Keeping Wexford’s drinking water safe

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann and the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG) are urging pesticide users in Wexford to help protect local drinking water sources as the spraying season draws to a close.

Since 2017, the number of pesticide exceedances detected in public drinking water supplies has dropped by more than 50%. This improvement reflects the commitment of farmers, landowners, and amenity managers to reducing pesticide use and following best practice.

However, recent monitoring shows there is still work to be done. 

Given the current good weather, some users might be considering whether this could be a suitable opportunity to spray grassland or amenity areas to manage rushes and weeds such as docks, thistles, and nettles.

The NPDWAG reminds users that application of chemical pesticide products should only be considered for situations where their use is strictly necessary and following a full consideration of the potential to use non-chemical control methods.

In cases where the use of chemical products has been deemed essential, great care must be taken to protect surface water and groundwater bodies, and product label directions and best-practice guidelines for responsible use must be followed. 

Dr Pat O’Sullivan, Uisce Éireann’s Drinking Water Compliance Senior Manager, warns: “Last year, we saw a worrying number of pesticide detections occurring outside the main spraying season for MCPA. While this has not yet happened in 2025, the risk of it repeating itself remains high. We are urging all pesticide users to be mindful of their use as the spraying season comes to a close, so that we can avoid late-season exceedances again this year. Even one drop of pesticide can travel up to 30km in a watercourse, so every action counts.” 

Dr Aidan Moody, Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) and Chair of NPDWAG, adds; “We have seen excellent work by farmers and land managers in recent years to reduce pesticide use and to follow correct application methods. We urge everyone to continue the great work and always consider whether a pesticide is needed at all, and where it is, to make sure that best practices are followed. This approach not only protects our drinking water but also supports biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.” 

The public’s cooperation is vital to help maintain the high quality of Ireland’s drinking water supplies. 

More information can be obtained from your local farm advisor or at www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/waterprotection 

Enniscorthy’s weekend of Blackstairs Blues

By Dan Walsh

The Blackstairs Blues Festival is Ireland’s longest running Blues festival and the 31st festival takes place in Enniscorthy venues this weekend – Friday to Sunday, September 12th to 14th, and the musicians and pubs are hoping for large crowds and plenty of fun.

Recently, the festival launch took place in Rackards Bar on Rafter Street, where the idea for Enniscorthy hosting a Blues festival originated way back in 1995, and apparently it was a fine occasion (WexfordLocal.com invite appears to have strayed!) with music on the night provided by Martin Cummins ‘The stone-cold hobo’ with his unique style of bottle neck blues.

The designated venues establishments for this year includes; Stamps and The Hole in the Wall, Market Square, Dawson’s Lounge and Bar, Pig Market Hill, Rackards, Rafter Street, Donohoes, The Duffry, Holohans, Slaney Place, The Antique, Slaney Street, Treacy’s Hotel, Templeshannon, and Enniscorthy Castle.

There are also fringe events scheduled for Enniscorthy Library, The Cotton Tree Café and Holohans.

A full programme of events is freely available online and with flyers in pubs throughout the town.

Wexford supports Laura Lynn

By Dan Walsh

LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, invites people in Wexford to lace up their runners and take on the 100km in September Challenge.  

LauraLynn is asking the public to walk, jog or run approximately 3.3km per day throughout September.

This sponsored challenge is a vital fundraiser supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families 

LauraLynn Fundraising Manager Cathy White told WexfordLocal.com; “Taking part in the ‘100km in September’ challenge is a great way to build a healthy habit while making a real difference. Whether you walk, jog or run, every kilometre helps us continue providing essential care and support to children and families across Ireland. It’s a beautiful thing to do, especially if we get a sunny September.”  

Participants can register on the LauraLynn website to receive a free t-shirt and their own sponsorship page. They’re also encouraged to join the Strava Club or Facebook Group for tips, motivation, and community support throughout the challenge.  

Whether a seasoned runner or just starting out, this challenge is for everyone. It is aimed at consistency, not speed, just 3.3km a day to help make the most of short and precious lives.  

How to Participate: 

  • Register: Sign up to receive a fundraising pack, including a LauraLynn t-shirt.
  • Set up an iDonate Fundraising page to start collecting donations.
  • Join the Community: Connect with others in the Strava Club or Facebook Group.
  • Run, jog or walk 100km in September.

