WexfordLocal.com

Joy leads the Wexford Rose Tour

By Dan Walsh

Thirty-three contestants in the Rose of Tralee International Festival are on the Wexford Rose Tour this week with local celebrity status focused firmly on the Wexford Rose, Joy Quigley from Ferns.

I will be joining the Wexford Rose Tour at Enniscorthy Castle at 9am tomorrow (Saturday) morning, but some information is coming in about the tour so far which is taking place in record-breaking weather conditions.

On Thursday the Roses checked into the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey where they became acquainted with the local welcoming party and they enjoyed a light lunch and then it was back on the bus!

**Texas Rose Arden Stringer, (29, from Dallas) receives a Wexford coloured stetson from Cllr George Lawlor during a visit to Johnstown Castle. Photo By : Domnick Walsh.**

Next stop was Johnstown Castle for the Wexford County Council Reception and greeted by Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell and the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor, who spoke eloquently and waxed lyrical with a rousing rendition of the popular tune ‘Rose of Tralee’.

At Johnstown Castle, Taste Wexford prepared some grazing boards packed with local Wexford producers for the Roses to sample.

The next stop of the tour was Wexford Quay where the Roses were treated to some fish and chips by The Cheeky Cod followed by some Scúp Gelato ice-cream. The final stop of the tour was back to Gorey town where the Roses were welcomed by the local community and business owners. Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council made all feel welcome as if he knew the names of every one of them as they alighted the bus and 33 times he uttered the immortal words – ‘Welcome to Gorey’.

Firefighters and farmers fight Ferns fire

By Dan Walsh

Upwards of 30 acres of land located at the back of Ferns GAA Park was ravaged by an outbreak of fire yesterday afternoon and took several hours to bring under control.

Six fire appliances from Wexford Fire Service and tankers from Wexford and Wicklow tackled the wildfire blaze that sent plumes of smoke into the air in temperatures around 30 degrees – up to that point the hottest day of the year!

Sources locally say the fire started spontaneously where some barley was growing, the wind carried it across the fields, it also got into some hedgerows and estimates reckon the flames were 15 to 20 feet high.

Local farmers also assisted in the operation by creating a firebreak, directing traffic away from the scene and moving bales of hay out of the way.

Courtown to conduct community survey

By Dan Walsh

Courtown Community Council will shortly commence a survey to gather the views of the community on the future investment and development of Courtown, Riverchapel and surrounding areas.

The Council will put to good use all of the information gathered to help develop the Courtown Smart Village Strategy.

According to the European Commission, “Smart Villages are rural areas and communities which build on their existing strengths and assets as well as on developing new opportunities”, where “traditional and new networks and services are enhanced by means of digital, telecommunications, technologies, innovation and the better use of knowledge”.

Members of Courtown Community Council engaged in training which was facilitated by the LEADER programme 2014–2020 to learn about the Smart Village Strategy with the aim of developing a strategy for the coastal area.

Linda Sinnott from Courtown Community Council told WexfordLocal.com; “It is vital that all members of the community take the opportunity to feed into the development of this Strategy as we hope it will serve as the blueprint for future investment and development of our local area.”

Some of the topics that aim to address through the Smart Village Plan include service provision gaps; key investment projects; transport, environmental projects and challenges; enterprise opportunities and challenges.

The public consultation will launch in the coming weeks and Courtown Community Council looks to the people to “take a few minutes to share your views with us on the future of Courtown and Riverchapel,”

Timelines include; September: Draft survey for general public, organise logistics for public meetings, advertise public meetings and launch survey.

October: Host public meetings, close survey. Begin analysis.

November: Develop recommendations.

The key people the Council want to consult with?

● Long term residents

● Holiday home/mobile home residents

● Business owners

● Community groups

● Education providers – school and Courtown LTI.

Medieval Day in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

**Guided tours of Wexford Town Wall on Saturday.**

Living history comes alive next Saturday with a Medieval Day taking place at the old Town Wall in the Green area behind Westgate Tower/Heritage Centre. It is part of National Heritage Week and is a free event.

Monica Crofton will be leading guided tours of the Town Wall at 12pm and 3pm from Westgate Centre. Ms Crofton is author of 30 Paces Outside the Town Gate which explores the history of Wexford Castle and Military Barracks.

Other atractions include Weaponry and Combat Displays, Living History Tents and Craft Displays with Fingal Living History Society. Striking Viking Coins and Falconry Display with the Irish National Heritage Park. Baya The Storyteller, The Big Dig Workshop, School of Irish Archaeology, Shield Painting, Face Painting, Children’s Art Competition, and Music by Craobh Loch Garman Comhaltas.

