Many tributes are paid to former State Solicitor and supporter of events in Gorey over many decades, Jack McEvoy, The Avenue, Gorey, who will be laid to rest today in St. Michael’s Cemetery following Requiem Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Gorey.
JACK McEVOY
A solicitor by profession, Mr McEvoy set up practice in Gorey in 1953, but he was a most popular member of the community and was associated with most events happening in Gorey. He is particularly recognised for his dedication to the Gorey Summer Fair Committee.
Gorey Meals on Wheels were amongst those paying tribute to Mr McEvoy and passing sympathies to his family. “It is with great sadness we hear of the passing of our former Meals On Wheels Chairperson, Jack McEvoy. Deeply involved in so many community groups, he made such an amazing contribution to the town’s community, responding to its social needs through organisations such as the Meals On Wheels (and our predecessor, the Gorey Community Social Services Council). His involvement with Meals On Wheels spanned decades, from volunteering with deliveries to serving as our Chairperson for many years.
“The Meals On Wheels committee express their sympathies to his family and friends on their sad loss” concluded the post on social media.
In a personal capacity I enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Jack McEvoy who was so kind to me at all times in promoting Gorey through the broadcast and print media through the decades and I add my condolences to the multitudes that he truly deserves.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has taken place of Jack McEvoy, The Avenue, Gorey, (after a short illness bravely borne in the loving care of the staff of St. Raphael’s Ward, St. Vincent’s University Hospital.
Beloved husband of Angela and loving father of Pat, Sue, Chris, Conor, Declan and Claire. Deeply regretted by his loving wife, sons, daughters, his 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, extended family, relatives, neighbours and many friends. May He Rest In Peace.
Removal from Funeral Home today (Thursday) at 1.30 pm to St. Michael’s Church, Gorey for Funeral Mass at 2 pm. followed by burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Gorey. House Private Please.
The death has occurred of Gorey resident John Cameron, Oakhill, Ramstown, autobiographer of Boy 11963, a unique account of overcoming almost insurmountable obstacles to find out who he truly was!
At only five months old, John Cameron was abandoned in a Dublin orphanage, and fostered out as a child labourer by age three. In 1944 when he turned eight, he was incarcerated in Artane Industrial School, where he became boy 11963. In his mid-eighties, John Cameron told his shocking but inspirational story for the first time. As a child, reduced to a number, he survived savage assaults, sexual abuse and the tragic deaths of children around him. Along with other forgotten boys, he battled for his life against the heartless adversity of the church and the Irish state. As a young man – a much-loved schoolteacher devoted to his growing family – John was haunted by his unknown past and embarked on a lifelong quest to unravel the truth about his origins. Buried in a labyrinth of lies, he finally uncovered a story of forbidden love and passion that scandalised rural Ireland and made national headlines in the 1930s.
JOHN CAMERON
John, also known as Jaycee, made Gorey his home some years ago and was admired and respected wherever he went. Cllr Joe Sullivan knew John Cameron well and described him as “the nicest man you could meet” and he offers his sympathy and that of the people of Gorey to his sorrowing wife and family.
FAMILY NOTICE; JOHN CAMERON (also known as Jaycee), Oakhill, Ramstown, Gorey; Beloved Husband of Treasa and loving father of Fiona, Aileen, Shane, Niamh and Brian, brother of Betty, Ada, Marie and the late Una and Joan. Deeply regretted by his loving wife, sons, daughters, grandchildren Emma, Aoife, Patrick, Ómaí, Ellie-Rose, sons-in-law Tim, Jimmy and Tony, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends in Oakhill and beyond and members of the Parkinson Association Wexford Branch. May He Rest In Peace.
Removal from his home on Thursday, August 18th, at 10.30 am to St. Michael’s Church Gorey for Funeral Mass at 11 am followed by Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery Gorey.
MICO HASSETT, Manager, and EVE FURLONG, Deputy Manager’ pictured with the new Writing on the Wall autumnal exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle.
By Dan Walsh
Enniscorthy Castle is home to a rare piece of medieval graffito, incised in the dungeon wall – a one-metre-tall figure with sword in hand. This work of wall art from times past is the centre piece of the Enniscorthy Castle Autumnal Exhibition ‘Writing on the Wall‘.
Manager Mico Hassett told WexfordLocal.com; “An archaeological report was completed in 2012 on our drawing thanks to Heritage Council funding. They recommended a full digital survey of the swordsman figure. Originally referred to as a Halberdier, the figure is in fact, a swordsman thought to date to the late 16th century. Further funding allowed us to complete the digital survey using 3D laser imaging, 3D photogrammetry and 2D RTI imaging. The data retrieved will allow us to showcase the piece across our main floor and will monitor the condition of the artwork over time too.
