Wexford welcomes French ambassador

Pictured at the press reception at Enniscorthy Castle this evening were (left to right); Leo McCoy, Chairman of Wexford Normandy Cultural Association (WNCA), Brendan Crowley, President of Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell in her role as Hon. President of WNCA), Cllr Cathal Byrne, His Excellency Vincent Guerénd, Ambassade De France En Irelande, Melanie O’Reilly, secretary WNCA and master of ceremonies, Catherine McPartlin, treasurer WNCA, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The French Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Vincent Guérend visited Enniscorthy this evening where he advocated to “the strengthen the relationship between Ireland and France” and was delighted to participate in the 225th commemorations of the Rebellion of 1798.

Monsieur Guérend spoke at a press reception in Enniscorthy Castle, after he was given a tour of the castle by Eve Furlong, Deputy Manager, and the castle staff.

The ambassador returned thanks for the invite and described Ireland as “the EU’s closest country” post Brexit and alluded to the Year of the French, 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the EU, and referred to “the next chapter post Brexit.” He concluded by expressing his delight “to see so many friends of France.”

Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council welcomed Monsieur Guerend and spoke of the links between France and Ireland, and in particular, the Rebellion of 1798.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chair of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre Committee, gave a brief history of Enniscorthy castle and the events of 1798.

Melanie O’Reilly from Wexford Normandy Cultural Association acted as master of ceremonies, welcomed all to the reception and a pleasant occasion was shared by all in attendance.

The ambassador was later guest of honour at the Lecture Programme held in the Presentation Arts Centre where the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in conjunction with the Wexford Normandy Culture Association presented a public conversation entitled The ideals of Revolution; Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité

It featured historians, Dr. Liam Chambers of the University of Limerick and Dr. Elaine Callinan from Carlow College. The moderator was Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy from Wexford County Council.

Music was provided before the conversation by the Irish and French musicians of The Allabair Trio, Melanie O’Reilly (vocals), David Creevy (guitar) and Brewen Favrau (uileann pipes and Irish whistle).   

This event was kindly hosted in conjunction with Wexford County Council, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, The Wexford Normandy Cultural Association and Melanie O’Reilly, who is a fluent French speaker.

Enniscorthy faces weekend water restrictions

By Dan Walsh

Customers in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas on the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme are advised by Uisce Éireann that essential night-time water restrictions are required from tonight (Friday) until Monday morning, from 11pm to 6am on each of the three nights to help reservoir levels recover.

Low water in the River Slaney at Barker Bridge (File Pic).

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com about conserving water, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Asset Operations Lead, Ronan Walsh said: “We are appealing to communities across Wexford to conserve water to give the reservoirs time to replenish. We have had a very dry period and with the warmer weather currently being experienced and more forecasted, supplies will come under increased pressure. Any reduction that customers can make in their usage can collectively result in significant supply improvements for all customers. I would ask that everyone in Wexford play their part to help conserve water this summer.”

Uisce Éireann working in partnership with Wexford County Council say that customers in Enniscorthy town and surrounding areas will experience low pressure and/or outages. It can take two to three hours following low pressure for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas as water refills the network.

Water demand will continue to be monitored and further restrictions may be required. Further updates will be issued. Communities across Co Wexford are urged to be mindful of their water usage as increased domestic and commercial demand is being exacerbated by warm weather conditions.

Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann 24/7 at 1800 278 278 or on water.ie.

Bunclody book recalls community tales

Michael Fortune (producer), Larry Connors (participant), Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council (who performed the launch) and Sally Murphy (tutor WWETB) at the launch of No Twixing or Crossing in Bunclody Library tonight (Thursday).

By Dan Walsh in Bunclody

A new book called No Twixing or Crossing was launched in Bunclody Library tonight by Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Aidan Browne, who complimented all associated with “this collection of superstitions, beliefs, practices, ritual cures, verses and stories from Bunclody.”

Cllr Browne told the large attendance presence that the work was transcribed and interpreted by artist and folklorist Michael Fortune from conversations with a group of Traveller Women from Bunclody area in January and February of this year and he paid tribute to everyone involved with the publication.

Michael Fortune pointed out that what is striking about this collection is the lack of names associated with the stories.

“For many folklorists, collectors and historians, this very fact goes against all the standards of recording and documenting, as the person’s name is a vital part of the story,” said Mr. Fortune, who added; “However, this was the condition that the group made with me prior to this publication; all the stories were to be nameless. The stories were of and from their community and not the individual.”

