Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council CLLR JOE SULLIVAN was in his native Gorey last night for the Big Switch-On. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh in Gorey
Christmas is officially launched in North Wexford. The Big Christmas Switch-On illuminated Gorey last evening with an estimated 10,000 packing Main Steet for the seasonal family event with a guest appearance by Santa Claus ably assisted by Mrs Claus.
Some said it was the largest crowd ever seen at a ‘Switch-On’ and certainly the crowds were massive, and it took Santa a long time to complete his journey along the Main Street to the main stage.
After a short interview with master of ceremonies Dave Redmond Santa kept in tune with the countdown and switch on the Christmas lights to a loud cheer. Mrs Claus was always by his side!
Amongst the VIPs present were Deputies Brian Brennan, Malcolm Byrne and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllrs Nicky Boland, Darragh McDonald and Craig Doyle, Anita McLoughlin, District Manager Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Liz Hore, Director of Services.
Lots of special events in Gorey in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas. They have the ‘Most Festive Business Competition’ inviting businesses to showcase the magic of Christmas and Gorey’s fantastic shopping, food and hospitality.
There is a call out to all choirs to sing on the weekends with slots outside Partridges and The Book Café. There is also a new post box for sending that all important mail to Santa. Post early and post often is the message!
We hear that the Christmas trees will be erected in Gorey town on Tuesday… look out for that attraction.
Christmas free parking will be available in Gorey public car parks only from 11am Saturdays, November 29th, 6th, 13th and 20th December. And on Monday to Wednesday, December 22nd to 24th, inclusive.
And don’t forget many businesses in Gorey will be decorating their windows, putting on special offers and inviting regular customers (and new one’s are welcome too!) to celebrate everything that is magical at Christmas time.
The Killinick Harriers point-to-point takes place at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, tomorrow (Sunday) with a six-race card, however there may be ‘divides’ as a large entry has been received – 122! First race at 12.30pm.
The going is described as ‘yielding, good to yielding in places.’ The weather forecast is promising ‘a mostly cloudy’ afternoon and 9 degrees – so bring a strong coat!
MICHAEL GOFF saddled his 100th winner. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Highlight tomorrow will be the Banks Race, which has a good entry with strong raiders like Gordon Elliott, Enda Bolger, Stuart Crawford, Peter Flood, Sam Curling and Ian McCarthy taking on the locals like Colin Bowe, Denis Murphy, Richard O’Keeffe, John Patrick Walsh and Sean Doyle.
Michael Goff who trains at Clondaw, Ferns, saddled his 100th career point-to-point winner at Kirkistown, Co. Down, this afternoon when Locker Boum scored a runaway 18 lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-olds. Now in his 13th season as a handler, Goff’s milestone victory was a fifth career winner for Gorey rider Matt Gahan, (19).
Runner-up was Colin Bowe’s Go Down Rockin, ridden by Barry O’Neill, who enjoyed a winner on the day – Walk The Hall for Tom Dreaper.
Racing in Boulta, Co. Cork today (Saturday) and success for Eamonn Doyle with newcomer Maxios Des Champs ridden by Rob James by one and a quarter lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.
MINISTER for Housing, Local Government and Heritage JAMES BROWN TD
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD visited Our Lady’s Island this morning where he announced €700,000 in funding to support Wexford County Council’s coordinating role in restoring the ecological condition of the lake.
Minister Browne was joined by the Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Cllr Ger Carthy, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and other elected members including Cllr Frank Staples and officials from Wexford County Council, LAWPRO, NPWS, Teagasc and representatives from Farming for Water EIP and the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) – all who are advancing plans to holistically address the deterioration of the saline lagoon’s water quality and ecology.
The tranche of €700,000 in funding to Wexford County Council will support the development of a Water Quality Management Plan for Our Lady’s Island and help to project manage their continued coordination of the holistic approach required to improve Our Lady’s Island, with measures required to address excess nutrients from agriculture, domestic waste water treatment plants (septic tanks) and urban waste water treatment plant(s) entering the lake.
This requires very close engagement between Wexford County Council, LAWPRO, the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory (ASSAP), the Farming for Water EIP and Uisce Éireann.
This combined response will harness the combined strength and expertise of these organisations and their staff to put in place actions to improve the lake’s condition.
Uisce Éireann crews restored water supply last night to customers in Wexford Town following an issue on the raw water main serving the Newtown Water Treatment Plant.