AUDIO ADDITION; County Heritage Officer CATHERINE McLOUGHLIN tells DAN WALSH about Medieval Day in Wexford town on Saturday.

Enniscorthy stage set for ‘Farsiders’ premiere

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Summer theatre comes to the Presentation Arts Centre at Enniscorthy with the world premiere of Farsiders, a new play written and directed by local talent Fintan Kelly from August 24-27^th which was launched at a pleasant reception held tonight (Wednesday) in the IFA Farm Centre at Enniscorthy.

Liam Doyle, Chairman of Enniscorthy Drama Group thanked Fintan Kelly for writing the play “because without a play we couldn’t have any great cause to be here,” and he complimented Fintan for giving his time to produce and direct the play as well, and he thanked the cast and committee in producing this play.

Local journalist and broadcaster Jimmy Gahan said he was privileged that Fintan asked him to launch his play. “apart from being a wonderful actor and theatrical personality” Fintan is a wonderful and successful person that has appeared in many plays and film pieces, including Fair City (RTE 1). Gahan gave a detailed outline of his progress and success and he wished him well with the world premiere of Farsiders which marks his additional debut as a playwright.

AUDIO ADDITION; Fintan Kelly speaking at the launch of his play Farsiders at the Farm Centre, Enniscorthy, tonight.

Maria Nolan acted as master of ceremonies welcomed the invited guests, especially Minister James Browne and Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan whom she stated “both have been tremendous supporters of drama in Enniscorthy” and she acknowledged the absence of Deputy Paul Kehoe who is enjoying holidays, on behalf of the talented super star Fintan Kelly.

€122,400 for 64 Wexford community groups

By Dan Walsh

Community groups responsible for managing walking trails in Wexford will receive grands of €1,000-€3,000 under new funding announced today.

Deputy Paul Kehoe welcomed news from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, that funding of €122,400 will be available to support and improve some 64 walking trails across the Wexford.

Deputy Kehoe said: “Trail walking is a great activity for families in Wexford to enjoy the great outdoors and explore our hidden gems this summer. These trails also attract visitors to small businesses in our rural towns.

“The community groups receiving the grant in Wexford can use it to maintain, improve and promote its use to locals and visitors. “This vital work is done by the groups which are known as Community Trail Management Organisations.

“Community Trail Management Organisations are registered with Sport Ireland and work in conjunction with Wexford County Council, Coillte and the Local Development Company (LDC) in maintaining their local trails.

**CLLR FIONNTÁN Ó SUILLEABHÁIN welcomes everyone to the walking trails at Annagh Hill in North Wexford.**

Senator Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the funding and told WexfordLocal.com; “There are wonderful walking routes that are much appreciated. I make use of many of them myself and know they are great for physical and mental health,” concluded Deputy Kehoe.

Senator Byrne praised the work of various community development groups who maintain these trails and where these small grants will be put to good use. “We are second only to the much larger County of Cork for the number of trails we have. Walking in Wexford is Wonderful!” he concluded.

Minister Heather Humphreys added some sound seasonal advice; “With the sunshine set to continue this week, I would encourage everybody, young and old, to get active and enjoy the wonderful walking trails we have all across rural Ireland”, she suggested.

Castletown River and Nature Festival

**CATHY LEE at the information board close to the bridge taking the Ahare River towards Clone Strand.**

By Dan Walsh at Castletown

Busy days ahead with a variety of events happening across Co. Wexford for National Heritage Week – and WexfordLocal.com will endeavour to inform readers of the most interesting and unusual events, and most of them are free to the public – and with climate change a major concern and biodiversity and the environment high on the agenda, we begin with the Castletown River and Nature Festival taking place Friday to Sunday inclusive, August 12-14^th.

Events on Friday evening commence with Michael O’Donnell with a Moth Workshop at Castletown and on Saturday morning there is a Moth Identification session.

There are two events of particular interest at Toss Byrne’s Inch on Saturday; at 2pm the unveiling of the new River Sign will be performed by a well-known celebrity and at 2.30pm there is an opportunity to Discover the Secret Life of the River with Donal O’Keeffe, followed by some refreshments!

Sunday at 12 noon facilitates a Seashore Nature Treasure Hunt and Litter Pick with Jeshua Taucher from Seal Rescue Ireland.

Bring a picnic and don’t be left out at 1pm and in the afternoon there is a Family Sant Art Competition and Make a Seashore Mobile. Not sure what that’s all about so discover the secret by being there!