Mr Fortune singled out Larry Connors for his contribution, said it was a privilege to be working with the travelling community, gave a few brief examples of the text, and hoped that volume two would come soon and concluded that “the traditions and superstitions have a very special place that embraces everybody.”

One of the tutors, Sally Murphy from WWETB (Wexford Waterford Educational Training Board) paid tribute to everyone who shared their stories and also to Wexford Library Services for supporting the project and the staff at Bunclody Library, in particular, Shane Gibbons and Lorraine Massey.

Librarian Shane Gibbons welcomed everybody, especially local public representatives, Cllrs Browne, Barbara-Anne Murphy and John O’Rourke and acted as master of ceremonies. The launch concluded with light refreshments for all.

No Twixing or Crossing, Volume 1, produced by Michael Fortune and Wexford Library Services, 75 pages. Illustrated, ISBN 978-1-7398403-1-0. A folklore.ie production.

Graffiti stirs up trouble in Enniscorthy

EXCLUSIVE by Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

Two of Co. Wexford and Ireland’s greatest sporting ambassadors have been disgracefully disrespected after their images posted on an Enniscorthy derelict building on Shannon Quay have been smeared with graffiti style protest scribbling.

The tribute panel has nine Wexfordians of distinction including Nickey Rackard of hurling fame, Lisa Jacob of Hockey Ireland, Annie Jameson and her son Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of the wireless (radio), international tenor Anthony Kearns, local patriot Seamus Rafter, world famous designer Eileen Gray and the internationally acclaimed writer Colm Tóibín.

However, the images of world-renowned horse trainers Jim Bolger and Aidan O’Brien have been obliterated with messages across Bolger declaring that “horse racing is a form of cruelty” and O’Brien is defaced with the words, obviously concluding a sentence, “done only by rich guys.” The other images are untouched.

This unwanted activity appears to have happened over the weekend. The pictorial panel has been located on a derelict building beside the bus stop for a few years and has enhanced the streetscape. It has escaped attack until now!

Enniscorthy has seen an epidemic of graffiti throughout the town in recent weeks, particularly around the river.

A heritage stonewall guarding private property has had graffiti applied to two premises on the Promenade. Stonework under the Barker Bridge is covered in red images and locked up private property beside the bridge also bears the hallmark of the ‘nocturnal talent and paintbrush warriors.’ Other areas of Enniscorthy town have also been targeted.

Maybe nobody cares, but I thought the ordinary decent public and the caring townspeople will be calling on the local authority to improve the proud image of a town like Enniscorthy. 

Sea monster seen in Ferns

The Festival of Ferns parade from the cathedral to the castle filled the air with atmosphere and ancient character.

By Dan Walsh in Ferns

The mid-day Bank Holiday parade was always going to be the highlight for many at the Festival of Ferns and the signs were positive long before the spectacle begins as families lined the streets and took up vantage viewing areas from early morning.

Setting off from the grounds of St. Eden’s Cathedral the parade invoked elements from the legend of St. Aidan and St. David and a representation of the crossing between Ireland and Wales back in the distant centuries.

The giant sea monster with moving mouth and large body carried a chain of performers accompanied by dancers animating fins and waves, bringing the sea monster to life.

The Horsemen of Éire cut quite a dash during the parade, dressed in medieval costume, and they did a jousting exhibition as the crowds gathered in the grounds of Ferns Castle.

Knight in period dress Paul Walsh played an exceptional role as master of ceremonies as he explained the historical features of Diarmait MacMurrough and Eva, the skills of the young hurling athletes, and generating the atmosphere beneath a clear blue sky and intense heat.

The Festival of Ferns was officially opened in the grounds of Ferns Castle on Monday by Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Aidan Browne, who pointed out that “This is very much a community driven project between the local Ferns Heritage Project, with the help of funding from the Ancient Connections programme,”

Ancient Connections is a 4-year EU funded project led by Wexford County Council and Pembrokeshire County Council (Wales) which aims to revive the ancient links between these two Celtic communities.

The two-day festival opened on Sunday with a top-class concert in St. Eden’s Cathedral, Ferns, featuring The Allabair Trio with vocalist Melanie O’Reilly, guitarist David Creevy and Uilleann piper Brewen Favreau, with guest local choir the Chord on Blues, and the concert premiered a new song cycle composed by Melanie alongside O’Carolan pieces and other favourites.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com at Ferns, Melanie O’Reilly was very impressed by the enthusiasm shown at the concert. “We had a full house, and everyone enjoyed the concert. Great atmosphere. Thanks to Ferns for a great weekend,” she stated.

