Two people were injured and removed from the scene of a road traffic collision near Tagoat village this evening. It is understood their injuries are ‘non-life threatening’.
The incident occurred around 7pm at the turn-off for Broadway at Twelveacre. Two vehicles were involved.
Ambulance, Fire Service and Gardaí were quickly on the scene. Diversions are in place.
The Emergency Department of Wexford General Hospital is closed following last Wednesday’s major fire and the casualties were transferred from the scene to University Hospital Waterford by ambulance.
The first of 11 race meetings allocated to Bettyville Park, Wexford, takes place tomorrow (Sunday) with 85 entries for seven races.
The first race is at 1.40pm. Going is described as “good, good to yielding in places”.
The Carlow Farmers point-to-point races also take place tomorrow at Borris House with 143 entries for six races. The first race is at 1pm.
Point-to-point races took place this afternoon at Tyrella in East Down and a Wexford one-two in the first two races and success for the Doyle handlers from Ballindaggin.
First timer Vision De Maine handled by Cormac Doyle and ridden by Jack Hendrick scored by four lengths in the maiden race of four-year-olds chased home by Colin Bowe’s newcomer Invicta Du Berlais ridden by Barry O’Neill.
Bowe and O’Neill were runners-up again in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares with Barron’s Land who was beaten two lengths by newcomer Bobbisilver ridden by Liam Gilligan for Sean Doyle.
The scene of a major outbreak of fire at Wexford General Hospital last Wednesday. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Bishop Ger Nash and parishes in the Diocese of Ferns will offer Masses of Thanksgiving following the devastating fire at Wexford General Hospital which resulted in the major safe evacuation of over 200 patients and the immediate closure of the entire wards and services.
In a statement this evening Bishop Nash told WexfordLocal.com; “Since the shocking fire at Wexford General Hospital on Wednesday I have been overwhelmed by stories and examples of courage, kindness and mercy of the women and men of our emergency services and medical staff, whose prompt actions no doubt saved human lives.
BISHOP GER NASH; “I invite each parish of the Diocese of Ferns to include prayers of Thanksgiving in their Masses over this weekend”,
“I have been told of people who took risks in love and charity, and who went the extra mile to help the sick and vulnerable and remove them from the distressing circumstances of the raging fire. I wish to salute the bravery of our fire service personnel and, in particular, the leadership of hospital manager Linda O’Leary, and her management team. She has indicated that services are due to return on a phased basis as soon as vital infrastructure is restored. From the bottom of my heart, I thank God for our unsung heroes, these Good Samaritans, in our community. “It is miraculous that there was no loss of life caused by this extensive hospital fire and that over 200 patients were safely protected and transferred to other hospitals. This weekend I intend to offer a Mass of Thanksgiving to God in gratitude that no person was killed by the fire, and for the intentions of every person who helped to remove patients from danger and successfully contain the fire. “I invite each parish of the Diocese of Ferns to include prayers of Thanksgiving in their Masses over this weekend”, concluded Bishop Nash.
At the official opening of the latest exhibition Enterprise & Determination; A History of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association in Enniscorthy Castle last night were (left to right); Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Breda Cahill, Chair of the Wexford Federation of ICA, (who cut the ribbon and performed the official launch of the exhibition) and Mico Hassett, Manager at Enniscorthy Castle.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
Enterprise & Determination; A history of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (affectionately known as the ICA) is the title of a new exhibition that runs in Enniscorthy Castle until June.
Cutting the ribbon for the official launch last night was Breda Cahill, Chair of the Wexford Federation of ICA and Chair of the Climate Action and Sustainability Committee for ICA at national level.
Ms. Cahill spoke about the strength and determination shown by the women of the ICA through the years, but particularly in the 1950s and 60s when they embraced the rural electrification scheme and showed the way to progress and promoted a better standard of life for families.
Members of various guilds were in attendance to view the various panels illustrating the origins and development of the ICA since its first official meeting in Bree Hall on June 15th, 1910 and information on the founder Anita Lett. It was originally known as the United Irishwomen but changed its title to the United Irishwomen in 1934.
The ICA is the largest women’s association in Ireland, with circa 6,000 members and over 440 Guilds across the country. “We cook, travel, craft and socialise!” is their motto!
The aim of the ICA is to provide a welcoming and fun organisation which offers support, friendship, personal development, education and life-long learning.
Attendance at the opening reception included Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllrs Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Barbara-Anne Murphy and representatives of a number of guilds.
Mico Hassett, Manager at Enniscorthy Castle, welcomed everybody to the reception, thanked the ICA for participating in the exhibition and encouraged the public to come along and reflect on the existence of the ICA. The exhibition is on public display until June.
