Smart Village strategy for Courtown/Riverchapel

COURTOWN HARBOUR at night (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com

By Dan Walsh at Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey

A new 64-page report outlining a Smart Village innovative plan for future investment and development in the Courtown and Riverchapel region of North Wexford was unveiled at a well-attended public meeting held in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, last Monday night.

Linda Sinnott, Chair of Courtown Community Council welcomed everybody to the meeting and told them; “We know mistakes have been made on both sides, but we need to learn from them and move forward. We are delighted to have the support of the local councillors in attendance for our proposal for a new working group to address the challenges within the area. Our community is full of passion, and we all want to see a strong and prosperous future for the area.”

Lorna Fitzpatrick, Trustee of Courtown Community Council and lead author of the report said; “It is clear to me that there are a lot of people who want to see Courtown and Riverchapel grow and prosper. It is essential that this plan is utilised and that it feeds into the development of the area.”

Ms. Fitzpatrick presented some of the key findings of the report; (1), 90.8% of respondents want community facilities within the next 2 years. (2); 89.2% of respondents want investment in health services within the next 2 years; (3); 74% of respondents felt that Environmental and Climate protection were very important to them, and (4); The greatest challenge for the area was identified by respondents as “the lack of planning and investment in services and infrastructure such as healthcare, education, housing and transport.

Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council congratulated the group and stated; “we are here to listen to you and work with you.”

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux wasn’t surprised that healthcare topped local concerns. “If you want help, you will get it,” he added.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain felt that “tourism is the mainstay of the country” and anticipated a link up with two hotels, Coillte and the neighbouring woods, Active Tribe and the Tara Hill project.

Cllr Andrew Bolger said it was great to get all the information together, “listening is the easy part but delivering is the hard part” in providing the services that a middle-size town need.

Cllr Pip Breen said it was an achievement to get the report finished and he hoped to “get the beach back.”

“You have come to the table with a plan and it is up to the councillors to run with it,” stated Cllr Joe Sullivan.

Senator Malcolm Byrne was impressed by “a most positive meeting”. He believes the key to moving forward is the working group.

Courtown Community Council have mapped The Smart Village Strategy alongside the Local Area Plan for Courtown and Riverchapel 2016-2026 to create a blueprint that identifies the priority areas for development and investment. 

This blueprint will be the focus of the working group, which was proposed by Ms. Sinnott and seconded by Tony Clyne at the launch. 

Courtown Community Council wants to ensure that Courtown and Riverchapel is a thriving community, with booming businesses, protected natural spaces with safe and clean rivers and coasts for both locals and tourists support the local economy. 

Fethard lifeboat Open Day

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI station will host an Open Day from 11am to 1pm on Saturday where everybody is welcome and the station is keen to recruit new volunteer lifeboat, shore crew and to enhance its fundraising crew.

Walter Foley, Fethard RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said the team is looking forward to welcoming anyone who is interested in finding out more to the open day: “Volunteering with us gives people the opportunity to make a real difference in their local community, to save lives and become part of the larger RNLI family. We can’t keep people safe without the support of our wonderful volunteers, who truly make a difference every day no matter which role they are fulfilling.

“We’re looking for enthusiastic people to come along on Saturday morning and see what is involved and learn how they can play their part. The RNLI provides first class training and equipment, guidance and support to all volunteers, from lifeboat crew to shore crew to fundraising crew. So, no matter the time or the skill you can offer, it is our hope that this can be the beginning of something exciting for new volunteers while also allowing Fethard RNLI to continue its great work in saving lives at sea.”

Wexford prepares for Fleadh 2024

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting

There was a ‘dancing at the crossroads’ atmosphere at last Monday’s monthy meeting of Wexford County Council held at Carricklawn HQ where members were rejoicing at the welcome news that Wexford town has been chosen to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. The only missing ingredient was an encore!

Cathaoirleach Cllr George Lawlor predicted that Wexford may be “the biggest and most successful Fleadh in the history of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann” and he thanked the members for their support and backing the rates increase that will assist in financing the ambitious project that Wexford has been chasing for a number of years.

Cllr Jim Moore applauded securing Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for Wexford and said “great credit is due to many people”. He recalled it was 2015/’16 when the idea was first suggested, and he offered thanks and congratulations to Paddy Berry.

TOM ENRIGHT, CEO Wexford County Council

Cllr Ger Carthy congratulated everybody involved in the bid and the contribution of the chamber “to bankroll one of the biggest cultural events in the world.”

There was support from Cllr Willie Kavanagh and Cllr Jackser Owens who recalled that last time the Fleadh took place in Enniscorthy in 2000. Cllr Davy Hynes welcomed the Fleadh “to our beautiful town.”

