A meeting of the Ukrainian Community Response Forum took place earlier this month where members reported on activity in their respective areas and highlighted some particularly difficult cases.
A presentation on the Local Authority led Offer A Home programme showed an increasing number of both Ukrainian and Irish families who entered informal pledges are now seeking support on advice.
It is reported that “The team have successfully managed to retain most of the holiday homes pledged under Offer A Home, giving the property owners back their homes for the summer period whilst temporarily relocating the Ukrainian families. This gives continuity for the Ukrainian family and the property owner.”
There are 3,200 displaced Ukrainians living in County Wexford with Rosslare (739) the highest and Kilmuckridge (220) is the lowest.
Three new centres will open under the Ukraine Refurbishment Programme in the coming months at the old Wexford Garda Station (capacity 50), Borrmount Lodge, Edermine, near Bree (capacity 38) and 22, Rafter St, Enniscorthy, over the old Ulster Bank (15 capacity).
Each centre will provide family accommodation in 2,3 and 4 bedrooms. Residents will share a common kitchen, dining, living areas and bathrooms, and all projects will be developed to Temporary Accommodation Standards.
The projects will be contracted by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, subject to the works being completed to a satisfactory standard.
DUN MHUIRE THEATRE is reduced to rubble after serving as ‘the Parish Hall’ for over six decades.
By Dan Walsh in Wexford town
The music is ghostly silent, no more laughter at the pantomime and sketches, gone are the colourful scenes of drama and theatre, the prizes that cheered up the friendship at the bingo sessions is long spent and the election counts are long forgotten as the historic Dun Mhuire Theatre is pulled apart seat by seat, row by row and the much-loved home of so many varieties of entertainment is lost forever in Wexford town.
Wexford County Council agreed to undertake the demolition of the former Dun Mhuire Theatre, the work has commenced on site, along with the old Tesco site, and is expected to take 10 weeks to complete.
Originally the Dun Mhuire building was the residence of the late Richard Devereux, one of Wexford’s old-time shipowners. It became a presbytery before passing into the hands of the Royal Irish Constabulary, (RIC) who were barracked there for many years.
The RIC vacated the site in 1922 when the Garda Síochána took over, before moving into the old site on Roche’s Road, which is now private property and earmarked as a Direct Provision Centre with a capacity for 50 people.
The building then became the headquarters of the Praesidium of the Legion of Mary, and home to the Catholic Girls’ Club.
In 1955 a decision was taken to construct a parochial hall which would later become known as the Dun Mhuire. A dedicated committee was tasked with going from door to door to collect money for the new hall, and their ‘silver circle’ succeeded in raising £2,000 – a staggering sum for the time. Everyone who contributed to the fund is said to have bought a brick in the building.
Construction of the new theatre commenced in 1957. A contemporary newspaper report stated that the hall was built at a cost of £30,000 with a floor ‘ of maple, sprung on the most modern lines, specially designed for dancing’.
The hall was blessed and officially opened on Sunday, December 4th, 1960, by the Most Rev Dr. James Staunton, and the opening night featured a concert starring Veronica Dunne, Michael Murphy and the Artane Boys’ Band.
Dun Mhuire was a magnet for bingo players with great prizes and buses arrived in town on a Sunday night from as far away as Rosslare, Kilmore, New Ross and Enniscorthy and so many rural villages in between.
It is claimed that Dun Mhuire was the first hall in Ireland to call the bingo numbers. Back in the early days a man by the name of Ernie Stewart travelled from Northern Ireland especially to call bingo at the Dun Mhuire. However, as bingo grew in popularity, the committee decided to invest in their own bingo machine.
In a newspaper article on the 50th anniversary penned by local journalist Saoirse McGarrigle, Matt Murphy jokingly recalled travelling to London to collect the machine. The only way they had of transporting it was on top of his car, in a manner not too unlike Del Boy Trotter’s shipping of cargo on his trusty three-wheeler!
Dun Mhuire was host to so many activities from pantomimes to céilís. Discos were part of the entertainment scene until halted for insurance reasons. Brendan Bowyer and the Royal Showband entertained the largest audience of all at the Dun Mhuire, a staggering 2,200 people.
In June of 1963, during President Kennedy’s visit to Wexford, his presidential guards were fed at the Dun Mhuire. In response, the Garda Commissioner wrote a most endearing letter to the volunteers at the Dun Mhuire thanking them for their generosity and hard work.
In 1979 the Dun Mhuire played host to the Labour Party convention and election counts were held at the hall for decades.
From entertainment to politics, the Dun Mhuire played a pivotal role in Wexford’s social scene for almost 60 years. A starting point for countless friendships and, no doubt, marriages, and a shining example of how local volunteers were once the backbone of community endeavour and success.
