Cllr Hegarty is Mayor of Wexford

Cllr John Hegarty is the new Mayor of Wexford following the general meeting in Wexford Arts Centre last night (Monday). Deputy Mayor is Cllr Leonard Kelly.

Posting on social media today, Cllr Hegarty said he is “honoured to have been elected as Mayor of Wexford for the coming year.”

MAYOR OF WEXFORD CLLR JOHN HEGARTY

“I am looking forward to the year ahead, representing the people of Wexford to the very best of my ability, along with the newly elected deputy mayor Cllr Leonard Kelly and the rest of my Council colleagues.”

Cllr Hegarty was proposed by Cllr Kelly and seconded by Cllr Tom Forde while Cllr George Lawlor was proposed by the outgoing incumbent, Cllr Maura Bell and seconded by Cllr Garry Laffan.

A native of Kilanerin, Cllr Hegarty served as a Fine Gael public representative on Gorey Municipal District Council for ten years until June 2019 – having served as District Cathaoirleach 2018-’19 – when he stepped down due to work commitments in Wexford town and was successful in the Wexford District in the 2019 elections.

Cllr Hegarty, who is currently Manager of the Wexford senior football team and made 105 appearances with Wexford between 1995-’06 (Source; Dominic Williams) is a teacher in Wexford town and served as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council in 2017-’18..

The chains of office were presented to Cllr Hegarty by Cllr Maura Bell who said a “thank you to everyone I met during the year as I served as Mayor of Wexford Borough District. A year I’ll remember forever.”

Rosslare Bowling Green opens

At the opening of Rosslare Bowling Green (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Bowling Green has been formally opened by the Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald. Also present were Cllrs Jim Moore, Frank Staples, Ger Carthy and Jim Codd.

The four-lane Bowling Green, which is built to world bowling standards, measures 25×40 metres in size and took eight months to complete at a cost of €191,000.

Cllr McDonald said the redeveloped Bowling Green is a marvellous addition to the sporting and community facilities in Rosslare Strand and local area. “It gives people of all ages an opportunity to try out a different sport and in particular it may be of interest to retired people or those who have finished with more intensive sports,” stated Cllr McDonald, who added; “I hope that this wonderful amenity will bring more people to participate in bowling and to attract high level competitions to the Rosslare area and thus bring more visitors and boost the local tourism economy.”

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services for Climate Change and the Environment stated that “the Council was delighted to be associated with such a fine sporting facility” and she hopes that the Bowling Green brings more visitors to the Rosslare area and adds to the enjoyment of visitors to the traditional and popular resort that is Rosslare Strand.”

The Project was a partnership between Rosslare Bowling Club, Rosslare Community & Sports Centre, Rosslare Development Association, Wexford County Council, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Sole Sport Ltd.

Rosslare Harbour flies first Green Flag

Cllr Lisa McDonald raising Rosslare Harbour’s first Green Coast Flag recently. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

A vibrant community in Rosslare Harbour have succeeded in winning their first Green Coast Flag for 2023 and this magnificent achievement was marked by the recent official Green Flag raising ceremony performed by Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District of Wexford County Council at Rosslare Harbour beach.

Cllr Lisa McDonald said; “I am delighted to raise the Green Flag for Rosslare Harbour beach  as it recognises this hidden gem of a beach that rivals many of the other fine beaches in County Wexford and the rest of the country. I wish to commend the Rosslare Harbour Development Association and the Rosslare-Kilrane Environmental Group and the Rosslare Harbour-Kilrane Men’s Shed for all their efforts to attain the Green Coast Award in partnership with the County Council.”

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services for Climate Change and Environment with Wexford County Council added to Cllr McDonald’s praise of the voluntary groups in congratulating all the local volunteers for their hard work in keeping Rosslare Harbour beach in great condition and noting that it was even more special as this brings the number of Green Coast Flags in Co. Wexford to 10.

Wexford County Council introduced the Green Coast Award to Ireland from Wales in 2001, the Awards are now managed by An Taisce.

Cllr Fleming honoured by the Council

By Dan Walsh at County Hall, Wexford

Cllr John Fleming was elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at the annual meeting held in County Hall, Carricklawn, today (Monday) where the chains of office were handed over by the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr George Lawlor. The new Leas-Cathaoirleach is Cllr Ger Carthy from Rosslare District.

