Wexford Libraries have launched “County Wexford War of Independence and Civil War: an educational resource” in Wexford Library, a booklet charting events and timeline of the War of Independence and the Civil War in County Wexford.
It is a resource for young people from 4th class in primary school to 3rd year in secondary school. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy introduced the booklet to an enthusiastic audience. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Barbara-Anne Murphy says, “This booklet is a wonderful learning resource for our young people so that they can engage with the history of their area from a hundred years ago.”
This was followed by a talk by Historian in Residence, Barry Lacey to a class of 1st year students from CBS Wexford.
The booklet was researched and written by local historian, Monica Crofton and edited by Executive Librarian, Hazel Percival and Library Assistant, Michael Dempsey. It was designed by Nicola Bailey.
The booklet will be distributed to all schools in County Wexford in the coming weeks. It will also be available in all Wexford library branches with an additional electronic version on the library website.
Schools can request a class visit from Barry Lacey, Historian-in-Residence, to discuss this important time in Irish history with the students.
Pictured at the launch of the Schools Booklet on Wexford’s History during the War of Independence and Civil War were Monica Crofton (Historian), Cllr Pip Breen, Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Cllr John Hegarty, Cllr Garry Laffan, Cllr Donal Kenny, Hazel Percival (Executive Librarian), Barry Lacey (Historian in Residence, Wexford County Council).
For further information, contact the Local Studies Librarian at 053 919 6330 or libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie
Brittany Ferries is to introduce a more tourism-oriented ship Galicia on to its Rosslare/Bilbao route from November of this year.
News of the new ship for Rosslare, was announced earlier today (Thursday) by Brittany Ferries’ President Jean-Marc Roué, who earlier this year became Honorary Consul for Ireland in Brittany who, along with the company’s Chief Executive, Christophe Mathieu was in Rosslare to meet with the port of Rosslare executives and with local business leaders. He said that the introduction of Galicia was a further indication of the company’s long-term commitment to Ireland.
Speaking of the decision to introduce Galicia to the route, Monsieur Roué said that Galicia, which can take up to 1,015 passengers is closer in style to cruise-ferries like the company’s flagship Pont-Aven, with far better facilities for holidaymakers; “There is no doubt that the Rosslare – Bilbao route has been successful, and we are pleased with the way Irish hauliers have embraced it. Galicia will continue to provide a strong freight offering. However, our research has indicated that there is a demand there from Irish people wishing to holiday in Spain and Galicia will certainly make for a far more enjoyable experience for them. The job now is to work in partnership with tourism bodies in Ireland and Spain to ensure that holidaymakers fill our ships and enrich destinations in both markets.”
Glenn Carr, General Manager Rosslare Europort, welcomed the announcement by Brittany Ferries of Galicia’s introduction, saying; “Brittany Ferries are more than just customers of Rosslare Europort, they are our partners in strengthening our direct links between Ireland and Europe. The Galicia will ensure that as well as freight customers, holidaymakers will benefit from this partnership, and provide a more sustainable travel choice for tourism to and from Ireland’s South East and beyond.”
Siobhan McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets, said; “As we restart overseas tourism to Ireland, the announcement that Brittany Ferries will introduce its Galicia cruise-ferry on the Bilbao to Rosslare route is very good news and a real vote of confidence in Irish tourism. We already work very closely with Brittany Ferries and we look forward to co-operating with them to maximise the promotion of this service to Rosslare. Tourism Ireland is rolling out an extensive programme of promotional activity in Spain throughout 2022. Our message is very simple: Ireland is open for business again and we cannot wait to ‘roll out the green carpet’ and welcome back our Spanish visitors.”
Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, said; “The addition of increased capacity from continental Europe to Rosslare by Brittany Ferries will play an important role in tourism recovery by providing greater access into Ireland for overseas visitors. There’s so much to see in Ireland’s Ancient East. Fáilte Ireland has invested significantly in Wexford, Waterford and the South East, and the array of world-class tourist attractions and activities available will encourage international and domestic visitors alike to discover Ireland’s Ancient East, stay longer and, importantly, support jobs and deliver revenue to the local communities in the region.”
Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Anthony Connick, who also attended today’s event, added: “I am absolutely delighted at today’s announcement. This announcement demonstrates strong confidence in these routes and the resulting increased visitor traffic will contribute to and support the major investment that is currently taking place in Rosslare Europort. The additional passengers on these ferries are additional visitors to County Wexford. The challenge is to ensure that these visitors do not just pass-through County Wexford, but instead stop and savour everything that our wonderful county has to offer.”
The visit to Rosslare followed on from yesterday’s visit to the Port of Cork where Brittany Ferries confirmed that its twice-weekly service from Cork to France, which was launched earlier this year will become a permanent feature of the company’s sailing schedule.
Brittany Ferries set up its Rosslare – Bilbao route in February 2020. It was set up primarily as a freight route and this was reflected in the choice of Connemara with its relatively limited facilities for holidaymakers. This was at a time when Brexit was seen as having the potential to cause major disruptions for hauliers. The route has been a success in relation to freight.
The Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Ger Nash, has made diocesan appointments that will involve Fr Tom Dalton replacing Fr Odhran Furlong as Administrator of St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy.
BISHOP GER NASH
Fr. Tom Dalton, who is Parish Priest in Riverchapel, becomes Administrator at St. Aidan’s Cathedral and retains his roles as Diocesan Master of Ceremonies; Chaplain, Intellectual Disability Services; Centering Prayer Co-Ordinator and Chaplain, Presentation Secondary School, Wexford.
Fr. Odhran Furlong is leaving St. Aidan’s Cathedral, to be Chaplain, Wexford General Hospital and to retain his roles as Diocesan Communications Officer, Chairman of St. Peter’s College Board of Management and Chaplain to Wexford GAA.
Bishop Nash and the diocese wish to thank Ken Quinn for his service as hospital chaplain and for his work in various other roles in the diocese over many years.
Fr Jim Butler, in addition to his role as Parish Priest of Ballygarrett, is to assume pastoral responsibility, pro tem, for the parish of Riverchapel pending a review of diocesan parish structures in the autumn.
All appointments to take effect on Monday, April 25th 2022.
Stena Line has cancelled all crossings between Fishguard, Pembrokeshire and Rosslare, until April 12th.
Sailings on a Welsh ferry route have been suspended as the operator tries to plug gaps left in Northern Ireland.
It has moved a ship to Northern Ireland following concerns food supplies could be by the P&O crisis as P&O’s services were suspended after sacking 800 staff stating the business was not “viable”.
STENA EUROPE (File Picture).
Passengers who usually travel from Fishguard are being advised to travel on the Pembroke service instead, as Irish Ferries is accepting Stena Line customers.
“Due to the suspension of P&O’s services into Northern Ireland there were supply fears in the region,” Stena Line’s Simon Palmer explained; To add “additional ferry capacity”, the company has sent the Stena Nordica – one of its ships on the Holyhead to Dublin route – to help.
However, this left a gap on that route, so Stena Europe – which usually sails between Fishguard and Rosslare – was moved to cover it. “The issue is also compounded by the timing of the crisis happening during our annual dry-docking period, where our ships take turns going into the shipyard for a makeover,” Mr Palmer added; “Otherwise, we would’ve had a spare ship. The Stena Horizon from our Cherbourg route is currently in dry-dock, with that route being covered by the vessel Stena Estrid, which has been moved from her normal route on Holyhead to Dublin.”
The Horizon is due to be out of dry dock on April 11th, which should free up more capacity.
After P&O sacked workers and suspended services at the end of March, hauliers in Northern Ireland warned they were running at 50% capacity because of issues.
Revenue officers seized almost 6kgs of herbal cannabis and a small quantity of cocaine with a combined estimated value of €129,000, following a search, under warrant, of a premises in Gorey today (Tuesday).
GOREY GARDA STATION
A man in his 40s and a woman in her 50s, were arrested by An Garda Síochána in connection with this seizure. They are detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drugs Trafficking) Act 1996 at Gorey and Wexford Garda Stations.