Ógra Fianna Fail has announced details of a discussion on the Siege of Jadotville with Leo Quinlan at 7pm on Friday at the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy.
“We are excited for this in-depth discussion on Ireland’s forgotten battle in the Congo,” Chairman Ruairi Ryan told WexfordLocal.com.
Leo Quinlan will talk about his family’s participation in the siege as well as his journey for justice for his father and comrades’ mistreatment in the Defence Forces.
The event is open to the public and after the discussion will be opened for questions and answers. The moderator by Ruairí Ryan.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL HQ (File Pic).
A call for openness and transparency and update information demanded by the public to establish the facts, driven by rumours at this stage, concerning plans for a Direct Provision Centre at Rosslare Harbour and another outside Gorey dominated proceedings at today’s meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber at Carricklawn Headquarters. Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach, presided.
The matter was first raised by Cllr Ger Carthy who questioned the meeting about proposals for a Provision Centre on the old Great Southern Hotel site at Rosslare Harbour. He called for a meeting with the relevant Department and said that the people of Rosslare Harbour were looking for answers as to why plans for a 90-bed nursing home, which was welcome in the community, had been shelved in favour of a Direct Provision Centre.
Cllr Carthy said Rosslare Harbour welcomed refugees, fundraised over €120,000 and the community was most helpful, but he said; “It has now reached saturation point and all the services are inadequate and the community cannot do anymore.”
Cllr George Lawlor supported Cllr Carthy. “The goodwill generated at Rosslare Harbour will be thrown out the door and the people working with refugees say this will not work! And these are people who have stood up to the plate.”
CLLR GER CARTHY (File Pic).
Cllr Lisa McDonald added her support. She pointed out the need for proper services and the need for nursing home spaces as people are “under serious pressure.” She added that “nobody is anti-anything here” but there is a serious lack of services in the area and these matters should be addressed.
Chief Executive Tom Enright pointed out that “its is a privately owned property and this is a commercial decision” and he saw the role of Wexford County Council as ensuring that “planning, building and fire regulations” meeting the required standards.
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin requested information on St. Therese’s B&B, Mount Alexander, Gorey, where there is a proposal to create a Direct Provision Centre for 50 people. “There are no footpaths, no lighting on the narrow and dangerous road. Speculators buying such buildings as investment opportunities. It is entirely unsuitable.”
Cllr Ó Súilleabháin was supported by his district colleagues Cllr Diarmuid Devereux and Cllr Joe Sullivan who was concerned how St. Therese’s were going to “fit 50 people into 12 bedrooms in the house?”
Cllr Davy Hynes made reference to Slaney Manor and the former Garda Station in Wexford town. “No one knows anything. There is no consultation. People are buying properties and can do what they like with them?”, he added.
Cllr Pat Bardon made a reference to Cedar Lodge at Carrigbyrne and stated; “Who is occupying the property the locals want to know?”
As regards the official situation, WexfordLocal.com has obtained the following information, which we believe is the current position regards these applications;
Planning had been received for a new 90-bed nursing home on the site of the old Great Southern Hotel in Rosslare Harbour, the property changed ownership and since then, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth received a proposal to utilise the property for temporary accommodation for international protection applicants.
The Planning Department (Enforcement) of Wexford County Council has written to the property developers to advise them of their obligations under planning and building control.
A second property in North Wexford, St. Therese’s B&B at Mount Alexander, Gorey, Y25 P285, with a proposed capacity of circa-50 is also under consideration.
The Department of Children has been requested to inform Wexford County Council of any final decision made and to ensure that a communications protocol is implemented by the Department should these proposals proceed.
Two calls for KILMORE QUAY RNLI LIFEBOAT today (Monday). All are safe. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh).
By Dan Walsh
It was a busy Monday for Kilmore Quay RNLI with two calls that involved assisting a lone sailor whose yacht had lost all power near the Saltee Islands, this afternoon, and earlier this morning to assist two people approximately two miles south of Carnsore Point whose yacht had been disabled by a fouled prop.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 2.30pm this afternoon to assist a yacht on passage from France with one person on board that had lost power. Conditions at the time were good, with a light north westerly breeze and calm seas. The lifeboat immediately launched and made its way to the yacht.
Arriving on scene ten minutes later, the crew assessed the situation, and decided to transfer a RNLI crew member to the yacht to assist in establishing a towline. The vessel was towed back to Kilmore Quay harbour arriving at 3.20 pm where they were met by an ambulance as a precaution.
Earlier this morning, the crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard to assist two people aboard a yacht with a fouled prop approximately two miles south of Carnsore Point. In similar weather and sea conditions, the lifeboat immediately launched and made its way to the yacht.
Arriving on scene at 8.10 am, the crew assessed the situation and ensured all on board were safe and well. With a towline secured to the yacht, the lifeboat was soon under way back to Kilmore Quay, arriving back at the harbour 9.30 am.
