Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash has expressed his support and compassion for those in the farming community who are experiencing difficulties because of the recent spell of poor weather.
He asks everyone in the Diocese of Ferns to join with him in praying for favourable weather and, also in praying for all whose work or livelihoods depend on the weather conditions.
BISHOP GER NASH
“God our loving Father, we know that you care deeply for us. We ask you to bless us with the good weather we so badly need at this time.
Bless the work and efforts of all your people so that their endeavours may produce the results they need. Grant success to the work of our hands.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.”
At the launch of the Community Car initiative for the parish of Taghmon Camross officially launched by Cllr. Jim Moore, at the Taghmon Action Group building, (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
A new Community Car for the parish of Taghmon Camross was officially launched by Cllr. Jim Moore, at the Taghmon Action Group building, and the Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District welcomed the initiative.
Cllr Moore said; “This is a fantastic pioneering local development driven by the community with the support of commercial sponsorship and several agencies. The wonderful volunteers are reaching out across the area and providing a unique service by their commitment to their local community. Well done agus comhgairdeas go léir”.
Ann Marie Laffan said; “People can use this car to get to medical appointments but also it is hoped that it will help to alleviate social isolation and loneliness by allowing people to get to social events such as sporting events like GAA matches, religious events, bingo or just to visit friends or relations. Also, younger members of the community could use it to get to training courses, work, or job iterviews”.
Mary B O’Leary from Wexford Local Link noted that the Community Car will not compete with public transport but rather will compliment it and link passengers with ongoing bus services such as into Wexford Town or to Waterford for hospital appointments, which had been an issue identified particularly by older people.
The attendance at the launch included Cllrs Jim Codd and Leonard Kelly, a number of council officials including Annette O’Neill, Director of Rosslare Municipal District, Nóirín Cummins, Rosslare District Manager, Claude Clancy, Community Development, Annette Dupuy, Healthy Wexford and Ann Marie Laffan, Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, and Enda Newport from main sponsors, Bolands of Wexford Town.
Despite the poor weather many members of the local community turned out in force to hear about the pilot project and find out more about how it will operate. The organisers of the initiative, Ann Marie Laffan, Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, Mary B O’Leary, Wexford Local Link, Emily O’Rourke, Wexford Local Development) and John Waters, Taghmon Action Group, spoke at the event and answered questions from those present including many from Taghmon Day Care Centre.
The project which is open to people living in the parish of Taghmon Camross will get underway shortly and it is aimed primarily at people who are no longer eligible to drive or those who have no access to transport in their homes.
John Waters from Taghmon Action Group thanked all those involved in making this project happen and in particular to Bolands of Wexford Town for supplying the 161 Ford Focus car which was on display for the launch. The car is branded and very visible and will be regularly spotted around the parish.
The project received 100% funding from the Department of Health’s Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme which is managed locally by Wexford County Council.
The umbrellas are up amongst the large crowd attending the opening of the Kilmuckridge Garden of Remembrance in the village today.
By Dan Walsh in Kilmuckridge
The unwanted summer rain failed to dampen the pride of community spirit as a large attendance gathered at Greenwood Avenue in Kilmuckridge village where local Cllr Mary Farrell officially launched the impressive new environmentally friendly Kilmuckridge 1916-1922 Garden of Remembrance this afternoon (Sunday).
Cllr Farrell was brief in her speech but acknowledged her delight at being chosen to perform the official opening; she had an almost endless list of ‘thank yous’ and wondered why such dreadful weather conditions prevailed in July! and, of course, she also acted as master of ceremonies.
John Hearne, Vice-Chair of Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns thanked WLD (Wexford Local Development) for grant-aid, the sponsors of the trees, rose bushes and beeches, local businesses, the residents at Greenwood Avenue, and everybody who contributed in any way for progressing and bringing the project into existence.
John Dempsey, Chair of Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns complimented the volunteers for their contribution to the village and outlined their determination and enthusiasm for the existence of the Garden of Remembrance.
Local historian, Pat Rath, spoke passionately about the history behind the Garden and outlined the symbolism of the layout, the planting of the various trees, the memorials and time capsule space.
The ceremony commenced with a Colour Party from the IUNVA (Irish United Nations Veteran’s Association) Post 3, Gorey and Post 31 Enniscorthy providing a guard of honour at the raising of the tricolour. Maeve Townsend sang Amhrán na bFiann. Fr. Frank Murphy, P.P., Kilmuckridge-Monamolin blessed the garden.
A wreath was laid by Tommy and Pamela Mallon, grand-nephew, and grand-niece of Michael Mallon (1874-1916), who was executed for his part in the 1916 Easter Rising, beside the portraits of the executed leaders. Cllr Mary Farrell sang Grace, which was appropriate to this part of the ceremony.
