Cllr Donal Kenny is new Cathaoirleach

CLLR DONAL KENNY elected CATHAOIRLEACH at the annual general meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council today.

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Centre

Fianna Fail’s Cllr Donal Kenny from Craanford is the new Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council following the annual general meeting held in the Civic Centre, Gorey, this afternoon.

Cllr Kenny’s name was put forward by Cllr Andrew Bolger and seconded by Cllr Willie Kavanagh while Cllr Diarmuid Devereux was proposed by Cllr Oliver Walsh and seconded by Cllr Anthony Donohoe

Following a vote Cllr Kenny was declared the winner by six votes to three and was congratulated by outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen and took charge of the chains of office.

Cllr Kenny said it was “a huge honour” to be in the position and he thanked “my team” in Gorey, Cllr Bolger who proposed me, and my wife Helen and Danny, who were present in the chamber. Cllr Kenny is looking forward to progressing projects in Gorey town and district and is planning an ‘in-house’ meeting with his fellow members to format a plan of action for the coming year.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux is the Leas-Cathaoirleach for 2022-23. Cllr Devereux was proposed by Cllr Donohoe and seconded by Cllr Walsh while Cllr Mary Farrell was proposed by Cllr Willie Kavanagh and seconded by Cllr Andrew Bolger. The Fine Gael member triumphed by six votes to four.

Good wishes were expressed by all members to the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach and Philip Knight, Administrator, on behalf of the staff.

Tributes were paid to the outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen who, in turn paid tribute to the staff and outlined a long list of eventful occasions along the way. “We had our good days and our bad days,” said Cllr Breen who recalled the Water Treatment Plant episode in August, the floods on Christmas Day, the tragic death of Council worker Billy Kinsella during Storm Eunace at Ballythomas in February – “it was a shock to everybody and we send our sympathies to Rita and Conor -the events on St. Patrick’s Day, the visit of the Ukraine Ambassador, Polski-Éire Day, the opening of the enhancement at Courtown Harbour, events at Boolavogue and Wonderworld and Active Tribe who “left the woods as they were and will honour all the commitments given.”

Philip Knight, who became District Administrator, during the lifetime of the last Council thanked Cllr Breen and Liz Stanley “for taking me under their wing.” He also gave a visual presentation on many of the community events that were revived after the pandemic lockdown.   

Cllr George is 125th Cathaoirleach

CLLR GEORGE LAWLOR, Cathaoirleach, and CLLR MICHAEL WHELAN, Leas-Cathaoirleach, following elections at the annual general meeting of Wexford County Council at Council HQ, Carricklawn, Wexford, today.

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council annual general meeting

Veteran Wexford town and Labour Party member Cllr George Lawlor was elected as the 125th Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at the annual general meeting held in the council chamber at Carricklawn, Wexford, this afternoon. He defeated Fine Gael’s Cllr Frank Staples by 21 votes to 8.

Cllr Lawlor said his election was “a singular honour for his family and the Labour Party” and he thanked the members for their support. Cllr Lawlor’s wife Yvonne and his daughter Rachel were present in the chamber, while using modern technology, two other daughters, Ruth in Edinburgh and Sarah in Dubai and preparing for a flight to Dallas were able to congratulate their proud Dad on his great achievement in a history-making link up on the big screen.

Cllr Lawlor outlined his aims for the coming year and stated his wish to be “a Cathaoirleach across the county” and promised to support projects in Enniscorthy, New Ross, Gorey-Kilmuckridge and Rosslare with the same vigour as his native Wexford.

Cllr Lawlor was proposed by Cllr Maura Bell, who described him as “vastly experienced, was Mayor of Wexford four times, a role he performed with “dignity and ability” and in a light-hearted gesture she referred that he could be “better known for singing!”

Cllr Ger Carthy seconded Cllr Lawlor. “He was almost 18 years on the Wexford Borough Council, 14 years on Wexford County Council, Mayor of Wexford on four occasions and was “very well positioned to take the chair.”

Cllr Cathal Byrne proposed Cllr Frank Staples for the position. He was on the old Wexford district council in 2014, re-elected in 2019 in the Rosslare district and was Mayor Wexford in 2017 and had done sterling work for mental health.

Cllr Oliver Walsh seconded Cllr Byrne’s proposal. “Cllr Staples was Mayor of Wexford and Chair of Rosslare District; I think he would make an excellent chair and I am happy to second the proposal.”

When the roll-call vote was computed Cllr George Lawlor came in with 21 votes, and declared elected Cathaoirleach, while Cllr Frank Staples received eight votes.

