The county launch for Pieta’s Darkness Into Light (DIL) walk was held last Sunday in Whites Hotel, Wexford, and was officially opened by Beat FM radio presenter Shonagh Lyons.
Cllr Leonard Kelly addressed the attendance, talking about the importance of mental health and charities such as Pieta House on assisting those in need. He particularly focused on young people’s mental health and he emphasised that “they are our future.”
Suzy Freeman from Pieta told the gathering; “In 2022, over 115,000 people took part in Darkness Into Light. This support starts in small towns and villages such as in Wexford.”
RUAIRI RYAN is helping to organise Darkness Into Light for Enniscorthy.
She also gave details of Pieta’s services. “Providing suicide crisis Helpline and Text line staffed by qualified therapists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” she stated.
Sean Kinsella, from the Wexford DIL committee described his own personal journey with Pieta. praising Pieta for help he received from them in the past.
Ruairí Ryan, from the Enniscorthy DIL committee then spoke about his personal experience on his work with mental health and how he got involved in helping organise Darkness Into Light for Enniscorthy.
“After doing the walk last year in New Ross, I wondered, why we didn’t have a walk in Enniscorthy. So, I got in touch with Pieta and luckily so did Kerry, helping form a committee. I’m excited to play my part in bringing back the walk to Enniscorthy this year, after the Covid pandemic,” added Ruairi.
The annual Darkness Into Light walk takes place on Saturday. May 6th starting at Bellfield GAA club. “We realise that suicide has impacted every part of the community in Enniscorthy. Join us to show solidarity and support for Pieta’s vital services,” Ruairi Ryan told WexfordLocal.com today.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Aidan Browne recalled the local events of the Easter Rising of 1916 and laid a wreath at the ’98 memorial during the annual commemoration in Market Square this morning.
Remembering the 1916 Rising in Market Square, Enniscorthy, this morning.
Cllr Browne said it was an honour to preside at the 107th anniversary of the Easter Rising. “Today we remember the people who believed in the republican cause and influenced events that saw the Tricolour flying over Enniscorthy for a week. As we gather to remember the events of the past it is fitting to recall the events that took place in these streets 107 years ago this week,” said Cllr Browne.
Outlining the sequence of events, Cllr Browne recalled that the 1916 Rebellion in Enniscorthy began at 4am on Thursday of Easter week. The first headquarters was based in Irish Street and Keegan’s house was the base for 90 men who marched to the Athenaeum.
The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe, Senator Malcolm Byrne, Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cathal Byrne, Jackser Owens, Ger Carthy and John Fleming
The ceremony began with Mass in St. Aidan’s Cathedral and an FCA Colour Party led the parade up Main Street, across Pig Market Hill, down Weafer Street into Market Square where Claire Lawless, District Manager, acted as master of ceremonies.
The event was attended by Ballindaggin Pipe Band, IUNVA Post No. 3 – Gorey and IUNVA Post No. 31 – Enniscorthy, members of O.N.E and members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society. Judy Heffernan read the 1916 Proclamation and Anthony Nolan played The Last Post.
DR RAY BASSETT (guest speaker), BRIDGET MYTHEN, BREDA JACOB and Chairman JOHN DEMPSEY at the Mise Éire commemoration in Oulart this morning.
By Dan Walsh in Oulart
Members of Oulart Company 3rd Battalion North Wexford Brigade who were active during the 1916 Easter Rising were remembered with a roll call at the second annual Mise Éire commemoration held at the Mise Éire monument in Oulart this morning (Sunday).
Ms. Bridget Mythen read the roll of honour while Ms. Breda Jacob read the 1916 Proclamation in the company of a good local attendance which included many of the local families. Cllr Mary Farrell was in attendance.
Mr. John Dempsey, Chairman of the Oulart Hill Development Group welcomed everyone, acted as master of ceremonies, and introduced the speakers and thanked them for their contribution.
The Easter address was delivered by Dr. Ray Bassett, a former member of the Irish Government Delegation to the All-Party Talks in 1998. His antecedents come for the Hook area of Co. Wexford.
Dr. Bassett’s speech reflected on the Good Friday Agreement, and he began by thanking Brian Ó Cléirigh and the local organisers for the invitation to speak in Oulart which is famed in Wexford’s history since the Insurrection of 1798.
“Twenty-five years ago, I was in Castle Buildings in Belfast as part of the Irish Government delegation, led by then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, at the negotiations which led to the conclusion of the Good Friday or Belfast Agreement.
“It was an extraordinary privilege to be present and to participate in that event. It was without a shadow of doubt, the pinnacle of my career, a career the bulk of which I spent on issues relating to Northern Ireland.
DR RAY BASSETT talking to DAN WALSH in Oulart this morning.
“As I listen to much of the commentary around the anniversary, I am struck by the various attempts particularly those “experts” in the media who re-interpret what was achieved on that occasion. They also seek justification for previous policy positions which in the more distant past proved to be futile, including the policy of exclusion of some political movements. The reason why the Good Friday Agreement negotiations were successful is because it was a radically different approach and outcome from all previous attempts.
