Diocesan shortage in parish and curacy

By Dan Walsh

Dramatic changes happening in the Diocese of Ferns were announced yesterday (Friday) by Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns. Taking on board retirements and changes of personnel, the Diocese is also faced with the challenge that “it is no longer possible to provide a priest for each parish or curacy.”

A new structure of ministry for the Diocese with priests working together as team to provide an opportunity for priests to focus on those areas of ministry which are life enhancing for them while at the same time providing an effective ministry to the people in the pastoral area when it is no longer possible to provide a priest for each parish or curacy.

In announcing new appointments Bishop Nash is conscious of the effect this new form of team ministry will have on the people of the parishes. He thanked the lay ministers and people who support the work of the parish and encouraged them to continue their vital roles in building up the family of God in their locality.

BISHOP GER NASH, Bishop of Ferns

Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns has made the following appointments within the Diocese.

Fr Jim Doyle C.C. Cathedral Enniscorthy has been appointed Chaplain, Irish College Paris and to pursue further studies at the Institute Catholique, Paris. The appointment is for a three-year period.

Fr Danny McDonald, PP Marshalstown and Castledockrell to retire. Bishop Ger thanked Fr Danny McDonald for his lifetime of ministry as teacher and parish priest and wished him many long, happy and healthy years in retirement.

The parishes of St Aidan’s, Enniscorthy, St Senan’s Enniscorthy and the parish and curacy of Marshalstown and Castledockrell to be assigned to the pastoral care of a team of three priests. Frs Tom Dalton, Paddy Banville and Billy Caulfield.

Fr Billy Caulfield, C.C. Galbally will join the team and reside in the Manse, Enniscorthy.

Fr Paddy Banville, Adm, St Senan’s will join the team and reside in Marshalstown.

Fr Tom Dalton, Adm. St Aidan’s will join the team and remain in the Manse, Enniscorthy

Fr Michael Byrne P.P. Bree will assume the pastoral care of the curacy of Galbally and Ballyhogue.

The appointments will take effect from Monday, August 15th 2022.

Lombard legends in Gorey summer play

GARRY LOMBARD and his son, GARRETT LOMBARD, at the rehearsals of Tuesdays with Morrie in Gorey Little Theatre. Booking details below.

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

Gorey Little Theatre has a successful reputation for presenting summer theatre and the July eight-night production of Tuesday’s with Morrie, directed by Michael Byrne, an award-winning producer with Kilrush Drama Group, and it promises to make the box office busy with an unprecedented demand for seats in the audience.

Apart from being a brilliant play, it has only two characters and they are real-life father and son, Garry Lombard, a life-long performer with Gorey Little Theatre, and Garrett Lombard, who is a professional actor with Druid Theatre Company.

“It’s great to come back and bring the play to Gorey and special to be on stage with Dad,” Garrett told WexfordLocal.com as he looks forward to curtains up next week.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir by American author Mitch Albom about a series of visits Albom made to his former sociology scientist Morrie Schwartz, as Schwartz gradually dies.

Garry told WexfordLocal.com what people have been saying about the play: “It’s about a man dying, who wants to see that! But its about communication, its about love, and in the end of the play it is about the triumph of the spirit. So, it’s a happy play, you might not think that; it’s not morbid or drab, it’s a hopeful play,”

The rehearsals have been intense, but the play is coming together nicely, and the Lombard legends are eager and ready to entertain audiences with the utmost professionalism and it has all the hallmarks of an outstanding production.

AUDIO ADDITION ; Garrett and Garry Lombard talks to Dan Walsh about the summer play at Gorey Little Theatre.

Tuesdays with Morrie goes on stage at Gorey Little Theatre from Wednesday to Saturday, July 20th-23rd; and again from Wednesday to Saturday, July 27th-30th. Curtain up at 8.15pm. Admission €15. Bookings @gr8events.ie. info@goreythreatre.ie or tel. 053 9421474.  

Irish Water reminder in the warm weather

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water is reminding the public in Wexford to be mindful of their water usage in the coming weeks as some supplies are experiencing increased demand in the spell of warm weather.

Since March, Irish Water has been carefully monitoring all raw water sources in county Wexford, that is the water from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources that feed our water treatment plants.