LauraLynn is Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice providing palliative and hospice care and support for children (0-18 years) with life-limiting conditions and their families from all across Ireland.

For more information or to register, visit www.lauralynn.ie/events/challenges/walkrun-100k-in-september-teamlauralynn or contact Cathy at challenges@lauralynn.ie.  

Local festival funding to undergo review

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting at County Hall, Wexford

Today’s Wexford County Council meeting at County Hall, Wexford, opened with glowing praise for the success of Fleadh Cheoil 2025 in Wexford Town and ended with councillors arguing over future local festival funding.

Festival fun at Enniscorthy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The tension began when Cllr Leonard Kelly’s motion was introduced to the chamber by Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan and it read: “That Wexford County Council request the Executive to carry out a feasibility study into the establishment of a major family-friendly music/cultural festival in Wexford Town.”

Cllr Kelly’s motion was all about exploring the potential to attract national and international audiences, build on the legacy and goodwill created by hosting the Fleadh Cheoil in 2024 and 2025, and to appeal to a different demographic than the existing festivals in Wexford, thereby broadening the town’s cultural and tourism offering.

Cllr Aidan Browne was totally against Cllr Kelly’s proposal and felt the funding should be shared everywhere, especially, in Enniscorthy, supported by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and a few others and Cllr Browne proposed an amendment to replace “Wexford Town” with “the whole of County Wexford.”

Cllr Kelly was clearly fed up with what he was hearing, gathered his papers, and said he would not favour “the amendment” and he was bitterly disappointed and expressed no further interest in the matter.

Cllr Vicky Barron backed Cllr Kelly’s motion and described the antics of her fellow councillors as “ridiculous”. She pointed out that the motion was “specific to Wexford Town” and she opposed the amendment.

Cllr Michael Sheehan called for “a level playing field” while Cllr Pat Kehoe mentioned “proportional budgeting.” Festivals in the major towns and some village festivals would share equally in the funding!

Cllr Lisa McDonald, who was online, felt that “budgeting for festivals needs revision. It needs to be looked at all over the county,” said Cllr McDonald and she wondered about the discussion around festival funding and asked; “how are we going to pay for it.”

Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe emphasised the need for review of festivals and how they operate.

Cllr Sullivan put the amended version of Cllr Kelly’s motion to the Chamber and it passed with a clear show of hands.  

Good show by champion Martin Kehoe

By Dan Walsh

MARTIN KEHOE waves from the Czech Republic.

Congratulations to veteran champion ploughman Martin Kehoe, Ballycullane, who finished 8th overall in the conventional class at the 70th World Ploughing Championships held in the Czech Republic last Friday and Saturday.

Martin was part of Team Ireland following his success at the 2024 National Ploughing Championship which was his first national title since 1999.

He is the holder of three World Ploughing Championships in 1994, 1995 and 1999.

Jer Coakley from Clonakilty, Co. Cork, also participated in last weekend’s championships and was victorious in the reversible class and is World Reversible Stubble Champion.

This year’s National Ploughing Championships are a little over a week away taking place at Scraggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, September 16th-18th.

Gorey Library hosts new Photo Exhibition

Pictured at the launch of the Photographic Exhibition in Gorey Library were (left to right); Mohammad Gesis, Cllr Joe Sulivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, who performed the launch, Baba Williams. Barkhad Mire and Emmanuel Ehikioya. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Library

A new photography exhibition, “Shared Space: Life at the Courtown Hotel,” featuring the work by asylum seekers living in the Courtown Hotel was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Joe Sullivan in Gorey Library today (Saturday).

Created on mobile phones during a three-month workshop led by Irish photographer JP Keating, this work is part of a documentary series.

A year ago, Keating asked men at the IPAS centre about documenting their lives. This year, he returned to teach them photography, enabling them to chronicle their own experiences in Ireland for the first time.

Cllr Sullivan described the exhibition as “personal glimpses into the lives of people who have had to leave home, find safety, and start again in a place that’s new to them.”

Cllr Sullivan; “This exhibition gives us a chance to step into someone else’s experience, to understand a little more about what it is like to live in the Courtown Hotel, and to connect with people whose lives are different from our own.

“What makes this exhibition so special is that these men are now part of that story. They’ve brought their own experiences, perspectives and creativity into our county adding a new layer to Wexford’s cultural life,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.

