100 patients evacuated in major Wexford Hospital fire

The scene at Wexford General Hospital this afternoon (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford General Hospital

More than 100 patients from four wards, including the Intensive Care Unit, were evacuated after a major fire broke out on the second floor which is located above the main entrance to Wexford General Hospital this afternoon. Fortunately, no injuries are reported.

A member of staff at the hospital, who asked not to be named, told WexfordLocal.com that it was a normal day at the hospital when just before 4pm the fire alarm went off and an immediate evacuation commenced. “Our first concerns was  for the safety of the patients and, thankfully, everybody was taken to safety as quickly and as calmly as possible,”

Many patients were visible in bed wear outside the building and cared for by staff as ambulance crews and hospital staff prepared to find alternative immediate care. Many may be placed in other hospitals in the region and a fleet of ambulances have been drafted in to bring comfort as quickly as possible as patient health and safety is paramount at Wexford General Hospital.

WexfordLocal.com has been informed that St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, is on standby to provide accommodation if required. Hospitals in Waterford and Kilkenny may also be used, however, it is expected that few beds would available.

Firefighters were quickly on the scene with units from Wexford, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey tackling the blaze which shot up into the sky for almost an hour sending plumes of smoke into the air.

“We had seven engines and three other units plus a hydraulic lift apparatus on the scene and we are waiting for a second hydraulic unit coming from Waterford city,” Deputy Fire Officer Ray Murphy told WexfordLocal.com. “I am more relieved now because the fire is under control and everyone is safe,” he added.

Dozens of Gardaí were called to the scene to manage traffic arrangements which was extremely heavy at that time of the evening.

Chief Executive Officer of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, attended the scene in the company of Senior Engineers.

Wexford County Council sent out an urgent message warning people to avoid the area while the emergency was in place and those living in the immediate area should “close windows and doors and turn off all ventilation.”

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr George Lawlor said “the fire is substantial” but he was relieved that “there appears to be no danger to any patients or staff at the hospital.”

Emergency services will be at the scene overnight and a major investigation will be held to assess the damage caused and set about repairs and reopening the building as soon as possible. Substantial damage has been caused to the roof where the fire originated.   

IFA support for Enniscorthy school

Lee Rogers, (left), Principal at St. Patrick’s Special School, Enniscorthy, is presented with a cheque by Jer O’Mahony, (right), Chairman of Wexford branch of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) at the annual general meeting of the IFA held in Enniscorthy on Monday night. (Pic; IFA).

By Dan Walsh

A cheque for €12,000 raised at the Christmas Live Crib held at the Farm Centre, Enniscorthy, was presented to Lee Rogers, Principal at St. Patrick’s Special School, Enniscorthy, by Jer O’Mahony, Chairman of Wexford branch of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) at the annual general meeting of the IFA held in Enniscorthy on Monday night.

Mr. O’Mahony said he was “absolutely blown away” by the public reaction to the live crib.

“St. Patrick’s holds a special place in the hearts of the people around Enniscorthy and, indeed, North Wexford, Carlow and South Wicklow,” said Mr. O’Mahony, who added; “To everybody who took part and helped in any way and indeed those who were generous to us, we’d love to say ‘thank you very, very much.”

The National President of IFA, Tim Cullinan, was the guest speaker at the Wexford IFA annual general meeting which enjoyed an attendance of around 160 members.

George Graham, Camolin, who has represented Ireland 11 times in sheep shearing, was elected Chair of the Wexford IFA sheep committee. He is also founder of the voluntary group Awareness Head to Toe.

Andrea McCann is the new forestry Chair.

RNLI seeking volunteers in Co. Wexford

By Dan Walsh

The RNLI is looking for new fundraising volunteers to join its lifesaving crew in Co. Wexford with opportunities to get involved with branches in Courtown, Wexford, New Ross, Kilmore Quay, Hook/Fethard and Rosslare.

Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s fundraising team need a dedicated volunteer crew. Volunteers are at the heart of the RNLI and make up 95% of its people. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things and without them, the organisation couldn’t continue to save lives at sea.

Grainne O’Brien, Secretary of the Kilmore Quay Guild,

Grainne O’Brien, Secretary of the Kilmore Quay Guild, told WexfordLocal.com; ‘I come from a fishing family and my grandfather Paddy Hayes and my uncle John Hayes were both crew on the lifeboat in Kilmore Quay. From a kid growing up, I always knew the importance of the lifeboat to our community.

“I first got involved in volunteering as a teenager helping in the shop over the summer breaks. Then when I moved home after been away in Galway and Athlone, I wanted to give something back, so I started by helping out in the shop again and then I got involved in fundraising and now I am the secretary of the Kilmore Quay Guild.’