Cllr Leonard Kelly admitted that he had never attended the Fleadh, but offered “a big ‘thank you’ to the top table” and looked forward to “showing the rest of Ireland what Wexford has to offer.”

Cllr Cathal Byrne joined in the congratulations and said; “well done to the top table”. He stated that we must welcome visitors and ensure that the Fleadh is a success and described the project as “bold and ambitious” and must exceed beyond the perimeter of the Wexford district.

Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell, speaking via zoom, said she was delighted by the news. She believed it will be countywide culture and tourism and will showcase the best that Wexford has to offer.

Cllr Jim Codd said he represents one of the most cultural areas in Bannow and added it was an opportunity to “showcase our wares.” He added that the Berrys -Phil, Jim and Paddy – were synonymous with culture.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy mentioned the contribution of Paddy Berry and Leo Carthy – former councillor and father of Cllr Ger Carthy.

Chief Executive Officer Tom Enright thanked a long list of people for success at the end of a long number of years’ work, especially craobh Loch Garman CCÉ, director of services Carolyne Godkin and retired John Carley in the early stages, He saw the Fleadh as a great recognition for the life-long contribution of Paddy Berry.

Mr Enright said the Fleadh could not happen without the local authority financial input and stated that there were three aims; (1), repeat visitors; (2), increase Irish music and culture, and, (3); The public realm and putting an infrastructure in place to last beyond the festival.

Mr Enright concluded that securing Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was “a huge day for Wexford” but added; “In some ways the easy work is done, now the hard work begins and we need 1,000 volunteers.”  

Canon Hayden is new Archdeacon

By Dan Walsh

Reverend Canon Mark Hayden of the Gorey Group of Parishes has been appointed as new Archdeacon of Ossory and Leighlin by the Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, the Right Reverend Adrian Wilkinson.

Announcing the new appointment, Bishop Wilkinson said; “I am delighted that Mark Hayden has accepted my invitation to take on this additional work within his ministry. He has served his parish and contributed to the life of this Diocese for over two decades. The bishop and archdeacons work closely together, and he will bring many valuable gifts, insights, and abilities to his new role.”

REVEREND ARCHDEACON MARK HAYDEN

Canon Hayden said he is deeply honoured by our Bishop to be asked to be Archdeacon. “I follow in the footsteps of many great people who have carried out this role, not least my dear friend Archdeacon Ruth Elmes. I look forward to this new chapter in my ministry,” he concluded.

Archdeacon Hayden trained for the priesthood in Clonliffe College and was ordained as deacon in 1992 and priest the following year. In 1999 he was accepted into the ministry of the Church of Ireland and following a curacy in Monkstown in the Diocese of Dublin, he became Rector of Gorey Group of Parishes in 2001. Mark has an interest in military history and is the author of several books on the subject. In 2007 he wrote ‘Changing Collars’ about his experience of ministry in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland. Mark is married to Lorraine and they have two sons Luke and Daniel.

While Archdeacon Hayden’s appointment takes immediate effect, he will be licensed and installed at Evensong in St Canice’s Cathedral on Sunday, May 7th at 3pm.

Drama Festival time in Carnew

Members of the South Wicklow Drama Festival Committee 2023. Back L-R: Mandie O’Keefe, Jacqui, Mulholland, Kieran Tyrrell, Raymond Brennan, Tommy Kavanagh, Dougie Doyle, Lorna Doran McEvoy. Front L-R: Mary Doyle, Debbie Furlong, Eamonn Doran, Kevin McEvoy, Mary Doran. 

By Dan Walsh

The 16th South Wicklow Drama Festival takes place in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, from next Saturday (March 18th) for nine nights until Sunday, March 26th once again there is a wonderful and varied line up of plays lined up with many of the local groups taking part along with Drama Groups from counties Tipperary and Armagh.

The festival was launched in Jim Byrne’s Lounge by Rory Kinsella, Chairman of Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama in the presence of members from Kilmuckridge, Kilrush and Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Groups and Wayside Players all of whom will be participating in the South Wicklow Drama Festival. Also present were some patrons, sponsors and the Festival Committee. Chairman, Eamonn Doran announced the varied and interesting line up of plays for the Festival.  

This year’s adjudicator is Anna Walker, a member of ADA since 2008, and has relished the opportunity to adjudicate at numerous festivals throughout of Ireland.

Line up of Plays Nightly at 8pm except final night – 7.30pm start.

Saturday 18th March; Lislea Dramatic Players, “See How They Run” by Philip King. Sponsor: Jim Byrne’s Bar & Lounge, Carnew. 

Sunday 19th March: Wayside Players “The Field” by John B Keane, Sponsor: Boggan Motors, Gorey.

Monday 20th March Enniscorthy Drama Group “Farsiders” by Fintan Kelly. Sponsor: Quinn Property Ltd, Gorey & Carnew.