The seizure was made because of a joint operation conducted by Revenue’s Customs Service, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the Wexford Divisional Drugs Unit.
Investigations are ongoing.
This operation was part of Revenue’s ongoing joint investigations targeting organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding drug smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.
Correspondence has been received by every County Council in the country by an individual requesting a twinning arrangement with a city, or region, in Ukraine “as a basis for showing specific public support for local European democracy, which is being defended in the current war.”
In response, Wexford County Council have acknowledged a long and proud tradition of twinning arrangements over many years, the main concept around twinning is that it is driven by a desire from both communities who have linkages or shared culture or heritage.
WEXFORD ARTS CENTRE…one of the town’s great culture/heritage centres.
WexfordLocal.com has seen the correspondence that clearly states; “It is not a matter for a third party to propose same, and while twinning with a Ukrainian town, is, of course, a worthy and worthwhile concept in normal times, at the moment the towns in Ukraine are much occupied in dealing with other more pressing and significant matters.”
It has been recommended that the consideration of this proposed twinning arrangement be deferred until such time as an expression of twinning interest is received by Wexford County Council from a town within Ukraine.
A 40-miles sea search from Land’s End to Rosslare involving Irish and Welsh RNLI lifeboats and helicopter services from Waterford and Wales took part in a daylong search for a missing person today.
It’s understood a man may have gone overboard from a Stena Line sailing from Cherbourg to Rosslare Europort this morning.
The Waterford-based Rescue 117 helicopter and RNLI crews from Rosslare Harbour, Kilmore Quay and Dunmore East were involved in the search near Tuskar Rock, off the Wexford coast.
In a statement issued by RNLI it is confirmed that “Irish and Welsh RNLI lifeboats were involved in search for missing person. Four RNLI lifeboats were launched to assist two HM Coastguard helicopters in a large-scale search for a missing person.
“Rosslare, Kilmore Quay and Dunmore East RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Ireland and St Davids and Angle all-weather lifeboats from Wales took part in the search.
“Rosslare RNLI lifeboat was the first to launch at 10.41am this morning (Monday) after a person was reported missing from a ferry. Kilmore Quay lifeboat was soon requested to launch as well as St Davids and Angle Tamar class all-weather lifeboats from Wales.”
“RNLI lifeboats from Wales have joined the search 40 miles offshore and are conducting search patterns. The sea conditions are reported to be slight to moderate.”
The London Wexford Association has announced the sad passing on Sunday morning of the well-known long serving member and President, Michael Sills, (76), who was a native of Murrintown and set up home in London in 1969.
Born on February 28, 1946, Michael was a native of Murrintown, Co. Wexford resided in Willesden, London. He was son of the late Robert and Anne Sills and brother to Anita and Patrick and the late brother Victor. Michael was proceeded by his late wife Bridget.
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 and two grandchildren, Lauren and Malachy.
Michael was a kind caring considerate gentleman great character and always appeared happy and had a great sense of humour. He was a hardworking man who set himself high standards and was always guaranteed to get a job done which gave him great satisfaction.
He gave his time and commitments to many Irish organisations throughout his life. Michael 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 proudly wearing his Wexford tie.
He would give his time and support to other committees The Fr Murphy Youth Club and an avid member of Fr Murphy Hurling Club, The London Irish Festival, The London Irish Centre, The Council of Irish Counties Association, Gladstone Park Allotment Association.
Michael was easy to get along with and always had a good word for everyone
Michael also had a serious side to him and did not suffer fools easily. People would have called on Michael for advice as he had a vast range of knowledge and experience of various topics.
He was always game for a laugh and would have pulled a few tricks in his time, although his light-hearted humour never caused any upset or offence.
Michael loved to spend time working on his allotment and would have produced a few spuds and cabbages in his time and would share them amongst family and friends. Many a story would have been told at the tea shed in the allotment amongst his friends and fellow gardeners.
In 1983 Michael was one of the founders of The Wexford Darts League which is still going strong.
Michael’s great love in life was for his family and friends, music and sport. He had a fond love for Country music which he would listen to on a daily basis on South East Radio and ICMR Radio.
