DATELINE; MARCH 7th, 1923. BREAKING NEWS – Wilton Castle burned down

WILTON CASTLE today! The renovated building on the left and the ruined shell on the right. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Special retrospective report by Dan Walsh

Wilton Castle, the beautiful residence of Capt. Philip C. Alcock, which is situated about three miles from Enniscorthy near Bree, was burned to the ground last night (March 5th 1923) after about 30 men bearing tins of petrol reduced the building to ashes.

It was the fourth mansion in the Enniscorthy district to fall at the hands of incendiaries as Civil War raged throughout the country. Others included Bellevue, Coolbawn and Castleboro.

Wilton Castle had been unoccupied for about 13 months before the burning. Capt. Alcock, his wife and family, had removed to Ludlow, in Shropshire, due to the unsettled situation in the country and their Irish home was left in the hands of a caretaker, James Stynes, who occupied rooms in portion of the castle.

Shortly after 9pm on Monday (March 5th 1923) the caretaker was visiting the steward’s residence when the steward, George Windsor, answered a knock and was confronted by a number of armed men who demanded the keys to the castle. “We have come to burn down the place, we are sorry,” said one of the leaders.

Soon the crashing of glass was heard in the ground floor. Soon the magnificent edifice was consumed by flames leaping to great heights in the night air. Every room was ablaze and there was a wind blowing. Attempts to save the castle were hopeless.

In a short time, the roof fell in, floors collapsed, and nothing remained of the once stately mansion, but smoke begrimed roofless walls, broken windows and a smouldering heap of debris.

CAPT. PHILIP ALCOCK (1861-1946) the last of the family to reside at Wilton Castle. They first came in 1695 and called it Wilton.

Capt. Alcock and his wife never again returned to Wilton Castle. Their daughter, Mary Galloway, who lived in Waterford, visited the castle site on many occasions and she told this reporter when we met many years ago while researching for a book; “Capt. Alcock, for years afterwards considered returning to Wilton and rebuilding the castle but his idea never materialised.

Malicious claims for £100,000 pounds were lodged for the loss of property, but Ms. Galloway claimed that her father only received about one tenth of that figure.

Alcock was compensated to the tune of £10,000 pounds. During the hearing Wilton Castle was described as “a very fine house in excellent condition” with excellent mantlepieces, two Chippendale bookcases, seven reception rooms and 17 bedrooms.” The estate comprised of 2,000 acres.

The Irish Land Commission divided the land amongst local farmers, while the woodland, including Bree Hill and Park Wood were taken over by the Department of Forestry.

SOURCES; Bree, The Story of a County Wexford Parish (1980) and 100 Wexford Country Houses; an illustrated history by Dan Walsh (1996, reprinted 2001).

Major fire at Wexford car park

By Dan Walsh

Firefighters succeeded in bringing a major fire under control when a blaze broke out on Friday evening and up to four vehicles were engulfed in a multi-storey car park at the Stonebridge in Wexford town.

Emergency services were alerted by members of the public who observed the fire at around 5pm.

Three units of Wexford Fire Service were quickly summoned. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus ensured that all people inside the building known as Talbot Suites were evacuated as quickly as possible.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Ray Murphy, said the fire “started in one car” and quickly spread to other vehicles parked close by.”

The blaze was brought under control within an hour, but firefighters remained at the scene to dampen down the area. No injuries were reported.

Wexford pedestrian killed in Cork

By Dan Walsh

A pedestrian in his 60’s who died in a fatal traffic incident on the N25 in Midleton, Co. Cork, last Thursday, has been named as Ger Jones, a native of Clonard in Wexford town and well-known and respected on the local soccer circuit. Tributes have been paid.

A minute’s silence was observed to Mr. Jones memory before last Friday’s Soccer League Game at Ferrycarrig Park, Wexford, where Wexford FC defeated Athlone Town, 3-0.

A post on social media tonight reads; “The Wexford Schoolboys League was saddened to learn of the passing of Ger Jones who had refereed our games for many years. Sincere sympathy is extended to Ger’s wife Caroline, daughters Leah and Hailey and extended family at this very sad time.

GER JONES

Gardaí say the collision occurred at approximately 9.15pm on the N25 near to the junction of the Old Youghal Road. A male pedestrian, a man in his 60s, received fatal injuries during the incident.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information to come forward to them. In particular, any drivers who were on the N25 between the Lakeview Roundabout and the junction at the Old Youghal Road between 9pm –9.20pm and who may have witnessed the incident or who may have video footage (including dash-cam) is asked to contact Gardaí.

Gardaí can be contacted at Midleton Garda Station on 024 462 1550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Two injured in Tagoat road crash

By Dan Walsh

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.

New racing season opens at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

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.

Hospital fire bravery Masses in all parishes

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.

ICA exhibition opens in Enniscorthy Castle

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.

Today is World Hearing Day

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. 

A new chapter; Red Books opens in Gorey 

By Dan Walsh in Gorey 

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.