All safe and well in Saltee Islands rescue

KILMORE QUAY REMEMBRANCE GARDEN looking out to the Saltee Islands. (File Pic)

By Dan Walsh

Kilmore Quay RNLI responded to two separate requests from the Irish Coast Guard for assistance to pleasure crafts in the vicinity of the Saltee Islands on Easter Saturday.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat Killarney, by the Irish Coast Guard at 3.07pm on Saturday to assist in locating a small angling boat with four people on board that a concerned member of the public had reported as overdue.

The lifeboat launched at 3.15pm, joining the search at sea with the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 117. The boat was soon located close to the Saltee Islands at 3.20 pm. All on board were safe and well. The lifeboat crew escorted the boat back to Kilmore Quay arriving at 4.17pm

Earlier that day, the crew responded to a request from the Irish Coast Guard to assist a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) experiencing engine trouble and drifting close to rocks one and half miles south-west of the Great Saltee island. The crew were stood down before launching as the crew of the RIB resolved the problem and the danger had passed.

Speaking following both call outs, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said: “The crew of the RIB did the right thing in raising the alarm when they encountered problems, it is far better to be safe than sorry. Likewise, if a boat is overdue and contact cannot be made. We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a life jacket and to always carry a means of calling for help. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Achievers honoured at Enniscorthy Civic Awards

ALL-IRELAND and EUROPEAN Boxing champion 2019 CAOIMHE KINSELLA from Marshalstown receives her Civic Award from Cllr Aidan Browne at tonight’s Civic Reception in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy. Also in the picture are Caoimhe’s proud parents PATRICK and LYNDA KINSELLA.

By Dan Walsh

Ten nominees from across the district whose names were submitted by the elected members of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council were honoured at the Civic Awards Night held in the Seamus Rafter Suite at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy tonight (Thursday).

Cathaoirleach Cllr Cathal Byrne said a Civic Reception is the highest honour the District Council can bestow on an individual or group and tonight’s event covers 2018-2021 and honoured achievers at All-Ireland, European and world standard. “They have done the town and district proud, and it is an honour to present these awards,” concluded Cllr Byrne.

The full list of recipients is as follows; Tom Murphy, winner of a Gold Medal at the Republic of Ireland under 15 57kg boxing tournament in Russia.

Michael Bowler, winner of a Decathalon Silver Medal at the 2029 European Championships.

Hope & Dreams represented by John Roche, Chairperson, Michael Jordan, Secretary and Ms Cuniffee who celebrated the 10th anniversary in 2021.

Adam O’Neill, winner of a Gold Medal at the European Kick Boxing Championships in 2019, and Alex O’Neill, winner of a Silver Medal at the European Kick Boxing Championships in 2019.

Robyn Butler was World Kick Boxing Champion 2020 at 60kgs.

Slaney Search & Rescue were honoured on its 25th anniversary and were represented at the function by Margaret Kavanagh-Casey, Pat Casey and John Byrne.

Michelle O’Neill was honoured for her success in refereeing the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Caoimhe Kinsella was nominated by Cllr Aidan Browne on becoming All-Ireland and European Boxing Champion 2019 and winning the Girl 6 Irish championship.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy nominated the FCJ Sisters in Bunclody for their contribution to the community and education.

Anne Gilshinan for athletics achievements at national, European and world competitions in 2020 and 2021.

At the Civic Awards Night in Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, were BERNIE QUIGLEY, Acting District Administrator, CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and CAROLYNE GODKIN, Director of Services, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Courtown calls for Council support

By Dan Walsh at Gorey-Kilmuckridge District Council Meeting.

A deputation from Courtown Community Council were welcomed at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council where they presented the elected representatives and officials with an excellent audio-visual presentation outlining the potential of the coastal area and seeking more encouragement and support for the Courtown-Riverchapel area.

The contributors were Linda Sinnott, Chairperson Courtown Community Council, Melanie Crocé, Executive Director of Seal Rescue Ireland and Vice-Chair of Courtown Community Council, and Jeshua Toucher, Media Officer and Clean Water Lead.

MELANIE CROCÉ from Seal Rescue Ireland.