Speaking following both call outs, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said: “We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a life jacket and to always carry a means of calling for help. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
The Volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI were requested to launch their lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard on Saturday evening at 6pm.
(Pic; Fethard/RNLI)
The alarm was raised from the family onboard a broken down 16-foot speedboat.
Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched by Helm Mick Roche with crew members Cathal O’Connell and Paddy Regan onboard.
The lifeboat arrived on scene, 500 metres off Slade Harbour, a short time later. The sea was flat calm, and the weather was good.
After assessing the situation, the crew decided to tow the craft with the family onboard to the safety of Fethard Dock.
Commenting about the call out, Pete Barry, Fethard RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: “Today’s call out highlights the huge importance of always having a means to call 999 or 112. This family were out enjoying the fine weather when the unexpected happened. Their quick thinking calling the Coast Guard meant our crew could launch to assist as soon as was possible, bringing the situation to a safe conclusion.”
AIDAN O’BRIEN celebrating his 4,000th winner at The Curragh (Pic; Irish Mirror).
Rated as one of the world’s greatest horse trainers, Wexford-born Aidan O’Brien, from Donard, Poulpeasty, near Clonroche, today (Sunday) recorded his 4,000th success as a trainer when Henry Longfellow (10/11 fav) ridden by Ryan Moore won the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh.
Named in honour of O’Brien’s unrelated predecessor at Ballydoyle, the seven-furlongs contest is the premier juvenile race for colts in Ireland and, in 1996, provided Aidan O’Brien with his first Group 1 success, with Desert King.
Aidan won with his first runner Wandering Thoughts at Tralee on June 7th 1993, and having bagged five Jumps Trainers Championships between 1994-’98, subsequently accepted owner/breeder John Magnier’s request to train at Ballydoyle, Co Tipperary and has won every flat championship since 1998.
FACT FILE; Aidan Patrick O’Brien was born on October 16th 1969, one of six children of Denis O’Brien and his wife Stella (née Doyle). Denis was a farmer and small-scale horse trainer in the townland of Killegney, near Poulpeasty where Aidan grew up.
Aidan O’Brien attended Donard National School, located less than a mile from his parents’ home. He subsequently attended secondary school at Good Counsel College, New Ross.
Aidan O’Brien is married to Anne-Marie (née Crowley). Anne-Marie’s father, Joe Crowley trained horses at Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, where his tenure was interrupted in quick succession by his daughter Anne-Marie (Champion National Hunt Trainer during her brief time at the helm), his son-in-law Aidan O’Brien, who took over from his wife in 1993 but moved on to Ballydoyle, Co. Tipperary, in 1996.
Since 1996, Aidan has been the private trainer at Ballydoyle Stables, near Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary for John Magnier and his Coolmore Stud associates.
He is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest horse trainers of all time.
Aspire Gymnastics Academy, in Kiltealy, has been chosen winners of the Wexford County Award in this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative and €5,000 has been presented to the club to help fund the purchase of new gymnastics equipment.
Established in 2019, the academy is committed to teaching gymnastics to all levels and abilities in a safe and fun environment and already has over 240 active members, 21 of which competed nationally, for the first time, this year.
Now in its third year, the Texaco Support for Sport initiative – organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – sees a fund of €130,000 set aside annually for allocation in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis.
Previous Wexford winners were Kilmore United FC (2021) and Menapians Athletic Club (2022).
Congratulating the winners, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited referred to what he called “the important contribution that sports clubs make within their communities and throughout Irish society. Our initiative provides vital funding to clubs that have an important place in and seek to enhance their contribution to their local communities.”
Entries for the 2024 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open in the Autumn.
Steam engine taking the lead at this evening’s official parade at Coolgreany Vintage and Heritage Show.
By Dan Walsh at Coolgreany
The 6th annual Coolgreany Vintage and Heritage Show got off to a perfect start this evening (Saturday) with the official opening parade through the village lined on both sides of the street by large crowds.
The parade was led by a piper followed by a number of steam engines of various sizes and vintage and a large convoy of vintage tractors and other models from another era.
The festivities continue with country ‘n’ western music in the Top Shop. The Show resumes tomorrow (Sunday) at 12 noon and the organisers are hopeful of a large attendance.
The steam engines and vintage exhibits will be on the field tomorrow with many other attractions including the Dog Show at 2pm, Dancing with Declan and other entertainment, an autojumble, refreshments, and, as they always say, something for all the family.
A local woman in her 80’s has died at Cahore North Beach.
Cahore Inshore Rescue team were called to the scene at 5.09pm yesterday (Friday) evening.
Efforts to resuscitate the woman by two nurses who were on the beach at the time were unsuccessful. A defibrillator was deployed. Paramedics also assisted at the scene.
WexfordLocal.com 