WexfordLocal.com

Making Wexford a better place

By Dan Walsh at County Hall, Wexford

Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that in 2016 almost 15% of the population of Wexford was over the age of 65 with a projection this will grow to 22% in the South-East by 2031.

“We must be ready to face the challenges that such an eventuality will bring to society and the services required to support this ageing population,” said Mary Butler TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health who welcomed and launched the Age Friendly Strategy 2022-2026 in the Council Chamber at County Hall recently.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council told the invited attendance; “Working on this strategy has given us an opportunity to listen to older people and find out what it is like to be an older person living in County Wexford, the good things as well as the challenges and issues.”

Wexford County Council CEO, Tom Enright, added; “This strategy is the culmination of an extensive consultation process that brought together the older residents of Wexford and the key service providers from the statutory, voluntary, community and private sectors to identify how we can make Wexford a better place in which to live, work, enjoy life and grow older.”

Kevin Molloy, Chairperson of Wexford Older People’s Council, stated that “As life expectancy increases, the need to ensure that Wexford becomes a great county in which to grow old is increasing too. The voices of older people and their concerns and issues are captured in our second Age Friendly Strategy. The work of Wexford’s Older People’s Council with Wexford County Council and the Age Friendly Alliance is for the good of everybody regardless of age.”

There were also other presentations; Age Friendly National Perspective by Alice Corbett, Age Friendly Ireland, and Findings from public consultation were delivered by Dr Yvonne Byrne, Rural Development Consultant.

Peace on the hillside at Kilcavan Garden

At the opening of Kilcavan Garden in Tara Hill today (Sunday) were (left to right); Christine Pidgeon, Niamh Free, Joe Roche, Chairman of Tara Hill Community Development Association, Dan Doyle and Catherine Kinsella.

By Dan Walsh at Tara Hill

Kilcavan has Tara Hill as a backdrop with wonderful views towards Arklow and Croghan countryside and the view has been improved with the official opening of Kilcavan Garden today.

Members of Tara Hill Community Development Association identified a piece of waste land adjoining the old graveyard, they hatched a plan, rolled up their sleeves and created a wonderful natural park with seats, some poetry, an historical guide board, standing stones and coming soon – a compass!

Kilcavan Garden was officially opened when Kathleen Keyes cut the ribbon on behalf of her parents, Tom and Anne, who are celebrating their 51^st wedding anniversary this week. The blessing was accompanied by a short prayer delivered by Rev. Roger O’Neill, C.C. Gorey.

Saint Caemhan or Kevin or Cavan, (associated with Clonmacnoise), as the name is variously spelt is the Patron Saint of Tara Hill and the site of the old church founded by him is situated at Kilcavan at the north side of the hill (253m or 830ft high) under a cliff by the road.

According to Kevin Spencer in the publication ‘Tara Hill – St. Kevin’s Centenary Celebrations 1987, Tara Hill School-Chapel opened on June 17 1888 and he wrote; “Tara Hill district was without a public place of worship for upwards on 100 years.”

In the same publication, Brian J. Cantwell, who compiled gravestone inscriptions, in July 1979, wrote that “the old graveyard, still in use, is situated on the north side of Tara Hill, approximately four miles from Gorey, not to be confused with Kilcavan, near Wellingtonbridge.

The oldest grave on record belongs to Matthew Brein (that’s the spelling?) who died in 1748 aged 30 years!

In the same publication, a short article by Jack Reid informed readers that “In 1969 when it became apparent that old Kilcavan was overcrowded and no more plots were available, it was decided to purchase a plot of ground adjoining.”

Consequently, the boundary ditch was removed merging the old cemetery with the new ground. A boundary wall of concrete blocks was built and a new entrance opened.

Courtown Plaza is new seaside landmark

At the launch of Courtown Plaza and Pier Enhancement today were (left to right); Senator Malcolm Byrne, Liz Hore, Director of Services, Liz Stanley, Senior Staff Officer, Tom Enright, CEO Wexford County Council, Linda Sinnott, Chair Courtown Community Council, Philip Knight, District Manager, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cllr Donal Kenny, Minister James Browne, Cllr Diarmuid Devereux, Cllr Andrew Bolger and Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain.

By Dan Walsh at Courtown

The official opening of the Courtown Plaza and Pier Enhancement today (Sunday) is recognised as the first step to bring Courtown back to its former glory and there are promises of future funding and revitalisation for the popular north Wexford seaside resort and village.

Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, who unveiled a plaque, described the occasion as “the first step to bring Courtown back to its former glory.” “We are not finished by a long shot and I am committed to what Courtown needs to bring it back to where it should be and where it can be with the help of all the local people and with Wexford County Council!

He spoke of “a beautiful white beach that is no longer here” but he felt there are plans that will address that and it is for the future -it is not forgotten – and he is hoping for some positive news next year! Cllr Breen paid special tribute to Liz Stanley, Senior Staff Officer Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, who spearheaded the project at local level.