Although normal production has resumed it can take some time for normal water supply to return as the network reservoirs refill and even longer for customers on high ground or at the end of the line. Customers are being asked to be mindful of their water usage and to allow supply to catch up with demand.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng said; “We apologise for any inconvenience that the unplanned interruption to supply caused and would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while crews worked to bring the water treatment plant back into full production.”
A last chance to save Seamus Rafter Bridge over the River Slaney (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
There is a Public Consultation Day on Wednesday, November 26th, 3pm to 8pm at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, where Wexford County Council with the support of the Office of Public Works (OPW) is preparing the development of a Flood Relief Scheme for Enniscorthy.
There is so much misinformation in the public domain in recent times that it is important that the people of Enniscorthy come along and have their say!
The Flood Relief Scheme is important, but it is neither a political mouthpiece nor an opportunity to cash in on available funding, but an outcome that will make Enniscorthy a better town to pass through or visit, and, in fairness traffic management between both bridges at the moment runs smoothly and without delay on a daily basis!
Future plans are as follows; Phase 1 The removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge and the provision of a new pedestrian bridge in its place? Back to the old days of one stone bridge carrying all the traffic and it will have to be reversed into two-way traffic again! The works phase will be chaotic for town traffic!
My personal suggestion, and readers can comment freely on my view, is that the Seamus Rafter Bridge remains where it is, make it a raised single span from east to west, and the hilly advantage on either side be used to best advantage. My suggestion has nothing to do with funding but maintaining the the town centre character in line with its traditional and historic past because that’s the future of market towns in rural Ireland.
READ MORE… Why was the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme refused? Here is the full report first published on WexfordLocal.com on March 4th 2022. It is reported in full… no edits!
Enniscorthy Flood Relief scheme is refused
By Dan Walsh
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath T.D, today (Friday), based on the advice of environmental consultants and officials, has decided to refuse the River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Defence Scheme, submitted by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
This decision is based on a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed scheme which concluded that the scheme would have considerable adverse impact on the environment.
This decision was taken based on an extensive procedure which involved the engagement of environmental consultants, public consultation and engagement with other relevant bodies including the OPW, the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage/National Parks and Wildlife Services.
The OPW have been informed of the Minister’s decision to refuse the scheme. The OPW will now have to assess options available to mitigate the environmental issues identified in this process.
Speaking on the decision, Minister McGrath said; “This Government is committed to developing policy responses to mitigate the effects of climate change and to protect the health and safety of residents and the local economy. Very significant funds of €1.3bn have been set aside under the National Development Plan to achieve this aim.
The River Slaney in flood at Enniscorthy on Christmas Day 2021. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
“It is, however, incumbent upon me, as the authority charged with confirming these schemes, to ensure that the environmental impact is acceptable under law. Flood relief schemes are very complex with multi-layered considerations arising from primary legislation, regulations, EU Directives and increasing case law both domestically from the High Court and Supreme Court and internationally from the European Court of Justice in this area.
“I can assure you that this is not a decision which was taken lightly. There has, in recent years, been a very significant increase in Judicial Reviews and other legal challenges to a range of infrastructure development projects arising from increased cross-cutting environmental legislation.
“I am also acutely aware of the time-frames involved in bringing these schemes about. It is in everyone’s interests that this decision is made now, so that the OPW can proceed to consider the matters at hand and assess options available to mitigate the environmental issues identified in this process,” concluded Minister McGrath.
The River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Defence Scheme, was submitted by the Office of Public Works in April 2020.
A public consultation was held in 2020. Additional information was sought from OPW towards the end of 2020 and this was submitted in April 2021.
Following discussions with the consultants and with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, it was deemed that the environmental impact of the scheme was such that the scheme should be refused under section 7E(b) of the Arterial Drainage Act.
CARRIGMANNON BRIDGE near Killurin is set to receive Council funding. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting
CLLR GARRY LAFFAN (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
For almost two centuries since 1844 Carrigmannon Bridge has facilitated road traffic from the days of the horse and cart to the modern era of electric cars and large trucks and its importance was raised at the November meeting of Wexford County Council.
During a debate on roads, Cllr Garry Laffan told the meeting that Carrigmannon Bridge was one of the highest bridges in the country and “needs funding and attention.”
There was a positive response from Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Roads Services, Eamonn Hore, who replied; “This is a lovely bridge, and we’ll get some funding for that!”
