Women helping women is what the Women’s Coalition serves to do”- Cllr Maura Bell.

By Dan Walsh

The Women’s Coalition vision is “a county with equal representation at all levels of society, including politics; that Wexford is a place of equal opportunity with a parity of voice reflecting the diversity of its population.” and the official launch of Wexford County Council’s Women’s Coalition takes place on Wednesday 9th March in the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy.

The coalition is a cross party forum made up of the following six female elected members of Wexford County Council:

Cllr. Maura Bell, Chair of the Coalition. Member of Wexford Borough Council.

Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and member of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Cllr. Lisa McDonald, Rosslare Municipal District

Cllr. Kathleen Codd Nolan, Enniscorthy Municipal District

Cllr. Mary Farrell, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District

Cllr Bridin Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District

The group was established to support an increase in the number of women in politics, to support each other as female members of the council and to encourage other women who are interested in politics to take the leap and get involved.

There are similar groups in Dáil Éireann and other local authorities, but this is the first time such a group has been formed in Wexford County Council with its inaugural Chair, Cllr Maura Bell. The coalition is an official sub-committee of the County Council and has its own Mission Statement, Strategic Plan and Constitution.

Michelle O’Neill, the acclaimed Wexford-born League of Ireland Referee and global leader on the sports stage as World Cup / Olympic FIFA International Assistant Referee, is the guest speaker and will perform the official launch.

Chair of the Women’s Coalition, Cllr. Maura Bell said; “I am honoured to be elected as the first Chairperson of this dynamic group of female councillors to help encourage as many women as possible to get involved in politics at any level. If women want their experiences represented and to have the power to make decisions about the infrastructure and economic development of their community, then they need to be encouraged and supported to enter politics. Women helping women is what the Women’s Coalition serves to do.”

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and member of the Women’s Coalition Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy said; “Women are widely involved in leadership roles on school boards, community groups sporting and other organisations, so it is only a small jump to step into official politics. The prospect may be a daunting one for many women, due to the lower levels of representation in Irish politics overall but we are here to show that it is a very worthwhile and rewarding occupation.”

Members of Wexford County Council Woman’s Coalition; Cllrs Mary Farrell, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Barbara-Anne Murphy (Cathaoirleach)), Lisa McDonald, Maura Bell (Chair) and Bridín Murphy. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

Treble for Jack Hendrick at Tinahely

By Dan Walsh at Tinahely

Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick was the king of Fairwood, Tinahely, today where he grabbed the headlines riding three winners at the annual Bray Harriers point-to-point races. He is enjoying a good season and this was number 12 out of a career total of 28 wins.

Only four of the 24 entries faced the starter for the maiden race for four-year-olds and Idalko Bihoue came home alone for Monbeg handler Cormac Doyle and the first of Jack Hendrick’s memorable treble.

Jamie Codd was present to see his father, Billy Codd saddle Earl of Desmond in the Winners of Two race and victory was his by eight and a half lengths with Jack Hendrick up. Owned by Basil Holian from Galway, Jamie said afterwards. “He is a fun horse. We don’t know where he will go next. We’ll have to discuss with the owner. We’ll see.”

Jack Hendrick, George Murphy (owner), Susan O’Gorman and Patrick O’Sullivan pose with Killybegs Junior following his success at Tinahely today.

Jack Hendrick’s hat-trick was completed on Killybegs Junior in George Murphy’s colours and trained at Coolbawn, Rathnure, by Robert Tector. The winning distance was five lengths and Hendrick expects the gelding will be aimed at a winner’s race on his next outing.

JAMES KENNY was in the winners’ enclosure at Tinahely.

Jack Hendrick missed out on a four-timer aboard Captains Nephew for Cormac Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings having lead over the final fence but caught on the run in by Colin Bowe’s General Officer ridden by James Kenny. The verdict was a neck.

Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, has ambitious plans for Lough Derg Spirit, the sixteen lengths winner of the Open Lightweight Race for novice riders under Conor Smithers. “He will go for a Lightweight Open and we’ll also consider a trip to Aintree. He will improve,” added Murphy.

Brian Lawless from Delgany was happy to have a winner at the Bray Harriers point-to-point and it came on Time To Rocco by two lengths for Cork handler Colin Motherway in the maiden race for five-year-old mares.

The Bray’s were facilitated by the Shillelagh & District Hunt where a good size crowd gathered and braved a hail shower but the track rode well and the pace was fast and furious in all six races.

JACK HENDRICK had a day to remember at Tinahely today.

It was a successful weekend for Barry O’Neill who travelled to Farmacaffley on Saturday and recorded a double – On The Sod for David Christie in the Open Race and added in a five length victory on Colin Bowe’s Gunnery Officer by five lengths in the maiden race for six year old geldings plus.