Minister James Browne thanked everybody associated with the project including members of the Local Authority and the Courtown Community Council. “Projects being done in communities is not about the people here today; it is about the oncoming generations; it is about the environment. We need to protect our communities. We need to protect the environment and biodiversity.”

Tom Enright, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council said it was great to be here on “a positive day for Courtown. What you see today is a small step in the future of Courtown It is time to revive it as a vibrant tourist destination and a place where people want to live.

Mr Enright said it was time to revitalise the community. He thanked Minister James Browne and the Government for the funding and outlined several projects taking place in north Wexford. “We are working with the Office of Public Works for a major project so there are lots happening, and the councillors are hugely committed to the revival of this wonderful village.

Linda Sinnott, Chair Courtown Community Council welcomed “this pier enhancement as a springboard to the revitalisation of Courtown. It’s an important milestone for our village and harbour so that it’s at least as beautiful as the one we grew up with.

“We have a unique opportunity to reinvent our village for future generations. This depends on bringing all the stakeholders together to find a way of working towards this common goal. Courtown needs more investment and development to survive. However, we must avoid the mistakes of the past, we need to learn from them. We need to do better,” concluded Ms. Sinnott who, on behalf of the community, acknowledged the hard-working staff of Wexford County Council for bringing these vital works to fruition and kickstarting a process of revitalisation.”

Ms. Sinnott thanked Cllr Pip Breen for his presence and is looking forward to working more closely with him and his colleagues at Wexford County Council to ensure that Courtown is no longer left behind.

Apologies were acknowledged on behalf of Paul Kehoe TD and the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.

Pearse Rd water project starts on Tuesday

By Dan Walsh

Work will commence on Tuesday at Pearse Road in Enniscorthy, where Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, begins the replacement of ageing backyard water mains and providing new service connections.

The section of works will take place along Pearse Road from its junction with Parnell Road as far as the entrance to St. Patrick’s Park, taking in the associated roads to the residential areas

These latest water mains replacement follow hot on the heels of crews who were in St. John’s Villas in May, where over 270 metres of new water mains were constructed along the public road, bringing a safer and more reliable supply to residents there.

Outlining the benefits the Backyard Service Replacement Project will bring, Joe Carroll from Irish Water, explained; “Replacing these old and problematic pipes in Pearse Road will reduce the drinking water lost by leakage and will bring an all-round improvement to water quality for the local community.

Mr Carroll added: “In partnership with Shareridge Ltd and Wexford County Council, we have been engaging with the residents and aim to complete the works with as little disruption as possible. However, the works may involve some short-term water outages, but our project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48-hours’ notice prior to any planned water outages.

“Where watermains are being constructed, traffic management may be in place. Parking spaces may be temporarily closed to complete works; however, local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.”

Irish Water’s 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 or set your location on our website www.water.ie

Death of popular publican Barney

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Barney Murphy, Como Lodge, Castlebridge, who spent a lifetime in the licensed trade and is a former President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland.

**BARNEY MURPHY (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)**

A native of Castlebridge, Barney was a very successful businessman, but best known for his popular presence behind the family bar known as Barney’s in Castlebridge village for close on four decades.

He had a long association with Wexford Racecourse where he managed the bar facilities on the track on racedays and in 2020 was honoured by Wexford Racecourse Supporter’s Club on his retirement after half a century of service.

Barney loved the chat and banter that went with the bar scene and loved to chat about community happenings, sporting activity and what was making the news amongst his customers. He was immensely popular, and messages of sympathy are expressed to his family on their sad loss.

FAMILY NOTICE; Barney Murphy, ‘Como Lodge’ Castlebridge. Past President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland. Beloved husband of the late Margaret. Loving father of Jackie, Sandra, Barry, Claire, Orlagh, Sile and Padraig. Brother of Geraldine, Claire and the late Noel, Brian, Val, Joan and Irene. Will be sadly missed by his daughters, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, partners, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. May He Rest In Peace Reposing at his home on Sunday from 2pm to 7pm. Removal on Monday, June 6^th to St. Ibar’s Church, Castlebridge for Funeral Mass at 11am with burial afterwards in Castlebridge cemetery. House private on Monday morning, please. Family flowers only, donations, if desired, to Wexford Hospice Homecare.

Sunday Book Fair in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

The Old School House beside Christ Church at the top of Gorey’s Main Street is the place to visit on Bank Holiday Sunday (11am-5pm) for the Gorey Book and Collectibles Fair.

About a dozen book sellers and buyers from across Ireland will be in attendance, offering books for every taste and free valuation for antiquarian books.

It will be an opportunity to buy, sell or evaluate individual or collections, and, of course, books don’t have to be too ancient to be available. It is also an opportunity to make enquiries about rare or out-of-print books of interest, and even though they may not be available on the day, it is possible to set up a search.