HISTORY and HERITAGE; On the R30 from Wexford towards Killurin, near the Glynn-Barntown GAA Club, a sharp 90-degree bend with stone walls conceals a sheer drop of over 120 feet to the Ballyvolleen waters below. This is Carrigmannon Bridge.
Built during the Famine years and at its time, it would have been one of the highest bridges in the country, the bridge was designed by James Barry Farrell, (1810-1893) born in Bristol in 1810 and in 1840 he took the position as the County Surveyor for County Wexford.
In the construction of this bridge, J. B. Farrell thankfully, had an impressive foresight and working with Mr Thomas Willis (builder), conspired to make the structure wide enough to carry two lanes of motorised traffic.
The magnificent Carrigmannon Bridge which is at the end of the Carrigmannon Woods leading from Glynn is a stone structure having three arches each of 50 feet span.
The structure spans a deep ravine along what was once known as the ‘Carlow road,’ reaching a central height of 120 feet. This was an impressive engineering feat for its era and continues to stand as a striking testament to skilled craftsmanship.
Mr Farrell, subsequently designed similar and even higher bridges at Corbally Bridge on the Enniscorthy to Oulart Road and Ballinatray Bridge near Courtown, to name but a few.
In 1856, Mr. Farrell designed and erected a newer bridge across the River Slaney in Wexford Town, which took the place of the old toll bridge. Bridges were not his only design creations; Mr Farrell was also involved in the design of St Senan’s Hospital (1860’s), near Enniscorthy.
Uisce Éireann crews are working to restore water supply to customers in Wexford Town, following an issue on the raw water main serving the Newtown Water Treatment Plant.
Production of water is currently being impacted which may result in water supply disruption for customers in Whitemill, Townsparks, Ard Charman, Barntown, Clonard and the surrounding areas of Wexford Town.
Henrietta Street and Main Street, Wexford. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Alternative water supplies will be made available shortly.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.
“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers for their support while our works continue to restore supply.”
Repairs are expected to be completed by 8pm tonight (Thursday) which will allow the plant to resume full production, and reservoirs will refill from this time. Typically, it takes a number of hours for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.
Uisce Éireann is asking customers of the Newtown Water Treatment Plant to be mindful of their water usage and to make all efforts to conserve water while repairs are being carried out.
At the opening of the annual Askamore Art Exhibition in the Community Centre tonight (Wednesday) were (left to right); Cllr Pat Kennedy; Helen Kearney, Chair Askamore Community Council; Una Cahill, Assistant Arts Officer, Wexford County Council; Eilish Kilbride, Secretary Askamore Community Hall; and Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Askamore Community Hall
The 7th annual Askamore Art Exhibition was officially opened in Askamore Community Centre Hall tonight (Wednesday) by Una Cahill, Assistant Arts Officer at Wexford County Council and opens to the public tomorrow (Thursday).
Ms. Cahill was on her first visit to Askamore and she was very impressed at walls filled with 93 exhibits using a mixture of acrylic, watercolours, crochet, digital illustration, oil, collage, mixed media and other works. There are 40 artists featured.
“You have something very special here. This is really cool,” said Ms. Cahill who declared the exhibition officially opened in the presence of a large attendance.
Helen Kearny, Chair of Askamore Community Council acted as master of ceremonies; welcomed the attendance, complimented the volunteers who brought the exhibition to life, congratulated the artists and expressed admiration for everybody involved. “We are astounded by the level of talent in Askamore,” she proudly proclaimed.
Exhibitors at Askamore includes the work of Alison Hayden, Dave Pearson, Mary Donohoe, Margaret Kenny, Theresa Hogan, Pauline Browne, Annie Butler, Megan Ryder, Eliza Dolan, Evie O’Hagan, Ella Fannin, Suzanne Gaughan, Bridget Monks, Tommy Patchell, John Hempsenstall, Hilary Jacob, Joan Byrne, Aidan Bolger, Miriam Henshaw, Mary O’Toole, Jackie Christian, Kay Kinsella, Suzi Brooks White, Una White, Barbara Jameson, Alison Bayne, Cloida Morris, Brigid Kinsella, Brid Murphy, Breda Byrne, Faye Mulroe, Barry O’Sullivan, Rita Lee, Susan Crampton, Sharon O Bracken, Robyn Stephens and Mary Steacey.
Askamore Art Exhibition runs from Thursday, November 20th to Sunday, November 23rd in Askamore Community Centre 10am to 6pm daily. All are welcome.