Úna Walsh, Tony Ward and Dr Sabrina Brennan Join forces for World Hearing Day ( March 3 ). Hidden Hearing ambassadors Úna Walsh, former Irish rugby player Tony Ward and neuroscientist and author Dr. Sabina Brennan are urging Irish people of all ages to Love Their Ears and stop taking hearing for granted. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland
A day that reinforces the need for everyone to look after their hearing health. While early intervention and prevention can reduce the risk of hearing loss, the worrying news is that it’s on the rise, with a projected 2.5 billion people worldwide to suffer from hearing loss by 2050.
Hidden Hearing ambassadors Úna Walsh, former Irish rugby player Tony Ward and neuroscientist and author Dr. Sabina Brennan are urging Irish people of all ages to Love Their Ears and stop taking hearing for granted.
Gifted musician, Úna Walsh who wowed millions of Late Late Toy Show viewers in’21, was ten when she was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss and more than likely had hearing loss since birth.
“I’m delighted to be part of this worthy campaign to urge people young and old to love their ears” said Hidden Hearing Ambassador Úna. “I cannot put into words how much my bluetooth hearing aid has changed my life. I feel so much more included in everyday things that others may take for granted.”
Former Irish Rugby Player Tony Ward, who believes his hearing loss was heightened by head injuries during his career said: “I have over 70% hearing loss and without hearing aids I would have a really difficult quality of life. Although my hearing loss did lead to a level of reclusiveness and isolation, my hearing aids have now opened the door to a better life.”
It’s worth having your hearing checked regularly as hearing loss can be linked to other diseases. Neuroscientist and author Dr Sabina Brennan said: “Hearing loss increases your risk of developing dementia. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression both of which are detrimental to the health of your brain. That’s why adopting hearing health habits like protecting your ears from excessive noise, going for annual hearing tests and wearing hearing aids are a brilliant way to look after your brain health.”
Hidden Hearing is highlighting the importance of integrating ear and hearing care within primary care, as an essential component of universal health coverage.
“The ability to hear is a gift and a gift that is often unappreciated. Healthy hearing allows us to interact with loved ones to learn, to socialise and to experience the world at its best” said Dolores Madden Audiologist and Marketing Director with Hidden Hearing.
Top Tips to Love Your Ears:
Turn down headphones.
Where ear protection when needed.
Get tested regularly.
Wear hearing aids to protect against hearing loss.
Wexford’s independent bookstore Red Books has opened a new outpost on Gorey’s Rafter Street. The eclectic bookshop, recently voted ‘Irish Bookstore of the Year’ in a poll conducted by Sunday Independent journalist Sophie Grenham, now has a new store inside Gorey outlet Hawthorn & Mayblossom.
“We’re delighted to have this new outpost in North Wexford,” Red Books owner Wally O’ Neill said. “Gorey is a vibrant and artistic town, and obviously a hamlet of book lovers. The late John Wyse Jackson cultivated a legendary bookstore in his Zozimus bookshop here over many years and it has been sadly missed. We can never replace Zozimus but we will try to bring our own unique brand of bookselling to Gorey.”
ANNMARIE O’BYRNE HAMMEL and DAN WALSH discussing their favourite books at the opening of the new Red Books Store on Rafter St., Gorey.
Speaking with WexfordLocal.com today, Mr. O’Neill added; People in Gorey have been incredibly welcoming to us so far. We can’t thank Mary and the staff at Hawthorn & Mayblossom enough for accommodating us in their very charming shop, renowned for its antiques, jewellery and collectables. Red Books is a community bookstore and we’re sure a new community will build around this bookshop as they have around our shop in Wexford’s St Peter’s Square.”
Speaking on a social media video, Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin described the opening of the new Red Books as a “very exciting opportunity for Gorey”, highlighting the many events and artistic groups that have formed out of its Wexford store over the past three years.
The new bookshop is located in Hawthorn & Mayblossom at number 2 Rafter Street, Gorey, and is open from 10-5pm every Tuesday to Saturday.
Jim Bob McDonagh, 16 years, who had been missing from his home in Wexford Town since Sunday, 12th February 2023, has been located safe and well. An Garda Siochána would like to thank the public and media for their assistance in this matter.
Smoke billowing from Wexford General Hospital and emergency services at the scene. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford General Hospital
A major emergency has been declared at Wexford General Hospital tonight following today’s serious outbreak of fire and the entire hospital is now closed.Extensive damage caused to the building renders it unsafe and all patients are evacuated.
The decision was made between Wexford County Council, the HSE, An Garda Siochána and other interested parties and a fleet of ambulances will clear the building and transport 207 patients to other hospitals. This is happening tonight.
St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin, St. Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny and University Hospital Waterford, others outside the region and nursing homes are assisting in the transfers which involves about 100 ambulances.
Wexford General Hospital is closed for the foreseeable future. Although unavoidable due to health and safety concerns following a serious fire it will have immediate consequences for patients and their families and the 700 staff that provide health services at the hospital.
The Wexford General Hospital hotline for enquiries is 053 9153012.
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.
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.
WexfordLocal.com 