WexfordLocal.com

Maria Nolan’s successful book launch

**International novelist CARMEL HARRINGTON who performed the launch of MARIA NOLAN’S latest publication *From the Slaney to the Yukon* at the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on Saturday night.**

By Dan Walsh at Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy

Internationally acclaimed best selling novelist Carmel Harrington was special guest at the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on Saturday evening, where she performed the official launch of Maria Nolan’s eagerly awaited third publication; From the Slaney to the Yukon.

Speaking with WexfordLocal.com, Carmel Harrington said; “It’s been a joy. I have known Maria (Nolan) for over 13 years, and we have become very good friends. It is wonderful to see her realise her dream to be a published novelist and it was an honour to launch her latest book – From the Slaney to the Yukon.

“Maria writes just so descriptively, and I find in all her novels and what shines through in every chapter is her great love for Enniscorthy,” said Carmel, who added; “She is a community activist and heavily involved in so many organisations; her passion is her town. She has meticulous details for historical facts, and she puts a beautiful spin on them as she brings the past to life.”

Maria Nolan was the perfect host who soaked up all the accolades and good wishes on her special night and she thanked countless people, too many to record here, but singled out Carmel Harrington, who launched the book, Larry Dunne who designed the front cover, the local media for their coverage, and Lisa Byrne and the staff of the Presentation Arts Centre for the warm welcome and providing the facilities for the launch.

Carmel Harrington is an international best-selling novelist in many countries including the United States, England, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and has published eleven novels to date – there are more on the way – and her books have been translated in four different territories.

Maria Nolan was thrilled with the success of her launch attended by family, friends and guests, and she was particularly proud of the presence of her darling mother, Maeve, who enjoyed her company as she heads for her 89^th birthday next October.

From the Slaney to the Yukon is for sale at Eason’s, Enniscorthy, Gorey and Wexford, and at Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford.

Young Farmer title for Conor Doran

**Pictured (left to right); Macra President Elaine Houlihane, Conor Doran, Young Farmer of the Year, and FBD Insurance CEO Tomás Ó Midheach.**

By Sarah Byrne

Wexford Macra are celebrating the success of Conor Doran, who brought home the title of Biodiversity Young Farmer of the Year in the Macra/FBD Young Farmer of the Year last Tuesday.

Conor, a KIlrush/Askamore /Ferns Macra member, farms 30 acre of organic tillage with his father, Pat Doran. Having earned a Masters’ Degree in Sustainable Agriculture from UCD, he is both knowledgeable and passionate about the importance of maintaining space for wildlife on Irish farms. Conor also works as a Product Owner for Herdwatch, designing and deciding what new features come to the land management part of the app.

Conor is the second generation of his family to gain recognition for their high level of farming, as his father Pat, a former Kilmuckridge Macra member, won the Macra All-Ireland Senior Farm Tasks in 1991, the Macra All-Ireland Beef Stockjudging in 1994, and the Ag Quiz in 1995. Conor was one of six enterprising young farmers to make it to the final round of the competition, with the overall prize going to Dwayne Shiels from Donegal.

Conor would strongly encourage any young person to go ahead and join Macra, as it provides its members with immense opportunities to travel, compete, and most importantly, make new friends. Conor’s own Macra, Kilrush/Askamore/Ferns, host indoor soccer every Monday evening in Craanford Indoor Sports Complex at 9pm.

Bell tolls for poet John Cooney

**Poet JOHN COONEY reading at the launch of his collection of poetry *One More Bell to Ring* at Friday night’s launch in Red Books, Wexford.**

By Dan Walsh at Red Books, Wexford

Described by his closest friends as their favourite Wexford poet, John Cooney was the guest of honour at a pleasant reception held in Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford, on Friday night for the launch of his latest publication, One More Bell to Ring.

John was humbled by all the praise and support that he received, but he acknowledged it all in a spirit of appreciation and goodwill towards his latest work which comprises of 65 new and original poems. He celebrated the occasion by reading five of his poems, including the title poem One More Bell to Ring which won him a warm round of applause from the fine attendance.