Speaking about the developing situation, Irish Water’s Ronan Walsh told WexfordLocal.com; “We are appealing to the public in Wexford to be mindful of how they use their water at home, as we have had a very dry period recently and the temperature is set to soar this weekend. As the busy summer holiday period kicks in, many people will be outdoors a lot more, watering the garden or washing cars. We are just asking people to be sensible about how they use their water so that we have enough for everyone to use during the daytime and that the businesses of Wexford can function to their optimal.”

Main areas of concern around the county currently would be;

•    South Regional Water Supply Zone – Ballyhack, Arthurstown, Duncannon, Fethard-on-Sea.

•    Fardystown Water Supply Zone – Rosslare, Carne, St.Helen’s, Kilmore, Bridgetown, Piercestown, Murrintown.

•    Wexford Town, Barntown and Taghmon.

•    Sow Regional Water Supply Zone – Ballymurn, Castlebridge, Crosstown, Ardcavan, Curracloe, Blackwater.

“Water is such a precious natural resource, and we are working hard along with our colleagues in Wexford County Council to ensure the people in Wexford have a safe and reliable water supply,” concluded Mr Walsh.

Irish Water has recently replaced filter media to the value €200,000 and plans are in place for a larger upgrade at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment plant (€10m) to bring a safer and more reliable supply to homes and businesses in Enniscorthy. Similarly, an upgrade (€5m) is planned for the Newtown Water Treatment Plant in Wexford town and in Gorey where the Creagh Water Treatment Plant has already received an investment of €200,00 with a bigger upgrade due in 2023. The new Gorey Regional Water Supply scheme including the new treatment plant at Ballyminaun, with an investment of €17m is due for completion this year. This will bring a more robust and safer water supply to the people of Wexford.

The Irish Water customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, please visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water website.

Jazz at Johnstown this weekend

The beautiful grounds of Johnstown Castle will host the biggest outdoor jazz festival in the South East this weekend.

By Dan Walsh

The biggest outdoor jazz festival in the South East will take place in the beautiful grounds of Johnstown Castle, near Wexford town, across three days this weekend, from Friday to Sunday, July 15th to 17th, inclusive.

Over 16 bands and 30 musicians from throughout the country are participating in the first outdoor musical festival to be hosted by Johnstown Castle.

Jazz at Johnstown begins on Friday evening and concludes on Sunday afternoon. The programme is as follows;

Promoted by Jazz at Johnstown, some of the biggest names in Irish jazz will bring star-studded bands to the Wexford venue.

A series of outdoor stages – the Castle Stage, the Sunken Garden, the Visitors Centre, the Courtyard – will host two full days of jazz on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the festival is free for members and just €9 a day for non-members or €24 per day for a family of two adults and two children.

For full details contact the Johnstown Castle website…

Rosslare Strand launch of Wheelchair Mat

By Dan Walsh

As the July daily temperatures embrace the popular sunny south-east reputation, a pleasant beachside ceremony at Rosslare Strand on Tuesday morning marked the launch of the new Wheelchair Mat.

Cllr Lisa McDonald, Chair of Wexford Local Community Development Committee and the Rosslare Municipal District said “it was great to see the launch this morning of the new Wheelchair Mat.

Cllr McDonald told WexfordLocal.com; “Dr. Vivian Rath (from Morriscastle) came to me with this idea last year and I am delighted today to see it come to fruition so members of the disabled community will have further access to the beach!”

This mat is the second of its kind in the country and the first in Wexford. While it is a pilot project it is hoped that we will see similar mats around the county in time.

CLLR LISA McDONALD (wearing the chain of office in the middle of the picture) and local supporters at the launch of the Wheelchair Mat at Rosslare Strand on Tuesday morning.

Archaeological survey of Enniscorthy town centre

IRISH STREET – Vacant site could be a game changer for Enniscorthy town centre development plan.

By Dan Walsh at July meeting of Wexford County Council

Wexford County Council has announced its proposal to develop a ‘brownfield site’ in the centre of Enniscorthy, on a vacant site formerly the location of Murphy-Flood’s Hotel, and empty buildings bounding Irish Street and Barrack Street. It is recommended that the development proceed subject to an archaeological survey of the site and the provision of a record survey of the existing buildings in the area.

The development comprises the demolition of the empty buildings and the construction of a new multi-storey structure of mixed development incorporating basement parking, (for 27 cars, four of which would be accessible for people with disabilities accessed from Barrack Street) two floors of commercial/office/community use space at ground and first floor levels and three upper floors containing 18 apartments and shared commercial space at Irish Street and Barrack Street.

