WexfordLocal.com

Tributes paid to Felix Canon Byrne

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Very Rev. Felix Canon Byrne, C.C., Monaseed. He was aged 94 years.

A statement in the Craanford Monaseed Parish Newslatter reads; “It is with great sadness that we awoke to the news on Friday morning that Fr. Felix has gone to his eternal reward. He has been such a wonderful Pastor in our parish for such a long number of years, and he will be greatly missed. We extend our sympathies to his family, friends and all who mourn his passing. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Born in 1929 at Ballygullen, Camolin, Felix Byrne was the son of James and Mary Catherine Byrne (née Noctor). He was educated at Ballyoughter National School, St. Peter’s College, Wexford, St. Peter’s Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood at St. Peter’s College on April 17^th, 1955.

Fr. Byrne served as curate at Bree from ordination until 1958 when he transferred to Askamore. In 1972, he moved to Kilmore Quay and was appointed parish priest at Rathangan in 1979. He retired in 1998 but remained in Monaseed.

Over many years Canon Byrne was a fundraiser for Bóthar, the international aid agency that provides poverty-stricken families using a wide variety of animals including cows, goats, chickens, camels and bees.

Canon Byrne was active in the community and well-known throughout the county and news of his passing has been received with feelings of great sadness and loss.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS; Reposing in Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey, on Sunday from 2.30pm to 6pm. Removal from the Funeral home to Monaseed Church arriving for reception prayers at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Monday at 12pm in Monaseed with burial in Ballyduff Cemetery. May he Rest in Peace.

Kilmore couple die in Rome

By Dan Walsh

Two people killed in a road traffic incident while on holiday in Rome have been named as Paul and Mary O’Reilly, aged 59 and 60, from Lannabeg Kilmore.

They died just before lunchtime yesterday (Thursday) while crossing a dual carriageway at an intersection on the Cristoforo Colombo in the south of the city.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths and said it was providing consular assistance to the bereaved families.

Described as “a lovely couple and great neighbours”, Mary worked in the community centre and her husband, Paul, a former fisherman worked in the marine industry.

Mary O’Reilly is cousin of Cllr Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, “We will gather around as a family and a community to support their children,” said Cllr Moore, who added; “There is a feeling of stunned silence in the area.”

Deepest sympathy is extended to family and friends. Funeral arrangements later.

Wexford users asked to conserve water

**Pictured is well known TV personality Mairead Ronan, who is supporting the campaign, and Stephen Burke, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Operations Manager.**

By Dan Walsh

Just when we thought the summer had bid farewell the September temperatures have soared to record levels – once described as an Indian Summer – and Uisce Éireann today renewed its appeal to the public to ‘Think Water Conservation’ as warm weather returns and demand increases.

This comes as over half of Irish households (54%) still admit to wasting water. As part of its annual campaign, Uisce Éireann is calling on households across the country to assess water usage habits and take practical steps to save water daily.

With warm, dry weather experienced by much of the country this week and with many people now back in school and work after the holidays, Uisce Éireann has seen an increase in demand for water. However, there are no plans to introduce general water restrictions or hosepipe bans. The public has been asked to help play their part in protecting essential water supplies for their local communities, and to conserve water where possible.

Speaking of the importance of water conservation year-round, Stephen Burke, Regional Operations Manager for Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “We are experiencing a warm, dry, spell of weather this week, and, while it is great to see after a particularly wet summer, this brings its own unique set of challenges. Many of us will be enjoying these warm evenings in our gardens, however, it is important to remain conscious of our water usage habits throughout the year, regardless of the weather.

“By working together to use only what we need in our homes, gardens, and businesses, we can all contribute to ensuring a sustainable water supply for everyone. We are encouraging communities all over Ireland to play their part and think water conservation throughout the year,” concluded Mr. Burke.

For further information visit www.water.ie/conservation/

New services for Enniscorthy School

**SCOIL NAOMH PÁDRAIG (St. Patrick’s School) at Drumgold, Enniscorthy, seen here on the warmest day of the year?**

By Dan Walsh

The HSE is committed to funding that will recruit a team comprising an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist and a physiotherapist at Scoil Naomh Pádraig (St. Patrick’s School), Drumgold, Enniscorthy, and once the therapists are appointed by the school will engage with the Children’s Disability Network Teams.

The announcement was made on Monday during the visit of Anne Rabbitte, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Minister Rabbitte met with members of the Board of Management and parents with representation from Down Syndrome Wexford, HSE officials and Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe and Senator Malcolm Byrne.

Welcoming the decision, Senator Malcolm Byrne, in a statement told WexfordLocal.com; “The need for therapists has been stressed to me when I’ve met families of those attending the school and was also highlighted at a meeting that I facilitated a few months ago between Down Syndrome Wexford and Minister Rabbitte.”

“There were difficulties in HSE recruitment so the Minister has made the welcome and innovative step of allowing the school recruit directly,” said Senator Byrne, who added; “This is the first time this has happened and could be an effective model for similar situations across the country.”

Scoil Naomh Pádraig is a modern building adjacent to the slopes of famous Vinegar Hill and was officially opened in April 2021. It has over 30 teachers and other staff and caters for children in the 4-18 years age category from south Co. Wicklow and Co. Wexford.

Duncannon “Do Not Swim Notice”

By Dan Walsh

Testing conducted as part of Wexford County Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water showed elevated levels of bacteria at Duncannon Beach and following consultation with the HSE, has issued a “Do Not Swim” notice in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.