JP Keating said; “My intention with Shared Space is to open a conversation between the residents of the hotel and the local community – to allow people see beyond the walls, to recognise the human faces and lives within, and to use photography as a way of creating connection and belonging.”

Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council added his support to the exhibition, congratulated all concerned and said; “It is a real pleasure to be here at this exhibition launch today.”

Also adding support by his presence was Craig Lang, Chairman of Courtown Tidy Towns’ and Chairman of Riverchapel Community Complex. Stephanie Warner from the Local Authority Integration Team acted as master of ceremonies.

Support for the project was provided by Wexford County Council’s Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) and Wexford Local Development.

The exhibition is open to the public in Gorey Library until Saturday, September 20th. Admission is FREE. All are welcome.

PJ was central to the ballroom era

By Dan Walsh

PJ (Patrick Joseph) Doyle, a prominent businessman aged 90, of Hollow House, Ballypreacus, Bunclody, and formerly of Rathmines, Dublin, passed away on Wednesday, September 3rd, in the presence of his family.

PJ DOYLE

PJ was famous throughout Ireland for his ballroom businesses, especially The Barrowland in New Ross and the Castle Night Club in Enniscorthy.

Leaving school at 13, the self-made man relied on his sharp business acumen rather than formal education.

He grew up in a large family on a small farm near Bunclody, left school at 13, and moved to England, where he gained practical business experience selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners door to door.

He returned to Ireland and began organising dances at ballrooms across the country, quickly making a name for himself in the popular entertainment scene in the 1960s and 1970s.

Working with parish committees and sports clubs, he progressed to overseeing operations at several venues where the prominent showbands of the era were performing.

He noticed the advertisement for the Castle Night Club at the Warren Estates office in Enniscorthy after having acquired ballrooms in Courtown and New Ross, which were the initial venues of what later became a notable enterprise. Venues in Waterford and Clonmel were added to his portfolio.

Most of the funds were quickly invested in real estate in Dublin. PJ was among the final participants remaining in the ballroom property market.

Recently, Wexford County Council finalised a Compulsory Purchase Order on the Castle Night Club in Enniscorthy and intends to develop the area as a tourism hub. Meanwhile, The Barrowland in New Ross has reached a sale agreement, but details regarding its future redevelopment have not yet been disclosed.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Patrick Joseph (PJ) Doyle, Ballypreacus, Bunclody, Wexford / Rathmines, Dublin, Hollow House, Ballypreacus Bunclody, Co Wexford and formerly of Dublin. PJ passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 3rd, surrounded by his family. Aged 90 years. Beloved son of the late Ned and Kitty. Brother of Maura, Frances, Eamon, Brigid and the late Mick, Anne, John Joe and brothers-in-law Tysie, Noel and Jack. Very sadly missed by his brother, sisters, brother-in-law Jim, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and neighbours. May PJ’s Soul Rest In Peace

Reposing at his residence, Hollow House (Y21CF79) tomorrow (Friday) from 2pm to 8pm. Removal to Church of St. Mary Magdelene, Kilmyshall, on Saturday, September 6th at 12.30pm for Funeral Mass at 1pm. Burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery, Bunclody. House private Saturday morning please.

Community funds allocated to 10 Wexford clubs

By Dan Walsh

Adman Steel Sheds has reaffirmed its commitment to local communities by contributing a total of €75,000 in grassroots funding this year, with the latest €35,000 being awarded to 10 sports clubs nominated by Adman employees. 

Each club will receive €3,500 to invest in equipment, facilities, and youth programs, funded entirely by profits from Adman’s Lean Factory Tour — a not-for-profit experience demonstrating Lean Manufacturing principles in action. 

(Left to Right); Shane Reddy and Breda Flood, Oulart The Ballagh; Laura Kehoe and Caitriona Murray, Clonee GAA; Pat Nolan, Adman Steel Sheds; Leon McDonald and Finn Hayden, Wexford Youths Darts; Mick Curran and Trish Murphy, Camolin AFC. Unfortunately, the names for the front row have been omitted in the email, however, if the organisers would supply the names WexfordLocal.com would be delighted to add them to this photograph.