The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach was bestowed on Cllr Michael Whelan, proposed by Cllr John Fleming and seconded by Cllr Michael Sheehan.

His opponent was Cllr Bridín Murphy, the outgoing Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, proposed by Cllr Jim Moore and seconded by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan. Cllr Whelan defeated Cllr Murphy by 21 votes to 8.

Cllr Whelan thanked the members for their support and pledged his support as understudy to Cllr Lawlor over the coming year.

At the meeting tributes were paid to the excellent work of the outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Anthony Connick for their work during 2021-22. Cllr Murphy said she enjoyed “a very busy year” coming out of the Covid restrictions and outlined a long list of achievements. “I attended 40 events, not including meetings, since May 1st,” she added.

Chief Executive Officer, Tom Enright, paid tribute to the work of Cllr Murphy and he also welcomed Cllr Lawlor to the chair. He described it as “an exceptional year”.

Tributes were also paid to the family and friends of Council worker Billy Kinsella who lost his life while on Council duty near his home at Ballythomas on February 18th during Storm Eunance and sympathy and remembrance were conveyed to his wife Rita and son Conor and, also, his work colleagues.

Attendance at the annual general meeting included Deputies Brendan Howlin and Verona Murphy and Senator Malcolm Byrne.    

Enniscorthy promotes its history and heritage…and there is more to come!

The ‘field of battle camp site’ re-enactment in the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy this afternoon.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy.

A camp site featuring the redcoats and the pikemen was the feature at the inaugural Rebellion Day held in the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy today.

Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society were in battle dress for the occasion and there was great curiosity in the weapons of the period on demonstration, particularly from the families and younger generation who showed up in strong numbers.

Renowned blacksmith Finian Liam Christie from Coolgreany had his furnace in full fire and was busy informing visitors about the ancient art of pike-making.

Today’s event, held in pleasant outdoor weather conditions, was the beginning of some history and heritage events happening in Enniscorthy.

Tuesday – the longest day June 21st – is also the anniversary of the Battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798 and the local re-enactors are welcoming the public to join them on Vinegar Hill at 7pm for a small commemoration ceremony that has been an annual pageant for as long as most people can remember!

On Saturday, July 2nd, Enniscorthy will host a special commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Enniscorthy, which raged for four days on the streets of the town from July 1st-4th, 1922.

The proceedings open at 11am, local historian Barry Lacey will give an outline of the events in 1922 and

A re-enactment of the Battle of Enniscorthy will take place at Enniscorthy Castle featuring re-enactors from Lord Edwards Own and Enniscorthy Historical Re-Enactment Society.

The keynote speakers will be Sean Haughey, grandson of Seán Lemass, who fought at the Battle of Enniscorthy and Carmel Smyth, author of Monteith – The Making of a Rebel.

There will also be a prayer for all who died in Enniscorthy and Wexford in the War of Independence and Civil War.

It promises to be a wonderful commemoration located around Enniscorthy where all the action and activity occurred in 1922. WexfordLocal.com will bring more details as the event gets closer, but this advance publicity is aimed at information for families and friends to decide to attend and make plans. All are welcome. Enniscorthy welcomes everybody!  

Man arrested after €1.3m drugs seized

By Dan Walsh

A man has been arrested after heroin and cocaine, with an estimated street value of €1.3 million were seized at Rosslare Europort this morning.

Revenue officers stopped and searched an unaccompanied trailer after it arrived on a ferry from Dunkirk in France.

The search was carried out as a result of routine profiling and using Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner.

The officers found over 5kg of heroin and 8kg of cocaine, which were concealed in a hidden compartment of the trailer.

A man in his 30s was arrested and is being held at Wexford Garda Station.

Investigations are continuing.

If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295. 

Great day at Gorey Show

Admired these cars at the Gorey Show. Can you believe that these were fuel guzzlers – not too many miles to the gallon – but €2.15 per litre would probably run them for a decade. Food for thought. 1920-2022?

By Dan Walsh at Ashton, Ballycanew

I dropped in yesterday afternoon to the 161st Gorey Agricultural Show at Ashton, Ballycanew, the overcast sky was pleasant to the attendance, and it was wonderful to see this historic rural occasion restored after the pandemic.

It was a truly family occasion – I would say the dog classes were the most popular attraction – but the vintage section added a traditional flavour and reminded us of the way machinery used to be on the family farm in times past.

