Gorey protest at loss of respite services

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.

Tributes to Gorey actor Garry Lombard

GARRY LOMBARD (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

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.

Issues with Clonroche drinking water

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Eireann has detected 13 exceedances for pesticides in the public drinking water supplies in Clonroche in 2022 as part of its public water supply monitoring programme.

The Clonroche water supply abstracts raw water from local boreholes which are vulnerable to runoff from land.

Uisce Éireann is asking users of any herbicide or pesticide products to continue to consider the vulnerability of their local drinking water supplies to pesticide contamination and the importance of these supplies to local homes and businesses in the community.

Fishing boat towed ashore

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Harbour RNLI came to the aid of a man after his 16-foot inflatable fishing boat got into difficulty off Ballytrent Beach on Tuesday.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard shortly before 6pm and made its way to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were described as “fine and dry with a slight wind and calm seas.”

Once on scene, the crew observed that the man was safe and well. The vessel was towed to the nearest safe port at St Helen’s Harbour.

Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “We were delighted to be of assistance this evening and bring the man safely back to shore. We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication such as a mobile phone or VHF radio. Always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

New Coast Guard Station needed in Courtown?

By Dan Walsh

Twenty-three persons are working out of the “unfit for purpose” Courtown Coast Guard Station that consists of a single room operation with no toilet facilities and common changing facilities for both male and female crew members.

That is according to Courtown Coast Guard Officer, David Swinburne, who added; “We are basically sharing a ten by twenty-foot room. We are using the same sink to make tea and coffee as we are for washing up after incidents. It is worse than horrendous and just not fit for purpose.”

Mr. Swinburne has been informed by his Coast Guard Unit Sector Manager that the Office of Public Works were awaiting a letter from Wexford County Council to confirm that they had no suitable sites for the facility and, once that was received, the purchase of the private site could proceed. However, with the busy summer period looming and there is no sign of further movement.

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL CEO, TOM ENRIGHT

CEO of Wexford County Council Tom Enright said that the matter ultimately rests with the OPW. “We’re very keen that the Coast Guard station situation is addressed and there is a site found for them so that they can have a suitable place. The Council very much supports that, but this is a matter for the OPW to find a site for them. It’s not for the Council,” stated Mr Enright.

The CEO added; “We currently don’t have a site that’s suitable available but there is a proposal to potentially do a land transfer for the old Bayview site. If the Bayview site comes into the ownership of the Council, we would look to make part of that available to the Coast Guard. Obviously, that is dependent on whether that transaction would go through,” said Mr Enright.

The proposal for the swap falls to a Section 183 decision and needs to go on the Council agenda and be voted on by the members of Wexford County Council before any decision is made.

“If there is to be a land swap done with the Bayview site, that will have to get planning approval. There may well also be a decision to be made by An Bord Pleanála. You’re looking at 12 to 18 months by the time there is any decision made. If that site was coming available, you’re looking at a year, a year and a half until something can start. That may not fit with the timeline of the OPW and Coast Guard so if they have found something suitable, I would encourage them to go ahead,” said Mr Enright.

53,300 litres of alcohol seized

Some of the consignment seized at Rosslare Europort (Pic; Revenue).

By Dan Walsh

53,300 litres of alcohol including cans of Carlsberg Special Brew, Stella Artois, and Tyskie brands were among the 53,300 litres of alcohol with a market value of €220,000 seized by revenue officers over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

The seizures were executed in four separate operations at Rosslare Europort between Thursday and Bank Holiday Monday.

On Thursday, revenue officers seized approximately 25,392 litres of Oranjeboom, Carlsberg Special Brew, Tyskie, and San Miguel with a retail value of approximately €101,250, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €47,500.

The consignment arrived in an accompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. The trailer carrying the alcohol products was also seized.

The following day officers seized approximately 26,092 litres of Oranjeboom, Zywiec, Stella Artois, and Zubr with a retail value of over €104,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €48,700.

This consignment arrived in an unaccompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. Again, the trailer carrying the alcohol products was also seized.

On Friday 1,066 litres of wine with a retail value of approximately €13,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €7,000, was seized. This consignment arrived in an unaccompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France.

Finally, on May Day Monday, officers seized approximately 778 litres of beer (Kamenitza, Wymehco and Paropka) with a retail value of over €3,100, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €1,500. These beverages were discovered in an accompanied trailer that had arrived from Dunkirk, France.

Investigations into all four seizures are ongoing. These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information regarding such activities, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

Bree Macra in another national final

Pictured from left to right are PJ D’Arcy (coach), Sarah Byrne, Jordan Feeley (Chairman), Grace Kehoe, and James Byrne (coach).

