WexfordLocal.com

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),

10 new CCTV cameras for Bunclody

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council hopes to install 10 new CCTV cameras at eight locations within Bunclody town centre and plans are available for public inspection.

The purpose of this is to provide a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour and improve public safety. The proposals have been agreed with An Garda Siochana.

Plans and particulars of the proposed scheme will be available for inspection during normal office hours (9am – 5pm) at Enniscorthy Municipal District Office, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 W2V4 and Enniscorthy Library, Lymington Road, Enniscorthy.

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed scheme may be made in writing to Claire Lawless, District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford or on the Consultation Portal not later than 4pm on August 30^th.

DO NOT SWIM at Carne Beach

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council is advising that ‘Do Not Swim’ notices have been issued for Carne Beach after testing conducted as part of the Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water quality showed elevated levels for E. Coli and Intestinal enterococci bacteria.

Following consultation with the HSE, ‘Do Not Swim’ warning notices are issued in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.

Further samples have been taken today and results are expected on Saturday, August 19^th, at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed. The Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.

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

Lay ministry training plans for Diocese of Ferns

**ST. AIDAN’S CATHEDRAL, ENNISCORTHY. (File Pic)**

By Dan Walsh

A decline in vocations, reduced numbers and the ageing profile of serving clergy is at crisis point in the Diocese of Ferns and an invitation by Pope Francis and the expressed wishes of the people of the diocese is inviting women and men to participate in new lay ministry roles in the church.

Bishop Ger Nash has issued a Pastoral Letter outlining details which will be read at Masses and printed in parish newsletters across the diocese this weekend.

“In the autumn of this year, I will be inviting people to participate in developing the faith life of the families, parishes and pastoral areas of the diocese. We will be encouraging a renewal of mission from committed lay people to prepare for and take up specific roles which in the past were undertaken by ordained ministers,” stated Bishop Nash.

**BISHOP GER NASH… Bishop of the Diocese of Ferns**.(File Pic)

His Lordship continued; “After a series of consultations with people and priests on the kinds of training that will be needed to facilitate the future flourishing of faith in the diocese, it has been agreed that we need several different strands of training. These will suit different people with different interest areas and with different amounts of time to participate. The consultation for this training was thorough as required by our call to Synodality.”

To quote Pope Francis; “We need lay people who are formed well, animated by a clear and sincere faith, whose lives have been touched by a personal and merciful encounter with the love of Jesus Christ. We need lay people who take risks, soil their hands, who are not afraid of making mistakes, who move forward. We need lay people with a vision of the future.” (Pontifical Council for the Laity 2016).

Bishop Nash said; Here in Ferns, following Pope Francis’ invitation and the expressed wishes of the people of the diocese, we will be inviting women and men, to be formed as:

• Catechists, to work with families and children in the parish who are preparing for the three great sacraments of welcome – Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation;

• Pastoral Care Workers, to work with the sick and the housebound and to assist families in the time around funerals and bereavements;

• Leaders of Parish Prayer with scripture, to build up their capacity to lead communities in prayer and Liturgy;

• Parish Administrators and Leaders who will ensure the continuation and viability of the individual parish communities of the diocese when they will not have a resident priest;

• Facilitators with Accord, to help couples prepare well for the Sacrament of Marriage and for their life together.

“In September, we will be sending information to each parish, and this will be followed by information evenings to provide further details on courses. In September, I invite you to keep an eye on your parish newsletter or you can contact the Diocesan Office directly after September 1^st to get the dates of the information evenings,” said Bishop Nash, who added; “In the meantime, I ask that you continue to pray for the diocese, that the decisions we make in the months and years ahead will draw us closer to Christ and his Kingdom.”

Mystery ‘secret room’ discovered at Johnstown Castle

By Dan Walsh at Johnstown Castle

A secret room in the 800-year-old gothic-revival Johnstown Castle, near Wexford town, has been discovered during conservation works and the story is generating massive public interest.

As restoration works continue the Castle and gardens through 2023 a brand-new discovery was made on Sunday, August 13th by a carpenter who was working on window conservation in the castle itself. The contractors from National Gates and Joinery Company broke through a section of wall only to uncover a hidden room which had remained untouched.

Manager at Johnstown Castle Brenda Comerford says “this room has been covered up for a very long time. It is part of one of the towers and looking around it, on initial inspection we think it was most likely a small turret bedroom.

“There is quite a tragic family history associated with Johnstown Castle, so this room could have been sealed off due to a tragedy, which would have happened in times past, who knows. We will need to investigate this further.”

