Enniscorthy remembers Bloody Sunday

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

A minute’s silence was observed and the names of fourteen civilians shot dead during a civil rights rally in Derry fifty years ago were read aloud and remembered in Market Square, Enniscorthy, today.

DEPUTY JOHNNY MYTHEN addressing today’s Bloody Sunday 50th Anniversary event in Market Square, Enniscorthy.

Johnny Mythen T.D. told WexfordLocal.com that the Bloody Sunday 50th Anniversary remembrance event in Enniscorthy was organised by Sinn Féin, but it was non-political and open to everybody.

It was a dignified ceremony with Deputy Mythen reading the names of the victims, a minute’s silence was observed, Deirdre Barker and Marie Doyle read appropriate poems and the occasion concluded with Ger Sheehan singing ‘The Town I Loved So Well’.

Thirteen civilians were shot dead when British soldiers of the Parachute Regiment opened fire on people who had been attending a civil rights rally in Derry city on 30 January 1972.

They were Patrick ‘Paddy’ Doherty, Gerald Donaghey, John ‘Jackie’ Duddy, Hugh Gilmour, Michael Kelly, Michael McDaid, Kevin McElhinney, Bernard ‘Barney’ McGuigan, Gerald McKinney, William ‘Willie’ McKinney, William Nash, James ‘Jim’ Wray and John Young. A 14th person, John Johnston, who had been amongst the injured, died several months later.

AUDIO ADDITION; JOHNNY MYTHEN T.D. speaking about the Bloody Sunday 50th Anniversary event held in Enniscorthy today.

Wexford winners at Cork today

By Dan Walsh

Wexford stables got off to a winning start in the point-to-point at Ballyvodock, Co. Cork, today, with first timer I Goirni, winning the five-year-old mares maiden race for the Tector family from Rathnure.

It was the second winner of the season for handler Robert Tector and the victorious rider was Jack Hendrick from Mayglass. The verdict was one length and the mare is for sale.

DENIS MURPHY enjoyed a victory at Cork today.

Denis Murphy also saddled a first timer in An Tobar who enjoyed a twenty lengths success in the first division of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with Inch rider Luke Murphy in the saddle. The Master of Ballyboy Stables was saddling his 240th winner in the past 13 seasons.

There was a six-race point-to-point at Tyrella in East Down on Saturday, but while some Wexford raiders made the journey, none managed to reach the winning post first!

Wexford Hunt point-to-point races will take place at Ballinaboola, New Ross, next Sunday and the first race is off at 1pm. The card will feature a 4yo maiden, the first of the season; 5yo geldings maiden; 5&6yo mares maiden, 6yo geldings maiden (confined to novice riders) and a Winner of Three race.

THE’RE OFF…Good news for point-to-points

By Dan Walsh

Good news for point-to-point enthusiasts in the South East is confirmation that the Wexford Foxhounds meeting at Ballinaboola will go ahead as planned next Sunday, February 6th.

There was doubts about the point-to-point fixture list going ahead while searching for an underwriter for insurance cover and, consequently, fixtures planned for Tinahely and Ballycrystal during January were cancelled.

A breakthrough courtesy of a new insurance scheme called The National Hunt Steeplechase, Point-to-Point and Field Insurance Programme (NHSPFS), provides insurance cover for hunting activities, including point-to-points, and all fixtures in the month of February can proceed as scheduled.

Ballinaboola will host Wexford Foxhounds start of the new four-year-old maiden season and it will be the opening race on the card. Other races include the 5yo geldings maiden; 5&6yo mares maiden, 6yo geldings maiden (confined to novice riders) and a Winner of Three race.

Point-to-point action.

It has been twenty-two months since a point-to-point fixture has taken place without restrictions, many were held ‘behind closed doors’ (even limited press attendance allowed), but the time has come when online advance booking, contact tracing and social distancing will no longer be required.

It has been a tough time for everybody, but let’s celebrate freedom with increased attendances and local support, it is no more than the fans, the organisers and the participants deserve from a popular outdoor family fun day out. There is always a point-to-point event near you… check it out!  

Bringing lunchtime into open spaces

By Dan Walsh

In an earnest effort to encourage and maintain social connections, Healthy Wexford is calling on all to develop their outdoor lunchtime social engagement with a new initiative called #OpenLunch, this is where you use your lunchtime, and the open spaces – parks, green areas, beaches etc. to meet and connect with others in your area.