By Dan Walsh

The Bree Macra Public Speaking team of Chairman Jordan Feeley, and speakers Sarah Byrne and Grace Kehoe, who have secured a spot in the All-Ireland Public Speaking Final.

This will be the third All-Ireland Final this year for Bree Macra, as Jordan and Sarah were part of the All-Ireland Runner-up Novice Debating team, and Sarah was All-Ireland Runner-up in the Impromptu Public Speaking.

Grace, a newcomer to Bree Macra, is the daughter of Michael Kehoe of The Moyne, Enniscorthy, who holds a record five county titles in the Public Speaking competition.

The team competed in the semi-final on March 22nd in Bennettsbridge. They spoke on the subject; “Free Speech Does Not Exist Anymore.”

The All-Ireland Final will take place on May 13th in the Maritime Hotel in Bantry at 5.30 pm, where the team will be competing against Clonakilty Macra for the All-Ireland title.

Doubles for Wexford ‘pointers’

By Dan Walsh

May Day point-to-point action took place at Dawstown today and doubles for riders Barry O’Neill and Tiernan Power Roche and for champion handler Barry O’Neill.

BARRY O’NEILL and COLIN BOWE shared a double today.

Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard was in the winners’ enclosure following the maiden race for five-year-old geldings having steered newcomer Do It Like A Dude for owner/handler Harley Dunne to a one length victory.

Later he took the mount on Garm Colombe for Carlow handler Aidan Fitzgerald in the Winner of Two race and a second success of the day – this time by one and a half lengths.

Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe struck twice. Firstly, with Barrack Village by five lengths in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus, and secondly, enjoyed a two and a half lengths victory on Theatrical Getaway, in the colours of Maria Kavanagh, Arklow, in the maiden race for six-year-old plus geldings race.

May Day rescue off the Saltee Islands

Kilmore Quay RNLI crew bring angler charter boat to safety at Kilmore Quay this morning (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh)

By Dan Walsh

Nine anglers on board a charter boat that fouled its propellers east of the Saltee Islands were rescued and taken to safety by Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat service earlier today.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat, Killarney, by the Irish Coast Guard this morning. 

The lifeboat under Coxswain Eugene Kehoe and with six crew members onboard arrived on scene at 10am. Having checked all onboard were safe and well, a towline was quickly established. The lifeboat was soon underway to Kilmore Quay, arriving back at the harbour at 10.43am. Weather and sea conditions were good at the time. 

The Kilmore Quay RNLI lifeboat crew involved in the call out were Coxswain Eugene Kehoe, Philip Walsh, Aidan Bates, Nigel Kehoe, Adam Kelly, Michelle Hinchy and Dean Roche. 

Ed Sheeran mourns loss of his grandmother

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Anne Mary Sheeran (née Mulligan), Craanford, Gorey, who is grandmother to internationally renowned singer songwriter Ed Sheeran. She passed away peacefully at Castle Gardens Nursing Home, Enniscorthy, aged 98 years.

Ed Sheeran wrote a chart-topping song about his grandmother called ‘Nancy Mulligan’.

A nurse from Gorey, Anne Mary Mulligan married Bill Sheeran from Co. Derry in 1951 in London where they raised a family. Bill was deep into the local boxing world, both as a fighter and later in life as a teacher and historian.

In 1983 Bill and Anne Sheeran retired to her childhood home in Gorey, where both immersed themselves into promotion of Gorey Boxing Club, and undoubtedly enjoyed watching their grandson Ed Sheeran storming the worldwide pop charts.

Anne and her family were also closely associated with Courtown Golf Club, Gorey Musical Society, Gorey Tennis Club, Gorey and District Lions Club and Gorey Cricket Club.

Anne was predeceased by her husband Bill in 2013. She was well-known and held in high esteem throughout the community and news of her passing has caused sadness and great loss amongst family, friends and neighbours over a wide area.

FAMILY NOTICE; Anne Mary Sheeran (née Mulligan) Craan, Craanford, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Died 25th April 2023 peacefully at Castle Gardens Nursing Home Enniscorthy. Beloved wife of the late Bill and loving mother of Jim, Bill, Peter, Chris, John, MaryAnne, Bridget and the late Sally and sister of the late Thomas, Jim, May and Peggy. Deeply regretted by her loving sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, niece, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. May She Rest In Peace.
Anne will be reposing at Floods Funeral Home McDermott Street Gorey on Monday (1st May) from 3pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday (3rd May) at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church Monaseed Gorey. Burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery Craanford. Donations if desired to St. Aidan’s Daycare Centre Gorey. House Private Please.