News and Sport and Events that matter across County Wexford.
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.
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.
By Dan Walsh
A series of events have taken place in Kilmore Quay to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rising commencing with an impressive oration delivered by Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, who outlined how “the ideals of the United Irishmen of 1798 are so relevant and meaningful to this day.”
The Cathaoirleach also laid a wreath at the memorial stone commemorating the bicentenary of the 1798 rebellion at Kilmore Quay.
The wonderful day began with music by the Danescastle traditional group in the sunshine with the Saltee Islands as the poignant background.
There followed the Last Post and Reveille performed to perfection by trumpet soloist Anthony Nolan, the raising of the United Irish Flag and the playing and singing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
It was next into the Stella Maris Centre for refreshments before settling to listen and take part in what turned out to be a magnificent Summer School based on the theme of Three Landlords, Three Castles, Three Leaders which examined the roles played by Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey, Cornelius Grogan and Dr. John Colclough in the rising of 1798.
Wonderful words were spoken by historians Ray Corish dealing with Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey, Bernard Browne informing the audience of Dr John Colclough and Eamonn Barrett’s thoughtful insight into Cornelius Grogan. These were all landed gentry who gave their lives for their ideals and deserve to be honoured and remembered.
Later the attendees travelled to the cemetery in Mayglass where a wreath was laid at the grave of Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey and a poem was read by the Bard of Mayglass, Fintan Murphy.
The Summer School played to a full audience where the master of ceremonies, Cllr Jim Moore acknowledged the participation of his fellow Cllrs Ger Carthy and Frank Staples, District Manager Nóirín Cummins, Wexford County Council, the musicians and all who helped to make the event so successful, not least the three excellent speakers.
By Dan Walsh
Rosslare Harbour RNLI was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist two people on board a 12-metre sailing yacht with a fouled propeller half a mile from the Splaugh Buoy on Saturday morning.
The lifeboat was launched at 9am and reached the scene off Greenore Point fifteen minutes later.
The yacht’s crew were wearing flotation devices and were safe and well.
The sea was calm in a force 2 to 3 wind. The weather was fair, and visibility was good.
A decision was made to tow the vessel to Rosslare Harbour, a tow line was secured, and the vessel was safely berthed alongside the fisherman’s wall at 10.12am.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Tony Kehoe, Rosslare Harbour Deputy Launching Authority said; “We commend the yacht’s crew for wearing their flotation safety devices and for carrying communication equipment. It is essential that sailors contact the Coast Guard when in difficulty. We also commended a local fisherman for his crucial intervention in ensuring a safe, speedy, and safe conclusion to the service.”
By Dan Walsh
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien has launched a campaign to create awareness of the improved grant available to remove lead pipes from homes.
The Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme provides funding for 100% of the approved cost of works to replace lead pipes, up to €5,000.
The grant is administered by local authorities and is not means-tested. The removal of lead pipes is the most effective way to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and the available grant has the aim of replacing lead pipes with healthier, modern alternatives in the interests of public health.
Older housing stock built before the 1980s may contain lead pipes which in turn causes lead – which can be harmful to health – to enter drinking water.
A Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage advertising campaign across print, broadcast and digital media will encourage affected homeowners to avail of the scheme.
Minister O’Brien told WexfordLocal.com; “Through this campaign we are encouraging people to consider replacing old lead pipes with the support of the funding. We are committed to removing remaining lead piping entirely from our drinking water supply and this campaign seeks to raise awareness of the Government supports available for householders. The campaign follows from improvements to the grant that we made late last year meaning more households should now be able to avail of this grant.”
People can find out if their homes contain lead pipes by checking the pipe running from the water main to your kitchen tap and looking for the point where the water supply pipe enters your house. Unpainted lead pipes are dull grey in colour and the joints appear to be ‘swollen’. They are also soft and scraping the surface with a coin will reveal a shiny, silver metal beneath. A registered building professional can also check the type of pipework in your home.
The grant to remove lead pipes from the private site of your property complements Uisce Éireann’s Customer Opt-In programme. This scheme replaces lead pipes on the public side of your property free of charge. To qualify you must have replaced your lead private supply pipe.
Further Information on the Wexford County Council page; Lead Piping Remediation/Wexford County Council. (wexfordcoco.ie).
By Dan Walsh at Ballygullen
The 225th 1798 Rebellion commemorations are ending as the events have moved on from Boolavogue and Oulart, Ballymurn and Killanne, The Three Rocks outside Wexford town on Forth Mountain, the Battle of Ross and the internationally famous Vinegar Hill as the survivors who fought for their freedom exited the county into neighbouring counties Carlow and Wicklow and into the Midlands.