“The central thrust of the negotiations was to achieve an end to political violence in the North and this meant bringing the Republican movement and the Loyalist groups on board while keeping a broad swathe of Unionism and Constitutional nationalism from walking away. Without securing Sinn Féin’s agreement and the Loyalist parties too, then the exercise would have been pointless, a position which I was glad to hear former British Prime Minister Tony Blair emphasise recently. That primary objective was achieved, and the bulk of the violence ended.
Dr Bassett continued; “One question that must be asked is whether the final outcome made the ultimate goal of Nationalism/Republicanism, Irish unity more likely or less likely. It cannot come as a surprise to anyone that as a former delegate to the Talks process, I firmly and sincerely believe that the Good Friday Agreement was a major milestone on the road to unity.”
In relation to a Border Poll, Dr. Bassett said: “With voting and attitudinal changes occurring inside the North, it is time the Irish Government, in particular as a co-signatory of the Good Friday Agreement, began to press for a timetable for a border poll. We should not be in anyway shy about doing this and although some groups will say that a demand for a poll will be destabilising, I believe that ignoring the terms of the Agreement is both unconstitutional in the Republic and is also I believe destabilising.
“The Good Friday Agreement is now part of the Irish Constitution. We need to respect our Constitution and there is a duty on the Irish administration to see its terms upheld.
“Our three traditional parties, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour were all founded by men, who were steeped in revolutionary Republicanism and who vehemently rejected splitting Ireland into two States. Therefore, as the dream of their founders now appears as a realistic possibility, the party leaders of these political organisations should rejoice and feel a sense of achievement. But some, though not all, radiate a fear of its accomplishment. As with many issues in life, the fundamental motivation is self-interest, masked by claims of acting for the national good.
“The Irish Government argued for years with Republicans to get them to accept the principle of democratic consent. This was achieved after a long struggle. For us to turn around and renege on that principle would be morally wrong and discredit all those who risked their lives for peace. It is also breath taking in arrogance that some Southern politicians can casually state that Unionists are incapable of accepting the outcome of a democratic referendum.
“There are several lessons to be learnt from the major Constitutional change, namely Brexit, which occurred in our British neighbour. The first and foremost is that people voting on a border poll need to know what they are voting for in some detail. In this respect a great deal of preparatory work needs to be done. We need to maintain good relations with the British in the interests of Irish unity.
“I would hope it is not just an extension of the present Irish State to cover the 32 counties. The possibility of unification offers us all a chance to reboot the State and to reflect the full range of interests of the Irish people.
DR. RAY BASSETT signs the distinguished Leabhar an Abhalloirt
“I believe that we should look forward with enthusiasm and an open mind to the reunification of our country. Of course, there are many obstacles but there are enough brains and innovation in both States to overcome these difficulties. I am fed up with politicians and some elements of the media preaching very negative sentiments and openly attacking some of the fundamental cornerstones of the Good Friday Agreement while piously proclaiming their adherence to it.
As Parnell, one of my personal heroes, put it succinctly, “No man has the right to fix a boundary to the march of a nation.” and the small-minded nature of some political figures in Dublin are seeking through self-interest to do just that. Let us greatly welcome the prospect of Irish unity and embrace it with enthusiasm and generosity.”
The Oulart ceremony concluded with the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann by the Oulart Folk Group.
Dr. Bassett honoured the invitation from the Curator, Bridget O’Leary, to sign the distinguished visitor pages of Leabhar an Abhalloirt afterwards in the House of Stories.
Today’s point-to-point action at Oldtown, Co. Meath featured winners for Wexford riders and handlers and rider James Walsh, Preban, Tinahely, recorded his 70th career point-to-point win in the maiden race for five- and six-year-old geldings.
JAMES WALSH rode his 70th point-to-point winner today.
Walsh was aboard Grand Albert for local owner/handler Virginia Considine from Rathmolyon and the winning margin was a comfortable twelve lengths.
Rob James, who is out of the saddle through injury, was successful wearing his handler’s hat in the maiden race for four-year-olds when Oak Grove prevailed by a neck with Finian Maguire in the saddle.
Newcomer Dairylane Daisy was a winner for John C. Byrne from Kilmore in the five- and six-year-old mares’ maiden race. Barry Stone, Cleariestown, was in the saddle and the winning margin was one length.
Barry O’Neill is one winner away from the half century for the season following a four lengths success on Bold Enough for David Christie in the Open Race.
The 107th anniversary of the Easter Rising in Enniscorthy, 1916, will be remembered in the annual commemorative event organised by Enniscorthy Municipal District Council on Easter Monday.
Ceremonies will commence with a celebration of Mass in St. Aidan’s Cathedral at 10am followed by a procession to Market Square where Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne will lay a wreath at the 1798 monument.
In a separate remembrance ceremony, craobh Inis Cóirthe Sinn Féin Cumann will stage its annual Easter Monday commemoration, assembling at 2pm on Rafter Bridge and at 2.30pm marching to St. Mary’s Cemetery. The main speaker is Kathleen Funchion, TD.
