PADRAIG D’ARCY and MAIRÉAD CONNAUGHTON in a scene from The Good Father …All -Ireland finals runners-up.
By Dan Walsh
Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group’s performance of The Good Father are runners-up at the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival Gala Awards announced tonight by adjudicator Michael Poyner ADA. The overall winners are Ballyduff Drama Group, Waterford, with Rabbit Hole.
The Good Father by Christian O’Reilly featured two actors Pádraig D’Arcy and Mairéad Connaughton and the director was Kieran Tyrell.
Bunclody-Kilmyshall were also winners of the Best Stage Setting award for Chris Atkinson and Kieran Tyrell.
Also amongst the nine national finalists who performed in the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone, were next parish neighbours Kilrush Drama Group with Class directed by Pat Whelan, nominated in a number of categories, but the winner was Kevin McElroy for Best Lighting.
The summer arrived at Bettyville Park racecourse in Wexford today and while there was no success for Wexford stables the respective champions, trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend, shared a double.
Authorised Act (9/2) set the ball rolling with four and three-parts of a length to spare in the Poolcourt Related Hurdle and Ganapathi (1/1fav.) added the Freddie Doyle Memorial Novice Chase.
Jordan Gainford was the only Wexford jockey to get on the scoresheet. He was aboard Junior Bee, (13/8 fav) for Tipperary owner/trainer Mark Molloy in the Boylesport Handicap Hurdle hung on by a short-head in a thrilling battle to the line.
Brian Hayes and Philip Fenton won the Wexford Racecourse Mares Maiden Hurdle with Good As Hell (2/1 fav) beating Sean Flanagan on Its’aleader.
Waterford runner Robyndeglory (25/1) created a bit of a shock for the punters in the handicap hurdle for trainer/jockey Declan Queally. Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, filled the third place spot with Prince Zaltar ridden by Camolin jockey James O’Sullivan.
The last two races on the card went to Meath. Clonguile Way (17/2) for Thomas Reilly and John C. McConnell won the Jim Ryan Racecourse Handicap Chase with Seamus Neville’s Brideswell Lad (J.J. Slevin filling third spot for the locals and the bumper when to the Harvey family – trainer David and amateur jockey Ben – with Beyond Ambitious (15/8) who deprived Willie Mullins of a treble with champion Patrick Mullins beaten a length on Walk In The Brise.
There was a fine attendance and a great atmosphere. The jackpot pool was €256.58, not won and goes to Naas on Sunday. The Tote was €90,802. 79 (7 races) compared with €137,311.02 (8 races) last year.
Next fixture at Bettyville is on Wednesday, May 25th and it’s an evening event.
Craanford rider James Kenny enjoyed a double success at the Kilare Hunt point-to-point races at Punchestown today beginning with the Colin Bowe trained Chosen Hero by five lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.
JAMES KENNY… double at Punchestown today.
He followed up with winner number two in the first division of the maiden race for five- and six-year-olds geldings with Lock Out, running in the colours of Thomas Brennan, and trained by his father, Liam Kenny. Five lengths the verdict.
Division two went to another Wexford stables when Captains Road, owned and handled by Denis Murphy at Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, won by two lengths with Harley Dunne in the saddle.
Barry O’Neill celebrated his 33rd birthday with victory on Alpha Male for Kildare handler Peter Maher in the Quinns of Baltinglass Farmers Hunt Open Race. The verdict was four lengths.
Newcomer Ittack Blue running for Matthew Flynn O’Connor, Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings was a 16 lengths winner in the hands of Brian Lawless.
Christ Church Parish Gorey are holding a Songs of Praise Service on Sunday, May 15th at 7pm in Christ Church Gorey and all are welcome to attend.
The service is being held so that anyone who was bereaved during the pandemic or those unable to attend funerals due to the restrictions will be able to come and support the bereaved and pay their respects in their own way.All are welcome.
The Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour extension of the M11 was under discussion at the recent Wexford County Council meeting with Cllr Willie Kavanagh, who lives and works in Oylegate, remaking that “it could be another eight years before we see traffic travelling on it.”
CLLR WILLIE KAVANAGH
Cllr Kavanagh also highlighted a scenario that trucks were pulling in on the hard shoulder and staying overnight with no facilities and local concerns are brought to the TII for attention.
Cllr George Lawlor expressed concerns having read that the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) are currently reviewing projects they might not be able to afford nationwide given inflation and rising costs. “I know they have committed to Rosslare Europort access road, but I believe there are major concerns over the road from Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour,” he added.
Eamonn Hore, Wexford County Council’s director of roads stated; “We have no great control over what happens and we will need all our elected members to keep the pressure up” and, he added: “the project is currently at the design and evaluation phase, we have funding to continue and we’ll continue with that.”
On Tuesday, in Dáil Éireann, Deputy Verona Murphy, who attended Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council, drew the attention of An Taoiseach. Micheál Martin, T.D. to weekend reports in national newspapers concerning a review by the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) of roads infrastructure under Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan.
