Back to school allowance news

By Dan Walsh

It is that time of year again when the holidays have just begun, and thoughts turn towards the next school year and the good news is that some 5,348 families in Wexford will receive the Enhanced Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance from today.

Deputy Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com that Fine Gael Minister Heather Humphreys has increased the rates of payment this year by €100 per child to reflect the ongoing cost of living pressures facing families.

DEPUTY PAUL KEHOE T.D.

Deputy Kehoe said; “This means that €260 will be paid in respect of children aged 4-11 years old.

“And €385 will be paid in respect of children aged 12 years and over in second level education.

“Overall, payments totalling over €72 million will be made automatically to over 131,000 families, in respect of over 231,000 children, across the country from today. 

“A notification of the automated payment is sent to customers by post or through their MyWelfare account.

“The payment from the Department of Social Protection is designed to support eligible families with the cost of school uniforms and footwear ahead of the upcoming school term.

“The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance remains open for applications until September 30th and eligible families are being encouraged to apply. Decisions on these cases will be processed manually and if entitled payment will issue once they are processed.”

Minister Humphreys said; “The Scheme itself is extremely important in terms of easing that financial burden associated with the purchase of uniforms and shoes ahead of the new school term. The payments will be received in people’s bank accounts from today. However, any family that has not yet applied has plenty of time to do so as applications remain open until September 30th.”

Deputy Kehoe added; “Fine Gael in Government are deeply conscious of the need to continue to support families with the Cost of Living. That’s why last month, we announced an extra €100 per every child in receipt of Child Benefit. The free school books scheme will kick in for primary schools from September and I’m delighted as well to be able to continue the expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme.

Another brave day at Ballyellis

Commemoration of the 1798 Rebellion and the War of Independence at Ballyellis Memorial site today (Sunday.

By Dan Walsh at Ballyellis

The 225th anniversary of the Rebellion of 1798 and the 105th anniversary of the War of Independence and those who fought for freedom were jointly remembered with dignity at a large commemoration ceremony held today (Sunday) in the shadow of the 1798 Memorial at Ballyellis Cross.

Proceedings commenced at a packed Askamore Church where Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Joseph Power, P.P., Kilrush, Askamore.

Immediately afterwards, piper John Cullen lead a pike march to the Ballyellis site and included were pike groups from Askamore-Ballyellis, Monageer, Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society and the County Carlow Flying Column.

A wreath was laid at the memorial by Charlie and Finn Kavanagh and Fr. Power prayed for the souls of all. Also present was Very Rev. Martin Casey, P.P., Carnew, Tomacork, Coolafancy and Shillelagh.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council thanked Thomas Kenny and his organising committee for the preparations and commended the large attendance that included groups from many parts of the county.

The presence of Minister James Browne and local Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy and Donal Kenny were also acknowledged.

Folklorist Michael Fortune gave a flavour of the stories and songs of ’98 with many examples relating to the North Wexford site extracted from the priceless Schools Folklore Collection of 1938 compiled by children and related by their parents and grandparents.

Historian Barry Lacey also made an informed contribution relating to some events of 1798, but he also covered aspects of the War of Independence and the impact it had on life in the community at the time.

Marcella Byrne read a poem that she composed for the bicentenary of 1798 – 25 years ago – and there was another fine poem from Marie Hennessy.

Aileen Lambert contributed two lovely songs; At Monaseed on a Summer’s Morning and The Galty Mountain Boy. Padraig Kenny recited Boolavogue and the ceremony came to a conclusion when piper John Cullen played Amhrán na bFiann.

Refreshments were provided afterwards at Kenny’s Pint Depot in Carnew.

The impressive Celtic cross on the R725 Carnew-Gorey road carries the following inscription, as Gaeilge agus as Beala; “This cross was erected to preserve and perpetuate the memory of the men of Wexford and Wicklow who defeated the Ancient Britons and other British Forces at Ballyellis June 29th 1798. Grant them, eternal rest, O Lord. Erected by the Askamore and Ballyellis ’98 Association. June 29th 1941.”

Cheering crowds at the Wexford races

A packed crowd in one of the stands at Wexford Racecourse yesterday evening.

By Dan Walsh at Bettyville Park

The cheers echoed far beyond the stands at Wexford racecourse last evening (Friday) where a bumper attendance enjoyed brilliant jump racing in pleasant summer conditions.

Only one locally trained winner and that was Ricky Langford (8/1) trained at Tinahely for the Kings Horses Syndicate by Philip Rothwell who got home in the Tote Handicap Hurdle by two and a quarter length under jockey P.addy O’Hanlon.