The collection was launched by fellow poet, Ronán P. Berry, who acknowledged his appreciation of John’s work and commended his poetic use of language and phrase and the high standard that his work has aspired to.

There were readings from John’s work from Ronán P. Berry and Alannah Hammel, who contributed to the blurb on the back cover and warmly referred to editing John’s work and admiring his style and presentation.

The master of ceremonies was Deirdre McGarry who praised John for his latest publication and honoured him with a reading of her favourite poem from the book.

John Cooney describes himself as a writer, poet and part time historian, who came to prominence when his poem ‘Letterfrack Graveyard’ was a commended work in the 2021 Francis Ledwidge International Poetry Competition and ‘He was an Odd Little Man’ was published in the 2022 edition of the ‘Wexford Bohemian’, edited by Alannah Hammel and published by Red Books Press.

Rurally based in the Courtnacuddy countryside in the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountain, a place that he shares with his family and the origins of immense inspiration for his creative writings.

One More Bell to Ring by John Cooney, and copies of his other works, The Well of Souls and Three L’s in the Alphabet are available through Red Books at St. Peter’s Square, Wexford, and Rafter Street, Gorey.

A detailed report with interviews from the launch will be broadcast on Mid Week Voices (8pm, Wednesday) on South East Radio.

Yacht ran aground on a sandbank

By Dan Walsh

The Irish Coast Guard alerted Rosslare Harbour RNLI to launch its all-weather lifeboat 10.45pm last Wednesday and go to the aid of two people on a sailing yacht at the mouth of Wexford Harbour.

**Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat (File Pic)**

A 10-metre sailing yacht had run aground on a sandbank. Having assessed the situation and consulted with the two crew onboard, a decision was made to tow the vessel to Rosslare Harbour.The vessel was safely berthed alongside the fisherman’s wall at 2am. Wexford RNLI were also at the scene.

The sea was calm in a light southwest wind. There was no rain.

Speaking following the call out, Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, commended the yacht crew for wearing their flotation safety devices and for carrying communication equipment. He said that it is essential that sailors contact the Coast Guard when in difficulty.

Enniscorthy signs Sister Cities Agreement with Blacktown

Signing the Sister Cities Friendship Agreement at Enniscorthy Castle (left to right); Kerry Robinson, CEO Blacktown City Council, Cllr Brad Bunting, Blacktown City Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, and Tom Enright, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

The Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke hosted a Civic Reception for a visiting delegation from Blacktown City, a suburb of Sydney Australia, held in Enniscorthy Castle last evening (Friday) where the highlight featured the signing of a ‘Sister Cities Friendship Agreement.’

Cllr O’Rourke extended “a warm welcome to Blacktown’s Cllr Brad Bunting, his colleagues and members of the travelling delegation, to our historic town of Enniscorthy to continue a journey and continued friendship between both our nations as we embark on this momentous Sister Cities Friendship Agreement.

Cllr O’Rourke referred to “an immense proud moment on your behalf (Blacktown) and on behalf of the people of Enniscorthy Municipal District to sign this Sister Cities Friendship Agreement which will allow future generations to continue to fly the town flag with pride knowing that friendship is enteral.

Speaking warmly of his previous visit to Ireland and Enniscorthy in 2022, Cllr Brad Bunting complimented the hospitality that the people of Enniscorthy have extended him and his delegation and highlighted the value and importance both he, and the Blacktown City Council, place in building new relationships at a community level with Sister City areas.

Tom Enright, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council said; “I want to highlight the good work that is happening in Enniscorthy led by the elected members and I am delighted to be here this evening signing this special agreement between the two areas.”

The CEO of Blacktown City Council, Mr. Kerry Robinson, OAM thanked both his own team and the local district and council staff for the effort put into the delegation’s itinerary.