Whether it is a meet up with friends, remote workers connecting, or residents making new connections locally this is an opportunity to use your lunchtime and the wonderful open spaces across the county. You know, you could incorporate a ‘walk & talk’ or simply ‘meet to eat’; whatever you do it’s an opportunity to get out and connect with those in your area.

Speaking about the initiative Healthy County Committee member Mary B. O’Leary said; “We’ve all suffered reduced social connection over the recent past, whether it is through reduced activities, moving to working from home, or simply due to what we now know as the new normal. This initiative is about making the conscious effort to keep and build our social connections, while enjoying the great outdoor resources we have in the county. We’ve been piloting this in my own area and the reaction has been great.”

Wexford’s renowned MIN RYAN PARK is set to be a popular meeting place for the ‘walk and talk’ and ‘eat and meet’ lunchtime programme.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council is also enthusiastic and added; “We know that connecting is one of the five ways to well-being and I see this initiative being a catalyst to help people to do that in their own areas for a short time during the day”.

Chair of Wexford’s Healthy County Committee, Cllr John Hegarty encouraged people all around the county to organise an #OpenLunch in their own areas. “You don’t need anything special, and the concept can be flexible to suit you and your needs – make it an early or late lunchtime, walk and talk, just meet to eat, rotate the location – whatever works for you and your group,” he concluded.

Healthy County Co-ordinator, Annette Dupuy has set out some tips for organising an #OpenLunch and is encouraging people to check out the Community Walking Resources from Get Ireland Walking and sharing on social media use the #OpenLunch hashtag with your location so others in your area can find out what is happening.

Death of Wexford editor Gerry Breen

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred suddenly and unexpectedly of Gerry Breen, (88), Rocksborough, Wexford, who was former editor of The People Group of Newspapers and the Ireland’s Own over many years and was also associated with historical publications.

GERRY BREEN (Pic; Independent.ie)

He began his journalistic career with The People Newspapers as a young reporter in the mid-1950s and became a sub-editor and assistant editor to the late Tom Fane, before taking on the role of editor prior to Independent Newspapers purchasing the company in the early 1970s. He concluded his career as the editor of Ireland’s Own.

In recent times he was associated with Rosslare Historical Society and was editor to its five published editions of the Rosslare in History series.

Back in 1980 he consented to the invitation to be editor and wrote the foreword for BREE; The Story of a County Wexford Parish by Dan Walsh. We worked together for many years and we were lifelong friends. He was a great mentor and in recent years often interviewed him on radio.

Gerry Breen was a very kind and caring man who transformed the presentation and newspaper style from the old hot metal to a more vibrant publication and he also was an active supporter of history and heritage with a passion for his native Wexford town aligned to his generous coverage of rural parish activity across Co. Wexford.

FAMILY NOTICE; Breen (Rocksborough, Wexford), January 26, 2022, Gerry (Gerard), beloved husband of Marie and loving father of Áine, Colm, Ciarán, Nollaig, Brendan and Carol, brother of Laurence and the late Jackie and Anthony (Patrick), sadly missed by his family, son-in-law Keith, daughters-in-law Jan, Sandra, Lynn and Gill, brothers-in-law Gerard, Brendan and Raymund, sisters-in-law Ann and Brigid, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace

Reposing in Mulligans Funeral Home, The Faythe, Wexford today (Friday) from 4pm until removal at 5.45pm to Church of the Assumption, Bride Street. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 12 noon, burial afterwards in St. Ibar’s Cemetery, Crosstown.

Glanbia Ireland plants 100,000 native trees

By Dan Walsh

Glanbia Ireland and its farm family suppliers have achieved their Operation Biodiversity target of planting 100,000 native trees and hedgerow plants one year ahead of schedule and to celebrate the landmark sustainability commitment and to mark the significant decision taken by Glanbia Co-op to take full ownership of Glanbia Ireland.

10,000 potted native trees are provided at no cost to farm family suppliers and customers through the network of CountryLife Garden Centres. In Wexford, CountryLife has centres in Campile, in New Ross where the give-away were launched, and in Bunclody. 

The trees are limited to one potted tree per customer. In-store horticulturists are available to discuss which variety best suits different soil types and where trees will thrive. The trees are available on a first come, first served basis. 