AUDIO ADDITION; DAN WALSH interview with MICHAEL SILLS in 2013. (Source; Dan Walsh Audio Archive).
Michael loved the challenge of the quiz nights and had a tremendous passion for the GAA. He enjoyed watching or listening to the hurling and football and rugby games and would always look forward to hearing the results.
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.
Unfortunately, in the last few years of his life Michael suffered ill health with Super Nuclear Palsy which left him wheelchair bound, but he still fought on courageously.
Michael will be sorely missed by his family and large circle of friends, as he had made such a positive impact on many people’s lives.
London Wexford Association Chairperson Lucia Butler told WexfordLocal.com; “Michael was a very sincere loyal honest gentleman who worked extremely hard for the benefit of the association. “He never forgot his roots a proud Wexford man. We are all very grateful and will continue to build and promote the association to ensure its continued success”
“We would like to express our sincere condolences to his son Damian and his partner Anna and his daughter Joanna his sister Anita and brother Patrick and his grandchildren Lauren and Malachy and all his family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Three point-to-point fixtures today and Wexford winners at all three. The first four races at Rathcannon, Co. Limerick came Wexford’s way with Tomhaggard rider Tiernan Power Roche enjoying double success.
Power Roche won by two and a half lengths on newcomer Doyen Star for Cleariestown handler Mark Scallan in the four-year-old maiden race. Scallan’s 10th success as a handler and five of them have come this current season. Half an hour later and Power Roche won on another newcomer Jack Burke, owned and handled by Harley Dunne, who went to Doneraile and enjoyed success there, in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
Iorens, having her first outing, was a five lengths winner for Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, in the maiden race for four-year-old mares with Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard, in the saddle.
Enniscorthy rider Aaron Sinnott was also amongst the Limerick winners. He partnered Katie Dalie for Balincollig handler Con McSweeney in the maiden race for five- and six-year-old mares and took the spoils by three and a half lengths.
HARLEY DUNNE enjoyed a cross card double today.
While Harley Dunne was celebrating a handler’s success in Limerick, he was riding Croke Park for Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, in the four-year-old gelding’s maiden race at Doneraile, Co. Cork. The verdict was one length. A nice cross card double for Dunne who is enjoying a good season.
Michael Murphy, Redbridge Stables, Duncormick, also saddled a Doneraile when Look To The West was ridden to victory by Michael Sweeney in the maiden race for four year old mares contest.
Hero of yesterday’s Scottish Grand National, Rob James, went to Doneraile today and while in the frame a few times he left without a victory, however, Ballybeg Boss gave James a winner as a handler in the maiden race for four year olds in Castletown-Geoghegan. Brian Dunleavy was in the saddle and the verdict was three lengths.
One other Wexford success at the Westmeath track. Storminhome in the colours of Noeleen Kenny, handled by Liam Kenny at Ballydarragh, Craanford, and ridden by James Walsh, Tinahely, achieved a one and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
A canine conundrum has emerged ahead of the bathing season, which may not be here just yet, but can’t be too far away! Ms Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, presented a draft copy of the Wexford County Council Beach Bye-Laws 2022 to members at the March meeting where it emerged that many people were strongly opposed to “a ban on dogs on beaches”
Beautiful DUNCANNON BEACH
While it is not proposed to ban dogs from beaches, it is proposed to implement a time restriction on access at the five Blue Flag beach areas of Co. Wexford between 11am and 6pm for the summer months.
Criterion 23 of the Blue Flag requirements specifies that dogs and pets are not permitted on Blue Flag section of the beach!
Cllrs Maura Bell and Kathleen Codd-Nolan suggested an additional warden while they asked if a dog should be always kept on a lead?
Cllr Jim Moore supported safeguarding the Blue Flag status and he called for a five-year review for removal goods on beaches. While there is criticism of the use of jet ski’s in the report, Cllr Moore pointed out that jet ski’s are now being used by the search and rescue services!
Cllr Davy Hynes supported dog owners and told the meeting that “the vast majority are responsible” and Cllr Mary Farrell did not have issues with dogs at the beach.
WexfordLocal.com 