“One of the roads infrastructure projects that greatly concerns me is the final stretch of the M11 from Oylegate to Rosslare. The Taoiseach knows it is going to the most strategic port in the country and it would complete the eastern corridor from Belfast to Rosslare. Can he assure people that this project will not be long-fingered?
In reply, An Taoiseach told Deputy Murphy “the Government has invested very heavily in Rosslare and will continue to do so. Rosslare is enjoying a significant renaissance in that respect. It is an ill wind that blows nobody good and Brexit has certainly created opportunities for Rosslare. The investment there is positive and we want to maintain that. I accept the point about the M11 and that last phase of the road. There is a national development plan. I will certainly have a look to see what we can do to make sure it progresses.”
Chairperson of Wexford Ógra Fianna Fáil, Ruairí Ryan has submitted correspondence supported by many county councillors’ seeking a meeting with the Waterford-based Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler T.D.
Minister Butler is invited to visit Co. Wexford to discuss the problems with mental health services with young people and to see the effects the lack of services is having in the Wexford community.
MINISTER MARY BUTLER
“The pandemic has had a massive effect on many people both young and old’s mental health and wellbeing. Missing out on two years of meeting friends, family and even interacting with people on a regular basis, especially for young people experiencing emotional based anxiety issues, the need for support addressing emotional based anxiety issues is greater than ever. In Co. Wexford we require more mental health support as we leave the pandemic and progress towards normality.”
Anyone wishing to get involved should use the email; wexfordografiannafail@gmail.com.
As the lucrative holiday season fast approaches pressure is being applied for swift action from Wexford County Council relating to the hoarding in Courtown, which is blocking off one side of the Main Street, allegedly blocking a footpath in breach of EU and UN Disability Laws.
The issue was high on the agenda at the recent public meeting called by Courtown Community Council with public representatives held in Ballycanew Resource Centre, but the issue gained further traction at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council where Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain called for the matter to be addressed on behalf of the Courtown community. Cllr Ó Súilleabhain described the Bayview site as “an eyesore” and referred to the negative impact it has as Courtown embarks on a new season as the one of the South East’s premier holiday resorts.
Chief Executive Officer, Tom Enright confirmed that the developer has been asked to take down the hoarding and prepare site as temporary carpark pending planning for development.
COURTOWN MAIN STREET looking busy in the night light. (Fil Pic).
At the Courtown Community Committee it was alleged that “the village has been held to ransom for 15 years by one developer. The derelict Bayview site has been there for three years. Vacant site/derelict site fines should be imposed. Can a CPO, compulsory purchase order, be used? CPO the site and then sell it on to a developer who will develop it sympathetic to the character of the village and mindful of community needs.”
It is believed locally that a CPO on the Bayview site is certainly an option for elected representatives to pursue, however, it also believed locally that short term measures are needed immediately. “At least clean up the site, make it safe and draw back the hoarding. The responsibility is on the site owner and the matter should be brought to the attention of Wexford County Council to force the matter, mentioning they have the full support of local representatives,” stated a spokesperson.
An Garda Síochána in Wexford in association with Wexford County Council are delighted to launch the 6th Annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2022.
The awards acknowledge the achievements of young people who are making a difference in their communities and the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their lives within the Wexford Garda Division.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy said; “Wexford County Council is delighted to be associated with this event and is privileged to be able to support this worthwhile community initiative. The Garda Youth Awards recognise that a lot of great work is being done by many talented and dedicated young people in communities throughout County Wexford.”
CLLR MICHAEL WHELAN welcomes the Garda Youth Awards 2022.
Cllr. Michael Whelan, Chairman of the Joint Policing Committee said; “Wexford County Council enjoys a very close and strong working relationship with An Garda Síochána, especially through the Joint Policing Committee. The Awards are an important opportunity to celebrate our exceptional young people and the contribution they make in their communities.”
In launching this year’s Awards, Inspector Graham Rowley of Wexford Garda Station, remarked; “Once again, I am delighted to launch the Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2022. Following national representation and success in last year’s awards, it is clear that there is an abundance of amazing young people, making regular, positive contributions to our community. I would encourage you to take this opportunity to nominate suitable young people, for consideration and recognition in their respective field. This past year has presented unprecedented challenges for our community, we wish to recognise the sacrifices made by young people, as they contribute to their community, both at a local level, and also in wider areas.”
Awards will be presented in four categories:
Individual Award – Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
Group Award – Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
Special Achievement Award – Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.
Community Safety Award – Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.
Anyone can nominate a young person between the age of 13 and 21 years for an award. This year, due to Covid 19, nominations will be completed through an online process, which is available through the following link:
The closing date for nominations is Monday, June 10th. It is anticipated that the awards ceremony will take place in September 2022. The Awards will be organised in adherence with all Government Covid 19 guidelines.
For further information please contact Inspector Graham Rowley at wexford_ds@garda.ie , 053 9165280 or through your local Garda Station.
