Cllr O’Rourke is ‘captain of Team Enniscorthy’

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Council Chamber

Enniscorthy Municipal District Council has a new Cathaoirleach in Cllr John O’Rourke who was selected at the annual meeting held in the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, this morning (Monday). Cllr Jackser Owens is Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Cllr O’Rourke said thanks for the opportunity “to be captain of team Enniscorthy for the term.” He stated; “It would be remiss of me not to thank you all for putting Enniscorthy, Ferns, Bunclody, Enniscorthy Rural Communities first in all your endeavors to make them all fantastic places to live and represent to the highest levels that we can together without point scoring or political bias.”

CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

From the Ross Road area of Enniscorthy town, Cllr O’Rourke served his town from 1999-2014, and district from 2014 to the present, and was joined in the chamber by members of his family and he was warmly congratulated by his fellow members and officials including CEO Tom Enright and Director of Services Carolyne Godkin.

Cllr O’Rourke was proposed for the position by Cllr Jackser Owens and seconded by outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Aidan Browne, who handed over the chains of office and was, himself, highly praised for “representing the town and district with distinction” and leaving “Enniscorthy a better place.”

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan was also proposed for the chair, but members’ support favoured Cllr O’Rourke.

Long serving Cllr Jackser Owens, who served two terms as Chairman of Enniscorthy Town Council in 2004 and 2011 was proposed by Cllr O’Rourke and seconded by Cllr Browne. Cllr Owens thanked the members for their support and promised “to do the best I can” and reminded the attendance that his late father (Cllr Tommy Owens) also served the people of Enniscorthy.

Ballymurn commemorates 1798

Local performer JOHN ENNIS singing ‘The Ferns Exile‘ at today’s 1798 Rebellion commemorations at the Ballinkeele monument.

By Dan Walsh at Ballymurn

Focus on the 225th anniversary commemorations of the 1798 Rebellion switched to Ballymurn today (Sunday) where wreath laying and commemoration in words and song took place at memorials around the village.

St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, first led a march, accompanied by a banner carried by Wesley and Saoirse Courtney and Father Murphy (Peter Bishop) on horseback to Kilmallock Cemetery where Sean Colfer laid a wreath on the Father Tomas Clince/John Hay monument.

Fr. Jim Finn, P.P., Ballymurn, and Rev. Canon Nicola Halford, Rector of the Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes gave a blessing.

Marie Hayes recited ‘Requiem for the Croppies’ by Seamus Heaney, Marguerite Scallan recited Boolavogue, Breda Redmond lowered the flag over the grave of John Hay. A minute’s silence followed. Martina Boylan laid a wreath on John Hay’s grave.

From Kilmallock the parade headed back to Ballymurn village and on to the Ballinkeele monument outside the boundary of the Ballinkeele Estate that was owned by the Hay family until 1826. King James II is reputed to have stayed there on his way to France after the Battle of the Boyne 1690. Since 1826 the Maher family owned the estate. William Smith O’Brien, John Blake Dillon and Thomas Francis Maher of the Young Irelanders stayed there in 1848.

Here John Ennis sang The Croppy Boy and The Ferns Exile, Mog O’Connor planted the Tree of Liberty, and Mary Bishop laid a laurel wreath at the 1798 stone. There were further contributions from Rev. Fr. Jim Finn and folklorist, Michael Fortune, who spoke about 1798 and its importance in ballad and verse.

The attendance included Minister James Browne and local Cllrs Willie Kavanagh and Oliver Walsh.

Afterwards, it was back to Ballymurn Hall where there were refreshments for all, and as soon as the kettles boiled, like at Killanne a few hours earlier, the heavens opened and a downpour ensued!

Enniscorthy survives a downpour

By Dan Walsh

It was a Sunday of “two contrasting seasons in the same day” in the Enniscorthy district this ‘sunny’ afternoon as heavy and thundery outbreaks of hail lashed much of the countryside around 3pm.

A pile of hail on Market Square this afternoon

An unprecedented large pile of hail was observed along the streets around the Market Square area of the town while large amounts of water rushed onto the roads from entrances to the roads entering the town.

Overflowing gullies were observed at Mill Park Road and Abbey Square. All streets are now cleared, and no serious damage has been reported.

The weather forecast overnight is for “Clear spells and isolated showers tonight. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in light southwesterly breezes.”

Remembering ‘John Kelly the Boy from Killanne’

Pikemen and women standing to attention at the Killanne 1798 Commemoration earlier today.