Top trainer Willie Mullins saddled Friends (4/6 fav.) to win the mares flat race with champion amateur Patrick Mullins up, Clairmc (5/2 fav.), who won at the last Wexford fixture, scored again by a neck in the Neville Hotels Handicap Chase for Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue. Runner-up was Berliet Express (Simon Torrens) depriving trainer Philip Rothwell of a double on the evening.

Kilkenny trainer Ray Cody saddled Fancy A Cosmo (15/2) with Donagh Meyler up and an easy 14 lengths success in the opening maiden hurdle. John C. McConnell, who was simultaneously saddling a winner at his home track in Bellewstown, had a Wexford winner in Kinbara (13/8 fav.) and jockey Ben Harvey in the maiden hurdle.

Rachael Blackmore enjoys riding at Wexford and notched up another winner on Henry de Bromhead’s Ballyadam (evens fav.) in the beginner’s chase. Paul Nolan’s Joyeux Machin (Sean Flanagan) finished third after a blunder at the final fence.

John ‘Shark’ Hanlon made the journey from Bagenalstown to saddle Take All (17/2) in the handicap chase and it was all worthwhile with the James Cleary owned and bred gelding getting up by half a length in the hands of Jody McGarvey.

It was a very successful midsummer meeting, the largest crowd at Wexford since the post-Covid lifting of the attendance ban, the weather was brilliant, and a great sporting and social atmosphere.

The next Wexford races take place on Friday evening, August 11th, which will feature the annual ladies fashion competition that is always popular.

Ballyellis 1798 ambush commemoration

THOMAS KENNY and MARY CAHILL making preparations for next Sunday’s 1798 commemorations at Ballyellis ’98 Memorial.

By Dan Walsh at Ballyellis

Marking the 225th anniversary of the Rebellion of 1798 a commemoration will take place next Sunday at the site of an ambush marked by a memorial on the R725 Gorey-Carnew road close to the Wexford-Wicklow border and the organisers welcome everybody who may wish to attend.

Events will commence with 11am Mass in Askamore Church and events at Ballyellis crossroads are expected to get under way around 12.30pm.

The ceremony is expected to include a pike march, laying of wreaths, talks from a local historian and a folklorist, in the presence of pike groups and re-enactors, everybody is invited, whether participant or interested party, and there will be refreshments afterwards in Carnew.

The impressive Celtic cross on the Carnew-Gorey road carries the following inscription, as Gaeilge agus as Beala; “This cross was erected to preserve and perpetuate the memory of the men of Wexford and Wicklow who defeated the Ancient Britons and other British Forces at Ballyellis June 29th 1798. Grant them, eternal rest, O Lord. Erected by the Askamore and Ballyellis ’98 Association. June 29th 1941.”

The United Irishmen scored one last victory over the Crown Forces on the Wexford/Wicklow border when they lured a 200-man cavalry unit called The Ancient Britons from North Wales into a three-sided ambush in Ballyellis.

The site of the ambush was on a bend in the road bordered by high, thick ditches of crab and thorn on both sides, a high wall belonging to a deer park and a dyke five feet deep, close to the Ballyellis House on the estate of Sir Jervis White Jervis.

In the ambush and pursuit of the military, the Ancient Britons lost over 60 troops, including a French émigré, and two officers were killed. No rebel casualties were reported.

A grave bearing the remains of the Ancient Britons is located a short distance away.

Friday evening races at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Midsummer racing comes to Bettyville Park tomorrow (Friday) evening with seven contests, three over hurdles, three steeplechases and a bumper with a Willie Mullins newcomer named ‘Friends’ wearing the favourite’s tag, and the action gets underway at 5.05pm.

The total entry is 79 with most of the major stables represented and some local stables hunting for a share of the prizemoney too, and the forecast for ground conditions is ‘good’.

The atmosphere will be enhanced through the GAA Raceday activities that will bring a large crowd to the track, but there is plenty of space for many more and Wexford Racecourse would like to welcome as many as possible. The card is as follows;

5.05pm; The Shamrock Enterprises Maiden Hurdle of €10,500. 2 miles 4 furlongs 150 yards. (14 runners.

5.40pm; The TOTE Handicap Hurdle of €10,500. 2 miles 170 yards. (14 runners).

6.13pm; The Pat Farrell Memorial 5th Maiden Hurdle of €10,500. 2 miles. (14 runners).

6.48pm; The MSK Silversands Beginners Chase of €11,500. 2 miles 3 furlongs 170 yards. (7 runners).

7.23pm; The Molloy Metals Wexford GAA Raceday Handicap Chase of €22,000. 2 miles 3 furlongs 170 yards. (8 runners).