Participants in the festival included Ancient Connections/Ceangal Ársa/Cysylltiadau Hynafol, Lantern, Wexford County Council, Fearna Men’s Shed, Dunn Create, Small World Theatre, Horsemen of Éire, Medieval Ferns Experience, Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, Chord on Blues, Span Arts, Deirdre Furlong’s Dance School, Helena Dunbar’s School of Music and Bloco Garman. 

Battle of Bunclody ’98 remembered

Fr. Lar O’Connor and Rev. Canon Trevor Sargent prepare for prayers while the pikemen form a guard of honour at the 1798 memorial in Bunclody.

By Dan Walsh at Bunclody

St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, led by Pipe Major Jim Byrne and the Bunclody/Kilrush/Kilmyshal Pike Group under the command of Group Leader Walter Skelton led the commemorative pike march in Bunclody this evening (Sunday) to remember the Battle of Newtownbarry (Bunclody) which broke out on June 1st, 1798.

The Battle of Bunclody or Newtownbarry as it was then called, took place on June 1st, 1798, when a force of some 5,000 rebels led by Fr Mogue Kearns attacked the garrison at Bunclody as part of the Wexford rebels campaign against border garrisons.

The first wreath was laid at the ’98 memorial on Chapel Road where the inscription reads; “Erected to the memory of the pikemen of 1798. A.D. 1875.” The honours were bestowed on two of the youngest pikemen during the bicentenary in 1998 – Matthew Skelton and Ciarán Kelly.

Th second wreath was laid by Ian Kidd and Kate Skelton at the 1938 plaque on Bunclody bridge. The inscription (as Gaeilge and English) reads; “Erected to the memory of the men who fell fighting for Ireland at Bunclody on June 1st, 1798.”

Very Rev. Laurence O’Connor, Parish Priest of Bunclody, and The Reverend Canon Trevor Sargent, Rector, Bunclody Union of Parishes recited prayers at both sites. The attendance also included retired priest and historian, Canon Seamus S. de Bhal.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, who also took part in the pike march, acted as master of ceremonies and explained a brief history of the battle. Apparently, about 250 people died in the battle and were interred in a mass grave beside the River Slaney where the 1938 plaque is located, but in 1875 when the bridge was rebuilt the bodies were exhumed and reburied in the graveyard on Chapel Road where a Celtic Cross stands proudly in the western corner, hence the significance on two wreath laying choices.

The wreaths were presented for laying by Aoife and Emer Nolan while Adam Fitzpatrick presented a bunch of flowers to Gloria Binions at the proceedings in The Square where the ceremonies ended.

Seamus Kelly read a poem; “The Battle of Newtownbarry (Bunclody)’, Niall Wall gave a rousing rendition of Boolavogue and the Ballindaggin Pipe Band played Amhrán na bFiann.

Afterwards, proprietor Michael Kehoe generously sponsored complimentary refreshments for all at the Rivers Edge restaurant.

Ballindaggin Pipe Band and Bunclody/Kilrush/Kilmyshal pike group marching to the Battle of Bunclody grave site this evening.

Wexford Remembers 1798 at Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

1798 remembrance at Market Square, Enniscorthy.

Two wreaths from Wexford Remembers 1798 Group and the Connolly Youth Movement were laid at the Father Murphy and the Croppy Boy memorial in Market Square, Enniscorthy, today, (Sunday) as part of the 225th 1798 Rebellion commemorations taking place across County Wexford.

Chairman, Gary O’Brien from Wexford, gave a brief account of the memorial which has stood in this spot for 115 years, two wreaths were laid, the flags were ceremoniously lowered, and the event concluded with Amhrán na bFiann.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Mr O’Brien said the group was formed as Wexford Remembers 1916 and then it was decided to mark the events of 1798 and today’s events in Enniscorthy are the first under the Wexford Remembers 1798 banner and he was pleased at the turnout.

Earlier Owen Dunbar led a tour of Vinegar Hill and archaeologist Byron Jones, gave a detailed explanation of the 2017 survey and dig of the battlefield site. A poetry reading and the playing of a lament by an uilleann piper closed off the Vinegar Hill element of the day.

Events concluded at the IFA Centre on Mill Park Road, where Dr Kerron Ó Luain, the author of ‘Rathcoole and the United Irish Rebellions, 1798 – 1803′ gave a public talk on the 1798 Rebellion.

Wreath to Fr Murphy and the Croppy Boy

By Dan Walsh

The 1798 commemorations are continuing at Enniscorthy on Sunday and activities organised by Wexford Remembers 1798 includes laying a wreath at the prominent 1798 memorial in Market Square at 12.45pm marking the 115th year of its presence.