Wexford and Clare were playing their hearts out in the All-Ireland senior hurling quarter final, and thanks to the committee, patrons were able to follow every stroke of the ball. Sadly, the cheers faded towards the end, but there is always another day!

Declan Flanagan had them all up dancing and Stacey Breen sang good country ‘n’ western songs while Seamus Long kept the little folk entertained. And the mammies and daddies clapped along and hailed their little heroes!

Great to see people of all ages out and about again in a spirit of entertainment and enjoying themselves in a no-pressure environment. After two years of lockdown, let’s appreciate the simple things in rural life, the outdoor setting, the renewal of friendships, and the weather played its part!

Pity the showjumping and horse and cattle classes were missing, but there are reasons beyond the control of the volunteers and organising committee for that, but hopefully, they will be back soon!

And finally, and on a personal note, I was very impressed with the traffic arrangements and general layout of food stalls, commercial stalls etc. and everything worked out perfectly without stress or complaint. Well done, to the Gorey Agricultural Show Committee… great show!

Death of ex-Kilanerin PP Canon O’Brien

The death has occurred of Very Rev. Patrick Canon O’Brien, Chambersland, New Ross, a former President of St. Peter’s College, Wexford, and parish priest of Kilanerin for 28 years. He was in his 89th year.

VERY REV CANON PATRICK O’BRIEN

Ordained at Maynooth in June 1958, he spent 26 years at St. Peter’s College where he held the positions of Professor of Philosophy (1959-1981), Dean (1976-1981) and President (1981-1985).

He served 28 years as parish priest at Kilanerin (1985-2013).

He died peacefully on Friday surrounded by his loving family. Eldest son of the late May and Walter O’ Brien, Cushinstown. Predeceased by his sister Peg.

Sadly missed by his loving sisters Maureen and Stasia, brothers Maurice, Wally and Lar, Bishop Ger Nash and the priests of the Diocese of Ferns, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, extended family, friends and former parishioners. May His Gentle Soul Rest in Peace.

Reposing at Cooney’s Funeral Home, New Ross, (Y34 N677) today Saturday from 3pm concluding with Rosary at 6.30pm followed by removal to St. Mary’s Church, Cushinstown. Requiem mass on Sunday at 2pm. Followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining church grounds.

Ballyfad heritage on the world wide

Folklorist MICHAEL FORTUNE and CLLR FIONNTAN Ó SUILLEABHÁIN who performed the launch of A Ramble Through Time in Ballyfad Hall last night.

By Dan Walsh

A series of interviews with local people in the Ballyfad area are available on the world wide web following last night’s launch of ‘A Ramble Through Time – Vol. 4 and 5, by local Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, held in Ballyfad Hall.

The work was done by well-known folklorist, Michael Fortune, a few years ago, however due to the death of the parish priest of Kilanerin Fr. Donal Berney (August 24th 2019), and two years of the pandemic lockdown, it has taken until now for the work to be launched and it is universally available on the internet via folklore.ie.

“It was a great event and many of the people involved were here tonight to hear Michael Fortune who played excerpts from the recordings, and I wish to thank Michael for his great work with the community over a number of years,” concluded Cllr Ó Súilleabháin.

Amongst the locals who appear in the visual recordings are Tom Cullen, Mary Fortune, Joe Miller, Peter Kelly, Maureen Cullen, Tom Boland, Kathleen Kinsella, Eileen O’Sullivan, Paddy and Nellie Murray, and Cllr Ó Súilleabháin.

AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN speaking at the launch of A Ramble Through Time in Ballyfad Hall last night.

New shipping route Rosslare to Zeebrugge

By Dan Walsh

A new freight route between Rosslare Europort and Zeebrugge, Belgium, will commence on July 23rd launched by Finnlines, and will provide a new direct link between Ireland and Continental Europe, which also offers a new connection from Finland to Ireland.

The route will be operated by the ro-ro vessel, Finnpulp, which has the capacity to carry 3,259 lane metres of cargo, equivalent to around 225 trailers. The vessel can also accommodate 12 drivers.

There will be two departures per week from each direction.

Demand for freight services from Ireland to Continental Europe has grown in the wake of Brexit and the new route will provide a crucial link for Irish industry. The Finnish industry, as well as German and Spanish industries, will also have an easier access to Ireland via transshipment in Zeebrugge.

“We are delighted to support the growing post-Brexit Irish trade to the Continent and provide transport operators with an important alternative route, which will greatly benefit all stakeholders and the Irish economy. Finnlines provides cost-efficient and high frequency liner services to its customers with the lowest CO2 emissions per transported cargo unit,” says Antonio Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines.

