Edermine Rowing Club receives Wexford County Award

The presentation to Edermine Ferry Rowing Club chairperson, Tina Kavanagh, and fellow club members, was made at Edermine Bridge, by Valero Area Sales Manager, Damien Burke.

By Dan Walsh

Edermine Ferry Rowing Club has been selected as the recipient of the Wexford County award for this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative. The club has received €5,000, which will be allocated towards the purchase of protective covers for its boats to safeguard them during the winter months.

Founded in 1974 on the River Slaney, Edermine Ferry Rowing Club welcomes over 100 members of all ages and abilities, promoting the benefits of rowing for everyone.

Now in its fifth year, the Texaco Support for Sport initiative – organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – sees a fund of €130,000 set aside annually for allocation in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis.

Previous Wexford winners were Kilmore United FC (2021), Menapians Athletic Club (2022), Aspire Gymnastics Academy, Kiltealy (2023) and Naomh Éanna GAA Club (2024).

Congratulating the county winners, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited was particularly praiseworthy of the unstinting work of club officials and volunteers, and noted that “since its inception, we are proud to have distributed almost €650,000 to a variety of more than 125 sports clubs under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative.”

Overseeing the judging process was Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, former Irish rugby international and well-known broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan. Describing the Wexford club as ‘a very worthy winner’, he went on to add: “Congratulations to Edermine Ferry Rowing Club. In a sport that is thriving in Ireland, I’m delighted to help fund a basic requirement that is vital to this brilliant community-based club.  Well done to all – pull like dogs!”

Entries for the 2026 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open again in the New Year for all clubs, including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.

Further information may be viewed at www.TexacoSupportforSport.com

Courtown Riverchapel Town First Plan is adopted

Aerial view of Courtown

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Offices

The Courtown Riverchapel Town Centre First Plan was adopted by the Town Team at a meting on Monday and the final draft was presented at Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in Gorey Civic Offices. Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Kenny presided.

The report was presented by Mick McCormack, Town First Regeneration Officer who told the meeting; “We now look forward to starting the process of enabling the Plan which will require significant capital investment to bring these projects to fruition,” and he added: “Armed with a strategic urban renewal plan that has been endorsed by the community we are well placed to compete for the national funding streams that can make these ambitions a reality.”

Explaining the background to the Plan, Mr McCormick said; “We established a Town Team in Gorey/Riverchapel in June 2024 which reflected the broader community and business sector in Courtown/Riverchapel. We held 14 meetings in this time – 16 months – and engaged in extensive consultation with the community in delivering a Town First Plan that reflects the needs and ambitions for the area.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr Kenny led the support of the members and officials for the delivery of the Plan. Cllr Pip Breen said “I didn’t think this day would even happen. We were through tough times and there was a lot of negativity along the way” and he added that the marina was the key and the hotel deserved support.

Cllr Darragh McDonald expressed his full support for the Plan, but lamented that “the Plan doesn’t extend to the Burrow Road” and he claimed; “It’s a mistake that needs to be included, and parking is a huge concern!”

Cllr Anthony Donohoe was of the view that “the marina is the key to lifting Courtown back up.”

Consultant Dr Conor Norton told the meeting that “the marina is a project in its own right”, but admitted “there is broad support for the marina.”

However, the Plan states that “the Coastal Destination Courtown which refers to Courtown beach nourishment and the marina development project is a two-phase initiative led by Wexford County Council aimed at restoring the coastal environment and revitalising Courtown’s tourism and marine economy.”

Director of Services, Liz Hore, admitted that “the marina is the key”, but we should now prioritise the Plan. “It is a real achievement and a roadmap and a framework for the future,” she concluded.  

New boat launched at Edermine

Edermine Bridge is the perfect backdrop to “messing about on the river.”

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was at Edermine Bridge on the River Slaney last Friday evening where she launched Edermine Ferry Rowing Club’s new boat.

I don’t suppose that anybody noticed, but the Marmion Bridge, commonly called Edermine Bridge was officially opened by Wexford hurling legend Nicky Rackard on August 24th 1975 – exactly half a century ago! And the stone memorial stating the fact is overgrown and neglected on the Oylegate side!