Further samples are being taken today (Thursday) and results are expected on Saturday at which stage the bathing prohibition notice will be reviewed. In addition, the Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.

Bathing water quality results for 18 Wexford beaches sampled over the 2023 to date bathing season, have been mainly excellent as published on the EPA operated website http://www.Beaches.ie

Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beaches to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.

Further updates will be issued through WexfordLocal.com and via the Council’s website

25,000 litres of beer seized

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers seized almost 25,000 litres of beer at Rosslare Europort, yesterday (Wednesday) as a result of routine profiling.

The illicit alcohol, branded ‘San Miguel’, has a retail value of nearly €99,500, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €46,500.

The consignment arrived in an accompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. Both the trailer and alcohol were seized and the driver of the load has been questioned.

Investigations are ongoing.

The seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling, shadow economy activity and the supply of illegal tobacco products. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on phone number 1800 295 295.

Improved quality drinking water for 11,000

By Dan Walsh

Upgrade works providing improved quality drinking water for 11,000 customers are due to commence on the treated water storage facility at Kilmallock Bridge serving Castlebridge, Curracloe, Ballymurn, Crossabeg, Glenbrien, Screen and Oylegate.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council made the official announcement today.

**IAN O’NEILL, Portfolio Manager Uisce Éireann**

Speaking about the benefits of this essential upgrade, Ian O’Neill, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “Uisce Éireann is delighted to be investing in this significant and essential project for communities in Wexford. This important upgrade is needed to increase capacity through the provision of adequate storage facilities and to ensure resilience and security of the water supply, and he added; “We look forward to working with local communities as we continue to invest in Wexford’s future,”

As part of the upgrade, Uisce Éireann will construct a total of two new treated water storage tanks, providing over 24 hours of storage. The project will also see the installation of a de-chlorination system, a new pumping station, the laying of new, modern pipes and cabling together with landscaping and site development at the Kilmallock Bridge Water Treatment Plant.

The works will be carried out by Coffey Construction Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be completed in the Autumn of 2024. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

Enniscorthy welcomes Blackstairs Blues

By Dan Walsh

The Indian summer temperatures are set to last until the end of this week, at least, just in time to celebrate the 29^th annual Blackstairs Blues music festival keeping the sound of music alive at nine lively venues around Enniscorthy.

The festival kicks off on Thursday at 7pm in Enniscorthy Library with the United States solo, delta blues singer and slide guitarist, the amazing Austin Walkin’ Cane.

Walkin’ Cane is in Stamps, Market Square at 6pm on Friday evening; Scotland’s Gus Munro is in The Antique Tavern, Slaney St, at 8pm; Trevor Babajack Steger is in Rackard’s, Rafter St., from 8.30pm; Delta Dogs play Holohans, Slaney Place, from 10pm and Th Flying Monkeys play the late gig at 11pm in Treacy’s Hotel, Templeshannon.

Saturday’s programme kicks off at 2.30pm at Enniscorthy Castle with a guitar workshop featuring Austin Walkin’ Cane, Trevor Babajack Steger and Gus Munro.

At 4.30pm The BC Blues Band play in Holohans; at 5.30pm there is a Jam Session, also in Holohans; Dermot Byrne is solo in the Antique Tavern at 7pm; Trevor Babajack Steger takes to the stage in Stamps at 8.30pm; Peter Moore and Claire Bonass play Dawsons, The Duffry, from 9pm; Gus Munro can be heard in The Hole In The Wall, Market Square from 9.30pm; The Colin Skwirbat Trio are in Rackards at 10pm; The Flying Monkeys are in Holohans at 10.30pm; and the late gig features Austin Walkin’ Cane and The BC Blues Band in Tracy’s Hotel from 11pm.

On Sunday, at 4.30pm, Dermot Byrne and Danny Tobin play Stamps; Colin Skwirbal Trio are in Holohans at 5.30pm; Trevor Babajack Steger is at The Hole In The Wall at 6.30pm; Ben Prevo plays the Antique Tavern at 7.30pm; Gus Munro can be heard in Holohans at 8.30pm; Austin Walkin’ Cane and The BC Blues Band are in Rackards at 9.30pm; and the Blackstairs Blues Festival 2023 winds up with the late gig in Treacy’s Hotel when the Delta Dogs play from 10.30pm.

Man, (80) drowns on Curracloe beach

By Dan Walsh

An 80-year-old man has died after getting into difficulty at Curracloe beach today (Tuesday).

It is understood that he is not from Wexford and was visiting the popular seaside with his family.

He had been swimming at Curracloe when he became ill.

Members of the public rushed to the scene and removed him from the water.

Rescue Helicopter 117 responded quickly but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Garda spokesperson said the coroner has been informed.

Autumn point-to-point dates

By Dan Walsh

The autumn point-to-point fixtures list has been published with the first at Fairwood, Tinahely, on Sunday, October 15^th and six fixtures in the south-east region before the end of December.

The fixture list is as follows: Sunday, October 15^th; Shillelagh & District Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely. Sunday, October 22^nd; The Island Hunt at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy. Sunday, November 12^th; Wexford Hunt Races at Knockmullen House, New Ross. Sunday, November 19^th; Wicklow Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely. Sunday, November 26^th; Killinick Harriers at Lingstown, Tomhaggard. Sunday, December 3^rd; Carlow Farmers Hunt at Borris House.