WexfordLocal.com

Tony Larkin retires from Wexford County Council

Pictured in the Wexford County Council Chamber last Monday were (left to right); Tom Enright, CEO Wexford County Council, Eoin Larkin, Cllr Barbara-Ann Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Tony Larkin and his wife, Adrienne.

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Council Chamber

Today (Tuesday) was the final working day in the office at Carriglawn Headquarters for popular Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services, Economic and Development and Planning at Wexford County Council, Tony Larkin, who has taken well-earned retirement after 42 years of public service.

In-house tributes were due to be paid today, but yesterday the announcement was officially announced at the March meeting of Wexford County Council and glowing tributes were paid by members in attendance.

The Enniscorthy native spent all his working life with Wexford County Council, with the exception of a short 18 months stint with Bray Urban District Council many years ago. It is estimated he attended over 400 County Council meetings.

CEO Tom Enright acknowledged Mr Larkin for his immense contribution to many projects including Min Ryan Park, Wexford, the Hatch Lab in Gorey, Enniscorthy Technology Park and Trinity Wharf. “Thanks for the friendship over the past eight years (Mr Enright’s time with Wexford County Council) and I will miss your vast knowledge,” added Mr Enright.

Cllr Ger Carty recalled his late father (Cllr Leo Carty) working with Mr Larkin and he complimented him on his great achievements and outstanding contribution to public service.

Cllr Oliver Walsh asked that he be associated with the tributes from the Chamber. “I have known Tony for a long number of years – I’m 21 years here myself – he is a pure gentleman and a hard worker and I want to thank him for all he has done,” he concluded.

Cllr Davy Hynes recalled working with Mr Larkin when he was Manager at Wexford District and he joined in wishing him and his family well in retirement.

On Behalf of the Labour Party, Cllr George Lawlor said “42 years public service is nothing to be sneezed at”, and he wished him well.

Cllr Pip Breen said Mr Larkin “will be missed, he always wore the Wexford jersey. He had the best interest of all at heart always.”

There were also tributes from Cllrs Jackser Owens, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, and Jim Codd.

Colleague and Director of Services Eamonn Hore described Mr Larkin as “a friend and advisor” and he admired his “vast experience and in-depth knowledge.” He added that the people of Co. Wexford are all better for his years of public service and he offered best wishes in his retirement and thanks for his outstanding contribution.

Tony Larkin said he appreciated the kind words, but, refused to solely accept all the kindness; “no individual does projects, we are a team,” he stated. He recalled his good relationship with the members over the 42 years and he enjoyed the work. He concluded that “it doesn’t seem like 42 years and I enjoyed working on the high profile jobs having grown up in a housing estate in Enniscorthy.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy added to all the good wishes and tributes and concluded by stating “Tony, we are all going to miss you.”

Mr Larkin’s wife Adrienne and son Eoin were present in the Chamber to hear the tributes on his retirement day and a small reception followed.

Smuggled alcohol seized at Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers seized over 2,800 litres of various types of alcohol at Rosslare Europort over the weekend.

The smuggled alcohol, which included Wine, Limoncello and Sambuca, has a combined retail value of approximately €24,300, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €15,600.

The alcohol was discovered following the search of two vehicles and an unaccompanied trailer that had disembarked ferries from Cherbourg, France last Thursday and Saturday, respectively.

Investigations into these seizures are ongoing.

These operations are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

Teenager missing from Enniscorthy

Gardaí in Enniscorthy are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 17 years old Gessica Batulescu, who is missing from the Enniscorthy area since Friday.

Gessica is described as 5ft 5ins in height, of slim build with long black hair. When last seen she was wearing a blue jacket, black jeans and black Nike runners.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 9233534.

Bowe/O’Neill double at sunny Monksgrange

By Dan Walsh

The big talking point at today’s Bree Hunt point-to-point at Monksgrange was the weather – warm and sunny at 17 degrees mid-afternoon – and it was the local team of champions Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe who enjoyed a double success that made the headlines on the track.

