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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
FEET OF A DANCER with Sarah Kavanagh (jockey), Paul Nolan (trainer) and other winning connections following success at Wexford Races.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Racecourse
The aptly named filly Feet Of A Dancer (13/2) was the equestrian queen of Bettyville Park this evening (Wednesday) after winning the lady riders’ handicap hurdle by four lengths for local jockey Sarah Kavanagh from Ardcavan, just outside Wexford town.
Trained by Paul Nolan at Toberona Stables, Enniscorthy the four-year-old bay filly who won her two-mile maiden at Wexford back in March lead approaching the last and kept on well on the run in to gain a popular local victory.
Speaking afterwards, Paul Nolan said; “That was a super ride from Sarah. I said sit on her coming down the hill and don’t let the leaders get too far away from you. She got a lovely run up the inner and I thought she was super.
“She is a progressive little mare, and I was delighted with the way she won here the last day when the loose horse didn’t do her any favours. She has come on a lot from that,” concluded Nolan.
Starman (3/1) from Declan Queally’s Waterford stables triumphed in the opening maiden hurdle and was well handled by Camolin jockey James O’Sullivan.
Henry de Bromhead and Mike O’Connor, trainer and jockey respectively, who enjoyed success at Wexford on Tuesday were amongst the winners again this evening with Bowmore (5/6 fav.) obliging by seven lengths in a maiden hurdle.
Willie Mullins and Kieran Callaghan were another team with victory on both days. Pink In The Park (2/5 fav.) came home best in the Boylesport Novice Hurdle.
Mousey Brown (13/2) won a bumper at Wexford a few weeks again and the Dermot McLaughlin trained mare held onto winning form in the mares’ maiden hurdle.
Ratoath, Co. Meath-based McLoughlin said afterwards; “She’s done it well, she is a nice mare and is improving the whole time. She is settling well now and that was the key to her. She is a big, strong mare. Michael (Molloy) gave her a good ride and she kept going the best.”
Tommy Ward from Mountmellick was a delighted owner after Gotthenod (6/1), trained by Ross O’Sullivan and ridden by Liam McKenna did the business in the handicap hurdle.
Sadies Diamond (Shane Fenelon), trained by Richie Rath at Screen, looked like she was going to create a shock 66/1 victory in the concluding Enniscorthy Castle INH Flat Race but was caught close home by the Tony Mullins trained Walmix (16/1) ridden by Conor Clarke. Down Around finished third for Courtnacuddy trainer Noel Dooly.
Two good day’s racing at Bettyville Park. Bigger crowd this evening. The weather was top class and the track performed well with the lush green grass heavily watered in recent weeks to maintain safety.
Next Wexford races is on Friday, July 7th. Circle the date on your calendar.
COUNTY HALL, headquarters of Wexford County Council (File Pic)
By Dan Walsh
The Department of Rural and Community Development is providing €50 million to support communities across the country “that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries” and Wexford County Council has been allocated €1,509,870 from the fund.
The funding is specifically targeted at those villages and towns in the county where the highest levels of new arrivals are located and where a clear need for investment is identified.
Chief Executive Tom Enright said; “the fund will support a diverse range of projects across Wexford, delivering facilities that will benefit people of all ages in their own communities including improvements to playground facilities, walking tracks, community gardens and other community infrastructure.’
The projects will be delivered by community organisations in conjunction with Wexford County Council. Cathaoirleach, Cllr. George Lawlor said “he was not surprised that Wexford received the full allocation from this fund which acknowledges the efforts of local communities in welcoming people from Ukraine and other countries and helping them to adjust and integrate into everyday life in Wexford.”
The fund was launched in County Hall, Wexford, yesterday (Tuesday) attended by recipient groups. Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Michael Whelan said, “the people of Wexford have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries into our towns and villages and it is great to see these communities being rewarded for their commitment under the Community Recognition Fund.’
In Wexford, the areas with the highest numbers of new arrivals from Ukraine and other countries are Rosslare, New Ross, Enniscorthy, Courtown, Gorey, Wexford, Bunclody and Kilmuckridge.
The funding was allocated as follows: ENNISCORTHY DISTRICT; Enniscorthy Community Allotments Geodesic Dome for Training Centre €20,000.
Templeshannon Community and Childcare LTD Energy Efficient upgrade for heating system for centre €38,308.
Enniscorthy District Purchase of two special needs bicycles €12,000.