By Dan Walsh at Killanne

Legendary writer PJ McCall immortalised ‘John Kelly, the Boy from Killanne’ in his writings, and at the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion commemorations in Killanne today (Sunday) Willie Moore, with the support of local children, gave a precious rendition of the special ballad as wreaths were laid at a ceremony in Killanne graveyard and at the iconic 7’s monument at Killanne Cross.

Singing ‘John Kelly the Boy from Killanne at the 7’s monument in Killanne today.

Thoughtfully organised by Killanne Development Group the commemorations began with the unveiling of a new commemorative stone at the site of Johnson’s Blacksmith’s Forge at Rathduff where the pikes were made for the rebels.

A Colour Party lead the pike bearing marchers and Very Rev. Brian Broaders, P.P., Rathnure, recited prayers. Bishop Emeritus Denis Brennan, a native of the district also attended.

Gloria Binions gave a Roll Call of those who died locally in 1798 and are interred in Killanne Graveyard where pride of place goes to the Celtic Cross dating from 1898 above the grave of John Kelly.

Sean Óg Doyle spoke of the Barony of Bantry Memories andrenowned local folklorist,Michael Fortune recalled the 1798 Rebellion in ballad and verse. Rory O’Connor told the large gathering about John Kelly and the 1798 Rebellion and Barry Lacey gave a case study Ballycarney in 1798.

Martin Codd was excellent as master of ceremonies.

But, perhaps, keeping the best till last; for many the highlight of a fitting commemoration of a most historic district of Co. Wexford was the performance of ‘The Boys of Wexford’ by internationally acclaimed Irish tenor Anthony Kearns.

The official commemoration had barely ended when dark clouds gathered over the Blackstairs and the county was plunged into a violent thunderstorm with heavy falls of hail in Enniscorthy town.

Cllr Pip is new Gorey district leader

CLLR PIP BREEN.. Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council for 2022-’23.

By Dan Walsh

Boolavogue-born Cllr Pip Breen is the new Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council following the annual general meeting held in the Chamber at Gorey Civic Buildings last Tuesday.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Cllr Breen said his priorities for the coming year includes the completion of the footpath from Gorey to Courtown, the renovation of the Market House, progressing projects on Esmonde Street and pursuing fair play for funding and projects in the district.

Cllr Breen was first elected as a Fianna Fáil councillor in 2014 and twice previously held the position of Cathaoirleach in 2016-2017 and 2021-2022 and during the latter period also served as Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly. He is also the current Chair of AIR (Association of Irish Regions).

The post of Leas-Chathaoirleach goes to Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin of Sinn Féin who was first elected as a public representative in 2014.

On social media, Cllr Ó Súilleabháin posted; “It is a great honour to have been appointed as Leas-Chathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council. I will do my utmost to be a Vice-Chair for all the people of this large district in the year ahead. Lots of local projects I want to see progressed this year.”

1798; Kilmore Quay Summer School

By Dan Walsh

JOHNSTOWN CASTLE…home of Cornelius Grogan in 1798. (File Pic).

The 1798 Kilmore Quay Summer School begins at 10am tomorrow (Saturday) where one of the highlights is a panel discussion entitled ‘3 Landlords, 3 Castles and 3 Leaders’ recalling the life and times of Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey (Bargy Castle), Cornelius Grogan (Johnstown Castle) and Dr. John Colclough (Ballyteigue Castle) in the Stella Maris Centre.

The event begins at Kilmore Quay where the flag of the United Irishmen will be raised, a wreath is laid, and some music is played.

In the Stella Maris Community Centre local historians Eamonn Barrett, Ray Corish, and Bernard Browne will discuss the impact of Harvey, Grogan, and Colclough paying particular focus to their respective estates at Bargy Castle, Johnstown Castle and Ballyteige Castle.

Focusing on the participation of those from within the Rosslare District these discussions will also include a look back at the re-enactments of the Rising which took place in Kilmore in the bicentenary of 1998.

Later it is off to the grave of Bagenal Harvey, who was a commander of the rebel forces, in Mayglass cemetery to pay their respects and lay a wreath in his honour.

It is part of Rebellion 225 programme of commemorative events and supported by Rosslare Municipal District Council.

Launch of Wexford town heritage plan

By Dan Walsh

Her Worship the Mayor, Cllr Maura Bell, officially launched the Heritage-Led Regeneration Plan for Wexford Town in Wexford Arts Centre today (Friday) with funding from the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Historic Towns Initiative.

Cllr Bell said; “I am delighted to officially launch the heritage-led regeneration plan for Wexford. I have been closely associated with heritage in Wexford during my years as manager of the Irish National Heritage Park and the wider tourism community in Co. Wexford. This plan for Wexford builds on great work already done in our town, which is steeped in history from the Vikings to the present day.”