Wexford-based John Murphy, Chairman of Glanbia Ireland and Glanbia Co-op said: “Our farm family suppliers have demonstrated strong commitment to sustainability action by embracing the Operation Biodiversity initiative with great gusto. We pledged to plant 100,000 native trees and hedgerows in two years. It was one of several on-farm commitments also included in our ‘Living Proof’ sustainability strategy. Today, we are delighted to report we have reached this target – a full year ahead of schedule.

“Our farm family suppliers and customers have embraced this initiative and joined us on our Living Proof sustainability journey. Our Co-op members have also taken the positive decision to acquire full ownership of Glanbia Ireland.

“This will ensure that we continue to better serve our communities, farmers and colleagues for this generation and the next generation to come. We want our farm family suppliers and our customers to celebrate this decision and mark it by planting a native tree in their garden or on the farm,” concluded Mr Murphy.

At the launch of the initiative in CountryLife New Ross, Wexford, were, from left: Noel Leacy, Horticulturist at CountryLife New Ross; farmer and Glanbia Ireland council member, John J Murphy and his daughter, Bridget Mai Murphy Ballyfoyle, New Ross and John Murphy, Chairman of Glanbia Ireland and Glanbia Co-op. Photograph: Patrick Browne.

The 10,000 free native trees include Alder, Birch, Crab Apple and Oak and are now available for pick up in Glanbia Ireland’s CountryLife Garden Centres. The latest stage of the Operation Biodiversity programme continues for 2022. Separate to the 10,000 trees made available at no cost, bundles are also available for sale through the programme.

Tree and hedgerow bundles is grouped by soil type, ensuring everyone chooses the right variety with the best chance of flourishing for generations to come.

Progress at Enniscorthy Technology Park

By Dan Walsh

A new state-of-the art office block is taking shape at Killagoley and at the January meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Acting District Manager, Bernie Quigley, reported that the building is “progressing well and the windows are currently being installed on site.”

Enniscorthy Business and Technology Park has progressed well in recent months and many passers-by on the Enniscorthy-Wexford road and by rail across the River Slaney have noticed the growth of the modern building and generally people are impressed.

ENNISCORTHY BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY PARK is progressing well.

The sod was turned on Enniscorthy Technology Park in August 2018, located on 35 acres on the southern outskirts of the town, the land was purchased for €18,000 per acre from the HSE, and when completed at an estimated cost of €2.5 million it is designed to accommodate small and medium enterprises and bring jobs to the Enniscorthy town and district.

Death of Canon Doyle, ex-PP Craanford

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Very Rev. Canon Tom Doyle, retired parish priest of Craanford, at Oakfield Nursing Home, Courtown. He was in his 86th year.

VERY REV. CANON TOM DOYLE

Born in 1936 at Monagrena, Boolavogue, he was educated at Boolavogue National School and St. Peter’s College, Wexford, where he was ordained to the priesthood in June 1962.

He served as a curate in Ballyfad from 1962 until 1970 when he took up a similar position at Courtnacuddy where he served for 20 years until 1990. When Rev Noel Hartley became parish priest in Kilmuckridge Canon Doyle replaced him as parish priest in Adamstown in September 1990.

He became parish priest of Craanford in September 1999 where he served the community until his retirement in 2015 after 16 years. He was a popular pastor and celebrated his Golden Jubilee in 2012.

FAMILY NOTICE; Very Rev. Canon Tom Doyle, Craanford, Gorey. Peacefully at Oakfield Nursing Home Courtown on the 25th January, 2022. Retired Parish Priest of Craanford.

Beloved brother of Breda, Eileen, Carmel, Benny, Eamonn, James, Micko and the late Rene, Elsie, John and Mary. Deeply regretted by his loving sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, friends and his devoted house-keeper Anne Steadman, Bishop Ger Nash, fellow Clergy and Parishioners. May He Rest In Peace.

Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey on Thursday from 2 pm with removal at 6.30 pm to St. Patrick’s Church Craanford. Funeral Mass on Friday at 11am, followed by Burial in St. Cormac’s Cemetery, Boolavogue.

Oulart trails will extend to Boolavogue

By Dan Walsh

Oulart Hill Development Association has brought many local projects to fruition over the years and now that the pandemic has gone it has plans to increase its tourism potential and attract greater numbers to the district.

The walking trails have proved popular, especially during the lockdown and travel restrictions, and the Association has plans to bring back the vibrant community that has been hindered for the past two years.