The Kiltealy duo scored with Regarde by 12 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings that got the ball rolling. “He was unlucky the last day at Ballycahane when beaten into second place. He is improving with every run. We’ll see about the future. He may go to the sales or a Winner of One, we’ll see,” said Colin Bowe afterwards.

Dime Store Cowgirl added to the O’Neill-Bowe success story in the 14-runner maiden race for mares aged five years old or over and winning by a length and a half from Some Woman (Donnchadh Doyle/Rob James) who was runner-up in her third race in succession. Colin Bowe said; Dime Store Cowgirl will be given a break now. Her future is on the track.”

Harley Dunne, who trains at Clonroche, was owner, handler and rider of pillar to post winner of the maiden race for four-year-olds, Mel Monroe, who still had a 10 lengths advantage at the finish. After the race Dunne headed for Cork races where he finished runner-up, beaten three lengths, on Blizzard of Oz in the bumper.

Another local rider and handler, Rob James, brought Classic Anthem home alone and the only finisher in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Owner/breeder Laurence O’Brien, Oylegate, receives the Cooney Furlong Trophy from Marguerite Furlong following Joe’s Turn success in the Winner of Two race at Monksgrange today. Also in the photo is winning rider Barry Stone.

The Winner of Two Race for novice riders and the coveted Cooney Furlong Trophy was won by Joe’s Turn, owned and bred by Laurence O’Brien, Tincoon, Oylegate, who recalled his victory in Cork back in January. Won by two lengths today with Cleariestown rider Barry Stone in the saddle and is trained at Ballybawn, Screen, by Richie Rath.

The maiden race for six-year-old plus geldings was the only prize to stray outside Co. Wexford when handler and rider, ex-jockey Sonny Carey saddled his first point-to-point winner with Niall Bashford in the saddle, both from Naas, and winning with four lengths to spare.

There was a large attendance and spotted amongst the crowds were Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell. A second 2022 fixture is planned for Monksgrange on Sunday, April 24^th.

There was also point-to-point racing at Loughrea, Co. Galway, today (Sunday) where Duncormick rider Sean Staples brought his seasonal total to four and career total to 12 with a double for Wexford stables.

Staples was aboard newcomer Grey Opportunity for Andrew and Paul Pierce, Blackhall, Killurin,in the mares’ maiden race for five year olds plus and they got the nod in a short-head finish.

Half an hour later and Staples recorded a double in another tight finish, only half-a-length in it this time on board The Forge Hill for Sean Doyle in the Mares Open Race. The trip west was certainly worthwhile.

Bunclody and Kilmuckridge are winners at Carnew

Eamonn Doran, Chairman of the Festival Committee and Mick Byrne (centre) who opened the 2022 15th South Wicklow Drama Festival at the official opening in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, last Sunday night. (Pic; Amateur Drama Council of Ireland).

By Dan Walsh

The 15^th South Wicklow Drama Festival ended on Saturday night after seven successful nights in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, and the big winners are Bunclody-Kilmyshall in the Open Section and Kilmuckridge in the Confined category.

Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group presented The Good Father by Christina O’Reilly on Wednesday night and Kilmuckridge’s performance of The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge entertained last Tuesday night’s audience.

Results; OPEN SECTION
1st – Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group The Good Father.
2nd – Kilrush Drama Group Class
3rd – Prosperous Dramatic Society God of Carnage

CONFINED SECTION
1st – Kilmuckridge Drama Group The Playboy of the Western World
2nd – Camross Drama Group The Kings of the Kilburn Highroad

The adjudicator was Ciaran McCauley.

Bree races at Monksgrange on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

One hundred and fifty-one entries were received for the Bree Hunt point-to-point which takes place at Monksgrange, Rathnure (Eircode Y21 PT85) tomorrow (Sunday) with the first of six races off at 2pm.

**Taking a fence at Monksgrange in April 2019.**

The latest information on the ‘going’ says; “Good, good to yielding in places, watering took place on Friday and Saturday and parts of the track will be aerated.”