Long time member and President of the London Wexford Association, Michael Sills, Willesden, London, and Kates Cross, will be laid to rest in the family plot in Murrintown Cemetery on Thursday following 10.30am Mass in St. Catherine’s Church. He passed away on Sunday, April 3rd at his home in London.
Born on February 28, 1946, Michael was a native of Murrintown, resided in Willesden, London. Michael travelled to London at the age of 22 and worked in the cosmetic industry. In 1972 Michael married his wife Bridget in St Mary Magadline Church in Willesden, London and had two children Damian and Joanna.
He first joined the London Wexford Association in 1969 taking up the role of Registrar, years later he became Treasurer and then served many years as Chairman to lead the association to great success.
MICHAEL SILLS …funeral in Murrintown on Thursday.
Michael was renowned for being generous with his time and commitments to many Irish organisations throughout his life and never missed an opportunity to foster positive political, sporting and cultural interaction between the Irish community in London and Wexford natives at a time when travel was difficult and communications were slow.
Michael was a modest man and picked up a few awards in his time. In 2009, he was declared ‘Rehab Wexford Person of the Year’ at a black-tie ball held in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy. The award was in recognition of his contribution to the work of the London Wexford Association. “The Wexford Association will be really delighted with this,” he humbly responded.
He was a kind and honourable man who lived a life fulfilled and his final dream will be realised when he takes his eternal rest in the soil of his birthplace reunited with his family, neighbours and friends.
FAMILY NOTICE; MICHAEL SILLS, Willesden, London and Kates Cross, Murrintown. Son of the late Robbie and Dolly. Beloved husband of the late Breda. Father of Damien and Joanna. Brother of Anita, Patrick and the late Victor. Sadly missed by his family, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, daughter-in-law Anna, brother-in-law Chris (Joe), extended family, relatives and friends. R.I.P.
Funeral Mass shall take place at 10.30am on Thursday, May 12th, at St. Catherine’s Church, Murrintown. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
The ongoing tension between Wexford County Council and the media appears to continue unabated and the issues switched from advertising and broadcast press coverage to a ‘censorship ban’ on the elected members and controlling what they can and can’t say to the followers who voted for them.
Members of Wexford County Council are unwilling to sign up to a draft social media charter for elected members and many strong views of protest were voiced when the matter came before members at yesterday’s (Monday) monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held at Carricklawn County Council Headquarters. Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was in the chair.
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS
The Council had issues on several occasions in the past when elected members have expressed opinions on the workings of the Council and it was felt that “the Council may benefit from more definitive regulation in the practical application of social media.”
It was agreed that the Council’s Protocol Committee put specific guidance in place “to deter members from posting to social media while whilst Council meetings were taking place.”
On October 21 2021 at a further meeting of the Protocol Committee, it was agreed that the Code of Conduct be extended to address the abuse of Wexford County Council and staff and elected members online.
Cllr Jim Codd was quickly into the debate and observed that recently the Council meetings were obsessed with dealings with the media and making national newspaper headlines and now it is about managing social media and there was a call for social media training for members!
Cllr Pat Barden was quick to pick up on the suggestion of social media training for members and he enquired if this training could be undertaken by a professional media group, and he asked if there were any such companies in the county? or by members of the Council and he also wondered where and when is this training likely to take place?
Cllr Ger Carty said he was “not interested in narratives controlled by anybody”, pointed out in no uncertain terms that he is elected by the people and he argued “this cannot continue.”
Cllr Leonard Kelly told the meeting “I have no interest in signing this.”
Cllr Lisa McDonald stated there were very few laws to protect people online and the draft laws: “I wouldn’t sign as it asks us to delete negative comments and is too much to ask of any public representative, especially those with many accounts. She also added as someone who has had a huge amount of online abuse that we have to respect opinions of others even if we disagree as long as they are not overly harmful to us. “Senator Malcolm Byrne’s Bill on online harms has been introduced to the oireachtasliaison and we should await that before going any further.”
Cllr Joe Sullivan was “uncomfortable” and said defamation and other laws were out there to deal with such issues and he added; “I believe this is not the direction the Council should be going.”
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin had issues with ‘personal abuse’ online. Cllr Maura Bell via Zoom said she was not for signing.
Cllr Davy Hynes was far from impressed and referred to “a one-way street” approach. “They are warning us about saying certain things,” he stated.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh was determined to refer the text to the Protocol Committee. Cllr John Hegarty agreed and talked about attempts to establish a culture with a ‘tweek and change’ approach. Cllr Pip Breen saw a “need for the charter”, Cllr Michael Whelan wanted ‘the bits that suits’ left in; and Cllr Pat Barden kept asking about the details for the training course.
Communications Officer David Minogue said the findings of the Protocol Committee were about “respect for the public, the members and the staff”.
Apparently, the matter is parked for now, however, it appears that no other Council in the land has gone down this route and the catalyst for the debate is the Oneline Bullying Bill which could be light years away!
No vote was taken and it was clear that the Government party members (Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael) were bouncing a ball that is being bounced in a bigger court with another agenda in Government Buildings.
WexfordLocal.com 