The following clubs will benefit from this year’s donations: 

Under 12 Craanford Boy’s GAA 

Oylegate United Women’s Soccer 

Clonee GAA Club

County Wexford Youth Darts 

Shamrock Rovers AFC 

Clonard Ladies LGFA 

Ballyhogue GAA Club 

Oulart the Ballagh GAA Club 

Ballygarrett GAA Club 

Camolin FC 

This marks the second year of Adman’s staff-nominated support programme, which has now supported 16 clubs across two years. By linking business innovation with social good, Adman continues to strengthen the communities where its employees live, work, and play. 

“Our staff live, work, and play in these communities, and it’s only right that we give back to the clubs that play such an important role in people’s lives,” said Paul Nolan, Managing Director of Adman Steel Sheds. “Through the Lean Factory Tour, we’ve found a way to combine business innovation with community impact — showing how Lean can benefit both companies and communities alike.” 

From under-age GAA teams to grassroots soccer clubs and youth darts associations, the funding will help upgrade facilities, purchase equipment, and create better sporting opportunities for hundreds of players and their families. 

The initiative is powered by Adman’s Lean Factory Tour, an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience at its acclaimed Gorey manufacturing facility. Designed for SME leaders and their teams, the tour demonstrates Lean principles in action, with all profits reinvested directly into local community projects like these donations. 

Businesses interested in improving operational efficiency while giving back can book the Lean Factory Tour via www.admansteelsheds.com/about-us/lean. 

Woman dies following Gorey accident

By Dan Walsh

NATALIIA VOSKANOVA

A woman in her 60’s who was seriously injured when hit by an oil truck on Gorey’s Main Street on June 27th has sadly passed away.

Nataliia Voskanova from Main Street, Riverchapel, and formerly of Ukraine, died on Thursday, August 28th at the Mater Hospital, Dublin.

Dearly beloved wife of Ruben and loving mother of Albert and Viktor. Deeply regretted by her loving husband, sons, grandchildren David and Kyryl, daughter-in-law Kateryna, sisters-in-law, nieces, relatives, ​​​​​friends and neighbours. May She Rest In Peace.

Nataliia’s Funeral Service will take at Flood’s Funeral Home, McDermott St. Gorey, tomorrow, Thursday, September 4th at 11am. Followed by private cremation in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, Dublin.

St John’s Community Activity Garden opens

MINISTER JAMES BROWNE speaking at the official opening of St John’s Community Activity Garden this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

James Browne T.D. Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government and Jennifer Murnane O’Connor T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, performed the official opening of St. John’s Community Activity Garden at Enniscorthy this evening.

Minister Browne stepped in to perform the opening of the new garden in the grounds of St John’s Community Hospital in place of Minister Dara Calleary which was created with funding of €234,000 granted through the Town and Renewal Scheme.

AUDIO ADDITION; Minister James Browne speaking at the opening of St John’s Community Activity Garden.

Minister Murnane O’Connor referred to “a wonderful facility to be used by a wide range of groups for physical and healthy wellbeing across the county.”

Cllr. Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council said; “The garden is a place-making development which has reimagined the green space at St. John’s Hospital into an engaging space for all and is testament to the power of collaboration, vision and community spirit and it marks another significant step in enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of Enniscorthy.”   

Cllr Sullivan commended the contractor, Monageer Contracting Ltd, S&N Granite, Camolin, for their very generous donation of granite, the Enniscorthy District team of Neville Shaw, Catherine Fitzpatrick and Claire Lawless and the HSE team of Dr Denise Rodgers, Mick Mahon and Derval Howley.  

At the opening of St John’s Community Activity Garden were; Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council, Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, Minister James Browne TD and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District said; “We have this wonderful community garden and this wonderful amphitheatre that could be such a real benefit, not just for the people of this part of Enniscorthy, but in the entire town and district. We could have concerts, dances and all sorts of events here on this space and we could all enjoy it.”

Other speakers included Mick Mahon, Wexford Mental Health and Sinéad Reynolds, IHA Manager Waterford and Wexford.

Derval Howley, Head of Services St. John’s Campus HSE introduced the various speakers and acted as master of ceremonies.

The attendance included Malcolm Byrne TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllrs Pat Kehoe, Trish Byrne and Aidan Browne, CEO Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe, Director of Services Carolyne Godkin, Neville Shaw, Senior Engineer and staff of Wexford County Council, and special guests; staff and patients at St. John’s Community Hospital.

There was excellent entertainment from members of craobh Comhaltás Iniscóirthe and special assistance from Enniscorthy Men’s Shed.