But there are still a few commemorations to go! On Tuesday, on the exact anniversary of the Battle of Ballygullen, so famously documented in the Memoirs of Miles Byrne from Monaseed – July 4th 1798 – a commemoration will be held from 6.30pm.
Baile Ó gCuilinn – the town of the Ó Cuilinn’s, in the civil parish of Leskinfere and the barony of Gorey – will host its commemorations at the memorial erected by the local community in 1940.
The Battle at Ballygullen was the last battle of the 1798 insurrection in Co. Wexford as the insurgents exited the county and many, including Fr. Michael Murphy participated in the Battle of Arklow, where a memorial on the Main Street remembers the history.
Anyone with an interest is welcome at Ballygullen, near Craanford, on Tuesday evening. There will be a parade of pikemen to the memorial, Cllr Donal Kenny will lay a wreath, historian Barry Lacey will give a summary of events in the area during 1798, a blessing by a local clergyman, Padraig Kenny will give a rendition of Boolavogue, Amhrán na bFiann will be played to conclude the ceremonies.
The organisers extends a warm welcome and say that everybody is welcome to attend or participate and refreshments will be served afterwards at Craanford Community Centre.
By Dan Walsh
There is deep sadness in Gorey town and district at news of the passing of Malachy Travers, (88), from Ramstown, Gorey, In a statement on social media tonight, Naomh Éanna GAA Club extends sympathy to his family and friends and outlines his lifelong contribution to the GAA. In the statement it says;
“Malachy was a lifelong Gael who was passionately interested in all things to do with Naomh Éanna GAA club. Before the foundation of Naomh Éanna GAA club, Malachy played with Gorey Blues, Young Emmets and Wolfe Tones. He also played with the County Wexford minor footballers in 1953. Throughout his club playing days, he played in 13 county finals but lost in all of them.
“After he concluded his playing days, he got back involved with coaching alongside Ger Hogan (RIP) and they coached the Under-14 and Under-16 teams together. Some of the teams coached by Malachy featured his talented sons, Malachy Jnr and Brendan. He also managed the club’s Under-21s alongside Bernard Crosbie and John Nangle, a spell which resulted in the club winning the Premier Football and Roinn One Hurling championship titles in 1997.
“Malachy was a dedicated umpire for many referees including Patrick Sheil (RIP) and Joe Kelly. He was a committed steward for Wexford GAA. He was also involved in coaching GAA teams in Gorey Community School down through the years.
“Malachy played in the first match that was held in Páirc Uí Síocháin, which was then a Wexford GAA County Board grounds. Over the years, he has been one of the most frequent visitors to the field. His jeep was a familiar sight turning into the clubgrounds of a weekday evening. May we conclude this tribute to a true Gorey Gael, Malachy Travers Snr, with his own words.” Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
FAMILY NOTICE; MALACHY TRAVERS, Ramstown, Gorey. Beloved husband of Marie and loving father of Agnes, Malachy Jnr., Aoife and Brendan, brother of Patrick (Pat) and the late Ed and Matthew (Matt). Deeply regretted by his wife, sons, daughters, brother, grandchildren Caoimhin, Grace, George, Ben, Bobby and Kate, son-in-law Eamon, daughters-in-law Elizabeth and Ceara, Aoife’s partner John, brothers-in-law Michael, Gerard and Brendan, sisters-in-law Angela, Eileen, Carmel, Joan and Mary, niece Carmel, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. May He Rest in Peace.
Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey, on Sunday July 2nd from 3pm. to 7pm. Funeral arriving to St. Michael’s Church, Gorey, on Monday for Funeral Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
By Dan Walsh
Ferry services operating at Rosslare Europort has expanded as Stena Vision has commenced service on the Ireland to France route, Rosslare to Cherbourg. The maiden voyage occurred yesterday (Friday) with Rosslare’s Captain Sean Boyce at the controls.
On the same route, Stena Vision will operate alongside Stena Horizon, increasing STENA’s services to six departures per week, resulting in a total of 12 weekly crossings. This will make it the most frequent ferry service between Ireland and mainland Europe.
According to Paul Grant, STENA’s Trade Director, the ship has undergone significant investment for the refit. Stena Vision will offer accommodation for up to 1,300 passengers and feature 485 passenger cabins, surpassing any other cruise ferry departing from Ireland. The cabins range from standard to deluxe suites, and there are also 42 pet-friendly cabins (for passengers traveling with pets).
