Post-Primary Education graduate, Deirdre Kearney, from Gorey, had double cause for celebration after achieving ‘top of her class’ status at the annual Hibernia College conferring ceremony which was held at Dublin’s Convention Centre recently.
In addition to receiving her Masters qualification, Deirdre was honoured by the College with the award for ‘Outstanding Performance in School Experience and Professional Practice’.
DEIRDRE KEARNEY
A teacher at Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, Deirdre was one of over 1,190 graduates from all 26 counties to qualify in Primary and Post-Primary teaching, Inclusive and Special Education and Data Analytics at the ceremony which saw the largest ever number of teachers graduate in Ireland.
Congratulating her and other graduates, Dr Mary Kelly, Academic Dean at Hibernia College, said all teachers in attendance “hold the key to transformative change in the world by shaping the minds and futures of the next generation, at a time when our country is so short of teachers.”
Enniscorthy Sports Hub is to receive an additional €150,000 under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 with Enniscorthy Sports Hub receiving €300,000, bringing the total funding under this scheme to €450,000.
The additional funding for projects is being provided, in response to delays experienced by grantees arising from the pandemic and construction inflation, following engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com; Deputy Paul Kehoe said; “It is vitally important that we have sporting facilities like these so that people of all ages and abilities can benefit from their use. The Sports Hub in Enniscorthy is a resource that is used by groups and individuals across Wexford and beyond.”
A new Special School to cater for young people with autism and complex learning needs up to 18 years of age is expected to be established in Gorey for the 2024/25 School year.
This was after analysis by the National Council for Special Education (NSCE) and the Department found that the level of need in the area could not be catered for by expanding places in existing special schools.
Welcoming today’s announcement, Deputy Paul Kehoe stated; “The number of special education placements continues to grow year on year ensuring that children and young people have access to school places which are appropriate to their needs and this Government is committed to ensuring that every child has a school place appropriate for their individual needs. Special schools play a vital role in this.”
Deputy Kehoe added; “It is only two years since the opening of the €14.5 million, state of the art new building for St Patrick’s Special School in Enniscorthy and it is my hope that this new school in Gorey will serve to complement and support the outstanding work that is being done there and provide our young people with further opportunity in their local area.”
Local Gorey District Cllr Joe Sulivan said; “I would like to welcome the imminent announcement of the provision of a Special Needs School to be based at Gaelscoil Moshiolog Gorey. This school will be a considerable help to people who must transport children to Enniscorthy and Wexford daily. This educational facility is long overdue and is to be warmly welcomed.”
Details in relation to the location, the admission process and the number of places to be offered for 2024/25 school year in each new special school will be confirmed very shortly.
The 21st Horse Racing Ireland Awards were presented in Dublin last night (Monday) and Wexford’s Barry O’Neill from Kiltealy is the Point-to-Point Award winner after a thoroughly dominant season.
BARRY O’NEILL receives his HRI Point-to=Point award from Minister of State Martin Heydon TD in the Mansion House, Dublin on Monday night. (Pic; HRI).
A total of 64 winners in the pointing fields saw Barry crowned champion rider for the seventh straight year as he rode almost double the number of winners of any other rider.
With the assistance of Colin Bowe and David Christie in particular, the Wexford rider could boast a 33% strike rate for the season, his highest to date across 18 seasons of race-riding, and his growing list of regional titles was further enhanced by the addition of the eastern and northern awards in 2023.
Barry O’Neill has ridden 798 career winners and is leading the 2023-24 championship with 19 winners to date.
There was a second Wexford winner at the awards. Poulpeasty native Aidan O’Brien won the Flat Award. A multiple Group 1 winner once again, Aidan won at the highest level in Ireland with Auguste Rodin taking both the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, the trainer’s 100th European Classic win, and the Kingdom Of Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes. Paddington won the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas while also at the Curragh, Savethelastdance won the Juddmonte Irish Oaks, Luxembourg captured the Tattersalls Gold Cup with the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes going the way of Henry Longfellow. Auguste Rodin also gave Aidan a record ninth Epsom Derby success and his 17th winner at the Breeders’ Cup in early November and the following afternoon he was crowned champion trainer for the 26th time. Horse Racing Ireland Chairman, Nicky Hartery, commented: “Our annual awards give deserved recognition to everyone who makes the Irish racing and breeding industries the outstanding successes they are. I want to thank everyone for their efforts and dedication throughout the year and on this night.”
The members of Wexford County Council have adopted €164.2 million for 2024 at yesterday’s (Monday) Statutory Budget meeting held in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford. This represents an increase of €12.9 million over the 2023 figure.
The Budget provides funding across the full range of service areas provided by Wexford County Council including social housing, road maintenance, street cleaning, car parking charges, fire services, libraries, burial grounds, parks and a range of other services in towns and villages, seaside and rural locations across the county.
The 2024 Budget also includes additional funding at Municipal District level to provide for additional local developments based on specific priorities in each district.
TOM ENRIGHT Chief Executive Wexford County Council.
In presenting the draft budget Tom Enright, Chief Executive, extended his appreciation to the Cathaoirleach and members of the Council for their continued assistance and support. “This has been hugely important, and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership as we progress through these unprecedented and challenging times and plan, with an air of optimism, for the future on the delivery of high-quality public services for the people of County Wexford.”
“Despite the challenges of presenting a budget for 2024, we very much look to building further on the progress we have made and plans we have in place to develop County Wexford into the future. The Council must and will play a leading role for the development of the county and will work tirelessly to ensure the county will continue to recover from this period of instability and uncertainty and we are very much looking and planning for a brighter and better future for all,” concluded Mr. Enright.