Monksgrange has been host to the Bree Hunt races since 2008 and the organisers are hoping for a big attendance as all restrictions over the past two years have now been lifted and normal action has resumed.

Racing took place at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary, today (Saturday) and one Wexford winner – Kalanisi Flash by 15 lengths for the Inish Stables Partnership, handled at Rathangan by Brian Jordan and a 15^th career winner for Cleariestown rider Barry Stone in the maiden race for five-year-olds and over.

Also Saturday point-to-point at Portrush, Co. Antrim, and a winner for champion rider Barry O’Neill on David Christie’s Vaucelet by eight lengths in the open race.

New wall at St Senan’s graveyard

**A new boundary wall has been built at the old St. Senan’s Hospital graveyard at Killagoley, Enniscorthy.**

By Dan Walsh

Remnants of a fallen stonewall boundary featured in the website WexfordLocal.com in July 2021 has been replaced by a newly built pre-stressed concrete wall that adds privacy and security to the ancient St. Senan’s Hospital graveyard at Killagoley, on the outskirts of Enniscorthy.

Members of the local community drew attention to the poor state of the graveyard to WexfordLocal.com and requested public awareness as they feared nothing may be done to preserve and respect the burial grounds and it would become forgotten and overgrown.

Those same proud community people have welcomed the work and complemented the replacement of the boundary wall and it is now hoped that the graveyard will be protected and, perhaps, the annual Patron will soon be restored on the site.

Nobody knows the numbers buried there and nobody knows their names! Some small white crosses were placed by a boundary wall, and a larger cross stood in the middle. But there are no names and nothing to mark individual graves.

The cemetery at St Senan’s was in use until the 1940s and became operational shortly after the asylum was opened in 1868. It is unknown how many people were buried there.

Those laid to their eternal rest from St Senan’s Psychiatric Hospital were remembered by staff and patients, and for about 30 years or so a Patron had been held at the cemetery each summer.

St. Senan’s Hospital closed in 2013, some medical services continued there until 2015, and late in 2017 site and land were bought for development by a consortium of local business interests.

The burial grounds is located just outside the walls of the St. Senan’s lands beside a public road between Gimont Avenue and Salville and public access is open.

**St. Senan’s Hospital graveyard in July 2021 when featured in WexfordLocal.com**

Charged with theft in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

A female was arrested and charged with theft and handling stolen property after Gardaí recovered €3,000 worth of property under ‘Operation Thor’ as part of an ongoing investigation into organised thefts across Co. Wexford.

Gardaí from the Detective and Uniform Units in Gorey recently conducted a search under warrant of an address in the town. During the search, property valued at over €3,000 was recovered, this property is suspected to have been stolen from retail businesses across Wexford.

One female was arrested and detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. She was later charged with the offence of theft and handling stolen property. She was detained in custody to appear at the District Court.

North Wexford prepares for summer season

By Dan Walsh

Coastal matters were raised at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council where members were keen to be fully prepared for the tourism season. A range of relevant topics were aired in the Chamber.

Cllr Mary Farrell had questions about the beach and dune restoration programme at Morriscastle. She said the boardwalk needs a clean up and raised concerns about fly-tipping. “People are randomly dumping. I was told of four mattresses dumped in one area this morning. The countryside is not given to dumping,” she claimed.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen agreed with Cllr Farrell and recalled seeing twenty 6-inch blocks (40ks in weight) dumped where someone had knocked down a ditch. He felt it was time for ‘naming and shaming’ the culprits through the courts.

District Manager Philip Knight said CCTV had been installed and he recalled a situation where someone had torn the name and address from an envelope and thrown it away at a location between Gorey and Wexford.

Cllr Oliver Walsh said the replacement of Balyconnigar Bridge was badly needed. It had been washed away in the floods. Cllr Walsh said the damage at Ballyconnigar cut off the walkway to Raven Point on the south side and Kilmicheal on the northern end. “It is important to get the coastal path rectified as it is a great benefit, but people can’t get past Ballyconnigar at this time of the year.” He felt the Council might get working on a long-term solution.