Referencing the differences in scale between Blacktown City and Enniscorthy town, Mr. Robinson also emphasised that the importance of the Sister City relationship was about finding and building on the community, education, arts and cultural aspects that the two areas share; noting one the City Councils longest Sister City Relationships is with an area twice the size of Wexford County, but with a population a little over 7,000.”

The delegation from Blacktown City Council, led by Cllr Brad Bunting (representing the Mayor Tony Beasdale OAM) and CEO Kerry Robinson, OAM, are enjoying visits to key tourism locations, including Johnstown Castle and the Irish National Heritage Park, as well as making business connections with local elected members, local schools, Wexford Campus of SETU and Co Wexford GAA.

District Manager Claire Lawless acted as master of ceremonies, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, assisted with the ceremony, Micu Hassett, Manager, hosted the reception at Enniscorthy Castle, where the invited guests were given a tour of the ancient historic building.

Delegates from Blacktown City Council, Australia, members of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, and officials of Wexford County Council at the signing of the Sisters Cities Friendship Agreement in the Eileen Gray Room at Enniscorthy Castle.

Large drugs raid in Co. Wexford

Revenue officers seized approximately 27kgs of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of over €540.000 in County Wexford on Wednesday.

It was part of an intelligence-led operation, but the location in County Wexford has not been disclosed.

The seizure was made as a result of a joint operation conducted by Revenue’s Customs Service and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB). Investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing joint investigations targeting organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding drug smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on phone number 1800 295 295.

Public support growing in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Public support for Gorey Market House, and in particular “keeping it in public ownership” received a strong mandate at the weekend when over 700 people signed a petition calling for urgent action from Wexford County Council to restore activity and safeguard the building for future generations with immediate urgency.

The petition was available for signing outside the Market House on Gorey’s Main Street last Saturday organised and supervised by members of North Wexford Historical Society.

There has been concerns for some time around the future of the Market House, which is vacant, needs repairs to the roof, is a listed building, and the recent closure of the Tourist Information Office and exhibition spaces used to showpiece the talent of local artists.

Cllr Joe Sullivan, who signed the petition, told WexfordLocal.com that “public ownership would mean it’s not sold or the Council entering a long-term lease agreement.”

Cllr Sullivan has also raised concerns about funding from 2019 when €429,000 was allocated under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). “It is unclear where this money has gone?”, said Cllr Sullivan, who has been seeking answers from Wexford County Council.

Market House is a listed building, dating from 1709, was home to Gorey Town Commissioners for decades and hosted the final meeting of Gorey Town Council when it was abolished in 2014.

The signatures on the petition will be brought to a future meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council where fresh pressure will be brought to bear on Wexford County Council to secure the future of the Market House.

Tributes paid to Alexander (14).

By Dan Walsh

Many tributes have been paid to Alexander (James) Saunders, (14), who sadly passed away in a tragic drowning accident at his home, Cromwellsfort Drive, Wexford town, last Thursday.

The alarm was raised, and emergency services were quickly on the scene after the teenager was found “unresponsive” at his home. He was rushed to Wexford General Hospital in a serious condition and later transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Dublin.

Sadly, Alexander lost his fight for life in the Dublin hospital on Sunday, August 20^th.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Alexander (James) Saunders, Cromwellsfort Drive, Wexford Town; Beloved son of Paul and Patience. Loving brother of Charlotte, Christopher, Georgia, Grace, Sophie, Eoghan and the late baby Catherine. Beloved grandson of Sally. Very sadly missed by his mother, father, brothers, sisters, grandmother, uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. May He Rest In Peace.

Reposing at Mackens Funeral Home, Distillery Road on Sunday from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock. Funeral arrangements later. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to the ICU unit of Temple Street, Children’s Hospital.

Water supply issues in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

A major burst to a water main in the Clonard area of Wexford town overnight has caused low water levels at the Coolcotts Reservoir. The areas impacted are Whiterock Hill, Whitemill, Ard Carman, Clonard, Coolcotts, Ferndale and surrounding areas.

