O’Rourke thanked the Chief Executive for his attendance at the meeting and his presentation on a range of projects. The members pledged their support for Mr Enright and looked forward to bringing the projects to fruition.
In conclusion, Cllr O’Rourke was critical of “Enniscorthy getting a lot of negativities in recent weeks”, but pointed out that the works are going on in the background and joined with members to support the Chief Executive in bringing forward Enniscorthy, Bunclody and Ferns.
FRANKIE MURPHY (Rider), JOHN MURPHY, breeder and owner and LUKE MURPHY (Handler) with NEAT LOCALITY following success at Fairwood.
By Dan Walsh at Fairwood, Tinahely
Champion handler Colin Bowe and leading trainer on the track Gordon Elliott each saddled three winners and champion rider Barry O’Neill added a treble to his tally over the weekend with racing at three tracks.
Elliott dominated at the Wicklow Hunt races at Fairwood, Tinahely, today (Sunday) with three winners; Kisk Bank (Harry Swan) won division one of the maiden race for four year olds by 30 lengths, Barry O’Neill was given the leg up on Big Stage who did the business by three and a half lengths in the maiden race for five and six year olds, while the popular Samcrow (Tom Hamilton), a winner of the Open Race by 35 lengths last year at Fairwood, settled for a front running all the way easy success by two and a half lengths this time.
The second division of the ‘divided’ maiden race for four-year-olds was won by Hawthorn Street for the Bowe/O’Neill partnership. Three and a half lengths the verdict.
Luke Murphy from Inch, Gorey, saddled his first winner as a handler with Neat Locality, running in the colours of his parents, John and Miriam Murphy, who also bred the winner, who had four lengths to spare in the mares’ maiden race. The winning rider was Frankie Murphy (no relation) from Skibbereen, Co. Cork, aboard his second career victory.
JAMES MURRAY enjoyed victory at Fairwood, Tinahely, today.
Ferns rider James Murray rode his third career winner on Freemans Bay for Sean Byrne, Castledermot, by six lengths in the maiden race for six-year-olds confined to novice riders. Runner-up was Haggard from Colin Bowe’s stables ridden by Sophie Carter.
Also racing today (Sunday) at Turtulla, Co. Tipperary, where Colin Bowe saddled newcomer Star Walking who scored by ten lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares to give Oulart rider Bertie Finn his 20th career winner.
Yesterday’s point-to-point at Quakerstown, Co. Clare produced one Wexford winner in an all-Wexford finish to the maiden race for four-year-old geldings where Colin Bowe’s newcomer, Country Park with Barry O’Neill up, got home by ‘a head’ to defeat Donnchadh Doyle’s newcomer Maximum Offers ridden by Rob James.
Next Sunday’s point-to-point is the Killinick Harriers fixture at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, where there is a six-race card including a race over the Banks Course. The action begins at 12.30pm.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting
Wexford County Council members have approved Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) to develop public realm space in Wexford town at Crescent Quay between Harpers Lane and Oyster Lane and to construct a temporary multi-function venue.
“the proposed structure is not a replacement for the Dun Mhuire”.
Approval was given at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council. The venue with a footprint of approximately 1,200 square metres and 10 metres in height will be located parallel to Oyster Lane.
Demolition and the clearance of the site is nearing completion and was subject to a separate planning permission.
The development seeks to develop a temporary public amenity building with a translucent façade with Corteen Steel features and the structure will be a 400 plus seat multifunctional area including outdoor public realm space.
The public realm will be predominately hard surface with a range of different materials with sections planted and soft landscaped especially around the edges with strong public pedestrian links to the Crescent Quay and to South Main Street. The public realm will have public lighting, street furniture and access to toilets in the new proposed venue at Oyster Lane.
21 submissions were made in relation to the proposed venue and its capacity to be used as an entertainment venue following the demolition of the Dun Mhuire Hall.
A Senior Executive Architect (unnamed) made the following response; “While we understand the concern raised in relation to the use of the venue as a theatre, we wish to clarify that the proposed structure is not a replacement for the Dun Mhuire. It is a stand-alone, temporary venue on an adjoining site. Wexford County Council are working to a tight timeframe to deliver a public civic space and venue for use for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, 2024 and 2025. We would reiterate that it is not proposed to be a purpose-built theatre.”