Several wreaths will be laid along the way. The return procession will travel via Nunnery Road and terminate at the Market Square with Amhrán na bhFiann.
There will be a function in Bellefield GAA Complex from 5pm onwards. All are encouraged to wear an Easter Lily in honour of the patriot dead.
Today’s Easter Saturday point-to-point fixture at Loughanmore in East Antrim produced two Wexford handled winners.
Jenny Walsh, owner, and handler and rider Benny Walsh, Murrintown, won the four-year-old mares’ maiden race by seven lengths with Star of Hoiho, who is now on her way to the sales.
Ellen Doyle saddled the Baltimore Stables Syndicate’s newcomer I Play County for division two of the four-year-old geldings maiden which ended with a two lengths success under Brian Dunleavy.
This was Ellen’s 11th winner of the year, so she is enjoying her most successful season so far in five years of holding the licence.
CLONE STRAND today – Good Friday – the beach is restored to normality. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Clone Strand
Problems with flooding in the vicinity of the Ahare River and a cascading steam across Clone Strand preventing access to the beach and difficulties with spawning beds and access to the Inch River may have been solved… by nature itself!
Concerns raised at a recent public meeting held in the Golden Anchor, Castletown, and consistent lobbying by local public representatives, especially Cllr Joe Sullivan, but credit also to Cllrs Diarmuid Devereux, Anthony Donohoe and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, has elevated the North Wexford coastal difficulties into the public arena and calls for action from Wexford County Council.
On March 31st, WexfordLocal.com exclusively talked with Cllr Sullivan on Clone Strand surrounded by a two-metre sand cliff and a fast-flowing river that “placed public access in doubt” unless “a channel was cut allowing the river flow into the sea.”
A few days later and a direct river to sea channel naturally opened and, consequently, nature succeeds where the local authority has failed! Nature has of its own accord guided the river on a direct channel to the sea, replicating a tradition once operated by the locals until undermined by regulation.
MARCH 31st… CLLR JOE SULLIVAN standing on Clone Strand beside a cascading river and a two-metre sand cliff top. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com
Consequently, the newly created river through the beach has been eliminated and the sandy cliff is being met by sand drifted in from the sea and safe access from the public road to the beach has reopened. People were taking advantage this afternoon.
Another consequence is that stagnant water beside the Ahare River, at the bridge, has disappeared, there is no water on the road and the adjoining grassland is drying out.
This is a good news story, but undoubtedly the matter will be on the agenda for the special meeting dealing with climate change, coastal erosion, coastal flooding and rising sea levels taking place at Wexford County Council headquarters at Carricklawn, Wexford, on Tuesday.
Revenue have published statistics on Local Property Tax (LPT) for the first quarter of 2023, detailing LPT collection of €314 million so far for 2023. The current payment compliance rate of 90% shows that most property owners have met their payment obligations.
Commenting on the importance of property owners making sure that they pay their LPT liability or set up a payment method now, without delay, Ms. Katie Clair, Head of Revenue’s LPT Branch, said:
‘’All residential property owners were required to set up their 2023 payment method by 10 January at the latest and the vast majority did exactly that. However, some property owners haven’t yet paid or set up a payment arrangement and they now leave themselves open to collection and enforcement action by Revenue.
“We have issued 150,000 letters to property owners who haven’t yet paid or set up a payment method to pay or arrange to pay. Property owners who fail to do so may be subject to a range of collection and enforcement actions by Revenue including mandatory Deduction at Source (DAS) from salary or pension, withholding of tax clearance certification, the application of surcharges on income tax, corporation tax and capital gains tax returns or offsetting of other tax refunds against LPT arrears.”
“I urge all property owners who haven’t made arrangements to pay their LPT to take immediate action and use this opportunity to ensure they are fully compliant with their LPT obligations,” concluded Ms. Clair.
Courtown RNLI were requested by the Irish Coast Guard on Thursday afternoon to rescue a dog that got separated from its owner and got stuck on the rocks below Ardamine Church.
The inshore lifeboat with helm Robbie Ireton and crew members Peter Browne and Amy Dowdall was launched around 2pm and arrived on the scene at 2.45pm.
On arrival Courtown Coast Guard’s shore unit were on scene but were not in reach of the dog due to the steep rocky terrain.
COURTOWN HARBOUR RNLI
The conditions were favourable at the time with partial cloud and a slight wind.
Crew members Browne and Dowdall to managed to climb up on the rocks and work together to fasten a harness around the large dog. Due to its size and the slippiness of the rocks, this proved challenging, and the crew had to work to carry the dog carefully from rock to rock, until they managed to hand it safely over to the Coast Guard, who then reunited the dog with its relieved owner.
Speaking following the call out, Jim Murphy, Courtown RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said; “This was the first call out of the year and we were delighted to assist in reuniting the dog safe and well with its owner.
“We would encourage pet owners to keep their animal on a lead when close to cliff edges, and slippery surfaces. If your pet does go into the water or gets stuck on rocks, don’t attempt a rescue yourself, they will probably get out themselves. If you are worried and need help, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” concluded Mr. Murphy.
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