Deputy Chief Executive Eamonn Hore said he was delighted to attend the launch of this dedicated heritage plan for Wexford. “The Historic Towns Initiative relies on the strength of local communities and businesses to regenerate their historic town and supported by local and national government and other agencies committed to improving the quality of life for the area” stated Mr Hore.

WEXFORD TOWN WALL…a past worth preserving.

CEO of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said the launch of this heritage-led regeneration plan for Wexford town is an enormous step forward for the safeguarding and protection of so many things that make Wexford unique. “It is a town that has always retained a strong sense of its historic character, from its medieval Anglo-Norman walls, churches and street layout, right through to its Georgian and Victorian terraces. This plan ensures these distinctive features will be cared for into the future. The plan is further evidence of the positive impact of our Historic Towns Initiative, run in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council is proud to be associated with the project,” added Ms. Teehan.

The plan was undertaken by consultants Urban Scale Interventions with assistance from the Heritage Section of Wexford County Council. Extensive public consultation formed part of the plan process to ensure that as many views were captured as possible.

The Historic Towns Initiative promotes heritage-led regeneration and strives to improve the quality of historic towns and villages for residents and tourists.

‘Keep Wexford Beautiful’ launch

By Dan Walsh

Entries are invited for the 2023 Keep Wexford Beautiful Competition following the launch by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor.

Cllr Lawlor said; “This competition encourages people to think and act locally on a range of environmental issues such as waste prevention, accessibility, biodiversity and heritage preservation. It encourages everyone to get involved in their local community.

“The competition is about recognising the huge voluntary work that is carried out by all voluntary groups and individuals who take action, large or small, to improve their local environment,” concluded Cllr Lawlor.

The success of the Keep Wexford Beautiful Campaign depends on community involvement. Winners of the competition will be awarded at the Annual Environment Awards Ceremony to be held in November. The overall winner in 2022 was Enniscorthy Community Allotments.

The Categories are:

  • Best Environmentally Aware and Presented Housing Estate
  • Best Environmentally Aware and Presented Town or Village
  • Best Community Environment Initiative 
  • Best Heritage, Preservation and Conservation Project
  • Best Community Coastal Management Initiative
  • Best New Group Entry (group new to this competition)
  • Best Community Project to Improve Accessibility in Gardens/Parks.
  • Best Community Project to Improve Accessibility to Infrastructure.
  • Best Community Biodiversity Project
  • Best Community Project that Tackles and Reduces the Impacts of Climate Change
  • Best Community Waste Prevention / Reuse Project 

You can now submit your application on-line by logging onto www.wexfordcoco.ie/keepwexfordbeautiful or application forms are available from the Environment Section, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Closing date for receipt of all applications is Friday. June 30th, 2023.

Further information is available at www.wexfordcoco.ie/keepwexfordbeautiful or by contacting the Environment Section at 053 9196684.

Forecourt fire at Castlebridge

By Dan Walsh

Emergency services rushed to Castlebridge on Wednesday afternoon when a fire broke out on the forecourt at Flanagan’s Service Station in the village.

Wexford County Council Fire Service at Castlebridge (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com

The call went out as rush hour was building just before 5pm and 14 minutes later at 5.08pm the fire service arrived on the scene.

The incident involved a fire on the forecourt involving a single petrol pump and a motorcycle resulting from a petrol spillage.

Two units of the fire service arrived, but the fire had been extinguished at the time and the pumps were isolated as a precaution. No injuries reported.

Flanagan’s Forecourt has reopened for business but investigations are taking place as the situation could have developed into a more serious situation.

Motorboat on the rocks in Wexford Harbour

WEXFORD RNLI in Wexford Harbour (File Pic – Wexford RNLI/Lorraine Galvin).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford RNLI rescued two people on Tuesday evening after their motorboat was grounded on rocks that form part of the tidal defence, known locally as the North Training Wall in Wexford Harbour.

The volunteer crew were just completing a routine training exercise when they were requested by the Irish Coast Guard at 9.30pm to respond to the call.

The inshore lifeboat crew was quickly on scene at 9.35pm and the crew assessed the situation. Both onboard were safe and well.

There was a strong tidal flow which required the crew to make careful calculations to pass a tow while avoiding damage to the lifeboat itself by the rocks. A tow was established at 9.50pm and the vessel was safely removed from the rocks and towed to the nearby boat club. Weather conditions at the time were good, with a force 3 south easterly wind and good visibility.
Speaking following the call out, Lorraine Galvin, Wexford RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said; “A strong tide made getting safely near the boat challenging but all the crew did a great job in assessing the options and successfully getting the crew and their vessel to safety. If anyone sees anyone in difficulty on or near the water, ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”