JUSTIN CODD at the opening of his photographic exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle today.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
A colourful ‘must see’ photographic exhibition opened at Enniscorthy Castle today (Saturday) with the title ‘Our Town – Urban Photography Exhibition. It runs until January.
The exhibition is the work of amateur photographer Justin Codd and the photographs in the collection were taken in the early morning hours of 12 Sundays between June and October this year.
“They reveal the raw, unfiltered beauty of Our Town (Enniscorthy), focussing on the streets, corners, vibrant colours, hidden quirks and architectural elegance that often go unnoticed in our busy lives, “said Justin, who added; “They show the major changes Our Town is currently going through and the unspoken stories embedded in the town’s nooks and crannies.”
With major changes anticipated in the coming years with the redevelopment of Market Square and the new landscape earmarked for the old Murphy Flood’s site, each photograph serves as a testament to the town’s unique character, its history and sense of community that binds its residents.
The exhibition is open to the public daily in accordance with Enniscorthy Castle opening hours and it is collection well worth a visit. Sales available. All are welcome.
Blackwater Tidy Towns pictured receiving their award at the Wexford County Council Environment Awards 2023 in the Ferrycarrig Hotel recently. (l to r)- Sonya Smith, Cllr Oliver Walsh, Doug Taylor (Chairman), Cllr Pip Breen (Cathaoirleach, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District), Macrina Corri, Cllr Fionntan Ó Suilleabháin, Sheila Leacy (Wexford County Council). Pic: Jim Campbell https://www.jimcampbellphotos.com/
By Dan Walsh
Over 250 children, community groups, volunteers, resident groups and individuals attended the Wexford County Council Annual Environment Awards at the Ferrycarrig Hotel for an occasion of tremendous celebration of the environment and voluntary effort.
Elected members from all districts were available to present awards to 11 schools, 63 community groups and two individuals. Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, warmly welcomed and congratulated all the participants and went on to recognise the commitment and dedication of all committees and individuals who make such a real difference at a local level.
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services said: “I’m struck not only by the level of commitment you make on a voluntary basis but also the quality and diversity of work being carried out and indeed the creativity and innovation we see from you as dedicated local volunteers. It is the hours you spend in your communities that enhances our County, helps Keep Wexford Beautiful and ensures that we continue to be known as ‘The Model County’.
The overall winners of the Keep Wexford Beautiful Competition were Blackwater Tidy Towns, and master of ceremonies, Alan McGuire, stated as he announced this award that “it’s not surprising that Blackwater Village is the Overall Winner in the Keep Wexford Beautiful Awards 2023, having already won Gold in the National Tidy Towns competition.”
The schools were well represented with eleven schools receiving presentations from Cllr John Fleming, Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, New Ross Educate Together National School and St Edan’s National School, Ferns were all recognised for receiving their first green flag and presented with a nest box sponsored by The Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club.
Coláiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge, Gorey Community School, Loreto Secondary School, Wexford, Ramsgrange Community School and Selskar College were awarded certificates for their participation in the Rubbish Film Festival Programme. Mercy School Wexford was awarded a Plaque as the overall primary school winner in the Christmas Decoration Competition 2022 for their group entry entitled ‘The Christmas Tree’. The entry was created by students Tomás Meyler, Fionn Quirke and Blake Thomas.
Full List of Award Winners;
GREEN SCHOOLS; Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, New Ross Educate Together National School, New Ross and St Edan’s National School, Ferns
ANNUAL ENVIRONMENT ARTWORK COMPETITION Overall Primary School Winner – Conan Kelly, Wexford Educate Together National School. Overall Secondary School Winner – Mikolaj Perek, Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge
CHRISTMAS DECORATION COMPETITION Overall Primary School Winner – Mercy School, Wexford, Rubbish Film Festival Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge, Gorey Community School, Loreto Secondary School, Wexford, Ramsgrange Community School, Selskar College, Wexford, School Battery Champion Ramsgrange Community School.
WEXFORD’S CLEANEST SCHOOL Kilmyshall National School.
SNAP INTO ACTION COMPETITION Community Group Winner – Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group.