Uisce Éireann is working with Wexford County Council to restore water supply as quickly as possible to affected customers in Wexford town,

While water levels at the reservoir have been recovering throughout the day, they remain low. In order to ensure that all supplies in the affected areas return as quickly as possible, the reservoir levels will be allowed to build up overnight.

Dedicated crews have been working all day to restore normal supply and provide alternative water supplies in the impacted areas and hope to have water restored to homes and business by tomorrow morning.

To support customers, alternative water supplies are available at the following locations: Belvedere Grove, Ferndale Park, Clonard Village, Ard Charman, St Joseph’s Car Park, and Cluain Dara. An additional tanker has been located at Conard Church car park from 6pm this evening. Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and, as a precaution, boil the water before drinking.

Uisce Éireann’s Dan McCartan told WexfordLocal.com; “We understand how disruptive unplanned outages are and we would like to thank impacted customers for their patience while we work to restore the water supply.

“I can assure those affected that crews are on the ground working to fix the issue. Once works are complete it can take up to three hours for the return of normal water supply to all customers.”

The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website.

Gorey celebrates hurling final victory

Naomh Eanna’s captain Conor McDonald celebrates after scoring his teams second goal of the match in Chadwick’s Wexford Park today where Naomh Éanna defeated Oylegate-Glenbrien in the county senior hurling final. ©INPHO/Tom Maher. Pic courtesy of HOGANSTAND.COM

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

A sensational afternoon in Chadwick’s Wexford Park this afternoon where Naomh Éanna beat Oylegate-Glenbrien, 2-18 to 2-12, to secure the cup and become county champions for the second time (first in 2018) following an entertaining Pettitt’s Wexford senior hurling championship final in front of an attendance of 6,800 spectators.

Gorey is celebrating tonight. Captain Conor McDonald and ‘Man of the Match’ Charlie McGuckin and other members and officials from the victorious team arrived back in Gorey around 7.30pm and received a tumultuous reception from delighted fans with cheering and flag waving as the town swung into celebration mode.

It was a double success for Naomh Éanna as the it won the Junior ‘A’ county hurling championship, beating Ballyhogue by 1-10 to 0-10, also in Chadwick’s Wexford Park today, and they are also part of the homecoming celebrations.

Gorey Pipe Band led the champions from the ’98 monument in McCurtain Street, down the long Main Street and to the club house in Clonattin. Huge numbers turned out and lined the route for what is one of the greatest sporting occasions to involve the town in recent times.

The celebrations have spread around the town and into the districts – there may be a slow down on work tomorrow? – but it is a unique uplifting occasion and deserves to be celebrated with sporting pride and outstanding achievement.

Teams and other news from today’s Pettitt’s Wexford Senior Hurling Championship final. Naomh Éanna: Jack Cushe; Brendan Travers, Eoin Molloy, Tom Stafford; Charlie McGuckin, (who was named ‘Man of the Match’ (0-4), Cian Molloy, Cian Ó Tuama; Seán Doyle, Jack Doran; Cian Browne (0-1), Cathal Dunbar (0-2), Jack Cullen (0-5, 4 frees); Aodhán Doyle, Conor McDonald, team captain, (1-4), Pádraig Doyle (1-2, 0-1 free). Subs: Eoin Conroy for S. Doyle, temp. (26-27), Seán Óg Whelan for Doran (65), Conroy for Travers (58),

Oylegate-Glenbrien: Aaron Duggan; Tomás Cosgrave, Ciarán Hourihane, Shane Reck; Mike Kelly, Damien Reck, Paudie Casey; Pa Cullen, Jack Reck (0-2); Fiachra Hourihane, Seamus Casey (1-7, 0-5 frees, 0-2 ‘65s), Joe Dunne; Conor Heffernan (0-1), Podge Doran (1-2, 0-2 from line balls), Peter Rowley. Subs: Jamie Reck for F. Hourihane (43), Evan Kelly for Heffernan (53), Fergal Doran for Rowley (55),