Centenary commemoration held in Enniscorthy

Jim McGrath and Dan Doyle laid wreaths at the spot where the Doyles were assassinated to mark the centenary of their deaths in Enniscorthy today. Also in the picture are (left to right); Cllr Jackser Owens, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Deputy Paul Kehoe, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Bridín Murphy, Deputy Johnny Mythen, Minister James Browne and Cllr John O’Rourke.

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

The memory of two unarmed Free State soldiers who were assassinated as they walked down an Enniscorthy street, having attended a Mission Mass in St. Aidan’s Cathedral on October 10th 1922,  were remembered today at the spot – outside 21 Main St., Enniscorthy – and later in the graveyards at Marshalstown and Ballindaggin.

Ballindaggin Pipe Band and members of Enniscorthy Historical Reenactment Society lead family and friends from St. Aidan’s Cathedral where Fr. William Caulfield prayed for their souls at 10am Mass to Main Street where wreaths were laid by nephews of the men, Jim McGrath and Dan Doyle. A minute’s silence was observed, and the national anthem was played.

Organised by Eileen Codd, the family members and local public representatives gathered in Enniscorthy Castle – where the Doyles were stationed in 1922 – and Barry Lacey, who is the organiser for the Decade of Commemorations and a local historian, outlined the sequence of events in 1922. Geraldine O’Connor gave a find rendition of Boolavogue.

The attendance included Cllrs Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke, Bridín Murphy, Cathal Byrne, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen, relatives and friends of the Doyle families.

Dan Doyle and Jim McGrath, holding photos of their uncles, pictured with reenactors and public representatives at Enniscorthy Castle.

OCTOBER 10th 1922 IN ENNISCORTHY

Commandant Peter Doyle, Ballinakill, Marshalstown, and Captain Thomas Doyle, Curragraigue, Ballindaggin, (they were unrelated) who died 100 years ago. They had attended a Mission Mass hosted by the Vincentian Fathers from Phibsborough, Dublin, in Enniscorthy Cathedral on the date in question.

A huge crowd was present and after the devotions had ended at 8.10pm, the two unarmed, uniformed men left the cathedral and walked down Main Street. As they did, a pair of assassins stepped out of the shadows of the evening, approached them and without warning, opened fire on the soldiers, who fell to the ground mortally wounded.

On hearing the gunfire, panic broke out among the crowd leaving Mass with people fleeing in all directions. When the shooting finally subsided, the two wounded soldiers were lying on the ground where they had fallen [just outside No. 21 Main Street].

They were taken to the County Home Hospital, later named St. John’s Hospital in the town.

Commandant Peter Doyle, (29), received four bullet wounds – two in the legs and two in the stomach – and died from his injuries the following day, Wednesday October 11th at 1.30pm. He was buried in Marshalstown Cemetery.

Captain Thomas ‘Tom’ Doyle, (27), died eight days after being shot and was buried in Ballindaggin Graveyard on Friday, October 21st, 1922. The assassins were never identified.

Funding for Wexford sports clubs?

Applications from sports clubs in Co. Wexford and beyond are now invited under the third Texaco Support for Sport initiative in which a fund of €130,000 will be divided in €5,000 amounts and distributed to successful applicants in each of the twenty-six counties.

Over the past two years, a gross figure of €260,000 has been divided amongst 52 sports clubs across Ireland, of which €5,000 each went to two successful Co. Wexford clubs: Kilmore United FC (2021) and Menapians Athletic Club (2022).

DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador.

Launching the 2023 programme, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited – the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – described the initiative as one that “opens-up an avenue to funding for those clubs and communities that need it most.”

A sole qualifying requirement is that clubs must be properly constituted, and supply confirmation of a valid Games & Sports Exemption number (GS number) issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

Closing date for applications is January 31st 2023 with adjudication taking place thereafter. Leading the process once again is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan. Clubs that received funding to date span the spectrum of Irish sporting activity – athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, camogie, climbing, cricket, diving, Gaelic football, golf, handball, hockey, hurling, rowing, rugby, soccer and tennis amongst them.

Adventure tourism at Bannow Bay

Turning the sod of the Bannow Bay Estuary Blueway were (left to right); Cllr Michael Sheehan, Chairman New Ross Municipal District Council; Minister James Browne; Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District; Minister Heather Humphreys; Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council; Tom Enright, CEO Wexford County Council; Deputy Paul Kehoe, Cllr Jim Codd and Senator Malcolm Byrne. (Pic; Mary Browne).

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, said she is “a huge believer in promoting adventure tourism – because we have so many wonderful lakes and rivers and waterways that have so much to offer”, when in Wexford yesterday (Thursday) at Little Sea for the turning of the sod of the Bannow Bay Estuary Blueway, near Wellingtonbridge.