Items destined for the Time Capsule, which will remain unopened for 50 years, were organised by John and Orry Murphy and presented by Joe Hammel, Sonny Harney, Josie Murphy and representatives of the local primary and secondary schools.
Music was provided by the Monamolin Kilmuckridge Comhaltas Group. Refreshments were provided to all afterwards in the Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall (KMH).
The event was organised by a sub-committee of Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns’ and Kilmuckridge Development Group that included John Hearne, Shane Forsey, Pat Rath, Cllr Mary Farrell, Johnny Dempsey, Angela Kelly and Ger McCormick.
Wexford County Council has recently adopted the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan, which is described as “a roadmap for the sustainable regeneration of Enniscorthy’s town centre” and it should make considerable progress this coming week when it will be made available for public scrutiny.
A Public Presentation Event for the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan takes place in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Tuesday, August 1st at 7pm. All are welcome.
This plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for long-term social, economic, and environmental revitalisation of the town. It also highlights priority regeneration projects that can serve as catalysts for Enniscorthy’s sustainable regeneration.
All are cordially invited to attend a public presentation by Dr Conor Norton from Loci, the authors of the plan.
During the presentation, there is the opportunity to learn about the plan’s preparation process and the transformative regeneration projects that Wexford County Council aims to advance for the town.
The Enniscorthy Plan has had a chequered beginning. At the December meeting of the Municipal District Council, it was agreed to discuss the Plan ‘in committee’ because the elected representatives felt they should peruse the content and have first preference in any decision making.
At the February meeting, ructions broke out following a presentation by Mick McCormick, Town Regeneration Officer, with special responsibility for New Ross and Enniscorthy, who outlined the Town Centre First- A Policy Approach for Irish Towns.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne said the plan was “ambitious and a chance to make Enniscorthy special and great” but the mood changed when it emerged that only one elected member could serve on the committee and five would be disappointed!
The councillors protested but Mr. McCormick said these are the rules and must be followed to have any chance of securing URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) funds. “These are the rules of the game”, he said and added that doing otherwise could put the application for funding in jeopardy,
Cllr Jackser Owens felt ‘insulted’. He said they had worked for three and a half years as the Enniscorthy Team and now five members are gone! We want six members for the Enniscorthy Team and fight as a team to get €5 or 6 million. “This is not acceptable. It is an insult to the elected members of Enniscorthy district,” he concluded.
At this point an Cathaoirleach told members that a decision had to be made (today)) immediately. The Council will have one member on the Town Team (the Cathaoirleach of the day) and it was agreed that the working group continue in an advisory capacity.
Launched last February the Town Centre First policy aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community.
The key roles of the Town Team are to comprise of local experts and made of diverse groups such as residents, business owners, community representatives etc. and may also have one local authority member, Public Partnership Network (PPN) member, representatives of tourism, culture groups etc. The public presentation should be interesting.
Pictured at the annual general meeting of Wexford Ógra Fianna Fail held in Enniscorthy recently are; (left to right); Cllr Andrew Bolger, Maria Wall, Niall Sinnott, Sean O’Brien, Ruairí Ryan, Michael Roche.
By Ruairí Ryan, National Press Officer Ógra Fianna Fáil
Wexford Ógra Fianna Fail held its annual general meeting for 2023 in the Wexford Farmer’s Club, Enniscorthy, attended by members from across the county and in the presence of Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy and Andrew Bolger.
Ruairí Ryan the outgoing chair gave thanks and praise to the officer board during his tenure. “It’s been an absolute pleasure serving as chairperson for the last 18 months. I’m very happy to say I’ve made some good friends in the role. We’ve done a lot, raised money for charity through our coffee morning, had debates with other parties and kept a presence at countless events, most notably our stand at the Gorey Agricultural Show.
“We’ve local elections coming up next year and we’re going to encourage many young people to be a part of it whether that be as a candidate or as the many other roles of running an election. I’m proud to have been chair and for you all to have elected me twice. So thank you,” concluded Mr. Ryan,
The election of officers resulted in Sean O’Brien taking on the role as Chair, Niall Sinnott as Vice-Chair, Rory Cassidy as Secretary Michael Roche as PRO, Ruairí Ryan as Youth Officer to the senior party, Cian Cassidy as Treasurer.
The incoming Chair, Sean O’Brien thanked the members for electing him and presented his address focusing on what he wants to achieve in his new term.
“The local elections are coming up and that’s something we as Ógra and I as chair want to focus on in the next year. I’m proud to be sitting next to Andrew Bolger our Ógra councillor in Gorey and we’re going to get out canvassing and particularly helping in his election as well as any other young candidates,” said Mr. O’Brien.
The meeting was then addressed by Cllr. Bolger who thanked Sean and Ógra for their continuous support and wished Sean well in his new role.
