WEXFORD BRIDGE AND QUAY FRONT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Wexford town is going to be busy tomorrow evening (Friday) as the town prepares to welcome the 74th Wexford Festival Opera with fireworks and the opening ceremony taking place on Wexford Quay at 7.15 pm.
Wexford Gardaí are advising of a temporary closure of Wexford Bridge from 7.10 pm to 7.30 pm.
Oulart and ‘across the river’ supporters heading for the minor hurling final between Oulart and Glynn-Barntown with a 7.30 pm throw-in at Chadwicks Wexford Park are asked to seek an alternative route on their way to the match.
Rosetta Cucchi, Artistic Director, will officially open the 74th Wexford Festival Opera at 7.15 pm in a ceremony traditionally adored by the general public on Wexford Quay.
A fireworks display will follow the official ceremony, and 16 days of opera will highlight events in Wexford town.
The opening production will be Le Trouvère by Verdi and at the National Opera House, High Street, at 8 pm.
Several exhibitions and associated fringe events will take place across the town during the festival.
For information and to book tickets visit WEXFORDOPERA.COM, phone 353 53 912 2144 or contact by email the boxoffice@wexfordopera.com.
Rosetta Cucchi, Artistic Director, will officially open the 74th Wexford Festival Opera at 7.15pm on Friday in a ceremony on Wexford Quay.
A fireworks display will follow the official ceremony, and 16 days of opera will highlight events in Wexford town.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Rosetta said; “This year we invite you to explore the captivating realm of Myths & Legends across 16 days or rare opera, thrilling performances, and exciting discoveries.
She added; “Whether you’re new to opera or a seasonal fan, immerse yourself in a world of music, culture, coastal beauty, and the legendary warmth of a Wexford welcome.”
Rosetta Cucchi is an internationally renowned pianist and director, has had a regular presence at the festival for the past 30 years as Assistant to the Artistic Director, first under Luigi Ferrari and later under David Agler. In 2020 the festival appointed Rosetta Cucchi as Artistic Director.
The opening production will be Le Trouvère by Verdi and will open at the National Opera House on Friday evening at 8 pm.
WexfordLocal.com will be reporting on many of the fringe events during the opera festival.
For information and to book tickets visit WEXFORDOPERA.COM, phone 353 53 912 2144 or contact by email the boxoffice@wexfordopera.com.
The organising committee of the Bree Macra 65th anniversary celebrations held recently in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford . (Pic; Bree Macra).
By Dan Walsh
Established in 1960, the Bree branch of Macra Na Feirme is recognised as the longest continuously operating branch in County Wexford. Its 65th anniversary was celebrated at a dinner dance at the Talbot Hotel, Wexford.
Over 150 attendees from multiple generations, including current and former members, friends, and supporters, gathered for the club reunion.
Several key figures gave speeches reflecting on the club’s journey and impact. Sarah Byrne, chairperson of the organising committee, welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening.
Eddie Casey, the current club chairperson, spoke of the club’s recent achievements and future aspirations. National Macra President Josephine O’Neill praised Bree Macra’s resilience and contribution to the wider Macra community, while former chairperson Niall Doyle shared personal memories and reflections of his time in Bree Macra.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Long Service Achievement Award to PJ Darcy, who has dedicated over five decades to coaching Bree Macra’s speaking and debating teams. His lifelong commitment remains admirable.
Among the guests were four members of the original founding committee; Francis Galloway (née Walsh), Agnes O’Dowd (née Wickham), Nick Fortune, and John Curtis.
The evening featured a drinks reception, formal dinner, and entertainment, with Freeway and a DJ providing music for guests celebrating the club’s history.
This image was taken on Saturday when researching the cable car story. The flagpoles on the busy Seamus Rafter Bridge are there but the flags have gone!. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting
Twelve Irish flags flying from the Seamus Rafter Bridge over the River Slaney have disappeared from their masts since last Friday and Cllr Jackser Owens is demanding to know ‘who removed them?’ and he is disgusted at such treatment of the tricolour! “They should be left there”, he insisted!
The drama unfolded at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held at Carricklawn when Cllr Owens put the question of the missing Irish flags to the meeting and the top table were completely lost. They looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders in unison but could offer no explanation.
CLLR JACKSER OWNENS (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Director Services Eamonn Hore failed to understand what Cllr Owens was talking about and suggested he make contact with the Enniscorthy District Manager, Claire Lawless, and she may be able to help.
Cllr John O’Rourke gave some support to his Enniscorthy district colleague and said the flags go up for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and remain for Easter, Fleadh events, the longest day on Vinegar Hill, June 21st, festivals and give a good image to the town.
