Four people were rescued by crews of Wexford and Rosslare Harbour RNLI after their 16-foot boat suffered engine failure outside of Wexford Harbour shortly after 5pm yesterday (Tuesday) evening.
Rosslare Harbour RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat under Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke and four other crew members onboard, was first on scene. The Kilmore Quay Harbour Master assisted the crew in locating the casualty vessel.
Wexford and Rosslare Harbour RNLI (Pic; RNL:I/Wexford)
Having assessed the situation, a decision was made to tow the boat into safe waters. Wexford RNLI then took over the tow to navigate the casualty over Wexford bar and through the sandbanks of Wexford Harbour. The four people were safely brought ashore at 6.58pm.
Weather conditions at the time were reasonably good, with a Force 3 westerly wind and good visibility with some showers.
Speaking following the call out, Wexford RNLI Helm Damien Foley said: ‘The casualties did the right thing and contacted the Coast Guard when they were in difficulty. All four were also wearing lifejackets. This call out was well executed between us and our colleagues in Rosslare Harbour. We would remind people that if you see anyone in difficulty on or near the water to ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
Point-to-point action yesterday (Monday) took place at Toomebridge in Mid-Antrim where champion rider Barry O’Neill recorded a double and Donnchadh Doyle saddled the only Wexford winner on the six-race card.
DONNCHADH DOYLE
Davidoc in the Monbeg Syndicate colours was an easy 19 lengths winner for handler Donnchadh Doyle and rider Rob James in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Seasonal success number 24 for the season and an impressive 35% success-rate for Doyle, while James has ridden 31 winners this season and has a 36% strike-rate.
Barry O’Neill was aboard Bold Enough, winning his seventh race in succession for David Christie by 22 lengths in the Open Race while Tech Talk, handled by Tom Dreaper was a five lengths winner of the maiden race for six-year-old geldings to clinch the double success. O’Neill is well on his way to another National Point-to-Point riders’ Championship and a well-earned and deserved seventh title.
Good news for rail commuters between Gorey Railway Station and Connolly Station, Dublin, were announced and welcomed at today’s May meeting of Wexford County Council at Carricklawn by Cllr Andrew Bolger who is a member of the Transport Special Policy Committee.
CLLR ANDREW BOLGER delighted at new train times for Gorey from May 22nd.
From Monday, May 22nd, a new weekday evening service will begin between Dublin and Gorey.
20.05hrs; Dublin Connolly to Gorey.
22.25hrs; Gorey to Dublin Connolly.
“I am delighted to see the new train times coming to Gorey, said Cllr Bolger, who added; “There are 31,000 people living in the Gorey District and just over 18,000 living in the Kilmuckridge District.
“The ‘National Development Plan 2021-2030’ cites the need for greater capacity for Iarnród Éireann.
Today I asked Wexford County Council to strike while the iron is hot and seek further services and infrastructure along this train line.”
Cllr. Bolger has acknowledged that Gorey Town is a bustling area of trade and business, and he has raised concerns about the transport links “I’ve written to Iarnród Éireann about the need to further enhance the train line. We need more carriages, and we need more train times for commuters, students, school trips and visitors. This will allow for ease of travel from Gorey while also bringing people into the Town.”
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan recently met with local councillors in County Hall and discussed the need to develop the Rosslare-Dublin rail line.
Cllr. Bolger stated that he was glad to hear the train line being mentioned. “I’m glad it’s on the agenda, there has been some recent progress, but I think we need to continue to keep the ball rolling. The benefits include eco-friendly traveling, punctuality because the line does not have to be concerned with traffic and you can get some work done by pulling the laptop out. If you’re a student, you can get stuck into the books,” concluded Cllr Bolger.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting Speaking at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Lisa McDonald, confirmed that the Department of Housing has given Wexford County Council the go-ahead to construct 18 new social homes in Grahormack, Tagoat.
CLLR LISA McDONALD
The 18 new homes will be a mix of one-bed, two-bed, three-bed, and four-bed tenancies. Welcoming the development, Cllr McDonald commended Wexford County Council and the Department of Housing for their work in getting the project to this stage.
“I have been working diligently with Council officials to add to the social housing stock for applicants seeking social housing in the Rosslare Municipal District,” she said.
“This announcement marks a significant milestone in the delivery of this exciting new development in Grahormack, Tagoat.”
“I will continue to work with my council and government colleagues to ensure that we do whatever it takes to deliver further social housing projects for the Rosslare Municipal District as well as Co. Wexford’s other municipal districts”, Cllr McDonald concluded.
Three people on board a yacht stranded one and a half miles north-west of Hook Head were rescued by the crew of Dunmore East RNLI late last Thursday night.
Alerted by the Irish Coast Guard, the volunteer lifeboat crew were called into action late last night at 11.43pm to assist the three people on the 10-metre yacht in distress. The yacht, with three people onboard, found itself adrift after losing both engine power and electrics amidst challenging weather conditions.