WEXFORD MACRA members promoting Macra and recruiting new members at the recent Bannow-Rathangan Agricultural Show. (Pic; Macra)
By Sarah Byrne, PRO, Wexford Macra
All five clubs from Bree, Camolin, Cushinstown, Kilmuckridge and Kilrush/Askamore/Ferns were strongly represented at the annual general meeting held in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, on July 6th where the 2023-’24 County Executive was elected, and plans were agreed for the year ahead.
Officers elected were Ronan Finn (chairperson), Sara Steacy (secretary), Rebecca O’Leary (treasurer), Sarah Byrne (PRO), Cliona O’Leary (competitions officer), Sean O’Brien (rural youth officer), Willie Murphy and Mariah Boland (sports, social, and travel officers), and Thomas Devereux and Conor Doran (recruitment and development officers).
The meeting heard that Wexford Macra have gone from strength to strength and in the last twelve months, the county has seen the successful re-establishment of Camolin Macra, celebrated Bree Macra’s All-Ireland Public Speaking victory, and All-Ireland Runners-Up in both Novice Debating and Impromptu Public Speaking, and members have had countless hours of craic at Kilmuckridge Macra’s weekly Pool Night, and travelled down to Clonmel to support County Chair Ronan Finn in the Mr Personality Competition.
Currently the County Executive is hard at work helping to plan Cushinstown Macra’s relaunch night, which will take place in the next few weeks. It is especially exciting to see Wexford Macra doing so well, as they are approaching their 75th anniversary, having been founded in 1949. The County are currently in the process of planning the anniversary celebrations, news of which both past and current members should keep an eye out for in the coming weeks!
This Macra year certainly promises to be an exciting one if the next few weeks are anything to go by! Kilmuckridge Macra is hosting a weekly Pool Night every Tuesday in Marty’s Bar in Oulart, and are gearing up for August 25th, when The Rattlin’ Rogues will be playing in Marty’s Bar at 9pm. Entry is €10 on the door, and both members and non-members are welcome. There will be a Monster Draw on the night, with some fabulous prizes and raffle tickets are on sale now from any Kilmuckridge Macra committee member.
Kilrush/Askamore/Ferns Macra are enjoying a strong turnout for their weekly Indoor Soccer night, which takes place every Monday at 8.30pm in Craanford Sports Complex. The club are also planning a Go-Karting outing for the next few weeks, the details of which will be announced on the club’s Facebook and Instagram profiles.
Camolin Macra, despite having only been re-established in January, have immediately gotten into the swing of things! They are hosting a Darts Night every Thursday at 8:30pm in the Pike Inn. They are also planning an exciting outing to play Airsoft in Wicklow on August 2nd. Anyone interested in joining them should contact Camolin Macra on social media as soon as possible.
Wexford Macra are always welcoming new members – anyone interested in joining can contact either the County Executive members or their local branch on Facebook or Instagram.
The successful reopening of the Emergency Department (ED)) at Wexford General Hospital (WGH), as planned on Tuesday morning, has been described as “a significant day for the staff and management at the hospital and it also comes as a great relief to the people of Wexford.”
WGH Manager, Linda O’Leary, in a statement to WexfordLocal.com said; “We were acutely aware of the stress and strain caused to the people of Wexford by not having a fully functioning ED over the past five months. To have the ED reopened so quickly is testament to all involved in the restoration project at the hospital.”
Although the ED service has been restored at WGH, full bed capacity has not been reached. It is expected to take 3 to 4 weeks before full bed capacity is returned.
“To get to this point today has taken determination and huge effort from very many people at our staff in Wexford General Hospital. However, it would be remiss of me not to mention our colleagues in University Hospital Waterford, St Luke’s Kilkenny and St Vincent’s University Hospital.
“They have supported us and the patients of County Wexford tremendously over the last five months. The care and attention they gave our patients was unwavering. We owe a huge debt of gratitude towards these hospitals,” Ms. O’Leary concluded.
The latest information regarding services in WGH can be found at hse.ie/WexfordHospital As always if you need urgent care, please ring 999/112 or attend your nearest ED.
MINISTER JACK CHAMBERS speaking at the opening of the SOUTH EAST GREENWAY in New Ross today.
By Dan Walsh at New Ross
Phase One of the €8 million South East Greenway linking New Ross with Glenmore and Waterford city was officially opened today (Tuesday) by Jack Chambers T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications at a sun drenched ceremony held in the Greenway car park at Rosbercon, New Ross.
Minister Chambers said; “The opening of the first section of the South East Greenway represents an exciting development for the South East Region. A figure of €8 million has been invested by the Department of Transport in developing this wonderful Greenway route to date. This investment signals the Government’s commitment to providing high-quality cycle infrastructure that will generate many benefits for cyclists and communities across Ireland. This Greenway will encourage greater levels of travel via cycling and walking rather than private car use amongst leisure users, tourists, and commuters. The opening of this route along the River Barrow and its connection with the Waterford Greenway will, in due course represent a valuable tourism amenity in Ireland in attracting visitors to Ireland’s Ancient East.”