KEEP WEXFORD BEAUTIFUL COMPETITION Overall Winner Blackwater Tidy Towns. Best Environmentally Aware and Presented Housing Estate; 1st Westwinds Residents Association, Kilrane; Joint 2nd; Carraig Dubh Residents Association. Blackwater and Watch House Village Residents Group, Clonegal; 3rd Hazelwood Residents Association, Gorey. Highly Commended Bridgemeadow Residents Association. Highly Commended Ounavarra Park Residents Association, Ballycanew. Best Environmentally Aware and Presented Town/Village; 1st Kilanerin Tidy Towns, 2nd Gorey Tidy Towns, Joint 3rd Kiltealy Tidy Towns and Bunclody Tidy Towns. Highly Commended Ballyduff Development Group. Best Community Environment Initiative; 1st Enniscorthy Community Allotments, 2nd Monageer Parish Grotto Group, 3rd Rosslare Harbour Kilrane Environment Group. Highly Commended Clonard Area Development Association, Wexford. Best Heritage Preservation and Conservation Project; 1st Duncormick Area Action CLG, Joint 2nd Gorey Tidy Towns and Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns, Joint 3rd Tomhaggard Pastoral Council and Ferns Tidy Towns. Highly Commended Killanne Development Group. Highly Commended Ballymurn Tidy Towns. Best Community Coastal Management Initiative; 1st Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group, 2nd Courtown Community Council, 3rd Rosslare Harbour Kilrane Environment Group.
BEST NEW ENTRY; 1st St Brendan’s Residents Association, Rosslare Harbour, 2nd Community of Oulart Womens Society, 3rd Wexford Bat Group. Highly Commended Talbot Greenfingers, Wexford. Highly Commended Ballindaggin Development Group / Ballindaggin Tidy Towns. Best Community Project To Improve Accessibility to Infrastructure; 1st Kiltealy Tidy Towns. Best Community Project to Improve Accessibility in Gardens / Parks; 1st Taghmon Action Group, 2nd Monageer Parish Grotto Group, 3rd Gorey Tidy Towns. Highly Commended Foulksmills Tidy Towns. Best Community Project That Tackles And Reduces the Impact Of Climate Change; 1st Sustainable Enniscorthy, 2nd Ferns Tidy Towns. Best Community Biodiversity Project; 1st Monageer Parish Grotto Group, 2nd Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, Joint 3rd Bridgetown Community Development and Kiltealy Tidy Towns. Highly Commended Clonegal Tidy Village Association; Best Community Waste Prevention/Re-Use Project; 1st Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group, 2nd Foulksmills Tidy Towns, 3rd Carrig on Bannow Tidy Towns. Highly commended Boolavogue Tidy Towns.
North Wexford 2K Clean; 1st Hollyfort Development Group, 2nd The Gap Tidy Towns Heritage Group, 3rd Askamore Community Council/Tidy Towns. Outstanding Individual Contribution to Wexford’s Environment; Mary Cogley and Catherine Redmond.
Brian Hayes was the jockey in form at Wexford today where the partnered a 64/1 double; Double Pink (12/1) in the mares’ hurdle and Kiln Time (4/1) for trainer Michael Bowe in the second division of the handicap hurdle and the final race at Bettyville Park for the 2023 season.
Amateur rider Danny Fitzgerald enjoyed his first winner on the track aboard Glorytogod Tom (22/1) in the opening maiden hurdle in the closest finish of the day with ‘a nose’ separating the winner from Slim Marvel (Trevor Ryan).
Noel Meade’s Meath stables supplied Sportinthepink (10/1) who scored a two and three-quarter length victory in the maiden hurdle with Sam Ewing in the saddle. Sean Flanagan was aboard Paul Nolan’s Iceberg Theory in the runner-up position.
The Listed M.W. Hickey Memorial Chase was a close affair with victory going to Minella Crooner (4/1) for Jack Kennedy and Gordon Elliott by half a length following a mistake at the last obstacle by Joyeux Machin with Sean Flanagan on board for Paul Nolan.
After two ‘seconds’ there was compensation for Sean Flanagan in the beginner’s chase where he partnered The Kong Of Prs (8/1) for Gavin Cromwell and had a length to spare over Willie Mullins’ charge, Henn See, ridden by champion jockey Paul Townland.
Philip Fenton’s Tipperary stables were also in form. The Niall Moore ridden Jeriko De Baune (9/2) took the second division of the handicap hurdle with Courting Vickie and JJ Slevin.
It was a good day’s racing and the rain held off until the end as the season concluded and next day out racing at Bettyville Park is scheduled for Sunday, March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, 2024. Incidentally, Wexford will have an extra feature – 12 in all – next year.
The Wexford Racecourse Member’s Supporter’s Club annual general meeting takes place at the IFA Centre, Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, next Friday, November 24th at 8pm. 2024 membership will be available on the night.