Mr Grant told WexfordLocal.com that the introduction of Stena Vision is particularly beneficial for the freight sector, which has experienced increased demand for direct services to France since Brexit.
The ship will also enhance the capacity for accompanied freight drivers by providing additional cabin space.
Stena Line holds the position of the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, operating combined passenger and freight services on various routes, including Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard, as well as a freight-only route from Belfast to Heysham.
The company stated that it offers a total of up to 238 weekly sailing options between Ireland and Britain.
By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay public representative Cllr Jim Moore is the new Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council following the annual meeting held in Wexford County Council chamber at Carricklawn this morning (Friday). Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Lisa McDonald is Leas-Cathaoirleach.
Cllr Moore, who previously held the district chair position in 2021 was proposed by Cllr McDonald, he self-seconded and was declared elected.
Cllr Jim Codd was nominated but left the chamber without a seconder.
The Rosslare Municipal District, which is unique in that it doesn’t have a town in its jurisdiction, consists of five members. Cllr Frank Staples was absent, and Cllr Ger Carthy attended the meeting via zoom.
First elected to Wexford County Council in 2009, Cllr Moore was Leas-Cathaoirleach in 2009 and Cathaoirleach in 2010; he is a former Mayor of Wexford having served in the position for the 2017-’18 term. He has also served on numerous committees in various roles.
Cllr Moore told WexfordLocal.com that his main priority includes growing and encompassing the Rosslare Municipal District Strategic Plan, 2024-2030, recently published, and currently open for public discussion across the district.
“The Rosslare Municipal District Plan is about developing a road map for the district to plan, prepare and deliver projects and initiatives that will be shared with communities working together to contribute to the positive development and growth of the villages and settlements in the district,” stated Cllr Moore.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Lisa McDonald was selected as Leas-Cathaoirleach having been proposed for the position by Cllr Moore and seconded by Cllr Carthy.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
A significant signing ceremony took place at a reception in Enniscorthy Castle last evening (Wednesday) reciprocating the Enniscorthy Forum recently signed MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to create a collaboration going forward between the Forum’s Building Action Coalition (BAC) and UNEP’s Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (Global ABC).
Speaking at the event, Michael Dempsey, President of Enniscorthy Chamber said the Chamber of Commerce is the parent body which provides a home to Enniscorthy Forum. “We are delighted at what has been achieved by the Board and our CEO Barbara-Anne Murphy,” said Mr Dempsey, who added; “UNEP is the leading environmental authority of the United Nations and UNEP uses its expertise to strengthen environmental standards and practices while keeping implement environmental obligations at country, regional and global levels.”
Mr Dempsey, who is a native of John Street, Enniscorthy, explained that Enniscorthy is the ideal location for this Forum. “It is a revolutionary change that is needed, and our history has shown us to be happy to lead a revolution!”
“We have a talented and well-educated population. We have easy access to the EU and the UK and America. We are a small country that has been a very successful and consistently punches above its weight and with our history and aspirations we have a special affinity for the UN,” claimed Mr. Dempsey.
There was also an address from Professor Howard Keeley from the Wexford campus of the Georgia Southern University who told the gathering that Georgia has the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah and he stated that €6.2 million has been invested in Wexford, so far.
Chief Executive Officer of Enniscorthy Forum, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was on hand to welcome everyone to the launch and compliment the hosts, Enniscorthy Castle, on such a pleasant international occasion.
A two-day forum at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, attended by around 70 delegates from many parts of the world was opened on Tuesday by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy in her role as Chief Executive Officer of the Enniscorthy Forum with an expert panel of speakers which included former President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox.
Participants and speakers included senior representatives from UNEP, UN Education Cannot Wait, United Nations Office in Geneva, Ireland’s Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Coalition members and partners from Washington DC, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Britain, India, and the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board Mt. Lucas facility.
The purpose of the summit was to celebrate the signing and launch the work being conducted under the MOU.
As part of an ongoing effort since COP26 in Glasgow, the French government has proposed a “Building Breakthrough Target” as a guide to national policy around the world. The larger initiative is the Glasgow Breakthrough Agenda, which consists of targets set in various sectors to focus efforts to achieve the goals of the UN sustainable development agenda. According to GlobalABC, the Buildings Breakthrough statement “near-zero emission and resilient buildings are the new normal by 2030” serves as a joint vision and a rallying point for all countries.
The Building Action Coalition is reporting on outcomes of the Summit to the Environment Ministry in Dublin.
WexfordLocal.com 