But there are still challenges to be overcome. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are recommending that an archaeological impact assessment be carried out by relevant expertise, as the Department notes that; “A number of buildings located within the development site are identified and listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.”

Three submissions from the public have been received during public consultation and are contained in the Chief Executive’s Report which was presented to members at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held at County Hall, Wexford.

One concerned town resident claimed that “a seven-storey building is not in keeping with the streetscape and Enniscorthy is a historical rural town, and the building would dwarf all of the existing preserved shopfronts. It was also noted that “making the area from Market Square to Irish Street pedestrian would only add to traffic congestion following on from existing pedestrianisation.”

Another resident claims “that the scale of the building proposed does not suit the streetscape of the conservation area, is not proportionate to the historic area of the town and will impact negatively on the streetscape of Irish Street.”

Another observation states that “the opportunity to widen the entrance to Irish Street would be lost. The proposed social housing should be made available for older people,” and it concludes: “The height of the proposed development in relation to the adjoining buildings and surrounding streetscape lacks integrated urban development and planning, and will have a major impact on views of Vinegar Hill.”

The proposed development for Irish Street and Barrack Street could transform Enniscorthy town centre (Image – Wexford County Council).

The report was welcomed by the Enniscorthy members with support from Cllrs John O’Rourke and Jackser Owens, while Cllr Cathal Byrne supported the proposed developments, he had questions regards the traffic flow and whether two-way traffic could be accommodated in the area?

Acting Chief Executive Eamonn Hore, in the report, points out the following; “There is no pedestrianisation proposed with this development at this time and there are no plans to pedestrianise Irish Street or Barrack Street. However, if the town centre is to be successful as a pleasant place to live and do business, the dominance of the car in the town needs to be rebalanced. The widening of Irish Street or Barrack Street is not recommended as the existing street widths are adequate for traffic, however, the new buildings set back will improve pedestrian safety.”

The proposed development is considered to comply with the Enniscorthy Town and Environs Plan, 2008-2014 (extended) and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It is, therefore, recommended that the development proceed subject to an archaeological survey of the site and the provision of a record survey of the existing buildings in the area.

Crash on M11 this evening

By Dan Walsh

Roadusers are asked to be extra careful on the M11 near the turn off for Enniscorthy and Blackwater following a crash on the southbound lane around 6.30pm this evening.

A number of vehicles are involved including a car pulling a caravan. It is not known if there are any injuries.

One lane remains open. Emergency vehicles and recovery services are at the scene.

Paraglider injured on Mount Leinster

A paraglider injured near the Nine Stones car park on Mount Leinster on Saturday evening was transferred to hospital by the Air Corps 112 helicopter.

The South East Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) were called to the scene to assist Gardai and ambulance crews attend an injured paraglider with a suspected back injury after falling near the Nine Stones car park on Mount Leinster Carlow-Wexford border.

The casualty was transferred to the National Ambulance Service and then to a waiting Air Corps helicopter.

In a statement SEMRA concluded; “We wish the casualty well and hopefully he can make a full recovery. Another example of multi-agency working.”

Search to find the ‘most imaginative meal-makers’

Popular cook and television presenter, Donal Skehan has once again joined with banana importers Fyffes, this time in search of Ireland’s most imaginative meal-makers, their quest being to find the most delicious dish, savoury or sweet, in which a banana is the key ingredient.

By Dan Walsh

In a competition open to all the family, home cooks throughout Wexford and beyond are being invited to join a search to find Ireland’s most imaginative meal-makers.

Leading the search is well-known television cook, Donal Skehan, supported by banana importers Fyffes, whose previous collaborations led to the discovery of Ireland’s most creative banana bread bakers and banana dessert makers.

In the competition two years ago Niamh Goodison, a 20-years old third level student from Wexford Town, won the ‘best vegan recipe’ award for her banana bread creation.

This year, Skehan has broadened his search to include any dish on the menu from first to final course, his invitation being to create the most delicious dish, savoury or sweet, in which a banana is the key ingredient. 

Winning creations, to be judged by Skehan, will see rewards presented to the overall winner and best in category entries – including junior entrants, best breakfast, savoury, dessert, no bake and vegan. Entries close August 4th. Details on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FyffesIreland) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/fyffesireland/).