Cllr Fleming’s nomination for the top position was proposed by Cllr Michael Whelan, who referred to his hurling, handball and sporting prowess of the past, when he suggested that Cllr Fleming “put on the Wexford jersey again and represent his county, district community and parish with high distinction.” Cllr Pip Breen seconded.

CLLR JOHN FLEMING Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council.

There was a counter proposal for Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan from Cllr Bridín Murphy and seconded by Cllr Frank Staples. Cllr John Fleming was chosen as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council on a vote of 22-10.

In his maiden speech, Cllr Fleming thanked everyone associated with supporting him and promised to “represent the people of Wexford with passion and pride and support the many projects in the pipeline.”

First elected in 2014, Cllr Fleming served as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council for the 2019-2020 term and outlined a number of priorities including an increase in the housing supply, a review of vacant homes and service sites, job creation and looking forward to working with the Chief Executive Tom Enright who offered his “full support of the Council who have a busy year ahead.”

Cllr Fleming also acknowledged the presence of his family and friends in the chamber, Minister James Browne, ex-Minister John Browne, Senator Malcolm Byrne and his friend and colleague from the playing fields Superintendent Jim Doyle.

Then it was time to elect the Leas-Cathaoirleach. Cllr Lisa McDonald proposed Cllr Ger Carthy; Cllr Jim Codd seconded. Cllr Bridín Murphy was proposed by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cllr John Hegarty seconded. When the votes were counted Cllr Carthy was ahead 22-10 and duly elected Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, 2023-’24.

Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr George Lawlor introduced the 126th general meeting and told the meeting that “it was a privilege and an honour” to serve the Council and he outlined a long list of achievements with the successful application to bring Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann to Wexford town in the autumn of 2024 being ‘slightly favoured’ as the highlight of his year.

Cllr Lawlor also showed appreciation for the support of the Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael Whelan, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell, his wife Yvonne and family, fellow members and officials, and in particular, the Chief Executive Tom Enright who led the tributes.

Mr Enright said Cllr Lawlor enjoyed a fantastic year in the chamber, representing Wexford nationally and internationally, and bringing professionalism and the efficiency of the Council to the fore.

Nine people rescued off Kilmore Quay

KILMORE QUAY RNLI and the IRISH COAST GUARD ready for a call at Kilmore Quay (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh)

By Dan Walsh

It was a busy weekend at Kilmore Quay where the local lifeboat volunteer crew successfully rescued nine people in two separate incidents.

Kilmore Quay RNLI were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 3.40pm on Saturday following reports of four swimmers in difficulty at Ballyteige Burrow beach, west of Kilmore Quay harbour.

Two friends went swimming from the beach and found themselves unable to swim back to shore. Back ashore, their friends noticed they were in difficulty and rang the Irish Coast Guard to raise the alarm, while another took the ring buoy from the beach and swam out to assist the pair in difficulty.  

The lifeboat under Coxswain Eugene Kehoe immediately launched and made its way to the scene. Meanwhile another swimmer and a kayaker, also seeing the pair in difficulty, had made their way to the pair to lend assistance.

A small boat that was nearby had also arrived on scene and recovered three of the swimmers who were then transferred to the lifeboat. The fourth swimmer was recovered by the Y-boat launched from the lifeboat.

On return to Kilmore Quay Harbour, the lifeboat was met by the Kilmore Quay Irish Coast Guard unit and a paramedic. One of the swimmers had swallowed some seawater and was taken to hospital as a precaution by the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117.  

At 11.09pm on Saturday night, the Irish Coast Guard requested the volunteer crew to respond to a Pan Pan call to assist four people aboard a yacht that has lost all power.

The lifeboat, under Coxswain Eugene Kehoe with six crew members on board, immediately launched and made its way to the 12-metre yacht situated 18 miles southeast of Kilmore Quay. Conditions at the time were drizzly with poor visibility, light southeasterly winds and a slight sea swell.  

Arriving on scene approximately one hour later, the lifeboat crew checked that all on board the yacht was safe and well before assessing the situation with the vessel. A decision was made to establish a towline and return to the nearest port, which was Kilmore Quay.

The passage back to port with the vessel under tow took just over two and a half hours. Arriving back in the harbour at 2.53am, the casualty vessel was secured alongside the marina.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com following the call outs, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said: “Thankfully both call outs had a happy ending. The young people at the beach did the right thing in raising the alarm when they noticed their friends in trouble, which helped to prevent the situation from becoming much worse. Always remember when you see someone in trouble call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.“ 

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.”