Funding of €199,800 is approved under the 2021 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme Measure 2 for the 11 km blueway amenity in Bannow Bay / Corock River.

The infrastructure will provide safe access and facilities for water sports activities and encourage novices and more accomplished water sport users connect three locations: Little Sea / Bannow Estuary, Wellingtonbridge village (upstream) and Foulksmills Village (upstream).

Speaking at Little Sea, Minister Humphreys said; “I’m a huge believer in promoting adventure tourism – because we have so many wonderful lakes and rivers and waterways that have so much to offer. This project perfectly complements the recent investment in this locality which includes the development of this viewing point, the installation of the Norman Way, the Euro Velo 1 cycling trail and the Slí Charman Coastal Walking Trail.

“Spanning the full length of the Wexford coast, Slí Charman is Ireland’s longest coastal path, and it has also been supported by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, From the world’s oldest working lighthouse at the Hook to Ireland’s longest beach at Curracloe, this trail shows just how wonderful your coastline is. So I think the term ‘spoilt for choice’ springs to mind when I visit a community like this,” concluded Minister Humphreys.

The ministerial countywide tour to Wexford began at St Aidan’s GAA Centre in Ferns, where the Minister officially opened a community gym and walking track lights. Next came the official opening of the High Hill Norman Gardens in New Ross.

At Clongeen Community Development Centre funding was provided under the 2018 and 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme of €200,000 in total. The €100,000 in awarded in 2018 was for the development and refurbishment of the local community hall – extension. €100,000 under the 2020 scheme was for the refurbish Community Centre to develop a remote working hub; a training facility, weekend markets; study hub and community café.

The Minister’s next stop was at Our Lady’s Island where she officially opened the Our Lady’s Island Community Project. After receiving investment from the Department of Rural and Community Development the local community centre was retrofitted.  A coffee shop, new playground, outdoor gym, new footpaths and a car park were also completed as part of the works.

The Minister’s final stop was in Clonard, Wexford. Here she officially opened the brand-new High Meadows Community Hub which was developed with support from the LEADER programme. This new state-of-the-art facility will be used by the 13th Wexford Scout Group, one of the largest scouting groups in county Wexford.

Speaking about her visit to Wexford, Minister Humphreys told WexfordLocal.com; “I’ve had a great day in Wexford – opening and visiting projects in Ferns, New Ross, Clongeen, Little Sea, Our Lady’s Island and now here in Clonard in Wexford. All of these projects are being delivered as part of Our Rural Future. That’s our five-year rural development policy that is breathing new life into rural communities,” said the Minster, who concluded; “Thank you for inviting me to open all your wonderful facilities today.”

Beer and wine seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue have seized approximately 48,500 litres of beer and more than 16,100 litres of wine, with a combined estimated retail value of €390,000 at Rosslare Europort recently.

Last Saturday, (October 1st) Revenue officers seized over 25,200 litres of beer following the search of a Romanian registered truck that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. The smuggled alcohol had an estimated retail value of almost €101,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €47,000.  

On Friday (September 30th), Revenue officers seized over 23,300 litres of beer and more than 16,100 litres of wine, with a combined estimated retail value of €290,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of €149,000. The smuggled alcohol was discovered following the search of two Romanian registered trucks that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France.

Investigations are ongoing following these operations.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and smuggling. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295. 

Community gym opens in Ferns

Pictured at the opening of the Community Gym and Recreational Facilities at St. Aidan’s GAA Centre, Ferns, were (left to right); Cllr Cathal Byrne, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Minister James Browne, Minister Heather Humphreys (who performed the official opening), Eoin Gethings, Chairman St. Aidan’s GAA Club, Brian Kehoe, Chief Executive LEADER Programme, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen. (Pic; Mary Browne).

By Dan Walsh in Ferns

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, officially opened a number of rural projects across County Wexford yesterday (Thursday) which have received funding of over €6 million and all of the projects were funded under the Government’s ambitious rural development policy, Our Rural Future.

Her visit to Wexford began at St Aidan’s GAA Centre in Ferns, where the Minister officially opened a community gym and walking track lights.

Minister Humphreys was welcomed by Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, to “historic Ferns, once capital of the Kingdom of Leinster” and there was a loud cheer from the invited attendance when he proclaimed; “It has been a very historic year for Ferns who, after a mere 135 years, won their first county senior hurling championship.”

The Minister added her congratulations to the famous victory, said she was delighted to be in Ferns, outlined her department’s contribution and was excited at cutting the ribbon and officially opening up the new facilities the Minister thought the gym was a fine example of a community working together to achieve something of benefit to all.