7.58pm; Nevilles Hotels Handicap Chase of €11,500. 2 miles (9 runners).

8.28pm; The Mercedes-Benz Mares Flat Race of €10,500. 2 miles 4 furlongs 150 yards. (13 runners).

Ballymoney beach victim named

By Dan Walsh

The woman who collapsed and died while swimming at Ballymoney Strand near Gorey, last Tuesday, has been named locally as Maria Falls (née Cummins), (63), from Leany, Ardattin, Co. Carlow.

MARIA FALLS

Ms. Falls, a former officer with the British Navy, was on the beach with a friend when she got into difficulties shortly after 8pm.

She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. Her remains were taken to University Hospital Waterford.

Predeceased by her husband George, father Richard, mother Eileen and brother Sean. Maria will be sadly missed by her close family, neighbours, friends and her pets. R.I.P.

Reposing in Byrne’s Funeral Home Crablane (Eircode R93 PW29) on Friday from 2pm-8pm. Removal on Saturday morning at 11.30am, to Mount Jerome Crematorium Dublin, for cremation service at 1.30pm.

Sea Sunday in Courtown

By Nicky Deacon

Courtown RNLI’s fundraising committee are to host a family fun day next Sunday on the North Pier in Courtown.

Blessing of the boats and a short ceremony recognising and remembering those who lost their lives at sea will commence at 2pm.
This will be followed by an afternoon of fun for all the family. There will be lots of stalls selling plants, books, bottles and cakes, strawberries and cream.
There will be music in front of the boat house and face painting for the children, plus a monster raffle with all proceeds going to the RNLI. Tickets will be €5 for three strips and the raffle will take place in the Taravie Hotel at 5pm.
Courtown RNLI’s fundraising committee and volunteer crew look forward to welcoming everyone to their family fun day.
All proceeds raised will go to Courtown RNLI Lifeboat station.

30-house scheme begins in Gorey

Moving in at the old St. Joseph’s school site on Gorey’s Wexford St. where a 30-unit housing development is planned.

By Dan Walsh

There is good news coming from Gorey with the development of 30 housing units commencing on the old St. Joseph’s school site on Wexford Street in the town centre.

The contractor Mythen Construction from Foulksmills, Co. Wexford, is on site and engaged in the preparatory work.

Commenting to WexfordLocal.com Cllr Joe Sullivan is relieved. “This is a development that I have worked hard on for the past five years, and will I believe go some way towards addressing the chronic housing need we have in north Wexford and indeed nationwide while bringing new life and vibrancy into an old and historical area of Gorey on Wexford Street with Centenary Place just across the road.” 

Swimming tragedy at Ballymoney Strand

A woman in her 60’s has died while swimming at Ballymoney Strand near Gorey.

The incident occurred when the woman encountered difficulties shortly after 8pm yesterday (Tuesday) evening.

The woman was quickly recovered from the water but was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.

Her remains were taken to University Hospital Waterford for a post-mortem examination.

No further information is available currently.

Ballygullen remembers 1798

FR JOHN MURPHY (David Hughes) leads the march to Ballygullen 1798 Memorial site this evening.

By Dan Walsh at Ballygullen

It must have been a terrifying and bloody laneway between Holyfort and Craanford two and a quarter centuries ago – to the very day – but the 1798 battle site at Ballygullen was resurrected in commemoration and remembrance with a pike march, wreaths laid, and prayers recited, this evening (Tuesday).

Thundery showers made for unpleasant weather conditions across North Wexford, but there was an eerie reverence at Ballygullen as the heavy clouds separated to allow a proud community honour those who fought for freedom in 1798 with dignity and pride.

The march to Ballygullen was led by David Hughes dressed in the priestly attire of Fr. John Murphy aboard a beautiful white horse. Renowned Gorey piper John Cullen followed ahead of pike groups from Boolavogue, Monageer, the host group Craanford-Monaseed, and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.

At the memorial erected in 1940, Rev. Brian Whelan from Craanford read the prayers and Very Rev. Felix Canon Byrne from Monaseed laid a wreath. Wreaths were also laid by two young people, Richie and Paudie Doyle.

Historian Barry Lacey recalled some of the history, Padraig Kenny sang Boolavogue and John Cullen played Amhrán na bFiann on the pipes and another chapter in the history of Ballygullen and the 1798 Rebellion dissolved quietly to a close.

The master of ceremonies was Cllr Donal Kenny who offered a warm welcome to everyone, thanked the participants and the organisers, he made special mention of Richard ‘Dick’ O’Sullivan who put endless energy in arranging the commemoration and the sun set with refreshments for everyone in Craanford Community Centre afterwards.