AUDIO ADDITION; MINISTER JACK CHAMBERS speaking at the opening of the SOUTH EAST GREENWAY at New Ross today.
Cllr Michael Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council welcomed the opening of Phase One of the South East Greenway and looked forward to the opening of future stages. Cllr. Doyle said, “The old rail corridor is steeped in natural, built and cultural heritage, with a blend of urban in New Ross and Ferrybank and rural through the farmland of south Kilkenny and I’m delighted to see it now re-imagined into the South East Greenway, a world class amenity that locals can be very proud of and one that they and visitors can enjoy for many years to come.”
Cllr Fleming said; “As Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council as well as a Councillor representing New Ross Municipal District, and my parents being from Kilkenny originally, I am enormously proud to attend the opening of the Greenway between those counties and soon to include Waterford as well. The Greenway will bring economic benefits as well as very important health and social benefits to our communities and I look forward to its completion, in particular, to the Red Bridge and the tunnel at Mount Elliot, which will be spectacular.”
Cllr Fleming acknowledged the presence of Mogue Curtis, (86), and Phil Jackman, (91), who cycled to the event and whom he affectionately described as “the oldest bikers in town today.”
Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District said; “I’m delighted to see the first section of the Greenway open. It will be a historic day for Wexford, New Ross in particular, and Kilkenny and Waterford. Being the closest elected member to the Greenway, living in Rosbercon itself, I would have passed this location every day for years and am delighted to see what it has now become, from the under-utilised space it was for many years. It will be a major attraction for local people and for tourists alike, bringing people to New Ross and the South East region.”
Other speakers included Cathaoirleach of Callan and Thomastown District Council, Cllr Deirdre Cullen, and Cllr Ger Frisby, Cathaoirleach of Piltown Municipal District Council. The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe, Deputy John Paul Phelan and Senator Malcolm Byrne, Eamonn Hore, Acting Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Sean McKeown, Acting Chief Executive Kilkenny County Council, Paul Walsh, CEO of TII and Brendan Crowley, President of Wexford Chamber of Commerce.
The new Greenway was jointly blessed with prayers from Rt-Rev. Mons. Joseph McGrath, P.P., New Ross, The Reverend Bruce Hayes, Dean of Waterford and Rector of Waterford Union of Parishes and Hafid Tribak, Muslim Imam. Music was provided by the Cumas trad Band from New Ross.
Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager for New Ross, acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed and thanked so many people that made for a memorable day on the site of the old railway station in New Ross.
CUTTING THE RIBBON at the official launch of the SOUTH EAST GREENWAY at New Ross.
This project commenced in 2018 and is funded by the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Kilkenny County Council, Wexford County Council and Waterford City and County Council.
Opening for public use this afternoon, Phase One of the South East Greenway is approximately 6km in length from New Ross to Glenmore. It is the first part to be opened of the 24km of the South East Greenway, which will be a spectacular off-road cycling, walking and wheeling Greenway. Once fully completed, it will run along an old railway line from the quays of Ireland’s oldest Viking City of Waterford to the Norman town of New Ross along the banks of the beautiful Barrow River, through the scenic countryside of South Kilkenny.
Future phases may include historic elements such as the Red Bridge and old rail tunnel at Mount Elliot and will ultimately connect to the renowned Waterford Greenway.
Smoke bellowing from the roof of Wexford General Hospital during a serious outbreak of fire that closed the hospital for five months. Emergency Department reopens tomorrow (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
The Emergency Department at Wexford General Hospital reopens at 9am tomorrow (Tuesday), five months after the entire hospital was closed to the public following a devastating outbreak of fire that sent flames leaping high above the roof just before 4pm on Wednesday, March 1st.
A major emergency was declared, and entire hospital was closed on health and safety grounds.
The decision was made between Wexford County Council, the HSE, An Garda Siochána and other interested parties and a fleet of ambulances helped clear the building and transport 207 patients to other hospitals.
St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin, St. Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny and University Hospital Waterford, others outside the region and nursing homes assisted in the transfers which involved about 100 ambulances.
The reopening of the Emergency Department is good news and a motion congratulating and expressing gratitude and appreciation to “all the management staff, frontline staff, contractors and workers for their dedication, professionalism and outstanding efforts for completing the work done in a highly pressured area”, proposed by Cllr Michael Sheehan, and unanimously supported by all members present was carried at the July meeting of Wexford County Council.
“Furthermore, we resolve to thank all patients and their families for their resilience and patience while the works were being carried out,” stated Cllr Sheehan.
A copy of the motion was sent to the Minister for Health, and the CEO of the HSE, Waterford and Kilkenny County Councils, for consideration.
WexfordLocal.com 