Eoin Gethings, Chairman St. Aidan’s GAA Club, welcomed the Minister, thanked her and her officials for their support that brought about the wonderful facilities that will be of great benefit to the club members and to the wider community.

Brian Kehoe, Chief Executive of LEADER, also addressed the gathering.

The attendance included Cllr Cathal Byrne, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllrs Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke, Barbara-Anne Murphy and Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen, Tom Enright, CEO, Wexford County Council, Ger Mackey, District Manager, Mary Dunphy, LEADER, and J.P. Mulhern, Assistant Secretary General at the Department of Rural and Community Development.

AUDIO ADDITION; Minister Heather Humphreys speaking at the opening of the Community Gym and recreational facilities at Ferns yesterday.

New appeal for missing teenager

Gardaí in Wexford have renewed an appeal and continue to seek the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 17-year-old Ahmed Kafer Esmael Mohamedomer who is missing from his home in Kilrane, in south Wexford.

Ahmed Kafer Esmael Mohamedomer

Ahmed was last seen on Friday night, 16th September 2022 at approximately 10pm.

Ahmed is described as being 5’8″ with a stocky build. He has black hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what Ahmed was wearing at the time he went missing.

Anyone with any information that can assist Gardaí in locating Ahmed is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165 200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

High Hill Norman Gardens open in New Ross

MINISTER HEATHER HUMPHREYS addressed the people of New Ross at the official opening of the High Hill Norman Gardens project.

By Dan Walsh in New Ross

An area in the 13th century medieval town centre in New Ross has been rejuvenated as the High Hill Norman Gardens and the officially opening took place today with special guest Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Rural Community, Rural Development and Special Protection.

This exciting and original New Ross Tourism Transformation project is a Category 1 project approved for funding of €5,560,000 from the second call for Category 1 applications.

Minister Humphreys acknowledged that “New Ross is a town with a vibrant history and it is fantastic to see this history brought alive here today at High Hill,” and she added; “I would like to congratulate Wexford County Council and everyone involved in all aspects of this project on this great achievement.”

The Minister told the large gathering at today’s event; “The High Hill project is just one of the attractions that will be delivered as part of the New Ross Tourism Transformation Project and I was very pleased that my Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provided funding of €5.56 million for this project in 2019, coupled with over €1 million from Fáilte Ireland.”

AUDIO ADDITION; Minister Heather Humphreys speaking at the opening of the High Hill Norman Gardens in New Ross today.

Cllr Michael Sheehan, Chairman New Ross Municipal District Council welcomed everyone to the town for this special event. “The rejuvenation of The High Hill represents our ambitions for and the reimaging of New Ross town. A town proud of its past and confident of its future.”

“The project could not happen without the tenacity, energy and drive of our local officials. It would also not be possible without grant aid through the RRDF. I would like to congratulate all involved, especially our Director of Services Eamonn Hore, District Manager Mick McCormick and Senior Engineer Fintan Ryan.”

Cllr George Lawlor congratulated and thanked everybody involved in The High Hill Norman Gardens project and commended them on the creation of a fantastic park and amenity for New Ross town.

“I am delighted as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council to see this open in my tenure and commend my fellow county councillors for providing the significant necessary capital funding required to bring projects on this scale to fruition. I would also like to thank the Department of Rural and Community Development for its significant grant aid towards this project,” said Cllr Lawlor, who concluded; “The wonderful High Hill Norman Gardens add to this growing tourism reputation and to the beauty of an already attractive town.” 

CEO Wexford County Council Mr Tom Enright said Wexford County Council has and will continue to invest in public amenities such as this. “We are confident that the High Hill redevelopment will attract significant footfall into New Ross town centre and will be an added attraction on the South-East Greenway loop. It is a very exciting time for New Ross with massive ongoing and planned investment.”

Cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the High Hill Norman Gardens in New Ross today.

The attendance included Minister James Browne, Paul Kehoe T.D., former New Ross T.D. Sean Connick’s attendance was acknowledged by the Minister, (apologies were received from Deputies Brendan Howlin, Johnny Mythen and Verona Murphy), Senator Malcolm Byrne, local councillors and officials of New Ross Municipal District Council.

There was a blessing by Fr. Tom Orr C.C., musical addendum from David Creevy (guitar) and Brian MacMahon (pipes) and re-enactors from Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Group dressed in Norman costume added a medieval flavour to the official ceremony.

Memorial restored in Gorey Town Park

By Dan Walsh

A memorial to the late Garda Frank Forde erected in Gorey Town Park in 1985, but long since removed, has been restored to its original honoured position. It is appropriate that such a gesture occurs on the centenary of the foundation of An Garda Siochána and in recognition of service to the community.