Mary Creedon, RNLI Fundraising Partnership Lead hails the selfless efforts of people like Grainne: ‘Without our volunteers, the RNLI simply would not be able to operate the way it does today. With 92% of the RNLI’s income coming from donations, the charity relies on the generosity of supporters and on the dedication of our fundraising volunteers to help raise essential funds.

To find out more about how you can sign up to be a fundraising volunteer at the RNLI in Courtown, Wexford, New Ross, Kilmore Quay, Hook/Fethard and Rosslare, or to apply, click on this link rnli.org/OneCrewVolunteers

Double for Denis Murphy at Tinahely

Arra Clonceid (No. 2) Paul Lake up; Bonny Dazzler (blue colours) Joanne Corish; and Forest Breeze (No. 6), the winner with Barry Walsh up taking a fence during the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards at Fairwood, Tinahely, this afternoon.

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely

Denis Murphy was the handler in form at today’s Bray Harriers point-to-point races held at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, where he saddled a double, beginning with the 5/4 fav. Break My Soul by one and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds with Jack Hendrick in the saddle.

The double came for the master of Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, when Lough Derg Spirit came home three and a half lengths to the good in the Open Lightweight Race for novice riders. Lough Der Spirit was ridden by Joey Dunne and ran in the colours of the handlers’ mother, Catherine Murphy, and is likely to run in the Aintree Foxhunters Chase in April.

Barry O’Neill had to pull out all the stops on Red Notice in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings but scored by a neck for Colin Bowe just holding off Joie More for the Jack Hendrick/Denis Murphy stables.

Fortune Dancer won the maiden race for five-year-old mares for Sean Doyle with six lengths to spare. Jamie Scallan was in the saddle and the Gain mare’s final may be next for the Soldier of Fortune mare.

Elusive Mae got “a great ride” from Moira McElligott according to handler Willie Murphy from Ballycurragh Stud, Carlow, in a photo-finish (three quarters of a length and half a length covering the first three home) in the Winners of Two race. Elusive Mae’s next challenge may be the Gain mare’s final.

Local winners are always popular and none more so than Forest Breeze, who justified the favourite’s tag at 5/4), and scored easily by twelve lengths for father and son, John and Barry Walsh, from Ballyday, Gorey, in the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards.

There was also racing at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary, where there was mixed fortunes for Wexfordians – three wins for Wexford handlers, but top rider Rob James took a fall and suffered a broken shoulder and will likely miss the rest of the season and some choice rides that were coming his way at the forthcoming Cheltenham Festival.

The maiden race for four-year-olds was a thriller. Lady Balko ridden by Brian Lawless for Matthew Flynn O’Connor, Ballycrystal, Bunclody, got the better of Main Stage owned by the Kenny family from Craanford, Gorey, and partnered by James Kenny. by half a length.

There was another Wexford one-two and another tight finish in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. Bill Joyce handled by Benny Walsh for his wife Jenny and ridden by Tiernan Power Roche got the verdict by three quarters of a length over Express Surprise for Sean Doyle and rider Finny Maguire.

Either On was a winner for Robert Tector, Coolbawn, Rathnure, in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares at the Tipperary track. Half a length the verdict and Liam Gilligan the successful rider.

Yesterday (Saturday) Barry O’Neill made the long journey to Farmacaffley for the point-to-point run under the auspices of the Tynan and Armagh Foxhounds and while there were no Wexford trained winners, the champion rider enjoyed a double success.

O’Neill teamed up with Tom Dreaper for an eight lengths victory on Carrigeen Castle in the Confined Hunt Winners race and David Christie gave him the leg up on Winged Leader in the Open Race and they came home eleven lengths to the good.

“Enniscorthy madness” in new book

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

There was a packed gathering of family and friends in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, this afternoon for the launch of a new novel by Tony Bolger entitled IN HINDSPITE.

TONY BOLGER signing copies of his book in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.

“There is a lot of Enniscorthy madness in the book and I want people to enjoy it,” Tony told WexfordLocal.com, while the rear cover declares in colourful and light-hearted sentiment; “This is the story of how far an idiot will go to avoid dealing with his own nonsense, as he navigates a tornado of self-made disasters, endless sandwiches and random bird attacks.”

This is the first novel for Enniscorthy native Tony Bolger who departed his home place at the age of 19, although he has visited a number of times, and today he returned as a published author and spoke briefly at a humorous launch. “It is nice to be home,” he stated.

He studied English in Creative Writing in Bristol, and although he has written articles for local and online publications, this is his first novel. He admits that his book “is light-hearted reading” and he hopes readers will enjoy it.

IN HINDSPITE is a paperback consisting of more than 200 pages, a variety of chapters and short stories, and is available on Amazon.

TONY BOLGER speaking at the launch of his book IN HINDSPITE in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, this afternoon.

Edermine Bridge is closed

By Dan Walsh at Edermine

Edermine Bridge will be closed to traffic for some time after a tractor crashed through the steel parapet last night narrowly avoiding a catastrophic situation.