Cllrs Joe Sullivan and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin referred to the toilets at Ballymoney. Cllr Ó Súilleabháin requested the toilets be “open full-time” and noted that even in the off-season the location is quite busy.

Cllr Sullivan also asked that the Ballymoney beach parking situation be looked at and Cllr Anthony Donohoe agreed. He said North Wexford have great beaches but every summer there are parking problems on approach roads and a danger that emergency vehicles may not be able to get through if there were a serious incident.

Cllr Donohoe suggested that car parks be provided, like in Brittas Bay, “with an entry fee of a euro to park.” Cllr Donal Kenny agreed and added that “a couple of euro for parking charges could be got from visitors.”

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux alluded to the cost of car parks and the limited number of days in use and suggested that private landowners could be involved. Cllr Breen said that private lands had been used last year at Morriscastle and Cahore and the arrangement worked well. Cllr Joe Sullivan pointed out that the coastal area is heavily populated during the summer months.

No vestige remains of Gorey heritage house

By Dan Walsh

It was confirmed at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council that the ruins of St. Waleran’s House at Ballytegan, on the outskirts of Gorey, and the associated out-buildings have been demolished.

St. Waleran’s was destroyed in an outbreak of fire in June 2018 and the site of the ruins on 75 acres of zoned lands at Ballytegan was later acquired through NAMA by Wexford County Council.

Facing north, the architectural description of St. Waleran’s describes “A five-bay, two-storey, plus basement, plastered house, built 1868, with a hallow-pitched, shallow-eaved, hipped roof and four plain chimney stacks.”

**ST. WALERAN’S HOUSE in its former glory.** (**Pic; National Inventory of Architectural Heritage).**

HISTORY OF ST. WALERAN’S HOUSE
The original building situated in Ballytegan dates before 1824 when it was first occupied by Colonel Loftus Owen.
Renowned Dublin based architect John McGurdy redesigned and modernised the house for Isabella (née Newcombe) and Lieutenant General John Christopher Guise in 1868.

Isabella leased St Waleran’s and surrounding land to Patrick Walsh in 1901, after the death of her husband Major Guise in 1895, and then to Eliza Valentine in 1911. Other occupants included District Justice John Fahy, Patsy McCartan, Molloy’s and Gorey Educate Together.
St Waleran’s House was reconstructed for Lieutenant General John Christopher Guise by architect John McGurdy of Leinster Street, Dublin.

Major Guise was a British Army officer and English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Major Guise won a Victoria Cross saving a captain with the aid of a Sergeant Samuel Hill during the Indian Mutiny, specifically at Secundra Bagh Palace Lucknow, India.
He died in February 1895, aged 68, there is a memorial to his memory in Christ Church, Gorey, and he is interred in the adjoining graveyard.
After his death, his wife Isabella leased St Waleran’s House and surrounding lands to Patrick Walsh in 1901, followed by Eliza Valentine in 1911.
It was recorded in the early 1900s in the Census that there was a total of 27 windows in St Waleran’s. Many of the windows were sealed up with concrete by Isabella due to ‘window tax’.
In the 1940s, District Justice John Fahy and his wife moved into St Waleran’s. Mrs Fahy passed away in 1946.’
Afterwards Patsy McCartan moved into the house where he had a thriving timber business.
After McCartan’s time in St Waleran’s, the Molloy Printing Group moved into the premises. They had a contract with Calor Gas where they spray painted and designed majority of their gas products.
Molloy’s sold the premises for €5 million in 2006 to Damien Stapleton, who leased it to Gorey Educate Together.
The school vacated the premises in 2008 when they moved to Kilnahue Lane, off the Carnew Road.
St Waleran’s House was vacant when it was destroyed by an outbreak of fire in June 11th 2018, leaving nothing but a shell.