Today, O’Neill made the journey to Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary, where he rode his third winner in two days. He was aboard newcomer Haveanothergoflo for Colin Bowe in division three of the maiden contest for five-year-old geldings. Three winners also for Bowe, one yesterday at Farmacaffley and across the board double today at Tinahely and Lisronagh.

There were two other Wexford winners at the Tipperary track. Sean Doyle trained newcomer Between Waters to victory in the mares four-year-old maiden race – a 25th career winner for Jamie Scallan from Tomhaggard – and the runner-up, eight lengths adrift of the winner, was Realisation from Mary Ellen Doyle’s Coolgarrow Lane Stables near Enniscorthy.

Richie Rath sent Come On Paddy Mac from his Ballybawn, Screen, stable and was rewarded with a three lengths success in the first division of the maiden race for six-year-olds plus race. Tom Hamilton was the successful rider.

Joe Dixon is Gorey’s Grand Marshal

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

Ace photographer and community activist with Cycle Against Suicide, Joe Dixon is the Grand Marshal for the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Gorey on March 17th and he proudly accepted the honour at tonight’s launch held in Browne’s Lounge, The Parade, Gorey.

This will be the first parade since 2019 and Joe Dixon laughed as he declared himself “the longest serving Grand Marshal in the history of the Gorey parade” having had the title bestowed on him in 2020, but due to the Covid there was no parades since.

Joe told WexfordLocal.com that he feels “honoured, proud and delighted in taking on the Grand Marshal role” and he thanked the committee for selecting him. He will bring a positive and honourable feature to the parade by showcasing the frontline workers who braved the pandemic in the interest of the general public.

Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council said the parade will be a spectacle starting at the ’98 monument, marching down the Main Street and concluding at the Review Stand in Esmonde St. “There will be sporting groups, three bands and a huge parade is expected,” he added.

Pictured at the launch of the 2022 Gorey St. Patrick’s Day festival in Browne’s Lounge, Gorey, tonight (left to right); Conor Brennan (committee), Cllr Donal Kenny, Philip Knight, (District Manager), Michael Gleeson (Chairperson Gorey St. Patrick’s Day Committee); Joe Dixon (Grand Marshal), Cllr Pip Breen (Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council), Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Leas-Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, and Mary Breen (committee).

Recently appointed District Manager Philip Knight is looking forward to “my first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Gorey” and he outlined that the Council is fully supportive of the occasion and every effort will be made to make it the best parade ever.

St. Patrick’s Day Committee Chairperson Michael Gleeson is excited about the forthcoming event. “It’s the first parade in three years. It will be great to have the crowds back and to see everybody enjoying themselves. We have the arrangements almost complete, but we could do with more volunteers on the day, so anybody out there who would like to help with the parade, or, indeed, take part in the parade, give us a call before March 7th and we’ll delighted to have you.”     

AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR PIP BREEN speaking about the 2022 Gorey St. Patrick’s Day Parade at tonight’s launch.
AUDIO ADDITION; MICHAEL GLEESON, Chairperson Gorey St. Patrick’s Day Committee talks to DAN WALSH at tonight’s launch.

Cllr McDonald welcomes Murrintown funding

Fianna Fáil public representative in the Rosslare LEA, Cllr Lisa McDonald, has today welcomed funding approved under the Towns and Villages Renewal Scheme for Murrintown.

CLLR LISA McDONALD and MINISTER JAMES BROWNE

“I am proud to announce today that I have obtained €220,918 for Murrintown under the Towns and Villages Renewal scheme”, said Cllr. McDonald.

“The funding will be used for the development of a Remote Working Hub with high-speed broadband and a café to support job creation in Murrintown. The aim of the project is to enhance the existing social and economic infrastructure in the area”.

“The announcement this morning is testament to the huge work done by the Community Centre committee headed by Colm Dunne. Thanks also to Minister James Browne for his assistance with this project.”
“I’m delighted after all our hard work to get this over the line”, Cllr. McDonald concluded.

€920,914 for four Wexford projects

By Dan Walsh

Four Wexford projects will share €920,914 in funding under the Town and Village Renewal funding scheme announced this morning.

NEW ROSS receives the highest amount – €500,000- and this project has two elements; Renovating Brennan’s Lane which is the main link from the town centre to the Library Park, Barrack Lane and the main town centre parking facilities, and renovating the Shambles as a vibrant multi-functional space.

MURNTOWN receives €220,914. This proposal is for the development of a Remote Working Hub with high-speed broadband and a café to support job creation in the rural area of Murrintown. The aim of the project is to enhance the existing social and economic infrastructure.

CRAANFORD gets €100,000 for the provision of a remote working hub in Craanford village located in the former village shop which is currently derelict.