Tuesday 21st March Kilmuckridge Drama Group “Sive” by John B Keane. Sponsor: McCrea’sBar & Lounge, Carnew.

Wednesday 22nd March Bridge Drama “Big Big Sky” by Tom Wells. Sponsor: Osborne’s Centra, Carnew

Thursday 23rd March Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group “The Night Alive” by Conor McPherson. Sponsor:Kenny’s Corner House,Carnew.

Friday 24th March Kilrush Drama Group “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Martin McDonagh. Sponsor: Candy’s Costcutter,Carnew.

Saturday 25th March Thurles Drama Group “The Seafarer” by Conor McPherson. Sponsor: K&K Windows, Craanford.

Sunday 26th March Wexford Drama Group “The Father” by Florian Zeller. Sponsor; South East Security & Safety Ltd.

Patron Tickets for the Festival are available from any of the Festival Committee, from Mark Kennedy in Hall’s Shop, Main Street, Carnew; Carnew Training & Consultancy Centre and from Candy’s, Carnew. Purchasing a patron ticket enables you to see all nine of the following plays for just €45.

NB. A preview of the South Wicklow Drama Festival can be heard on Mid Week Voices with Dan Walsh on South East Radio on Wednesday at 8pm.

Sarah does Bree Macra proud

Pictured are Sarah Byrne with coaches Peter and James Byrne.

Members of Bree Macra Na Feirme are proud of the impressive performance of Sarah Byrne and would like to congratulate Sarah who was runner-up in the Impromptu Public Speaking All-Ireland Final in Ennis last Saturday night.

Sarah spoke on the topics of Friendship, Cyclists, and Space Travel. Huge congratulations also to Josephine O’Neil of Callan Macra, who took home first place. Thank you to Clare Macra for hosting the event.

Barry O’Neill tops at Lingstown

Veteran Vital Island won for the fifth time over the Lingstown banks today. He is seen here with the winning connections including Alex O’Keeffe (groom), Tiernan Power Roche (rider) and Richard O’Keeffe (handler). Vital Island will attempt to win the Ladies Cup at Punchestown for the second time next month.

By Dan Walsh at Lingstown, Tomhaggard

Champion rider Barry O’Neill was in brilliant form at Lingstown this afternoon where he rode a treble to further stretch his lead in the national point-to-point riders’ championship. Donnchadh Doyle saddled two winners at Lingstown and another at Belclare, Co. Galway, to record a treble on the day.

Barry O’Neill was aboard newcomer Mayor’s Walk for Colin Bowe in the maiden race for four-year-old mares who beat the Rob James handled Jasette D’Irelande (Brian Dunleavy up) in a tight finish – three quarters of a length the verdict.

BARRY O’NEILL.. three winners at Lingstown today.

O’Neill was back in the winners’ again following the maiden race for five-year-old mares and an easy 22 lengths victory on Banprionsa for Bunclody handler Richard Black.

O’Neill’s treble was completed on Lady In The Park for Dublin handler Tom Dreaper in the maiden race for five-year-old and upwards sponsored by the INHSC and confined to handlers with ten wins or less.

Handler Donnchadh Doyle and his rider James Walsh shared a double success at the lakeside track in south Wexford. First up was Jalon D’Oudairies by five lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings followed by a one length victory on Incognito Fatal in the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings.

Doyle made it an across the card treble when newcomer Romeo Coolio ran out the five lengths winner of the maiden race for four-year-olds at Belclare, Co. Galway. The Monbeg handler is now on the 17-winner mark for the season – three behind the leader and reigning champion Colin Bowe who has reached the 20 winner mark.

Vital Island is on his way to the Ladies Cup in Punchestown in April after winning the Open Lightweight Race ‘over the banks’ for the fifth time today. “All roads lead to Punchestown now,” said winning handler, Richard O’Keeffe, Newtown, Taghmon, who added: “He loves it around here (Lingstown).” Vital Island was ridden by local rider Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard. Five lengths the verdict.

Owner/handler and rider combined, Harley Dunne on his return from injury enjoyed a six lengths victory when left in front at the penultimate obstacle in the maiden race for four-year-olds at Knockanohill, Co. Cork, today (Sunday).

Some results from yesterday (Saturday). Bertie Finn from Oulart enjoyed his first success of the season and his seventh career winner as the rider aboard Colin Bowe’s Tara Cove, and a two lengths victory in the Winner of One race at Kirkistown, East Down. “Going to a Winner of Two next,” said handler Bowe afterwards.

The famous Tetratema Perpetual Cup hunter’s chase was run at Gowran Park yesterday and victory for Ferns Lock, by three and a half lengths, and another success for Barry O’Neill and handler David Christie.