AUDIO ADDITION – CATHY LEE tells DAN WALSH about the Castletown River and Nature Festival.

Cathy Lee, Chair of the Ahare River and Biodiversity Development Group, speaking to WexfordLocal.com is urging everybody to turn out in big numbers. “Bring the family and enjoy a wonderful weekend of events,” said Cathy, who added that it is also possible to book places via Cathy Lee (087 6254863) or Jackie Byrne (087 1231525) or friendsoftheahareriver@gmail.com

Be mindful of water usage in Wexford

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 current spell of warm weather.

Irish Water has over 750 water treatment plants nationwide and the majority of these are continuing to meet the demand for water. A small number (13 at present) nationwide have been impacted by shortage. In all these areas the advice is to keep the water flowing and minimise the impact on customers. These include tankering and/or night time restrictions.

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 issues, 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 again over the coming days. As the busy summer holiday period continues, many people are outdoors a lot more, watering the garden or washing cars. Demand on Sunday 7th August saw an increase of 7.5% from 1st August which is likely to be attributed to the good weather and high temperatures.

“Met Éireann has forecast high temperatures for the coming week with weather to remain hot and dry through the weekend with a good deal of sunshine. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain in the mid to high twenties across Wexford. Met Éireann has issued a high temperature warning for the week ahead so 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.

“Our 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

• Askamore supply zone (tankering)”

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.”

There are lots of helpful tips for conserving water on water.ie however, the most effective tips would be to leave the hose and the pressure washer in the shed; minimise the use paddling pools; reuse household water for the garden; and take shorter showers. Safeguarding the supply of water is essential currently when hand washing and hygiene is of critical importance. We are calling on everyone to play their part.”

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.

Death of Jackson Owens, (98)

**CARLEY’S BRIDGE, Enniscorthy, beside the residence and the pottery enterprise run by the Carley Owens family for over 300 years.**

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Jackson Owens, (98), who was a director of the Carley’s Bridge Potteries, on the outskirts of Enniscorthy, made famous by the RTE David Shaw-Smith series about traditional crafts called ‘Hands’ which was also shown on various UK channels.

Carley’s Bridge Potteries were the oldest in Ireland, located in the townland of Carrigabruce, at Carley’s Bridge that owes its origins to the Carley brothers who arrived from Cornwall in 1654. They found suitable clay for pottery manufacture and the business flourished for more than 300 years!

Jackson, who was born in 1924, passed away in the wonderful care of Brabazon Trust Home and their kind and loving staff today (Monday). He was a well-known and respected businessman in Enniscorthy and his passing will be mourned by an elderly section of the town who survived him and sympathies are expressed to his family and friends.

Loved by Dorothy, who died in 2009, and his son Peter (d, 1985), he is survived and will be so sincerely missed by his daughter Valerie, son Philip, daughter-in-law Elizabeth and grandson Asa.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 11^th at 4pm at the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Cemetery and Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, Dublin, prior to cremation. A Service of Interment will be held in All Saint’s Church, Castleconnel, Co. Limerick at a future date.

€781k for Wexford lanes and rural roads

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D. has allocated €781.027 to Wexford County Council under the Local Improvement Scheme for 2022.

**KNOCKDUFF LANE, near Bree, one of the many beautiful and environmentally friendly roadways located across rural Co. Wexford.**

Welcoming the news Deputy Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com;” This extremely positive announcement will see our laneways and non-public roads in Wexford receive improved access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities.

“Prior to this news, Wexford Local Authority consulted with local residents and landowners to identify road and laneway projects where works could start immediately and be completed this year.

“Fine Gael is working to build stronger, safer communities and we want to see more people living, working and raising a family in our rural communities throughout the country. We will continue to fight for rural homeowners in Wexford and make the case for further increases in funding.

“The funding provided by the Department will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/households. There is a ceiling of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost,” concluded Deputy Kehoe.

Senator Malcolm Byrne told WexfordLocal.com he also welcomes the news saying that the government announcement today is incredibly positive news for many rural dwellers in Wexford who are looking to have their roads resurfaced or upgraded.

“With a doubling of the allocation for the Local Improvement Scheme to €781k, a lot more work will be done over the next year,” said Senator Byrne who added; “Residents that would like to see their lanes / roads improved apply in the first instance to Wexford County Council. I’ll be happy to assist anyone who wishes to apply.”

Minister Heather Humphreys added; “The scheme provides substantial grant aid for the upgrade of these routes and assists homeowners with the costs. In many cases where there are multiple homes on a lane, neighbours will work together to draw down funding under the scheme.