The original walking trail starts in Oulart village and leads to Oulart Hill, a second walking trail starts in Blackwater and links with the Unyoke on the Gorey-Wexford road and leads to the 1798 battle site and there are plans locally to extend the trail to Boolavogue.

There are upwards of 40 memorials on Oulart Hill, but the jewel in the crown and a memorial of international significance is Tulach na tSolais (“the mound of light”) which was constructed in the 1990s.

Brian Ó Cléirigh and Breda Jacob at the famus Tulach a’ tSolais memorial on Oulart Hill.

Oulart Hill Development Association have launched a GoFundMe project and two of the members, Breda Jacob and historian Brian Ó Cléirigh, will be taking listeners on an audio tour of Oulart Hill and district on MidWeek Voices on South East Radio on Wednesday (8pm, 95.6 or 96.4FM).

“We need to carry out maintenance and expand the trails. There are also repairs to be done,” stated Breda Jacob, while Brian Ó Cléirigh concluded; “There is a lot of grass to be cut. We need a lawnmower – a big one!”

AUDIO ADDITION; Breda Jacob tells Dan Walsh about the magnificent plans for Oulart Hill Development Association.

€4.4m for walking and cycling in Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Commuters and nature enthusiasts are expected to benefit from National Transport Authority funding of €4.4m allocated to Wexford County Council for high quality upgrades for walking and cycling infrastructure announced today.

Deputy Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com; “I am pleased that Wexford County Council has been awarded funding which is part of an overall total of €289 million for approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects across the country.

“Ensuring we have a good and efficient transport system in Wexford is essential for the future as we aim to make our communities and town centres more vibrant, in addition to making commuting to work and school safer and easier.

“Over the past two years we have spent more time enjoying our outdoor amenities and investing in active travel will also help us to meet our climate change obligations. Funding amount for Wexford and projects to be delivered include:

Beechlawn/Clonard Avenue Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town€390,000
Newtown Road Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town€1,000,000
Monck Street Pedestrianisation Scheme, Wexford Town€770,000
Rosslare Harbour to Kilrane Cycle Scheme€80,000
R723 Oakland Roundabout to Kents Cross, New Ross – Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme€150,000
Cycle Repair/Rest Facilities: Kilmore Quay and Hook Head€13,296
New Footpaths Package A: Including works in Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Kiltealy, Milehouse, Ballyhogue, Clohamon and Tombrack€46,746
New Footpaths Package B: Including works in The Ballagh, Gorey, Ballycanew and Riverchapel€210,336
New Footpaths Package C: Including works in Duncannon, Ballinaboola, Killanne, Campile, Ballymitty and Bridgetown€30,483
Footpath Improvement Schemes: Including works in Oilgate, New Ross, Fethard, Piercetown, Taghmon, Wellingtonbridge and Wexford Town€250,000
Light Segregation Cycle Schemes: Including works in Gorey and Wexford Town€100,000
Low Cost Junction Tightening/Pedestrian Crossing Schemes€100,000
Low-Cost Permeability Measures€40,000
Safe to Schools Programme – Support Infrastructure€150,000
Enniscorthy Footpath Improvement Schemes: Including Works at Promenade River Slaney Walk, Drumgoold, Ferns Village and Enniscorthy Town€150,000
Gorey Footpath Improvement Schemes: Including Works in Gorey to Courtown, Ballymoney, Monaseed and Ramsfort Park€150,000
R772 Cycle Scheme€121,000
New Footpaths Package D: Including Works in Goat Hill, Ballywilliam and Oaklands to Priority Street€100,000
Pedestrian Improvement Schemes including Works in Our Lady’s Island, Tomhaggard, Murntown, Barntown and Shelmaliere Commons€39,000
Non SRTS School Walking and Cycling Infrastructure, Wexford Town€90,000
Roxborough Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town€100,000
Wexford Town Local Transport Plan€150,000
Wexford County Council Active Travel Office – Staff Costs€209,140
The River Slaney Walk at the Promenade, Enniscorthy, is included in the list of projects in line for walking and cycling funds.

Deputy Kehoe continued;“There has been substantial progress in this area over the last number of years. Expenditure on and delivery of Active Travel, as funded by the Department of Transport, has seen a significant increase, quadrupling from ca-€45 million in 2019 to €184 million in 2021.

“Further amendments are also expected to the Road Traffic and Roads Bill in the coming weeks, which will help our local authorities progress experimental traffic management schemes and other measures which will fast track active travel infrastructure,” he added.