WILTON BRIDGE reopened to traffic this morning after closure for two years.
By Dan Walsh
The character and stonework at Wilton Bridge, linking the parishes of Bree and Davidstown over the River Boro, has been retained and flood damage repaired by Wexford County Council and the road and bridge re-opened for traffic this morning.
Wilton Bridge was wrecked and has been closed to traffic since the Christmas Day inundation in 2021.
Speaking exclusively to WexfordLocal.com at last Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, Director of Services, said the restoration of the bridge has taken a bit longer than anticipated; “We retained the five stone arches as a feature instead of having just a flat concrete structure as a replacement. It is an historic bridge and this is what the locals preferred, so while it took a longer time to complete, it has retained its five arch appearance and the local community are pleased by this.”
The bridge was originally a narrow passageway to facilitate horse drawn carriages serving nearby Wilton Castle. A local resident told WexfordLocal.com that the bridge was washed away in the floods of 1947, and it happened on St. Patrick’s Day. It was rebuilt, but it has been getting attention over the years and there was a recent investment of almost €50,000!
This is not the first time that Wilton has been in the news. The Furlongs and the Butlers were there since 1247. The Alcock family arrived in 1695, the castle was burned in 1923, and today, the windows are once again illuminated as Wilton Castle is a tourism accommodation facility.
News of the bridge reopening is welcome as it caused almost two years of major inconvenience to local landowners and commuters between Davidstown and Bree, but it is much appreciated locally that the arches are retained in the refurbishment and the ancient character of an historical place in the modern environment has survived. A good news story in the end!
A man died yesterday evening (Wednesday) in a workplace tragedy at a premises in Coolafancy, near Tinahely.
JOHN SMYTH
He has been named locally as John Smyth, (68), from Cummerduff, Gorey, and Springhill Nursery, Coolafancy.
Gardai responded to a call at 6.10pm and found the body of the man at the scene. Emergency services arrived and the body was removed for a post mortem examination.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) confirmed that they are aware of the man’s death and are now investigating the circumstances surrounding it.
A man in his 60s has died in a road traffic collision in the Duffry Gate/Bellefield area of Enniscorthy this morning (Thursday).
The incident occurred shortly after 7am when a car collided with a pole. The sole occupant of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. The body was removed to Waterford University Hospital for a post mortem.
ENISCORTHY GARDA STATION
Gardaí in Enniscorthy are appealing for information in relation to this incident.
Anyone in the vicinity Duffry Gate, Enniscorthy this morning between 6.30am and 7am is asked to come forward. Those with camera footage, including motorists with dash cam, within this timeframe are asked to share it with investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 9242580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
HELEN KEARNEY, Chairperson Askamore Community Council and JOE DUFFY at tonight’s launch of the Askamore Art Exhibition.
By Dan Walshat Askamore Community Centre
Renowned RTÉ broadcaster Joe Duffy was guest of honour at Askamore Community Centre tonight (Wednesday) where he performed the official opening of the 5th Askamore Art Exhibition before a packed attendance.
The exhibition features 31 local artists and 98 pieces of work and has seen huge growth in the numbers exhibiting, the quality of the work and local support for the event.
Chairperson of Askamore Community Council, Helen Kearney acted as master of ceremonies, introduced Joe Duffy, thanked all the artists for exhibiting their works and showed appreciation for all who brought the exhibition to fruition and invited everybody to visit the exhibition over the next few days.
Artists whose work is on display includes Susan Crampton, Alison Hayden, Kay Kinsella, Mary O’Toole, Eilish Kilbride, Anne-Marie Sweeney, Miriam Henshaw, Margaret Kenny, Breda Byrne, Jackie Christian, Mary Doran, Barry O’Sullivan, John Hempenstall, Theresa Hogan, Naoise Hennessy, Grace Hennessy, Una White, Barbara Jameson, Alison Bayne, Joan Byrne, Cloida Morris, Shannon O’Bracken, Mica Warren, Thomas Patchell, Mary Stacey, Breda Moynihan, Robyn Stephens and Dave Pearson.
Tributes were paid to the excellent efforts and organisational ability of the Art Exhibition Committee consisting of David and Alison Bayne, Anne Bernie, Dave Pearson, Jackie Christian and Jim Tomkins.
The Exhibition is open to the public daily from Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. All are welcome.
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