Following the devastating fire that closed Wexford General Hospital on March 1st the public are reminded of the festival weekend situation and according to Ireland East Hospital Group (IEHG); “we ask the public to please consider all options” should any health emergencies arise.
Fire at Wexford General Hospital on March 1st (Pic; wexfordLocal.com)
The Ireland East Hospital Group and Wexford General Hospital are asking the public to consider all available healthcare options ahead of the St Patrick’s Day long weekend.
Wexford General Hospital (WGH) is now operating an Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU), open from 8.30am to 7pm, seven days a week for patients 16 years of age and up. The AMAU is being operated from the Hospitals ED building and requires GP referral only.
The Minor Injury Unit at Wexford General Hospital is open from 8am to 6pm for all patients 3 years of age and up. The Hospital requests people ring ahead to schedule an appointment in the MIU.
The National Ambulance Service say that patients in the Wexford district will be taken to University Hospital Waterford, in the Bunclody district will go to St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, and north of Ferns patients will be transported to St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, or other metropolitan hospitals.
In case of an emergency the best advice is to dial 999 or 112.
MARKET SQUARE where the Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day parade will take to the streets. (File Pic).
By Dan Walsh
Marching sports and cultural organisations, floats and vintage machinery, music and colour, are some of the amazing features of the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and of course the children, the families, the atmosphere and the crowds!
Tonight, Met Éireann gave us the forecast; “St. Patrick’s Day morning will be mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain extending northwards to all areas. The afternoon will be brighter with sunny spells and scattered showers, some heavy, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms over the western half of the country. Some drier intervals in the east towards evening. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees with fresh southerly breezes.”
So the temperatures are going to be comfortable, wrap up well, and enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day parade in your town or village, or maybe take in more than one because times are staggered throughout the day. Here is a list of the best parade in your area…
BUNCLODY. The starting point is Glanbia, in Carrigduff, at 10.40am. A spokesperson for the committee commented: “All participants in this year’s parade should be colourful, creative and add music or dance if at all possible, to make the 2023 Bunclody St Patrick’s Day parade the best ever.”
CARRIG ON BANNOW. The organisers of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Carrig-on-Bannow are putting out the call to “the young, the old, the brave and the bold” to join them for the 12th annual St Patrick’s Day parade which will see the picturesque seaside village completely decked out in green. The fun will get under way from 2pm sharp, with the parade starting from the school field, and the road will be closed in the village from 1 pm to 4 pm for the festivities.
CARNEW. Senior teams from Carnew Emmets will lead the 50th Carnew St. Patrick’s Day Parade which begins at 12.30pm on the Gorey Road and moves along Main Street to St. Brigid’s Hall. Prizes are available for a few float categories.
CLONROCHE. Assembling at Cloughbawn Church and getting under way at 1pm the plan is to pass the Viewing Platform in Clonroche village at 2pm. Over 80 business and over 25 local voluntary and sporting groups will participate.
COOLGREANY. Founder of Heart to Hand, Kieran Byrne is the Grand Marshal for the Coolgreany St. Patrick’s Day Parade which begins at 12 noon. This is Coolgreany’s 13th annual parade and will feature the award-winning Arklow Pipe Band.
CURRAGRAIGUE. This is Ireland’s ‘smallest parade’, but the one that is receiving most media attention because of its originality! 11am start this year for the Ballindaggin showpiece.
ENNISCORTHY. Entertainment in Market Square from 2pm, but the parade moves off at 3pm from St. Senan’s Church area led by a Colour Party from the Army Reserve. Proceeding along Templeshannon Quay the parade will cross the Rafter Bridge onto Mill Park Road, up Friary Hill and Court Street turning up Hospital Lane and, onto the Parnell Road, and down Main Street into Market Square. St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, will be marching to appropriate tunes.
FETHARD-ON-SEA. The Fethard-on-Sea St Patrick’s Day Parade takes place from 2 pm in the village with the Helen Blake replica boat featuring as a star attraction. Numerous local groups, from cheer leaders to sporting clubs and businesses will bring a carnival of colour and energy to the village, with St Patrick himself making an appearance! Everyone participating is asked to meet at the pitch at 1.30 p.m. ahead of the parade.
GOREY. The Gorey St. Patrick’s Day Parade is simple. It begins at 3pm at the ’98 monument and they march along the Main Street to the reviewing stand on Esmonde Street and usually both sides of the street are thronged with thousands of families and supporters on the national feast day. This year’s Grand Marshal is Sean Halford, who served with the defunct Gorey Town Commissioners and numerous organisations over the years. This year’s theme for the Gorey St. Patrick’s Day Parade is ‘Irish Heritage and Culture’.
KILTEALY. Making history in Kiltealy with the first ever parade in the village. The parade starts at 1pm in the Community Centre car park,
NEW ROSS. The theme for this year’s parade is ‘New Ross Going Green’. Committee Chairman Cllr Anthony Connick said: “St Patrick’s Day is a day for family and fun. It is a chance for everyone to celebrate our town and our heritage together. It is the people of the town and environs that make it such a memorable occasion.” The parade will commence at 2 pm from the Irishtown and will conclude on the quay just after the visitor centre at the Dunbrody. The parade will take the traditional route down through the town.
THE HARROW. On the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Insurrection the organisers of The Harrow St. Patrick’s Day are hoping for a pike group to participate. No starting times provided!
WEXFORD. Starts at 10.30am and travels along William Street, Trinity Street, Paul Quay, Commercial Quay and Wellington Place to Redmond Square. The reviewing stand will on the quay front adjacent to Wexford Bridge. Among the floats taking part will be Sulzer on Whitemill Industrial Estate which is celebrating 50 years in Wexford this year and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann while a group of almost 50 students from Wexford’s twin town of Coueron will travel from to march in the parade.
St Patrick’s Day in Wexford will start with the traditional Civic Mass in Bride Street Church at 9am, attended by public representatives, officials and other guests, at which the blessing of the shamrock will take place. The main sponsors of this year’s parade are Wexford Credit Union, Wexford County Council, Wexford Borough District Council and Done Deal. The prize-giving ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 18th in Macken’s pub at 7 pm.
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 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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
WexfordLocal.com 