The maiden voyage was packed with local public representatives, and there were a few left land-bound too, as the brand new €16,400 sailing vessel purchased with the support of the LAWPRO (Local Authorities Water Programme) Community Water Development Fund 2025 tested the waters.

The launch evening was supported by the local community, councillors, Deputy George Lawlor TD and Minister for Housing James Browne TD.

Edermine Ferry Rowing Club is best known for participation in regattas and rowing competitions, but also works closely with Enniscorthy Tidy Towns’, Slaney Search & rescue and the local business, Go Paddle.ie to carry out catchment-based river clean-ups.

Wexford County Council supported the club with a recent grant application of €5,000 to the Local Authority Waters Programme, resulting in the club being awarded 100% funding for a new boat, engine and trailer to enable more regular and effective litter picks on the River Slaney.

The boat will allow for collection of a greater volume of litter in a safer vessel and will increase the community presence on the River Slaney.

Rail maintenance work at Enniscorthy

A steam train facing for Enniscorthy tunnel (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann has informed residents that it will be carrying out essential railway maintenance works south of Enniscorthy Railway Station during night-time hours on Wednesday night/Thursday morning (September 17th-18th) between the hours of 10pm and 6am.

Iarnród Éireann emphasise that “this work can only be carried out at night when trains are not running,”, however, they sincerely add; “Every practical effort will be made to minimise the impact on and disruption to local residents.”

Minister visits schools in Arklow, Carnew and Gorey

Pictured at Gorey Community School today were; (left to right); Deputy Brian Brennan TD, Rory McCarthy, Vice-Principal Gorey Community School, Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Education and Youth, Michael Finn, Principal at Gorey Community School and Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain TD, former Board member at Gorey Community School.
By Dan Walsh

Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD today (Monday) visited three schools in Wicklow and Wexford -Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir, Arklow, Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew and Gorey Community School and met with teachers, school staff and students settling into the new school year.

Minister McEntee said; “Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir, Coláiste Bhríde and Gorey Community School are shining testaments to their communities as places where great learning and innovation takes place, where friendships and memories are made and where teachers and school staff help empower students to express themselves and thrive.

“The Department of Education and Youth is committed to providing modern, inclusive and high-quality learning environments for every pupil and student in Ireland.

“Both Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir and Choláiste Bhríde are part of building projects to see the construction of new post-primary schools which will help to ensure they can continue to provide fantastic places of education for students in south Wicklow into the future.

“These two schools, as well as Gorey Community School, are a credit to their learners, teachers, SNAs, bus escorts, secretary, cleaners, caretaker, their Board of Management and trustees and their wider school community, including parents, carers and families,” said Minister McEntee, who concluded; “I would like to take this opportunity to wish all three school communities the very best of continued success for many years to come.”

Since 2020, the Department of Education and Youth has invested: Over €225 million supporting the completion of 48 school building projects in Wicklow, with a further 18 currently in construction and over €160 million in supporting the completion of 71 school building projects in Wexford, with a further 18 currently in construction.  

Fleadh Volunteers feted at Civic Reception

The physical legacy of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 and 2025 in Wexford town. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Over 1,000 volunteers who signed up and were assigned to various duties during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann were honoured with a Civic Reception held at Whites of Wexford last Saturday night, as a small token of appreciation to amazing volunteers. 

Each volunteer was presented with a certificate and a special photograph of the iconic harp, now a permanent feature and reminder of those two special years for Wexford. 

The guests gathered round tables, sharing stories of their experiences, reminiscing over photographs on display from the Volunteer Photographers and listening to praise from the dignitaries including Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Joe Sullivan, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Garry Laffan, Chief Executive and Chair of the Fleadh Executive Committee (FEC), Eddie Taaffe, Comhaltas representatives and FEC Vice-Chair, Barbara Walsh, the Volunteer Coordinator, Ronan Griffin and a volunteer representative, Volunteer Photographer, Bobby Devereux.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan welcomed the crowd and offered his sincere thanks on behalf of the people of Wexford.  He said “Wexford had never seen the likes of it before when the Fleadh Cheoil arrived in 2024 and who would have thought it would be even bigger and better the following year.  That was all down to the people in this room, all the volunteers from the various agencies including the 1,000 yellow tee-shirt volunteers working at the venues and out and about on the streets.” 

Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Gary Laffan noted; “I am one of the luckiest Mayors of Wexford to have worn these chains of office during this magical time for our town.   Volunteering is good for those who benefit from the action, but also great for those who give of their time so selflessly.  It gives people a sense of belonging, a sense of community, a sense of achievement and contributes to a person’s overall wellness.”

Council Chief Executive and Chair of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe, commended all those who had given their time selflessly to make the Fleadh the huge success that it was.  He also thanked the wider team including the Wexford County Council staff and all the voluntary agencies involved. 

FEC Vice-Chair, Barbara Walsh spoke of her pride in her county and her love of Irish music and culture and how being part of the organising committee for the past two years was both challenging and extremely rewarding. 

Volunteer Coordinator Ronan Griffin, from Wexford County Council said that coordinating and scheduling almost 1,000 volunteers was both the most challenging and most rewarding project of his career to date. 

Volunteer Photographer Bobby Deverux regaled the crowd with some tales from the various venues he had visited while capturing many special moments.

Master of ceremonies was Deputy George Lawlor TD.   The volunteers were entertained with music by Derek Cunningham, Bride Street Folk Group and Irish musicians and dancers from “Celtic Roots”. 

Traffic plans for National Ploughing week

By Dan Walsh

Over 80,000 people are expected daily at the three-day National Ploughing Championships this week in Screggan, near Tullamore, Co. Offaly and attendees should familiarise themselves with the traffic management plan for their route.

An Garda Síochána has a significant Traffic Management and Parking Plan in place for the three days, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, September 16th, 17th and 18th.

People travelling from Co. Wexford will be using the routes via Kilkenny and Carlow and the routes to the site are as follows:

GREY ROUTE – Traffic from South East (Kilkenny). Traffic travelling from Kilkenny/South East will travel North along the N77 via Durrow and Abbeyleix before arriving at Portlaoise where traffic will be directed left at Junction 17 through Clonminham and onwards to Fairgreen Portlaoise, travelling along the N80 to Mountmellick. At Derryclooney Bridge, Mountmellick traffic will be directed left and onto the R422 through Rosenallis and Clonaslee. At Coolagh Cross traffic will be directed right onto the R421 (Killurin Road). At Killurin Cross traffic will be directed left towards the event site at Screggan, Tullamore and parking beside the event site.

Parking: Patrons on this route will park in the designated GREY Car Parks beside the event grounds at Screggan.

YELLOW ROUTE – Traffic from the South East (Carlow). Traffic travelling from Carlow and the South East will travel on the N80 towards Portlaoise. At Bloomfield Roundabout, Portlaoise traffic will be directed right onto Rathbrennan and onto Junction 16 (M7). Traffic will then turn left to the Heath and left again at the Wheel Inn pub (sign-posted Portarlington). Traffic will proceed to Kennells Cross and be turned left and travel towards Mountmellick town. All traffic will be directed through Mountmellick town and onto Tullamore via Killeigh. Traffic will then proceed to parking beside the event grounds.

Parking: Patrons on this route will park in the designated ‘YELLOW Car Parks beside the event grounds at Screggan.

The assistance of all road users is required to allow traffic to move freely to and from the event.

For those attending the National Ploughing Championships, please view in advance the Traffic Management Plan for the correct route to take depending on where you are travelling from.

It is essential that drivers don’t use SatNav-type devices as they may not have the up-to-date information on the specific traffic diversions for this event. Over the course of the event persons are asked to listen to and comply with any direction by An Garda Síochána or stewards.

Building stronger ties between Wexford and France

Pictured at the official launch of Alliance Francaise Waterford-Wexford in Wexford Arts Centre on Friday evening were (left to right); Madame Céline Place, Ambassadrice de France en Irelande; Sandrine Pac-Kenny, President of Alliance Francaise Waterford-Wexford, and Melanie O’Reilly, Honorary Consul of France, Wexford. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre

The French Ambassador to Ireland, Madame Céline Place, was guest of honour in Wexford Arts Centre on Friday night where she stated that the re-launch of the Alliance Francaise Waterford Wexford “is a very important moment for the French Embassy”.