RAMSGRANGE also receives €100,000 for repurposing of an unused, derelict space within the former convent at Ramsgrange Centre through the development of a rural remote working hub with high-speed broadband.

Fine Gael TD, Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com ; “I am delighted to that this latest round of funding is targeting a number of areas that will see vacant and derelict town centre buildings being transformed into spaces that with be of high value to the community.

“There is also a strong focus on remote working projects in this round of funding and I am pleased to see that a number of projects that set out ambitious marketing plans aimed at attracting remote workers to relocate.

Body washed up on Wexford beach

By Dan Walsh

The identity of a body found on a beach in North Wexford has not yet been revealed tonight.

Gardaí in Gorey are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body of a woman washed ashore in the Saleen Lane area of Kilgorman Beach in North Wexford this afternoon. This is close to the Ullswater memorial.

It is believed that the deceased may be in her 50’s. Information is sketchy at this time.

The body of the deceased has been removed to University Hospital Waterford for a post mortem examination.

The investigation is continuing.

Council family in final farewell to Billy

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council leads officials and Council workers as Billy Kinsella’s cortege arrives at Ballyfad village for his Funeral Mass and burial this afternoon.

By Dan Walsh at Ballyfad

Wexford County Council work colleagues, officials and public representatives formed a guard of honour and lead the tributes to Billy Kinsella, (59), who was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery following Funeral Mass in The Church of Our Lady of the Nativity, Ballyfad this afternoon.

The Wexford County Council worker from Clonroe lost his life while clearing debris and fallen trees following Storm Eunice in the Ballythomas area.

The incident occurred within a mile of his residence around 11am last Friday which makes the tragedy even more poignant.

Celebrant Fr. Richard Lawless told the overflowing congregation that “Billy’s good work in life came to a sudden end last Friday. He was a quiet, selfless character and a rock of good sense. He was a proud family man and would give his time to anybody.”

On behalf of the community Fr Lawless expressed sincere and heartfelt condolences to Billy’s sorrowing wife, Rita; their son Conor; brothers and sisters Patrick, Elizabeth, Shay, Sean and Aileen; aunts, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, grandnephews, grandnieces and extended family,

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Tony Larkin, Deputy CEO, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, lead a legion from Wexford County Council in attendance at Billy’s funeral.

As a mark of respect Wexford County Council closed all its offices from 1pm today.

Colonel Stephen Howard, Aide-de-Camp represented President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina. James Browne T.D., Minister of Law Reform at the Department of Justice represented the Government.

There was also a guard of honour by members of Kilanerin GAA Club and he was remembered by his friends in the local Vintage Club – a model of a Massey Ferguson tractor was one of the gifts placed on his coffin during the Mass.

Billy Kinsella was laid to rest in Ballyfad Cemetery where Fr. Lawless recited the final prayers and the sad occasion ended with a solo rendition of Boolavogue. May He Rest in Peace.

Gorey-Sri Lanka Cricket Tour launched

Pictured at the Gorey Cricket Club launch in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey, last night were; (left to right) Anslem Diaz, Cllr Andrew Bolger, Al FitzGerald (Chairperson), Pradeep H. Gamage (Club Captain), Bartle Esmonde (who presented a Esmonde Perpetual Cup) and Rob Millard (MC).

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

About 30 members have signed up for next year’s Gorey-Sri Lankan Cricket Tour 2023 involving cricket matches, sightseeing, assisting in the construction of children’s homes in the wake of the Tsunami 2004, and generally growing stronger links between the two countries.

Details of the tour were unveiled last night at a pleasant presentation organised by Gorey Cricket Club in the Loch Garman Arms Hotel, Gorey.

Club Captain Pradeep H. Gamage introduced the itinerary and updated plans for the 14-day trip next February. There was a presentation on Sri Lanka, which is a tropical island famously described by Marco Polo as “undoubtedly the finest island of its size in the world.”

Though the efforts of Brian Brennan, who addressed the gathering via video, the link will continue to grow stronger as Gorey will be visiting the Arklow Boys Home and the Wexford Girls Home during the tour while a fundraising campaign will soon take place.

Gorey Cricket Club’s presentation was addressed by Al Fitzgerald (Chairperson), Herbie Honohan (Development Officer with Cricket Leinster, and Mr Bartle Esmonde, who kindly sponsored the Gorey/Kilmuckridge Colleges Esmonde Perpetual Trophy in honour of his esteemed family from Ballynastragh, whose links with cricket date back to the 1800s.

Rob Millard acted as Master of Ceremonies and welcomed everybody to the function, thanked the speakers, and wished all well on the Sri Lanka tour.

AUDIO ADDITION; Chairperson of Gorey Cricket Club AL FITZGERALD talks to DAN WALSH at Tuesday night’s launch in Gorey.