Ms Sinnott said the Courtown Council was very focussed on the Local Development Plan and were happy that it had been extended by three years. She stated that Courtown had seen a lot of intensive development in the past 20 years, but new infrastructure is badly needed as Riverchapel has developed and she outlined some shortcomings in the area that required urgent attention.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin opened the discussion saying that “Riverchapel-Courtown is now bigger than Gorey” and he felt “it is incumbent on the Council to help Courtown Community Council in any way we can,” and he asked; “How can we make Courtown one of the main drivers for tourism?”

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux acknowledged Courtown’s contribution to tourism but pointed out that the largest groups are ‘local tourists’ and he felt the focus on “somewhere we live” should always be there. He said there was “a lot going on down there (in Courtown)” and he suggested the District Council meet these groups and start from there.

Cllr Joe Sullivan said Courtown is becoming an attractive place to visit again and made reference to the woods, trails, the beach and he recalled historically the “once four hotels who generated the economy in Courtown and the money stayed in Courtown.”

Cllr Donal Kenny complemented the audio-visual presentation contributors and said he would be delighted to see Courtown “what it was years ago.” He expressed worries about accommodation capacity but emphasised a desire to engage with the community and get talking – “we should be happy to meet”, he concluded.

There was support from Cllr Andrew Bolger and referred to digital mapping and google maps to assist promote Courtown. Cllr Pip Breen was in the chair.

District Manager Philip Knight referred to the linked walk to Riverchapel and the introduction of vegetable gardens and he urged close relations between the Municipal Council and Courtown Community Council.

Director of Services Liz Hore encouraged engagement with Courtown Community Council and Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council. “I welcome meeting and to engage,” she concluded.

€20m energy savings in the South East

By Dan Walsh

The County Councils of Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny working closely with 3 Counties Energy Agency (3CEA), have all exceeded the 33% energy reduction target set in the National Climate Action Plan.

According to a report launched today (Thursday); “You could lap Wexford 43,000 times with the energy saved. Wexford saved 269 million cups of tea, or the amount of energy used by a typical family petrol car doing 43,000 laps of the Wexford County boundary, reducing CO2 emissions by 2,149 tonnes through avoided energy use, delivering a saving of 39.7%.” 

Saving energy at Kilmyshall. Part of history and heritage.

The spectrum of projects and initiatives implemented by the Wexford County Council to achieve energy efficiency include the public lighting energy efficiency project whereby 91% of public lights across the county were replaced with more energy efficient LED bulbs. This gave a 65% reduction in energy use and 60% savings in operation and maintenance costs.

Energy upgrades in Bunclody Fire Station, Gorey Library and the Council’s Machinery Yard all delivered substantial energy savings. The Council has also started transitioning their fleet to electric vehicles to further support the national policy and decarbonise local communities making them healthier and better places to live in.

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Wexford County Council said; “We are strongly committed to continuing our journey to improve energy performance across all of our services. ISO50001 certification of our energy management system will help us deliver the target of 50 % improvement in energy efficiency as set out in the National Climate Action Plan. The projects and initiatives implemented by the Council and our Energy Team to date has achieved energy efficiency of 39 %; above average for all public bodies who are 34% more energy efficient than in 2009.”

Maria Nolan published again in Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

Maria Nolan’s second novel The Shadow of Freedom was officially launched at a pleasant ceremony held in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy tonight (Wednesday) in the presence of published writers, members of her family and loyal readers and supporters. Her latest work continues a theme and tells the story of the War of Independence and Civil War in Enniscorthy.

MARIA NOLAN signed copies of her latest novel in Enniscorthy tonight.

“It is great to see such a crowd and I am delighted and humbled to be here,” said Maria who went on to recall how her interest in writing evolved and in March 2021 her first novel, The Shadow of the Hill, was published without a public launch due to the pandemic lockdown.

Larry Dunne, who is five years working for the Presentation Arts Centre and Wexford Arts Centre, embraced Maria’s work and is responsible for designing the front cover of both of her books and the families were once next-door neighbours in Enniscorthy. “Even the pandemic could not stop creativity,” he stated.