CLLR DONAL KENNY, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal Council at the restored Garda Fran Forde memorial in Gorey Town Park with Garda Forde’s daughters, Yvette and Louise.

Garda Frank Forde passed away in 1984 and in recognition of his sterling work with both Gorey Social Services and the Gorey Scout Group, both organizations unveiled a commemoration stone in the Town Park to acknowledge his contribution to the community.
Unfortunately a few years ago the plaque was damaged and removed with the intention of it being replaced but it never happened…until now!

Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council said today: “I was urged by many of those who were involved at the time to get the plaque replaced and I was delighted to help and follow this up and thanks to Philip Knight District Manager, it is now restored.” Cllr Kenny credited former Town Council member Trish Quinn, who was amongst those campaigning for the restoration of the plaque in the park.

Tirlán confirms 2022 grain pricing

By Dan Walsh

Tirlán will pay over €100 million for quality grain from Harvest 2022, with prices for Members standing at €310 tonne for green feed barley and €320/t for green feed wheat.

Seán Molloy, Chief Ingredients and Agri Officer, said Tirlán has continuously displayed strong commitment to the sector with a key focus on innovation within the plant-based portfolio and premium grains to deliver higher returns for farmers. 

“Tirlán has achieved the highest ever volumes of premium crops in Harvest 2022, returning on average close to €40/t over feed grain prices. These premiums are critical to underpinning farm profitability. We are focused on growing our customer base and acreage for our premium crops, including gluten-free oats and HEAR Oilseed rape,” he stated. 

“The specialised grains portfolio will deliver over €3m in premium payments to growers this harvest.”

JOHN MURPHY, Chairman of Tirlán

Commenting on the announcement, Tirlán Chairman John Murphy said the payments worth over €100 million to growers for over 300,000 tonnes of grain from Harvest 2022 would deliver a welcome economic boost for rural areas. He highlighted the performance of the network of facilities in handling a large volume of high quality grain over a short time period driven by excellent harvesting conditions and good yields. 

“Total green intake exceeded over 200,000 tonnes, with over 65,000 tonnes of grain handled in one week alone. It is a tribute to our dedicated workforce and level of investment that has been made in the processing network,” he said. “Our teams in our new Innovation Centre continue to work with our premium grains portfolio with a keen focus on the plant-based food sector as part of our commitment to maximise returns to farm families.”

John Kealy, Head of Grains, highlighted that a strong emphasis continues to be placed on equipping growers with global market updates and forward pricing offers on a regular basis.

30,000 Wexfordians using the toilet as a bin!

Broadcaster Bláthnaid Treacy along with Donal Heaney, Irish Water and Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts are urging the public to continue to ‘Think Before You Flush

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water and Clean Coasts are urging the public to continue to ‘Think Before You Flush’ as a recent survey has revealed that that more than 30,000 people living in Wexford continue to regularly flush wipes and other sanitary items down the toilet.

Worryingly those aged under 35 are twice as likely to dispose of ‘flushable’ wipes down the toilet, compared to those aged over 35. No wipes whether marked ‘flushable’ or not should be flushed down the toilet.

With sea swimming and the use of our beaches increasingly popular all year-round, it’s a timely reminder that our flushing behaviour has a direct impact on the environment and that making small changes can help prevent sanitary waste ending up on Ireland’s sandy beaches, rocky shores and secluded bays.

A new campaign video targeting under 35 years olds aims to connect with this audience in way that encourages real behavioural change.

Broadcaster Bláthnaid Treacy who is supporting the campaign, said; “I am delighted to support the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign. For me, it is important that we all play a positive role when it comes protecting the environment. Collectively, small changes can have a huge impact so I would encourage everyone to consider their flushing habits. It is simple really, just ‘Think Before You Flush’”. 

Ian O’Mahony, Irish Water said more than 30,000 people living in Co. Wexford were using the toilet as a bin. “The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet are clear to see, as we are still removing thousands of sewer blockages from our network every month and continue to see this waste ending up on our beaches,” he added;

Actually, Irish Water were involved in unblocking sewers in the Abbey Square area of Enniscorthy last week.

The message is simple; “only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. All other items including wipes and other sanitary products should go in the bin even if they are labelled as flushable.”

“This will reduce the number of sewer blockages, the risk of flooding to homes and businesses and the risk of pollution in the environment harming wildlife such as fish and birds and associated habitats.” 

The most common items being flushed down the toilet are hair, wipes (any), paper towels, toilet wipes, dental floss, cleaning wipes, any other type of wipe, tampons, baby wipes, facial wipes, cotton buds, cigarette butts.