Madame Place discussed Wexford’s business ties with France, highlighted Rosslare Europort, and welcomed renewed friendship between the two regions.

AUDIO ADDITION; Madame Céline Place, French Ambassador to Ireland, addressing Friday night’s launch at Wexford Arts Centre.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy George Lawlor TD recalled that Wexford and France share a unique place in the annals of history remembering the 1798 Rebellion when aspirations for freedom resonated with the French Revolution of 1789.

“The spirit of liberty in France inspired many of us here in Wexford and echoes of that revolution forever reminds us of our common quest for justice and equality,” said Deputy Lawlor.

Deputy Lawlor continued; “We both celebrate through the rich tapestry of cultural exchanges – literature, art, cuisine and music – influences of French culture, particularly the Norman element. Our appreciation for French art and literature can enrich our local culture and foster a spirit of creativity and admiration that continues to thrive today.”

Sandrine Pac-Kenny, President of Alliance Francaise Waterford Wexford said; “Tonight is a new chapter for the Alliance which was first launched in Waterford in 1948. We are part of a big network, and the aim is the coordination of all of us together to bring loads of French events to Wexford and Waterford.

Ms Pac-Kenny emphasised the need to foster culture and friendship between all nationalities and communities that are in Wexford, and also in Waterford. “So we celebrate not only the rich history, but the bright future that lies ahead,” she concluded.

The attendance included Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD, Malcolm Byrne TD, Pierre Emmanuel Jacob, Director of the Irish network of Alliance Francaise in Ireland and Director of Alliance Francaise, Dublin, and Laura de Cleach, Attachée de coopération pour le francais, Ambassade de France en Irelande and Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe.  

Ms. Melanie O’Reilly, Honorary Consul of France, made all the invited guests welcome, co-ordinated the evening’s activities and acted as master of ceremonies.

Coolgreany Vintage & Heritage Weekend

The Vintage Parade brought excitement to Coolgreany this evening as the community welcomes the annual Vintage & Heritage Weekend activities. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Coolgreany

The hilly main street of Coolgreany was filled this evening for the annual Vintage Parade, marking the beginning of the Coolgreany Vintage and Heritage Weekend, which highlights with Vintage Day tomorrow (Sunday).

Displaying vintage vehicles over 30 years old the parade featured steam engines, vintage trucks, classic cars, and even miniature model working steam engines.

They will all be on show tomorrow, many of them in working order in the Vintage Day venue beside Gardiner Grain, Coolgreany, and the fun and excitement for young and old kicks off at 12 noon.

Auto jumble, stallholders and amusements, a dog show and other attractions will also be part of this popular event in North Wexford.

Tonight (Saturday) people are enjoying themselves ‘county ‘n western’ style at The Topshop Bar.

Overnight camping is available at a fee of €30 includes entry fee to field on vintage day. Toilets and lighting on site.

Co. Wexford asked to maintain water conservation

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann can confirm that the Water Conservation Order (WCO), commonly referred to as a hosepipe ban, for County Wexford will lapse on Tuesday, September 16th.

Uisce Éireann is encouraging the public in County Wexford to continue conserving water as we move into the Autumn months.

“We would like to sincerely thank the people of Wexford for their strong support and cooperation throughout the summer. The community’s efforts to reduce water usage and report leaks have been instrumental in protecting local supplies during a period of unprecedented pressure,” said Uisce Eireann..

However, while restrictions may be lifted, Uisce Éireann is urging everyone to remain vigilant and continue using water wisely. 

FIONNUALA CALLERY, Regional Technical Operations Manager at Uisce Eireann. (Pic; Usice Éireann).

Several supplies across the county remain in drought, including Ballyhogue, Gorey (Rural) and Fardystown, while both the South Regional and Gorey (Urban) remain in potential drought status.

“We’re extremely grateful to the people of Wexford for their efforts to conserve water over the summer,” said Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann. 

“Now that the hosepipe ban is lifted, it’s more important than ever that we don’t lose momentum. Many supplies across the county remain under pressure, and while the weather is changing, it will take time for our sources to fully recover. In fact, well levels in several areas have shown no signs of improvement. 

For more information on water conservation and to access our Water Conservation Calculator, visit https://www.water.ie/calculator.