The bronze monument features Fr John Murphy encouraging a young rebel, known locally as The Croppy Boy, the work of celebrated sculptor Oliver Sheppard, (1865-1941), unveiled in front of an estimated 20,000 people by Fr. Patrick Kavanagh on Sunday, May 31st, 1908.

A contemporary quote says it all; “It was particularly fitting that a priest and a peasant should stand together united as they stood in the bitter bygone days of 1798, when they fought side-by-side for faith and fatherland. It was God’s decree that the people of Ireland should be allowed to carry out their own affairs without interference from anyone”. Source; Oliver Sheppard, (1865-1941) by John Turpin, page 111, published by Four Courts Press, 2000. ISBN for the book is 1-85182-573-8.

The 1798 memorial – Fr John Murphy and the Croppy Boy – in Enniscorthy’s Market Square. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Sunday’s day of remembrance begins at 10.30am when local historian, Owen Dunbar, will host a walking tour of Vinegar Hill.

This will be followed by the archaeologist Byron Jones, giving a detailed explanation of the 2017 survey and dig of the battlefield site. A poetry reading and the playing of a lament by an uilleann piper will close off the Vinegar Hill element of the day.

The second event of the day, which will take place at 12.45 p.m., will see a commemorative wreath laid at the Croppy Boy and Father Murphy statue in Market Square, Enniscorthy.

Following that ceremony, the focus of attention will turn to the IFA Centre on Mill Park Road, at 1.30pm where Dr Kerron Ó Luain, the author of ‘Rathcoole and the United Irish Rebellions, 1798 – 1803′, will give a public talk on the 1798 Rebellion.

Speaking in relation to the day’s commemorative events, Gary O’Brien, from ‘Wexford Remembers 1798’ told WexfordLocal.com; “These events will commemorate the thousands of men, women and children, who gave their lives for what was then a new ideal – an Irish Republic inspired and supported by the French Revolution. A Republic which united Catholic, Protestant and those with no religion.”

Mr O’Brien said the rank and file on the republican side were mainly made up the urban and rural poor who had the most to gain from revolutionary change – the people who Wolfe Tone described as ‘the men of no property’.

“It is very important that the current generation of Irish citizens keep alive the memory and the sacrifice of those who died that we might all be free,” said Mr O’Brien.

“Wexford has a unique history when it comes to the 1798 Rebellion, something which all of the people of Wexford should be immensely proud,” he added.

“On behalf of Wexford Remembers 1798, I’d like to invite everyone along to all of our family friendly events on Sunday, June 4th, he concluded.

Wexford asked to conserve water

Due to the current high demand for water as a result of the current warm spell, Uisce Éireann is urging communities across Wexford to conserve water to protect supply and reduce the risk of outages.

High usage can lead to pressure reductions which can impact the supply to customers. Supplies across the county are vulnerable to high demand during the summertime.  

A watering can uses a lot less water than a hose pipe

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Asset Operations Lead, Ronan Walsh said; “We are appealing to customers to conserve water to give the reservoirs time to replenish. We have had a very dry period and with the warmer weather currently being experienced and more forecasted, supplies will come under further pressure. Any reduction that customers can make in their usage can collectively result in significant supply improvements for all customers. I would ask that everyone in Wexford play their part to help conserve water this summer.”

There are several easy steps people can take to reduce their water usage during the hot weather, including: Avoid power washing and keep the garden hose in the shed.

Check for leaks on outdoor taps or troughs as these can lead to large losses of treated water.

Remember that paddling pools and swimming pools can use huge volumes of water so try to minimise the amount of water used and consider reusing the water for the garden or cleaning the car.

Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann 24/7 at 1800 278 278 or on water.ie.

All safe and well in sailing yacht rescue

Rosslare Harbour RNLI volunteers (Pic; RNLI/Larry Dunne).

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Harbour RNLI lifeboat responded to a request from the Irish Coast Guard at 2.27pm on Tuesday to assist a 44-foot-long sailing yacht with three people on board after it developed mechanical difficulties.

The lifeboat was launched at 2.45pm and reached the scene in Ballytrent Bay at 2.55pm.

The sea was rough at the time with a Force 6-7 north-easterly wind. Visibility was good.

The vessel was towed to the nearest safe port at Rosslare Harbour. A tow line was secured at 3pm and the vessel was safely dropped alongside at 3.50pm.

All three-yacht crew were wearing flotation devices and were safe and well.

Speaking following the call out, Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “We are enjoying some wonderful weather and would encourage everyone planning a strip on the water to go prepared. We would stress the importance of wearing proper flotation devices and having good communication equipment when at sea.”