“Finnlines is proud to expand its route network and upgrade its services to support its customers to grow and develop new businesses,” confirms Tom Pippingsköld, Finnlines President and CEO.

Finnlines specialises in freight transport and the extensive line network provides Finland’s export industry with a regular and reliable way to the European market, while ensuring imports of goods that are important for security of supply.

Bloomsday launch for Anne Ireton’s book

Author ANNE IRETON with her new book Spirit of our Times- Zeltgeist at the launch in the Tara Vie Hotel, Courtown, last night.

By Dan Walsh

We are assured that it was coincidental, but Anne Ireton’s second book Spirit of our Times – Zeitgeist, was launched last night at a pleasant function in the Tara Vie Hotel, Courtown Harbour, which was the famous Bloomsday. It was a nice literary twist to a special occasion.

This is the second collection of poetry and short stories from the creative Anne Ireton, a native of Courtown Harbour, now living in Ardamine, and one of the rapid rising stars of the literary world in Co. Wexford.

Anne joined Gorey Writer’s Group in 2016 and it was the founder of that group, and “Anne’s great friend and alloy”, Bernie Walsh, who was given the privilege of launching the publication. “I launch this book and send it far out there into the galaxy and I have great hopes that you will continue writing great works on those blank pages that can be very difficult to accomplish. I look forward to many books to come in the future, well done Anne,” concluded Bernie.

There was also support from Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, who spoke highly of Anne’s creative talent, congratulated her, and read his favourite extract from the book.

“I am delighted and honoured that Anne asked me to say a few words. Anne has been known as a prolific and inspiring writer, very well read, rich in vocabulary and a very deep spiritual writer,” he concluded.

Best selling author and writer with HOT PRESS, Jackie Hayden, praised Anne Ireton’s “high-quality thought-provoking material.

In reply, Anne Ireton said she was “overwhelmed and grateful and a bit emotional” and she thanked everyone for the kind words and for all the support over the last few years.

The author’s sister Jane Hughes acted as master of ceremonies and readers included Álanna Hammel, Mary Keogh-Hanson and Amy Eastwood. Following the speeches and readings and some fine food the literary celebration continued with a music session with local musician Noel Dunbar.

AUDIO ADDITION – ANNE IRETON talking to DAN WALSH about her latest book at last night’s launch in Courtown.

Sensible water usage urged for Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water has plans to upgrade the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment plant to bring a safer and more reliable supply to homes and businesses in Enniscorthy. Similarly, an upgrade is planned for the Newtown Water Treatment Plant in Wexford town. This will bring a more robust and safer supply to 20,000 people around the town.

Since March, Irish Water has been carefully monitoring all raw water sources in county Wexford, that is the water from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources that feed water treatment plants.

Speaking about the developing situation, Irish Water’s Regional Operations Manager Jim Fitzgerald said: “We are appealing to the public in Wexford to be mindful of how they use their water at home, as we have had a very dry period recently. As the busy summer holiday period kicks in, many people will be outdoors a lot more, watering the garden or washing cars. We are just asking people to be sensible about how they use their water so that we have enough for everyone to use during the daytime and that the businesses of Wexford can function to their optimal.

“The prolonged dry weather has exacerbated the demand on water. Our main areas of concern at the moment would be the Wexford Town and Enniscorthy areas as they have on-going supply issues, but we also have challenges elsewhere in the county such as Bunclody. Water is such a precious natural resource, and we are working hard along with our colleagues in Wexford County Council to ensure the people in Wexford have a safe and reliable water supply.”

New research by Irish Water shows over half of Irish households (53%) admit to wasting water, despite 78% acknowledging it’s important to take steps to conserve it. The news comes as Irish Water launches a new Conservation Calculator, which will assist households across the country to assess their water usage habits and find out how much water they are saving on a daily basis. It also offers useful and practical tips on how to reduce water usage and track their progress. Pictured at the launch of Irish Water new Conservation Calculator were pupils from Scoil Treasa Naofa, Dublin 8, Mia Fahy (age 9), Abdullah Bilal (age 11), Amira Dziri (age 8), Yataro Tsuba (age 11), Cali Atkinson (age 7), Eve McLean (age 11), Abderahim Taicha (age 7), Mohnish Shaniloll (age 10) and Asmaa Ibn El Banna (age 11). Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

The Irish Water customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, please visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water website. Irish Water and Wexford County Council regret any inconvenience caused.