Ms. Comerford added; “Just last year we discovered a room under the tower at the lake which could only be accessed by boat. We’re discovering secrets all the time here at Johnstown Castle and that’s mainly thanks to the support of our visitors, our members at the Irish Heritage Trust and the Department of Heritage who provide the funding so we can carry out these restoration works and secure the future of the castle.”

**The ‘SECRET ROOM’ DISCOVERED AT JOHNSTOWN CASTLE (Pic; Irish Heritage Trust).**

Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust, told WexfordLocal.com; “This is a really incredible discovery. It is highly unusual to find additional hidden treasures in heritage properties and this is the second time that this has happened at Johnstown Castle following our discovery of a secret room under the tower at the lake just last year.

“The Trust’s mission is to care for the properties and work towards making them financially sustainable, this is done through several different ways, such as, welcoming visitors to our sites, philanthropy, and competitive grants. In the case of the windows here in Johnstown Castle the work is being completed with support from the Dept. of Heritage”, said Ms. O’Donoghue.

Dating back over 850 years to the Norman times in Ireland, Johnstown Castle was in private hands for centuries and went through a few aristocratic families before coming into public ownership in the late 20th century.

In 2018 the Irish Heritage Trust took over the care and management of Johnstown Castle in Co Wexford and the Estate underwent a €7.5 million makeover, which included conservation of the castle itself, the construction of a new visitor centre and the restoration of an 86 metre underground servants’ tunnel.

The Irish Heritage Trust will now assess the room to see how it can unlock the potential of the wonderful new space and understand how it can be used to the benefit of the castle and visitor experience. It’s not the first secret that Johnstown Castle has turned up in recent times either.

The beautiful neo-Gothic Castle is set on a 120-acre estate with three lakes and extensive walking trails in the Southeast corner of Ireland aptly within Ireland’s Ancient East. For more details on the gardens, events and tours, visit johnstowncastle.ie

New Map Room opening at Monksgrange

By Dan Walsh

As part of the programme for National Heritage Week, Monksgrange Archives are hosting lecture programme Heritage Afternoon at Monksgrange, Rathnure, next Sunday starting at 2pm, where most focus is reserved on the opening of the archive’s new Map Room displaying the large plan chest funded last year by the Heritage Council.

The lecture series commences with the launch by Professor Seán Duffy, Trinity College, Dublin, of an index to the letters of Goddard Orpen. This index will provide ease of access for scholars of the medieval period to the content of some 2000 letters by the historian and author of Ireland under the Normans; the letters themselves are held in the archive.

Prof. Duffy specialises in the history of medieval Ireland and writing about Orpen he noted: “His work has not been surpassed, and it cannot be superseded because it is the fons et origo of the professional historiography of Anglo-Norman Ireland.”

Lesley Whiteside, consultant archivist, will talk about the strategy and working methods she engaged in compiling ‘by hand’ this exacting indexing task.

Jeremy Hill will report on the opening of the archive’s new Map Room displaying the large plan chest funded last year by the Heritage Council. He will then give a short and whimsical, illustrated address on the name of an ancestor – Obadiah Tomalin.

Guided visits to the Map Room will be accommodated from 2-2.45pm and from 4.30-5pm.

Tickets at €10 can be purchased on-line through Eventbrite Monksgrange Archives.

New dolmen trail opens

At the official opening of the Ballybrittas Dolmen (left to right); Cllr. Cathal Byrne, Betty Kelly Bree Tracks & Trails, Colm Moriarty Archaeologist, Rory O’Mahony Wexford County Council, Shelia Moriarty Bree Tracks & Trails, Madeline Quirke and Michael Delaney Wexford Walking Trails. (Pic; Betty Kelly).

By Dan Walsh

The Ballybrittas Dolmen Trail, located on Bree Hill was officially opened last Sunday by Cllr. John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

The dolmen dates from the neolithic period (4000 – 2500 BC) and is probably Wexford’s oldest standing structure.

The Tomb consists of two large portal stones and a backstone that supports a substantial roof stone. In addition, the dolmen has two side stones and a sill stone, the latter located at the tomb’s east facingentrance. Together, these elements enclose a small rectangular chamber in which burial remains would have been placed. This form of burial monument is known as a Portal Tomb.

There are only two known dolmens in the county which makes the site at Ballybrittas very rare and has the protection of the National Monuments Act.

The trail was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) grant and by Wexford County Council. The walk is 3kms / 45 minutes to the site and starts at Bree Community Centre which has ample parking.