140 artists in Enniscorthy Exhibition

TOM MOONEY speaking at the official opening of the 7th annual Open Call Exhibition in the Presentation Art Centre, Enniscorthy tonight.

By Dan Walsh at Presentation Art Centre, Enniscorthy

Artwork by 140 artists from all across Ireland were welcomed at tonight’s (Saturday) reception for the 7th annual Open Call Exhibition taking place in the Presentation Art Centre, Convent Road, Enniscorthy,

Visual Art Manager Lisa Byrne welcomed tonight’s guests and told WexfordLocal.com that “this annual exhibition is open for any artist to take part in.”

“It doesn’t matter what your technique is, or how much of a professional or beginner you are, we invite everybody to showcase their creativity in our Enniscorthy gallery space,” said Ms. Byrne, who added; “Our aim is to support emerging artists from all backgrounds, which is why we have no selection process with this exhibition. All work that is submitted is displayed, and always will be.”  

Art critic and former editor of the Wexford Echo Group of Newspapers, Tom Mooney, was on hand to evaluate the work and expose seven examples, which in his expert opinion, were of outstanding creativity and “caught his eye” as noteworthy exhibits.

Mr. Mooney’s ‘magnificent seven’ were the work of Margaret Murphy, Geraldine Walsh, Aron Burke, Larry Dunne, The Stamp 3 Collective, John Kehoe and Zdenka Veselaq Makisimova. All works in the exhibition were commended.

The attendance included Elizabeth Whyte, CEO, Wexford Arts Centre.

The Open Call Exhibition continues in the Presentation Arts Centre until May 1st. Well worth a visit!

Fleadh 2024 is coming to Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann 2024, organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, will be held in Wexford town from August 4th to 11th following an official announcement by the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Ard Comhairle in Dublin today. The other applicant for the Fleadh was Belfast.

Wexford has a long history in Comhaltas and has made a significant contribution to the promotion of Ireland’s cultural traditions. Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann was previously held in Enniscorthy in 2000, 1999 and 1967.

Chairperson of Craobh Loch Garman Comhaltas Barbara Walsh said; “We are thrilled, honoured and humbled by the successful vote we have received from the Ard Comhairle of Comhaltas, both for our town and in the members of our voluntary bid committee who have put in a huge amount of work to help us achieve this result”.

CEO of Wexford County Council Tom Enright said that hosting the event will mean €50m for the local economy on an annual basis.

The Fleadh is one of the largest cultural festivals in the world, it attracts up to 500,000 and 15,000 performers, including about 25% from overseas, and generates over €60 million for the host region.

Designs from Wexford at Dublin City Junk Kouture

During the showcase, 80 creations crafted by young designers aged 13 -18 years from across the North, South, East, South-East and West of Ireland were chosen to represent their region at the Dublin City Final taking place this May.

Taking to one of Ireland’s most prestigious stages, Wexford’s five finalist team will face stiff competition from over 70 other entries from across the country in this year’s Dublin City Final. in a bid to secure a space at the inaugural World Final of Junk Kouture where Irish finalists will compete with their fellow creative peers from Paris, Milan, NYC, London and Abu Dhabi.

Wexford heading to the Dublin City Final are:

Conker Couture by Katie Murphy, Zuzanna Czerpak and Iraia Álvarez de Eul from Coláiste Bríde Enniscorthy created from curtain, 305 halved conkers, wool, gems and basket twine. 

Carnaval Beleza by Leah Reck, Amy Fortune and Caoimhe O’Leary from Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, created from cotton string, scraps of blind, costume jewellery and beads, fencing wire and feather boas. 

Slaibh na Stocai by Ellie Lawless and Kiera Milling from Colaiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge, created from socks, braising wire, bed sheet, jewellery, buttons and wool.

Glamping by Úna Fae Flavin and Boglarka Ruzsali from Creagh College, Gorey, created from ground sheet, a tent, poncho, bailing twine and a coat.

Victorian_junkkoture by Holly Royal, Caoimhe Creavin and Layla Breen from Enniscorthy Community College created from newspaper, cardboard, bottle caps and bed sheet. 

Recently, we saw the next generation of Irish up-and-coming eco-conscious creators, innovators, and fashion designers at the 2023 Regional Finals of Junk Kouture, the world’s largest sustainable fashion competition for youth.

1,200 haute-couture designs made from 100% recycled materials by post-primary students entered the 13th year of the creative programme in Ireland. From this, 300 designs were shortlisted and aired on Junk Kouture’s YouTube and TikTok channel for the 2023 Regional Finals.

Junk Kouture is Powered by RTE. Eurospar and DHL are the official partners.

Stay up to speed with all things Junk Kouture 2023 on http://www.junkkouture.com and on Instagram and TikTok @junkkouture.