HOOK HEAD… rescue from a stranded yacht with three people on board.
The Shannon class all-weather lifeboat reached the yacht in poor visibility, wind Force 5-6, moderate sea state, and rainy conditions. After evaluating the situation and ensuring the yacht’s crew’s well-being, the decision was made to tow the vessel back to the safety of Dunmore East Harbour.
Roy Abrahamsson, Dunmore East RNLI Coxswain said: “The yacht’s crew were relieved to see us arrive, as the loss of power had left them adrift and vulnerable in the challenging wind and rain conditions in darkness. We urge those going afloat to check their engine and fuel, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help.”
Two point-to-point fixtures today – at Bartlemy in Co. Cork and Grennan, Co. Kilkenny – and an amazing eleven winners for Wexford stables including a four-timer for Colin Bowe, three for rider Jack Hendrick, doubles for Bertie Finn, Brian Lawless, Donnchadh Doyle and Barry O’Neill and the Doyles from Ballindaggin, Donnchadh, Sean and Cormac, saddled a winner each.
JACK HENDRICK … three winners today at Grennan, Co. Kilkenny.
Jack Hendrick rode a treble at Grennan to bring his seasonal total to 21 winners. The Mayglass rider got off the mark on newcomer Chance Another One, by five lengths for Cormac Doyle and the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership in division two of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
Hendrick teamed up with Sean Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus (division two) race and they shared a 12 lengths victory with Similar Story in the colours of Gearoid Doyle. Hendrick’s treble was achieved on Alvarez Eclipse for Waterford handler Declan Queally in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus. Jack Hendrick now has 55 career victories to his credit.
Donnchadh Doyle saddled Ireland’s Call who was a four lengths winner of the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings in the colours of the Monbeg Syndicate and Brian Lawless was the winning rider.
Lawless made it a double on the day at the Kilkenny track aboard La Vega Moon for the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle in division two of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. The winning distance was one and three-parts of a length. Donnchadh Doyle ended the day with 260 career handling victories to his credit.
Colin Bowe saddled four winners. Two at Kilkenny with Bertie Finn riding and two at Cork with champion Barry O’Neill up. He is now on the 38-winner mark for the season.
Newcomer Bob O Rhino scored by one and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares and Young Jack took the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings by two and a half lengths at Kilkenny.
In Cork, Bowe and O’Neill won both divisions of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings; Itsnoteasy by an impressive 16 lengths in division one and newcomer Inox Allen by two lengths in division two.
Rob James saddled newcomer Realta Liath (ridden by Derek O’Connor) who had three lengths to spare at the finish of the maiden race for four-year old mares. Harley Dunne saddled both the runner-up and the third, Lustfull Lady and Giver The Holie, respectively, but he was compensated in the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings by Chauffeur Driven (Finian Maguire up) who secured a one and a half lengths. The second division was won by newcomer Harbour Highway, handled by Michael Goff at Clondaw, Ferns, ridden by Michael Sweeney. Five lengths the verdict.
Wexford Drama Group’s Andy Doyle has been acclaimed ‘Best Actor’ at the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival Awards 2023 announced a short time ago.
ANDY DOYLE … Ireland’s Best Actor 2023. (Pic; Wexford Drama Group).
It was an emotional and exciting moment when the veteran Enniscorthy-born actor, who won many awards in a lifetime of stage performances, was announced the winner for his exceptional role in ‘The Father’ which was this year’s production from Wexford Drama Group.
Director Paul Walsh also received a Director Award and Wexford Drama Group took the Abbey Theatre Award for ‘The Father’ which comprises of an invitation to perform the play at The Peacock Theatre in Dublin on the June bank holiday weekend, which is a huge theatrical honour.
The winners of the 2023 festival were Dalkey Drama Group with ‘The Bog of Cats’, Runner-up, Ballyduff Drama Group, Waterford, with ‘The Welcome’ and in third place was Thurles Drama Group with ‘The Seafarer’.
The first-ever Wexford Rubbish Film Festival for Transition Year Students in Secondary Schools was held on a pilot basis this year with entries from five participating schools across the county, and it has been described as “a resounding success.”
The festival, which challenged students to create a one-minute short film on an environmental theme such as, climate action, reducing waste, and sustainability, was facilitated by Createschool and supported by the Environment Section of Wexford County Council.
The festival received a great response from the schools, with students showing their creativity and innovation in producing short films that were both educational and entertaining.
Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District presented trophies to two of the three winning schools. Colaiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge, who won the Best Film Award for their film entitled ‘You Can’t Run and Gorey Community School won Best Poster Award for ‘Fast Fashion’.
Cllr Kenny thanked all the schools for their support and said; “The students showed great creativity and skill in their use of film to develop and express their views on a range of climate action and sustainability topics.”
Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell, representing Wexford Borough District presented the award for Best Runner Up Film to Selskar College, Wexford, for their film ‘How Would You Like It’. Mayor Bell congratulated all the students involved and stated that “it was inspiring to see students deliver their message and raise awareness of environment issues amongst their peers.”
Peter Baxter of Createschool said; “We are delighted with the success of the Rubbish Film Festival. The students have shown great creativity, and their enthusiasm for environmental issues has been inspiring. We hope that the festival will encourage more young people to take action to protect our planet. The Best Film and Best Poster will now go forward to represent Wexford at the National Awards in Co. Meath. Fifty-two schools and over seventy entries from six counties are competing for the National Awards.
Cliona Connolly, Environment Awareness Officer at Wexford County Council said; “The Rubbish Film Festival is a fantastic initiative that demonstrates the creativity and enthusiasm of young people in Wexford, and we congratulate all those involved in making it such a success.”
Families and individuals outside St. Aidan’s Day Care Centre at Millands, Gorey, this morning, to publicly voice their annoyance and frustration at a decision to close respite services at Mulcahy House.
By Dan Walsh
Families and individuals turned out in good numbers outside St. Aidan’s Day Care Centre at Millands, Gorey, this morning, to publicly voice their annoyance and frustration at a decision to close respite services at Mulcahy House, Árd Lios, for a 12-week period from May 1st.
In a letter sent to service users and their families, Assistant Chief CEO James Traynor, said; “We had hoped that a return to how we would normally operate in Mulcahy House was sustainable from January 1, 2023, when we reopened but, due to staffing vacancies across the service and in Mulcahy House itself, we cannot work to the standard we are used to, nor provide the level of service. These recruitment challenges have potential to put the individuals we support at a greater risk than we are able to mitigate at this present time, and we have the responsibility to operate a safe and effective service, this has always been our primary concern.
“We deeply regret that we have not been in a position to respond to requests for specific dates for respite, however, this is a direct result of the staffing shortages we are dealing with,” said the statement, which added; “We aim to work to a plan that will make our respite service more sustainable in the longer term, and we will review how we currently provide respite during this period of closure. We have advised the local HSE Disability Manager of the closure.”
Families of service users are devastated by the decision to deny North Wexford of respite services for three months which resulted in a public protest planned for this morning, which went off peacefully with a large attendance sending out a strong message to the HSE.
Although a solicitor by profession, Garry Lombard was best known for his lifetime of devotion to theatrical matters, both on and off the stage, and the thespian community are shocked at the news of his passing on Wednesday night. He was aged 84 years.
A founder and director of Gorey Little Theatre, Garry was an award-winning actor who was involved in over a hundred productions. One of his personal proudest performances was starring on stage with his son, Garrett Lombard, in the play Tuesdays with Morrie at last year’s summer plays series in Gorey Little Theatre.
Garry was also a director of the South Leinster Drama Festival, an executive member of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland, an associate of the Leinster School of Music and Drama and a member of the Association of Drama Adjudicators.
Many tributes have been paid. A statement issued by Gorey Little Theatre said; “We are truly heartbroken at the passing of our beloved Garry Lombard. Garry was a founding member of Gorey Little Theatre. He was one of the finest actors Wexford has ever had. His passion for theatre was immense and his support and guidance over the years has been incredible. A wonderful mentor to all and especially younger actors starting out. He had a great wit and sense of humour and the best of company. A wonderful friend, a true gentleman of a very special kind. A beautiful life to be celebrated. Our thoughts are with Veronica, Aoife, Garrett, Rionagh, Ross and Tomàs, his gorgeous grandchildren, extended family and friends.”
This writer has great memories of Garry Lombard; “Over many decades I broadcast many radio interviews and published newspaper articles, usually around times of festivals and events happening at Gorey Little Theatre and Garry was always available and the consummate professional who appreciated the opportunity to promote Gorey Little Theatre and encourage patrons to recognise the importance of the theatre to the town,” said Dan Walsh.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of GARRY LOMBARD, Avenue House, The Avenue, Gorey; Garry died peacefully on the 4th May at Gorey District Hospital surrounded by his loving family and the staff of Gorey Hospital.
Beloved husband of Veronica and loving father of Aoife, Garrett, Rionagh, Tomás, Ross and the late baby Niamh, brother of Marian, Tommy, Johnny, Maeve and the late Brian. Will be deeply missed by his wife, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, grandchildren Geroid, Realtín, Phoebe, Grace, Niamh, Donal and Cuan-Garry., son-in-law P.J., brothers-in-law Tommy, Freddie, Peter, sisters-in-law Margie, Frances, Angela, Rena and Bernadette, extended family, relatives, and friends. May He Rest In Peace.
Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey on Friday from 2 pm until 6 pm. Removal from his Home on Saturday 6th May at 1.30 pm to St. Michael’s Church Gorey for Funeral Mass at 2 pm followed by Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Gorey.
Family Flowers only please. Donations if desired to the Friends of Gorey District Hospital. House Private Please.
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