The meeting was reminded of projects developed in 2023 and other projects to be further progressed in 2024 include: Market House, Gorey; John Street Building Regeneration Project (New Ross); Acquisition and master planning of 50-acre site for new South East Technical University; Esmonde Street Gorey Project; Wexfordia Projects at The National Irish Heritage Park, Hook Lighthouse and New Ross Tourism Projects; Enniscorthy Town Centre Tourism Project; Delivery of temporary car park in Courtown; Oyster Lane Car Park, Wexford; Wexford Town to Rosslare Greenway; Enniscorthy Sports Hub. Curracloe Water Sports Activity Facility and Rosslare Strand to Rosslare Harbour Greenway.
Following a meeting with local representatives from the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Bishop Ger Nash has called for ‘a generous response‘ to the annual Church Gate Collection which will take place after all Masses in the Diocese of Ferns on the weekend December 16th/17th.
Bishop Ger Nash pictured with SVP members Brian Keenan, Eileen Godkin and Brian McGonigle at the launch of the annual Church Gate Collection appeal.
This year’s Annual Appeal is focused on providing help to struggling parents who wonder how they will provide a Happy Christmas for their families.
Bishop Nash has commended the work of so many volunteers who give so selflessly of their time to assist with the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul throughout the Diocese and beyond and has asked Mass goers to respond as generously as they can to the upcoming collection.
With nationwide calls for help already at almost 200,000 to date this yearthe Society expects calls at the end of this year to well exceed last year’s record number of 230,000.
County Wexford Chamber has announced the appointment of Lorcan Kinsella as its new President, a position effective since the recent annual general meeting and viewed as a significant milestone in the Chamber’s history, symbolising a new era of leadership and innovation.
LORCAN KINSELLA President of Wexford County Chamber.
Mr. Kinsella envisions a Chamber that is at the forefront of digital transformation, supporting local businesses in adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. His leadership is expected to usher in a new era of growth, collaboration, and sustainability for the Chamber and its members, with a focus on the Chamber’s Strategic Vision, namely: – Promoting sustainability in business and the wider community. – Representing and growing the Chamber’s membership. – Advancing economic development in County Wexford. – Encouraging tourism, culture, and the nighttime economy. – Supporting workforce development and education initiatives. – Community Engagement and Future Aspirations.
Lorcan Kinsella, Founder and CEO of Brand Nova Digital, brings a rich tapestry of experience and achievement to the presidency. His company, an award-winning digital marketing agency based in New Ross, specialises in UI/UX eCommerce website design, search engine optimisation, and digital marketing data analytics software.
His journey to the Presidency began in 2017 when he was invited to join the board of the New Ross District Chamber. His invaluable contributions there led to a seat on the committee responsible for the historic amalgamation of the County Wexford Chamber. Following the successful amalgamation, Mr Kinsella was elected Vice President of County Wexford Chamber.
Described locally as “an unforgettable theatrical experience” and a stage event not to be missed, Craanford Drama presents Martin McDonagh’s acclaimed play, “The Cripple of Inishmaan” for four nights in Craanford Commmunity Centre.
For a mere €10 admission, witness the talent of the cast, featuring Priscilla Mullen, Margaret Nolan, Clodagh Kenny, Ollie Doran, Patrick Lennon, Deirdre Malone, Ger Doran, Seamus Burnell, and Eoin McMahon. The characters, from Aunt Kate to Cripple Billy, are brought to life in a compelling narrative that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Set to captivate audiences at the Craanford Community Centre on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, December 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th and curtains up at 8 pm, this production promises an evening filled with laughter, drama, and superb performances.
Denis Murphy from Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, who handled a winner at Lingstown yesterday continued his run of success at Borris House today (Sunday) where he saddled Port Joulain and scored a six lengths victory under Jack Hendrick in division one of the four-year-old geldings maiden race.
Billy Bates and John Martin Walsh from the Kilmore Quay area were also amongst the winners at the Carlow track. The Gypsy Davey scored by three and a half lengths in the five-year-old geldings maiden race ridden by Jimmy O’Rourke, Clonard, Wexford,
Rob James emerged as the sole finisher on Ask Mike, handled by Michael Butler, Piltown, in the maiden race for six-year-olds and over in difficult weather conditions at Borris House.
Point-to-pointing also today (Sunday) at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, where champion rider Barry O’Neill enjoyed an easy 24 lengths victory on Hathaways Cottage for Fermanagh handler David Christie.
Almost 300 trucks, tractors and motorbikes, vintage and modern, brought seasonal joy and excitement to Enniscorthy tonight (Saturday) as the Light Up the Night Road Run rolled into town having set out from Oylegate village.
The assembly was in Oylegate where the Christmas Lights were officially switched on before the colourful convoy were dispatched along the N11 with The Promenade beside the River Slaney at Enniscorthy as the collection point.
It was a scene of flashing lights, symbols of Santa and reindeers, and a reminder that Christmas is with us all once again. It was very well organised and apart from some inconvenience to traffic through the town, patience and tolerance and goodwill prevailed at all times and An Garda Siochána were on duty to ensure public safety.
This is an annual event organised by Oylegate Vintage Club, supported from groups from several parts of the county, and is a fundraiser for Pieta. The organisers were overwhelmed by the financial support, but also encouraged by the huge crowds, mostly families with young children, who braved cold to wrap up and enjoy the spectacle.
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