Of course, the Rafter Bridge is earmarked for demolition in 2027 if the Enniscorthy Flood Relief scheme progresses on time!!!
So, what happens next? Well, the next meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council takes place next Tuesday and the ‘missing flags’ mystery will be on the agenda.
I’ve been researching the problem since Monday and a few ideas are floating.
1). The umbrellas were taken down from Slaney Street last Friday, possibly as routine maintenance ahead of winter weather that could damage decorations. The storage season has arrived!
2). Another theory suggests that Enniscorthy’s changing culture has led to diminished respect for the national flag in republican terms, with anticipation of a new form of representation.
3.) Or does the removal of the flags fall under the same remit as the removal of billboards from Rafter Street and the town centre?
The Athenaeum Hall, home of the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy, has a tall flag pole, but no flag – the last one was torn to shreds and removed after members of the public complained.
There is a tricolour on a private premises on Slaney Street. It was there last night!
Welcoming a new era for the Mechanics Institute in Wexford town centre were (left to right); Brian McKenna, Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh, Garry Sinnott, Kilcaven Property Developments, Dympna O’Connor, Head of Community Development at Wexford County Council and Cllr Leonard Kelly. (Pic; Jim Campbell).
By Dan Walsh
The historic Mechanics Institute on Wexford’s Main Street will become a community space managed by Wexford County Council’s Community Department.
Over the past two years, the Special Projects team of Wexford County Council has conducted protection work on the historic structure to prevent additional deterioration. An internal refurbishment project is currently in progress to prepare the facility for regular community use.
The initial primary leaseholders will be a committee of established Wexford theatre groups known for their high-quality pantomimes, musicals, and dramas. Wexford Pantomime Society, Oyster Lane Theatre Group, and Wexford Drama Group will share the building for rehearsals, meetings, and storing props and costumes.
Commenting on the launch of the refurbishment project, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Garry Laffan said; “I am really delighted to see the old Mechanics Institute building being brought back to life after all these years lying empty. It has been a common issue raised by the public in recent years and it’s terrific that we have finally found a solution.
“Over the years, thousands of Wexford people have enjoyed and taken part in productions from all three of these theatre groups which are managed by production teams and committees of volunteers whose only driver is the sheer love of theatre,” added Mayor Laffan.
Wexford County Council Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe said; “I am delighted to have found such a relevant and much needed use for the historic Mechanics Institute. It is a great result all round for everyone involved and we hope the building will help strengthen the already excellent theatre culture enjoyed in the town.
“The building is centrally located on Wexford’s Main Street and so it is really important to bring it back into use for the people of Wexford. Hopefully now that we have made the investment, the building will continue to provide quality community space for future generations.”
The ’Mechanic’s Institute’ opened in 1858 and prospered for many years as a literary and library centre. In more recent times, the commercial and editorial offices of The Wexford People newspaper were above the front shop in the former Mechanics Institute, a once-elegant Victorian building with an interesting, arcaded shopfront on the ground floor.
In 2000, The Wexford People relocated from their premises on Main Street, situated opposite the junction with Anne Street, to newly constructed offices at Channing House on Rowe Street.
An aerial view of the coastline linking Rosslare Strand to Rosslare Harbour where Wexford County Council has €1 million to spend. (Pic; Tony Mullen Photography).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council will get €1 million to fund the Rosslare Sustainable Tourism Experience, connecting Rosslare Harbour and Rosslare Strand with a new civic plaza and public works in both villages.
The good news was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, last Friday.
CLLR GER CARTHY Chair Rosslare District Council (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Cllr. Ger Carthy, Chair of Rosslare Municipal District expressed his delight on hearing the announcement; “I welcome the funding announced by Minister Calleary. It represents a major step forward in realising both Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Harbours potential as thriving hubs for tourism and community life.
“We are investing in Rosslare’s future, creating places where people want to live, visit and do business,” added Cllr Carthy.
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council stated; “The funding awarded under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund will support the advancement of a comprehensive redevelopment initiative that focuses on enhancing public spaces, improving infrastructure and promoting Rosslare’s coastal character as both a popular seaside resort and gateway to Europe.”
Lynda Lacey, Director of Services for Rosslare Municipal District added; “This is a fantastic, good news story for the district and the county as a whole. This much needed funding will provide the basis for a future submission to secure funding to carry out the capital works identified under this measure.”
Calls for applications to the fund are sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to projects with all necessary planning and consents in place and are ready to proceed, while Category 2 relates to projects that require further development and enabling initiatives to become ready for Category 1 status.
Environmentally friendly Turret Rocks overlooking the River Slaney at Enniscorthy is set to get CCTV cameras to spy on illegal activity.