Chairman of the Wexford Literary Festival, Richie Cotter, told the attendance “We are surrounded by storytellers”. He paid an outstanding tribute to Maria and having made favourable mention of both publications indicated that he saw “a trilogy on the cards?”

Mr Cotter spoke of Maria’s “energy, enthusiasm and enterprise” and claimed; “every town in Ireland should have a Maria Nolan” and he wished the Enniscorthy-born author, as Gaeilge, “Good luck with this lovely book.”

Awards Administrator with the Wexford Literary Festival Anne Gilpin, who edited the book, said “Maria Nolan loves Enniscorthy. Enniscorthy runs through her blood.”

Author Caroline Busher also struck with the “Maria Nolan loves her town” theme and said her work was “so whimsical and beautiful” and reflected that “the historical town and ancestral voice can be heard through the town,” and suggested that Maria’s book could succeed Brooklyn as the next Enniscorthy-based Hollywood film?

Kilmuckridge author Sheila Forsey read an apology from Carmel Harrington, who was unable to attend, but she sent her best wishes. Ms Forsey described the book as “haunting and beautiful”.

In conclusion, Maria Nolan thanked Ray Murphy and the Enniscorthy Re-enactors, Edel Kelly for her confectionary delights, her husband Jim, Lisa and Larry from the Presentation Centre staff, Minister James Browne, Johnny Mythen TD, Cllrs Aidan Browne and Kathleen Codd-Nolan, “who are always supportive of the arts” and all in attendance.   

Community spirit grows in Tombrack

DENIS MOYNIHAN with his sons, TIERNAN and BLAYNE, LILY RALPH and MARGARET KELLY at the water feature in Tombrack Community Garden.

By Dan Walsh

Tombrack Community Garden is one of the jewels in the crown when it comes to community spirit and environmental biodiversity and as the Spring brings higher temperatures and an acceleration of growth the place comes alive.

The garden has many features including twenty plots that are let to interested parties for a small annual fee and transformed into a haven for potatoes and other vegetables of their choice.

There is an excellent water feature and quiet clearly the garden is a work in progress but the enthusiasm and pride in the development is magic.

Denis Moynihan, Chairman, said the project is located at the rear of Tombrack National School on a productive piece of land, 1.3 acres in size, generously donated by local farmer and journalist Pat O’Toole, whose family have been farming at Tombrack for generations.

Mr Moynihan said the idea originated locally after some developments in the grounds of the school for the children and with the aid of some grant funding from Wexford Local Development the seeds were first sown in 2019.

The natural organic facility is available to all members of the community and on Fridays the children leave their uniforms at home and slip into the affectionately described ‘dirty clothes’ and spend much time playing their role in developing the garden and learning about nature in their own environment.

Mr Moynihan added that Sean Lacey was a major factor in the development process of garden and he commended Mrs Gahan, a teacher at Tombrack School since January, who is supportive to introducing children to biodiversity and the development of the garden.

A comprehensive report from Tombrack Community Garden featuring interviews with Denis Moynihan, Lily Ralp and Margaret Kelly can be heard on Mid Week Voices, 8pm on South East Radio on Wednesday.

AUDIO ADDITION; DENIS MOYNIHAN tells DAN WALSH about Tombrack Community Garden.

Four Wexford groups in All-Ireland drama finals

By Dan Walsh

Four Wexford drama groups – two in the open section and two in the confined section – will contest the All-Ireland drama finals in the coming weeks and the draw for the final line-up was completed by the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI) on Easter Sunday.

The Bostik All-Ireland Confined Finals will be held over nine nights in the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, and Camross Drama Group takes to the stage on the opening night (Friday, April 22nd) with Kings of the Kilburn High Road by Jimmy Murphy and directed by Michael Stafford. Kilmuckridge Drama Group will present the J.M. Synge classic The Playboy of the Western World on Tuesday, April 26th.

Pádraig D’Arcy and Maireád Connaoughton in a scene from The Good Father by Bunclody-Kilmyshall Group heading for the All-Ireland finals.

The RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival takes place in the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone for nine nights in early May and two Wexford groups have made it through to the finals.

Bunclody-Kilmyshall will take to the stage on Saturday, May 7th with The Good Father by Christian O’Reilly which features only two characters played by Pádraig D’Arcy and Maireád Connaughton and is directed by Kieran Tyrrell. It should also be noted that this play will give two pre-All-Ireland performances in Gorey Little Theatre on April 28-29th.

On Wednesday, May 11th it is the turn of Kilrush Drama Group and Class directed by Pat Whelan.

It is a fantastic tribute to the high standard of drama amongst Wexford groups that four are worthy of competing at the highest level and we wish all four finalists the best of luck on the All-Ireland stage.  

Barry O’Neill’s Easter Monday treble

By Dan Walsh

While today’s major action was the Irish Grand National meeting at Fairyhouse the point-to-point fraternity who had been at Loughanmore on Saturday returned to the East Antrim track for the traditional Easter Monday fixture where champion rider Barry O’Neill notched up three winners.

ANDREW LATTA was amongst today’s point-to-point winners.

O’Neill had a double success for Fermanagh handler David Christie – Alice O’Byrne in the Winner of One race and Some Man by eight lengths in the Open Race.

O’Neill’s third winner of the day was aboard Near Dark by 12 lengths in the maiden race for mares aged six-years-old or over trained at Ballinakill, Ballycarney by Andrew Latta and sporting the family colours. O’Neill is now on the 45-winner mark, 14 ahead of Rob James from Killanne.

At Cork racecourse today the point-to-point bumper was won impressively by Monbeg Park trained by Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, and ridden by Jack Hendrick. Three lengths was the verdict.

Easter Sunday winners from Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Three point-to-point fixtures yesterday (Easter Sunday) and Wexford winners across the board. Not surprising the best strike rate was in the neighbouring county of Waterford where Curraghmore held centre stage.

Matthew Flynn-O’Connor from Ballycrystal was the owner and handler of first timer The Gooner who won the maiden race for four-year-old geldings with 12 lengths to spare in the hands of Wicklow rider Brian Lawless.

Michael John Murphy who trains at Kilmore saddled Smart Lady (Micky O’Connor up) in the maiden race for mares of five years and over and ended up in the winners’ enclosure.

Michael Murphy from the Redbridge Stables, Duncormick, saddled Dream View in the maiden race for geldings, six years old and plus, and with Alex Harvey in the saddle came home two and a half lengths to the good.

JAMES KENNY… Easter Sunday winner at Oldcastle.

Gorey rider Luke Murphy won the confined maiden race on Master Campbell for Richard O’Hara who trains only a few fields away from the Waterford course. And another Wexford rider Shane O’Rourke won on Scamallach Liath for former Kilkenny star hurler turned owner/handler Kieran Purcell.

In-form Harley Dunne was amongst the winners at Quakerstown, Co. Clare. He was in front all the way on Noplacetobe for Paul Pierce, Blackhall Stables, Killurin and enjoyed a five lengths advantage on the line in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares.

Racing also at Oldcastle, Co. Meath. Fortunate Soldier was a winner for Gorey hotelier and businessman, Paddy Redmond, in the maiden race for four-year-olds. Ridden by James Kenny and trained by his father, Liam Kenny at Craanford, it was a six lengths success.

The Scallans down Cleariestown way also had a day to remember following Notkeepinyagoing’s incredible 45 lengths victory in the maiden race for five and six year old mares for Laura Scallan (owner), Mark Scallan (handler) and Jamie Scallan (rider).

Man (40s) arrested in Gorey

Gardaí attached to the Detective Unit, Gorey who were on patrol in the town on Friday arrested a man aged in his 40s who was wanted for interview in relation to criminal activity.

GOREY GARDA STATION

He was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The man was interviewed in relation to crimes of Aggravated Burglary, Assault, Burglary and Thefts which occurred in Gorey, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Tullow, Rathvilly and Waterford.

Warrants issued for his arrest for failing to appear in Court previously were also executed.

The man was charged and held until he appeared in Court. He was remanded in Custody to appear before the Court at a later date.