CLLR MARY FARRELL (who performed the launch) and BRIAN Ó CLÉIRIGH (author) celebrate the launch of Enchanted to a Stone at Gorey Library on Tuesday evening. (Pic; Sabrina Ffrench)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Library
Brian Cléirigh’s latest book, Enchanted to a Stone, was launched by Cllr Mary Farrell of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District in a pleasant ceremony at Gorey Library on Tuesday evening.
A native of Oulart and a former translator at Oireachtas Éireann, Brian has spent eight years researching his subjects The De Lacy family during the revolutionary period of 1900-1923 in Oulart, Wexford and Ireland.
Cllr Farrell said; “This publication, which tells the story of the De Lacy brothers and the Oulart Battalion in their role in the events of 1916, is a deeply important piece of work, not just for historians, but for our entire community.
“For me this evening carries a very special significance. Among those honoured for their bravery at that time are my two grandfathers -James Dempsey and John Hayden,” said Cllr Farrell, who added; “To see their names and their stories preserved within these pages, fills me and my family with immense pride. Their courage and quiet determination continue to inspire us today.
“I want to sincerely thank Brian Ó Cléirigh for his tireless work, for his respect for the truth, and for his care in telling these stories with such dignity,” stated Cllr Farrell who congratulated Brian on his “outstanding achievement” and concluded; “May this book find a home on many shelves and in many hearts across our community. And may we continue to cherish the memory of the men of the Oulart Battalion for their bravery, their sacrifice, and the freedom they helped secure.”
Enchanted to a Stone by Brian Ó Cléirigh, 400 pages, copies will be available from today (Wednesday) at Myles Doyle Select Grocers, Main St, Gorey, price €30. It will also be on sale in all good bookshops.
Pictured at the official launch of In the Singing of Songs Book 2 at Loch Garman Arms Hotel, Gorey, were (left to right); Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin, Rachel Ó Fhaoláin agus Éire Ó Fhaolain. (Pic; John Ó Faoláin)
By Dan Walsh
‘In the Singing of Songs’ Book 2 by Gorey based artist, traditional singer, song writer, folklorist, educator and researcher Rachel Uí Fhaoláin was officially launched at the renowned North Wexford Traditional Singing Féile 2025 in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey, with Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Donal Kenny in attendance.
In the Singing of Songs, devised, facilitated and produced by Rachel Uí Fhaoláin, is an innovative intergenerational project highlighting our living tradition of writing new songs in the traditional style.
Book 1 (2022) contained 33 newly composed songs in the traditional style while Book 2 has 32 new songs, in both Irish and English. The QR code at the back of the book takes the reader to a designated playlist of the new songs being performed by the singers and songwriters involved, and takes us on a special journey from Wexford to Newfoundland and beyond.
As with Book 1, this new intergenerational collection has a 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵. ‘Ag Canadh trí na Séasúir’ (Singing through the Seasons) contains new songs written by Rachel and her two children Éire agus Chulainn.
This is Rachel’s second songbook produced and published in 2025 under her family publishing press fóġṁar – fóghmhar (fómhar) – harvest. Her 1900s inspired themed songster ‘Glór Naomh Bríde’ (The Voice of St. Brigid) was published earlier in February to coincide with St. Brigid’s Day. ‘In the Singing of Songs’ Book 2, includes beautiful illustrations created by Rachel’s children Éire Ní Fhaoláin agus Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin in response to the new songs while her husband John Ó Faoláin is responsible for documenting the songs through film and audio.
Rachel tells us “One of the highlights for me when I get to the printing stage is making the trip up to my home town of Dublin where my publications are printed. That’s important to me and I get to see where all the magic happens. The scent of it all makes my heart full. Gerry and his production team at Sprint Books are just amazing at what they do. They ‘Print Your Vision’ and I am so excited for what lies ahead.”
‘In the Singing of Songs’ Book 2 costs €20 plus p&p and it would make a beautiful Christmas present. If you would like to purchase a copy of Book 2 and support this important intergenerational project you can do so by emailing Rachel directly at ceolmochroi@gmail.com
The songbooks are also available in local bookshops throughout Co. Wexford.
Phase 2 of ‘In the Singing of Songs’ was kindly supported by County Wexford Arts Department and the North Wexford Traditional Singing Circle, through the Artist in the Community Programme 2025.
WexfordLocal.com 