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council is undertaking a public consultation on the proposed installation of CCTV cameras and is moving forward with implementation at six locations throughout the county, including Turret Rocks, situated along the River Slaney in Enniscorthy.
This initiative aims to deter littering and illegal dumping.
Wexford County Council claim that CCTV cameras are for the sole purpose of preventing litter and illegal dumping and the enforcement of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, and the Waste Management Act 1996. They add that this initiative will adhere to the Codes of Practice for the Operation of CCTV for the Purposes of Prevention, Detection and Prosecution of Litter and Waste Offences in compliance with the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 and the Data Protection Act 2018.
They are seeking public feedback. All submissions will be considered before CCTV cameras are finalised.
Wexford Council hereby invites any interested parties to make submissions or observations regarding the proposed installation and use of CCTV cameras at the six locations, either electronically via the website or in writing to the Environment Department. https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie
HISTORY; Reference to the Cable Car suggestion; I attended and reported on the monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held under Covid-19 guidelines at Kilcannon Garden Centre on the Old Dublin Road in July 2020.
It drew public attention, and members were supportive of the forward-thinking plans following a presentation by Wexford County Council’s Head of Special Projects, Brian Galvin,
Mr Galvin described Enniscorthy Castle as being “in good condition” and “a very important asset” and is central to the Council’s plans for a redevelopment and enhancement programme that would include an adjoining visitor centre with retail and café facilities together with an audio-visual experience to re-imagine the historic beginnings of Enniscorthy.
Mr Galvin said the cable car idea is sustainable and Austrian experts believe it can work for Enniscorthy, and it would be the only experience of its kind in this country! The members were given vision of the future when Santa Claus could arrive by cable car!
It was stated that the cable car experience would accomplish the transformation for another €13 million.
Cllr John O’Rourke felt that the cable car idea had been discussed before. “The cable car will make Enniscorthy stand out, and the next generation will be so high-tech it is a step forward. It is a fantastic idea and should have been done long and ever ago.”
Cllr Aidan Browne described the project as “very interesting, very ambitious”. Cllr Cathal Byrne suggested that attracting 140,000 visitors a year “it needs to be ambitious” and while he agreed with ideas around the castle he felt strongly about the republican and rebel tradition such as 1798 and other rebellions.
Cllr Jackser Owens complained about the lack of facilities for visitors coming to Vinegar Hill. “No toilet facilities and no access for coaches.” Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan also felt the project was very ambitious but would be good for the town.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy chaired the meeting in her role as newly elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council five years ago.
So far, only Cllr Owens’ celebrated toilet facilities have been added on Vinegar Hill, though they are not without fault – limited opening hours, are they are drafty?
PAUL CLARKE (centre) at the opening of his solo exhibition ‘Images by Paul’ with Kristyna Simkova and Alfie O’Sullivan of Y21 Studios on Saturday. (Pic; Y21 Studios).
By Dan Walsh at Y21 Studios, Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy amateur photographer Paul Clarke has launched his first solo exhibition, ‘Images by Paul,’ at Y21 Studios on Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy.
The launch took place on Saturday and is open to the public at Y21 Studios during opening hours until Sunday, November 2nd.
Speaking with WexfordLocal.com, Paul said the photographic exhibition features 25 prints with a mixture of landscapes, wildlife, birds and animals, portraits and much more.
Paul arrived in Enniscorthy in 1984 and has been an active member of the Enniscorthy Camera Club, where he currently serves as treasurer.
Paul thanked Kristyna Simkova and Alfie O’Sullivan of Y21 Studios for hosting the exhibition.
All photographs are for sale. Paul Clarke will be at Y21 Studios daily from 3–4pm, and brochures and contact information are always available.
The exhibition is available for viewing and there is no admission fee.
Founded by Czech artist and photographer Kristyna Simkova, Y21 Studios has operated since May as a private space aimed at fostering creativity, connection, and community integration.
The famous Galway Blazers raced at Loughrea today where Wexford handlers, Denis Murphy and Donnchadh, each sent out their first winner of the new point-to-point season.
DENIS MURPHY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Denis Murphy saddled newcomer Britway Belle running in the Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, colours and with Shane Cotter in the saddle the outcome was a one length victory in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. Britway Belle will go to the sales.
Donnchadh Doyle also tasted success with the Monbeg Syndicate, Ballindaggin, when Catalini came home six lengths ahead of Ellen Doyle’s Escapefromreality, a winner at Castletown Geoghegan the previous Sunday, in the Winner of One race. Rob James was the victorious rider.
Next Sunday the point-to-point races come to Fairwood, Tinahely, with the Shillelagh & District bringing the new season to the South East.
The card consists of four maiden races (one confined to novice riders), an Open Race and a Mares Winner of One. First race at 1 pm.
WexfordLocal.com 