St. Aidan’s Hall, Bunclody. Improvements to the Community Centre. €30,000.
Wexford County Council Amenity project at Bellefield, Enniscorthy. €110,000.
GOREY-KILMUCKRIDGE DISTRICT. Riverchapel Community Freecycle committee. Equipment for the centre at Riverchapel Community Complex. €5,000.
Riverchapel Community Complex Development Group. Extension to the community indoor facility at the Riverchapel Community Complex. €120,000.
Ballycanew-Ballyoughter Community Development Association. Improvments to the Training facility at Ballycanew. €20,000.
Gorey Family Resource Centre. Development of facilities at new Family Resource Centre building in Gorey. €63,278.
Phase 1 development of playground at Kilmuckridge village. €75,000.
Upgrade to heating system at Kilmuckridge Community Centre, €25,000.
NEW ROSS DISTRICT; Templeudigan Parish.
Refurbishment of play equipment at community park. €4,000.
St. Abban’s National School Community Garden Development of community garden. €20,000.
Sensory garden at Pearse Park, The Quay, New Ross. €30,000.
New Ross Fethard Community Development Association. Community garden at designated site adjacent to national school. €30,000.
St James GAA Club Refurbishment of walking track €20,000.
Three winning favourites and winners for top stables Willie Mullins, Henry de Bromhead, Gavin Cromwell and Gordon Elliott were the highlights of today’s all steeplechase card at Wexford which was held in brilliant summer conditions.
Sadly, no local winners, although in fairness local stables were scarce with runners. Best effort was Noel Dooly’s Courtnacuddy stables who saddled Where’s Bunny (James O’Sullivan up) into third place behind Gordon Elliott’s Pat’s Choice (13/2) in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase.
Racing again at Bettyville Park tomorrow (Wednesday) with the first of seven races (six hurdles and a bumper) getting under way at 5.20pm. There are 79 entries, the going will be good and the weather forecast should be around 22 degrees with possibly some afternoon showers.
WEDNESDAY CARD; 5.20pm; Wexford Racecourse Ladies Day August 13th Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (Division 1) of €10,500. 2 miles 150 yards (11 runners).
5.55pm; Wexford Racecourse Ladies Day August 13th Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (Division 2) of €10,500. 2 miles 150 yards. (11 runners).
6.25pm; Boylesports Novice Hurdle of €12,500. 2 miles 150 yards. (8 runners).
6.58pm; visitwexford.ie Mares Opportunity Maiden Hurdle of €10,500. 2 miles 4 furlongs 100 yards (13 runners).
7.28pm; Racing Again July 7th Ladies Handicap Hurdle of €11,500. 2 miles 4 furlongs 100yards. (12 runners).
7.58pm; Country Fest Wexford August 13th Handicap Hurdle of €10,500. (12 runners).
8.28pm; Enniscorthy Castle (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race of €10,500. 2 miles (12 runners).
At the May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Aidan Browne, led tributes to Bernie Quigley on her promotion to Senior Staff Officer and informed the members that this was her final meeting before taking up a new role in the Procurement Department.
BERNIE QUIGLEY … best wishes on her promotion from members and colleagues
However, Ms. Quigley was back taking notes at today’s June meeting in Enniscorthy as the District Manager, Claire Lawless, is on holidays.
Members thanked Ms. Quigley for her hard work and support over the last number of years and wished her the best of luck in her new position. And Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin wished Ms. Quigley the best in her new role and stated that “Wexford’s gain is Enniscorthys loss.” In the meantime, staff attended a pleasant “send-off” occasion in Stamp’s Bar, Enniscorthy, recently.
Also at the May meeting, Claire Lawless, District Manager took the opportunity to mark the retirement of Fran Breen, popular and obliging Foreman in the Enniscorthy Municipal District. It was noted that Mr. Breen had worked in Enniscorthy for 36 years. The Elected Members wished Mr. Breen the best of luck and health in his retirement. The Director of Services wished to be associated with these sentiments and added that he will be greatly missed in the Enniscorthy Municipal District. A presentation was made to Mr. Breen in the Bailey, Enniscorthy, recently.
The first of a two-day summer race meeting at Bettyville Park, Wexford, tomorrow (Tuesday) has a seven-race card – all over the big fences.
Ground conditions are described as ‘good’, there is a chance of rain in the morning, but highest temperatures should reach 21 degrees. The first race is off at 1.40pm.
WexfordLocal.com 