“The exhibition centre piece is a full-sized 3D print of the wall art. We will present a video of the survey process and the finished 3D print at our launch event on Friday at 6pm as part of our Heritage Week events,” concluded Ms Hassett.
Eve Furlong, Deputy Manager of Enniscorthy Castle said; “The 3D print allows us to bring the Swordsman out of the dungeon and into the main exhibition space of the Castle, which creates better accessibility, opportunities for up-close engagement and additional educational materials to be showcased. We are utilising exhibition QR codes so visitors can access further information on all our panels from anywhere.”
Admission to the exhibition is €6 with a family of five just €15, making it a great value proposition for a tour. Writing on the Wall – Chisel to Spray Can: Graffito, Graffiti and Wall Art runs in the castle until Halloween (October 31st) with the full display exploring the history of graffiti and wall art from the Neolithic to the present day. The focus on political graffiti, the rise of graffiti in the 80’s and the local Enniscorthy Walls Project offers patrons plenty of insight to graffiti art through the ages from across the world.
Bridge over the River Barrow at New Ross (File Pic)
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council’s Emergency Management Team met early this morning following the intense flooding which affected New Ross on Monday evening. Estimates indicate rainfall of between 30mm and 40mm fell over a period of less than one and half hours, in addition to substantial hail, all of which centred around the main town area.
Serious flood damage has been identified in 30 homes and 38 businesses in the town as of late Monday night. Five units of the County Wexford Fire Service, twelve Civil Defence Personnel and twenty-two outdoor crew members from the District Office attended the scene between 5pm and midnight.
Speaking following a visit to the site, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Tom Enright said; “What we saw last night in New Ross is unprecedented. This could not have been planned for. It is shocking to see the amount of damage done to homes and businesses in a very short space of time. We are working with the Department of Social Protection and the Irish Red Cross to see supports in place for those affected as soon as possible.
“I would like to thank the emergency workers – roads crews, Fire Service and Civil Defence teams on site last night and again this morning for their efforts to ensure people had safe accommodation, in making our public spaces clean and passable again and for the work that will be needed to repair significant damage to roads and streets in the coming weeks,” concluded Mr Enright.
Roads teams were back on site this morning before 7am to continue the clean-up with sweepers, pump equipment and water tankers to undertake a full wash down of the town area.
Upwards of 12 roads and junctions around the New Ross town area have been severely damaged, and while they remain passable, motorists are urged to slow down and use extreme caution when navigating the town centre.
Roads teams are already undertaking repairs to damaged areas this morning with a view to repairing all damaged roads as quickly as possible.
Businesses and householders in the town area who have been impacted by the flood are encouraged to contact relevant grant scheme providers to determine what financial support may be available to them.
The Department of Social Protection confirmed this morning that they have activated the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme in response to the flash flooding incident. This is an income-tested scheme which provides emergency financial assistance to households who are not able to meet costs for essential needs immediately following flooding.
The scheme aims to provide financial support to people who have suffered damage to their home, particularly where flood insurance is not available. It is designed to alleviate hardship rather than provide full compensation for damage. Householders are encouraged to make contact to discuss their individual circumstances. Contact the National Community Welfare Service phoneline on 0818 60 70 80 or email cwswexford@welfare.ie
It is expected that Government will also announce a humanitarian support scheme for business, community and voluntary groups who have been affected by the flood and who are unable to secure flood insurance. The scheme once approved by Government, will be administered by the Irish Red Cross.
Wexford County Council is liaising with the Department of Enterprise on the scale of the impact to New Ross businesses. The humanitarian scheme is particularly targeted at small business (up to 20 employees) and helps towards the costs of returning business premises to their pre-flood condition. Once the scheme is announced, details will be available on www.redcross.ie and notified on Wexford County Council’s website and twitter feed.
There were frightening weather conditions in New Ross this evening as a massive downpour caused flash flooding in the town with uncontrollable water flowing at speed through the streets and causing several inches of flooding along the Quay.
Heavy downpours and flooding have hit parts of Ireland as thunderstorms marked the end of the heatwave and Met Éireann extended a Status Orange thunderstorm weather warning to 10pm tonight.
One of the worst affected areas was New Ross where the Quays were submerged in water after an estimated 20mm-plus of rain fell in the space of about an hour.
The scene at the Quay in New Ross at the height of this evening’s heavy rain storm.
Council staff and the fire service were dealing with flash flooding following heavy rain which accompanied thunder and lightning from early in the evening at New Ross and Wexford County Council posted warnings not to travel in the area while announcements were also made in relation to the Rose Kennedy Bridge over the River Barrow south of New Ross.
In the last hour Independent TD Verona Murphy posted that she was just leaving New Ross town now as Wexford County Council and other emergency services continue to work late into the night.