It appears that the tractor was coming from the east side when a loaded trailer tipped up causing the tractor to crash into the siding leaving significant damage to the railings.

No injuries are reported.

Known as Marmion Bridge, the single lane bridge, facilitates traffic from the R772 Enniscorthy- Oylegate M11 roundabout across the river Slaney to Bree.

It was officially opened by Wexford hurling legend Nicky Rackard on August 24th 1975.

There is no bridge operating between Enniscorthy and Wexford causing great inconvenience for users who need to cross the river Slaney for work or business.

Killurin Bridge is currently closed to traffic to facilitate scheduled repairs.

Offshore wind projects for Rosslare

Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority Rosslare Europort, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers T.D. and Paul Lennon, Head of Offshore Wind and Hydrogen at ESB at Rosslare Europort.

By Dan Walsh

ESB and Iarnród Éireann (Port Authority for Rosslare Europort) have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate on the organisations’ respective development plans to support offshore wind projects in the Celtic and Irish Seas.

“Rosslare Europort is excited to work with ESB whose vision for the potential of offshore renewable energy aligns with our own,” said port authority director Glenn Carr, who added; “We believe there are strong synergies to be achieved as we work together to place this renewable energy industry at the heart of Ireland’s decarbonised future.”

ESB’s head of offshore wind and hydrogen, Paul Lennon, said ESB “is looking forward to ensuring that suitable port infrastructure is available at Rosslare, “to enable the successful delivery of these projects”.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers, said offshore renewable energy is “integral” to meeting Ireland’s climate change ambitions.

Gorey’s Market House tops the local news

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Meeting

Recently, 60 people gathered in the Loch Garman Arms Hotel to support the newly formed Gorey Community Development Group where Cllrs Diarmuid Devereux and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin represented Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

At last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of the district authority Cllrs Devereux and Ó Súilleabháin submitted a motion of support that was unanimously accepted by the members.

THE MARKET HOUSE, GOREY,

It read; “Following a major public meeting attended by several community organisations on the 9th of February, this Council notes that the meeting voted unanimously in favour of the Council working with the newly formed Gorey Community Development Group to explore the need to keep the Market House in public ownership, restore the Market House as a cross functional community, heritage building and explore the development of a multi-use community centre to the rear of the Market House.”

Cllr Joe Sullivan, supporting the motion, stated that the Market House is falling into a further state of disrepair and the proposal is good and represents people who want to develop the Market House, including many organisations, and gives everyone ownership.

Cllr Devereux said the inaugural meeting of Gorey Community Development Group had 40 organisations represented and here is support for securing a positive future for the Market House.

Cllr Willie Kavanagh favours anything that supports old buildings. He wondered if some group could take a lease on the property.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe supported the motion and said that basically terms and conditions would have to apply for any investor coming in.

Cllr Pip Breen noted that the Market House would need an awful lot of TLC (tender loving care) but if no expressions of interest were forthcoming to go down that road.

Director of Services Ms. Liz Hore agreed that a town the size of Gorey needed a community building where diverse groups would come together. She outlined that the December meeting agreed at “one last attempt at expressions of interest” and lodging a new procurement process for the Market House, which is a protected structure.

Kilrush Drama Group on stage

By Dan Walsh

A scene from Kilrush Drama Group’s production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane; John Joe Murphy, Joanne Logue, Niall McGrath and Hilary Madigan (seated) in St. Brigid;s Hall, Carnew, this Friday and Sunday nights.

Kilrush Drama Group will take to the stage in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, this weekend with their production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane before heading off on the Festival Circuit in a bid to reach the All-Ireland finals in Athlone.

Performances on Friday, February 24th and Sunday, February 26th and audience tickets are available.

Following from the success of last year’s production of Class by Iseult Golden and David Horan, which was directed by Pat Whelan and came fourth in the All-Ireland Finals in Athlone, this year Kilrush Drama Group are busy preparing for the All-Ireland Open Circuit with one of the modern classics of Irish theatre. The Beauty Queen of Leenane by world renowned playwright, Martin McDonagh.

It is set in the mountains of Connemara and tells the story of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman in her early 40s, and Mag, her manipulative, aging mother.

Mick Byrne directs this powerful drama, and the role of Maureen Folan will be played by Joanne Logue. Playing the formidable role of Mag Folan, Maureen’s mother, is Hilary Madigan. Also in the cast are Niall McGrath from Carnew and John Joe Murphy from Kilrush who play the roles of Pato and Ray respectively.

Working on the set is Lar Duffy and his crew, and Lar will also take on the onerous task of Stage Manager for this year’s production. All-Ireland Best Lighting Award Winner, Kevin McEvoy will 

take on the lighting of the show, and the sound engineers once again are Paddy Byrne and Dougie Doyle.