“All crews and services who have been assisting this evening must be commended for their swift response. The town will be open for business as usual tomorrow morning while the damage continues to be assessed,” said Deputy Murphy, who added; “I join with local elected representatives in calling on government to act quickly in assisting homeowners and business who have been affected by this evenings horrendous weather event.”
Wexford County Council crews are continuing with the clean up into the late hours while the assistance of Wexford Garda Division, New Ross Fire Service, New Ross Civil Defence is also appreciated.
Anyone in need of supports can contact Wexford County Council out of hours emergency line on 053 919 6000 and press 1.
The Reverend Norman McCausland of Wexford and Kilscoran Union of Parishes with Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell and Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr George Lawlor at the special service in St. Iberius Church, Wexford (Pic; Diocese of Cashel Ferns and Ossory).
By Dan Walsh
The Reverend Norman McCausland was instituted as incumbent of the Church of Ireland’s Wexford and Kilscoran Union of Parishes at a special service in St Iberius Church, Wexford, last Friday night.
He was instituted by The Venerable Ruth Elmes, Archbishop’s Commissary until the consecration of new Bishop-Elect Adrian Wilkinson in October.
Mr McCausland succeeds Canon Arthur Minion who is now Rector of Birr Union of Parishes in County Offaly.
The new rector is from Omagh originally but has ministered in many places. Prior to his appointment here he was rector of the parish of Raheny and Coolock in the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough for nine years.
Ordained in 1989, Norman has a rich variety of pastoral and parochial experience and has served on the staff of the Church of Ireland Theological College. He is also known for his interests and qualifications in music, theatre and communications. He is married to Tara and has three sons – Cian 23, Tom 21, and Conor 12.
The preacher at the service of institution was The Reverend Canon Gillian Wharton, Rector of Mount Merrion parish in Dublin. She welcomed the new rector and his family to Wexford and wished Mr McCausland well in this new chapter of his life. “It is an exciting and daunting time for ministry as we try to work out how it is that we go forward,” she said, and concluded; “Each of you is called to share in that ministry with him so tonight is a night of joy for Wexford and Kilscoran. Tonight our hope and our prayer is that God will richly bless you in your ministry here, Norman, and that together you will grow in your understanding of God, in your faith in Christ and in your care, compassion and love and welcome and inclusion for each other and all those who are beyond these doors and part of the wider community.”
Fr Billy Swan welcomed Norman on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church and looked forward to continuing the strong ecumenical relationship that has been established by clergy of all faith traditions in Wexford. “I would like to wish you every blessing for a long and fruitful ministry here in Wexford for many years to come,” he said.
He also acknowledged the work, service and friendship of the new rector’s predecessor, Canon Arthur Minion, and saluted the dedicated ministry of the Reverend Conor O’Reilly, curate, particularly as priest-in-charge during the recent vacancy.
Norman McCausland was also welcomed by The Reverend Katherine Kehoe of the Methodist Church. “I am delighted to be here this evening to greet you and welcome you and your family to the sunny south-east,” she said. “My prayer for you this evening as you set out on a new adventure and journey with God that the light of hope will fill your heart with peace and love.”
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor welcomed him on behalf of the people of Wexford town and county. “I hope it is a most enjoyable stage in your ministry,” he said before adding; “Congratulations on being appointed to this place where you will find friendly and welcoming people.”
Completing the greetings, parishioner Anna Skrine welcomed Norman to the Union of Parishes that includes nine churches – St Iberius, Wexford, Ardcolm (Castlebridge), St Munn’s, Taghmon, St James’s, Horetown, Killurin Church, St Enoch’s, Killinick, St David’s, Mulrankin, St Paul’s, Balloughton and St Peter’s, Kilscoran. “We hope you will be very happy here,” she said.
In reply, the new rector thanked everyone for the warm parish, civic and ecumenical welcome he had received – and all those who had organised the service.
The organist at the service was Dr Jeffrey Cox accompanied by trumpeter Anthony Nolan.
Raheny and Coolock parishioner Séamus Puirséil and Wexford and Kilscoran Youth Intern Victoria Hawkins read the lessons and seven other parishioners presented symbols of the teaching, pastoral and sacramental ministry of an incumbent, namely a Bible, water, The Book of Common Prayer, bread and wine, oil, a towel and a key of the church. Canon Mark Hayden of Gorey Group of Parishes presented him with a copy of the Diocesan directory.
Guests included the Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Maura Bell and the President of Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Mr Brendan Crowley.
Refreshments were served in Clayton White’s Hotel Wexford after the service and a cake cut by The Reverend McCausland to celebrate the special event.
Kilmore Quay RNLI were called in the early hours of Saturday to assist a lone sailor whose yacht had run aground just outside Kilmore Quay harbour, having also launched the previous afternoon to assist two people whose yacht experienced engine failure.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat, Killarney, by the Irish Coast Guard at 2.34am on Saturday night in response to a ‘Pan Pan’ call received from a solo sailor. The 10-metre yacht had run aground in low water just outside Kilmore Quay harbour.
Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat in action on Saturday night (Pic;RNLI/Aidan Bates)
The lifeboat, under Coxswain Eugene Kehoe with four crew members on board, immediately launched and made its way to the scene. Conditions at the time were calm and clear. As the water was too shallow for the Killarney to come alongside, the lifeboat’s inflatable Y-boat was launched to make the final approach to the yacht and check that the crew member on board was safe and well. As the tide was rising, the decision was taken to wait on the tide to re-float the boat. At 3.13am the yacht was re-floated and made its way back to Kilmore Quay harbour escorted by the lifeboat, arriving at 3.35am.
On Friday afternoon the crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard to assist two people aboard a yacht with engine failure. The lifeboat, under Coxswain Eugene Kehoe with five crew members on board, immediately launched and made its way to the yacht which was anchored on the northeast side of the Great Saltee. Arriving on scene eleven minutes later, the crew assessed the situation and decided to establish a towline. Having retrieved the yacht’s anchor and with a towline secured, the lifeboat was soon underway back to Kilmore Quay, arriving back at the harbour 2.48pm.
A man in his ‘30s has died in a road traffic collision and Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the crash to come forward.
The man was a passenger in a car that collided with a tree on the R733 at Bargy Commons, Cleariestown, at approximately 10.40pm last night (Sunday).
The driver of the car, also in his 30s was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the crash to come forward and also want to speak to anyone who was travelling in the area at the time and who may have dashcam footage to make it available to them.
Contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential number 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Irish Water and Wexford County Council are advising customers that due to issues overnight at the Taylorstown Water Treatment Plant supplying the South Regional Water supply scheme, that customers in Duncannon, Ramsgrange, Arthurstown, Ballyhack, Fethard and Ballycullane and surrounding areas are currently experiencing supply interruptions and water outages.
Crews are working to resolve the issues and restore normal water supply as soon as possible with an estimated 5,000 people currently affected.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com this morning, Irish Water’s Ronan Walsh said; “There were electrical issues overnight at the Taylorstown Water Treatment Plant that may have been brought about by the thunderstorms in the area. They have been exacerbated by low supply levels and high demand. Repairs are currently underway to minimise disruption to the community and restore water for all customers as soon as possible. We are not yet in a position to provide an estimated time for restoration of supply but will provide further updates during the day as work continues.
“In the meantime, tankers of water have been deployed for customers at Duncannon Church, Ramsgrange, Arthurstown, Ballyhack, Fethard and Ballycullane.
“While this water is fully treated and safe to drink, any customers taking water from the tankers should boil it before use as the containers they use to collect it may not be fully disinfected.
“We understand the inconvenience unplanned outages can have on customers and we appreciate your patience as we work to return the water supply to homes and businesses as quickly as possible.”
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Irish Water receive direct communications for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.
The customer care team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For further updates please see the Irish Water website www.water.ie
The Irish Showjumping team has qualified for the Olympic Games in Paris following a Friday night of high drama at the ECCO FEI World Show Jumping Championships in Herning, Denmark, where an outstanding performance from Michael Blake’s Irish Showjumping team of Denis Lynch, Bertram Allen, Cian O’Connor and Daniel Coyle, saw them take one of the five coveted places on offer for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
BERTRAM ALLEN
At the end of one of the most thrilling nights in the history of the sport, Ireland climbed from overnight ninth place to finish fourth overall and take one of the five Olympic places on offer – and at the finish, missed out on the bronze medal by just one penalty.
Tipperary’s Denis Lynch was first to jump with his Rome Grand Prix winner Brooklyn Heights. The World No.25 produced an excellent round, jumping clear over the fences, picking up just one time fault over what was proving a very difficult course.
Wexford’s Bertram Allen then gave Ireland another huge boost when he jumped an outstanding clear round with The Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro. Those rounds from Lynch and Allen moved Ireland up five places to fourth with two riders left to jump for each of the 10 teams.
Third to go for Ireland, Meath’s Cian O’Connor and C Vier 2 were clear until the penultimate combination where they had one fence down and picked up one time fault for a five fault score. That score from O’Connor would prove vital, as Derry’s Daniel Coyle had a couple of fences down with Legacy, after which Coyle decided to retire knowing he couldn’t improve Ireland’s score.
Irish team manager Michael Blake said: “Obviously we are delighted to take an Olympic qualification place at the very first opportunity as it now gives us two full years to prepare for the Games.”
Horse Sport Ireland CEO Denis Duggan added: “Huge congratulations to Michael Blake and his team on a fantastic performance at the World Championships and in gaining Olympic qualification. To qualify here at the very first opportunity against all of the top teams in the world, is hugely significant, as it gives us as much time as possible to prepare for Paris.”
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