Kieran O’Brien, one of the Fair organisers, told WexfordLocal.com that “We will have books of every genre for everyone; children’s books, antiquarian tomes, collectible works, out-of-print classics, local books and comics. There will also be coins, antiques, china, postcards, ephemera and much more…”

The Gorey Book and Collectibles Fair takes place this coming Sunday from 11-5pm in the Old School House, Christ Church, Main Street, Gorey. €2 entry fee. Children go free.

Taps are safe in Enniscorthy again!

By Dan Walsh

The Boil Water Notice issued on May 23^rd has been lifted with immediate effect and all consumers on the Enniscorthy Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, made the announcement this evening and following the completion of remedial measures and the receipt of satisfactory monitoring results, the boil water notice is now lifted with immediate effect. This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The notice was originally issued due to the detection of cryptosporidium found at the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant supply.

**Boiled Water Notice for Enniscorthy is lifted with immediate effect.**

Irish Water operations and compliance experts worked with colleagues in Wexford County Council to carry out the necessary works to enable the notice to be lifted as quickly as possible.

Ronan Walsh of Irish Water told WexfordLocal.com ; “We successfully completed remedial works on first filter, and we plan to carry out works on filters two and three in the coming weeks. Whilst we have been able to lift the boil water notice today, there is the possibility that we may have to re-issue the notice in the coming weeks to facilitate these works. Our customers’ health is our number one priority and we, along with Wexford County Council and the HSE, will continue to review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.

“We continue to progress our long-term plans for a significant investment in the water infrastructure. This includes a project to upgrade to upgrade intake at Clonhaston, raw water main replacement and significant investment at the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant itself to increase capacity. The project is at design and planning phase, with works programmed to start construction in 2024.”

“Irish Water and Wexford County Council thanks everyone for their patience, co-operation and assistance during this boil water notice and greatly regret any inconvenience caused to homes and businesses in the community.”

The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this water notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie.

Music LIVE at Wells House this weekend

By Dan Walsh

Music from Lord of the Rings, a classical cocktail of Mozart and Shostakovich and an evening of Wexford music making are among the headline events at this year’s Live from Wells House and Gardens across the June Bank Holiday weekend.

The mini-festival in the heart of rural Wexford will feature a mixed programme of the classical and the contemporary by the celebrated chamber collective, Musici Ireland, and invited guests such as singer-songwriter Gavin Glass and Wexford composer Liam Bates.

Spanning three days (June 4^th -6^th), the performances will take place in the Victorian Wells House against a backdrop of hundreds of acres of woodland and garden walks.

“Our programme both embraces Musici Ireland’s roots as classical musicians and musical crossover by including well known film scores like Star Wars,” said Artistic Director Beth McNinch.

“It is exciting to present such a diverse programme which I hope will broaden the appeal of classical music,” added Beth, who is from Blackwater. “We welcome first time concert goers, families, and regulars alike to come and immerse themselves in this musical journey we will take them on!”

With the rise of streaming services in lockdown, more people turned to classical music and its rise in popularity is reflected in the Gala Concert on June 5th. Alongside original work by multi-instrumentalist Gavin Glass and soulful Wexford singer Rachel Grace, Musici Ireland will also perform music by Liam Bates, Arvo Part, Jessie Montgomery and Phillip Glass.

Founded in 2012, Musici Ireland is a female led chamber collective that takes pride in presenting interesting and evocative programmes, and is planning ground-breaking projects, including site-specific and multi-disciplinary performances. “The emphasis will be towards making classical music more accessible to audiences by being less impersonal and more interactive.”

**Beth McNinch, Rachel Grace and Gavin Glass will perform at Live From Wells House and Gardens on the June Bank Holiday Weekend.**

AUDIO ADDITION; Beth McNinch, artistic director and violist, talks about the June Bank Holiday entertainment at Wells House.

Live from Wells House Programme:

Saturday, June 4^th 8 p.m.: String Quartet music by Mozart, Florence Price, Shostakovich, and Dvorak, featuring Ioana Petcu-Colan and Lynda O’Connor (violins), Beth McNinch (viola) and Katie Tertell (cello).

Sunday, June 5^th 11 am: A concert of harp music by CPE Bach, Gabriel Faure and Pearl Chertok; Sunday, June 5^th 8 pm: Gala Concert – Musici Ireland joined by special guests Gavin Glass and Rachel Grace and including compositions by Liam Bates, Arvo Part, Jessie Montgomery, and Phillip Glass;

Monday, June 6^th 3pm.: A family concert of music from the movies: a great opportunity to be up close and personal with a string quartet as they play famous soundtracks from Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean and many more.

For further information: contact 085 179 2901

Tickets from: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/musici-ireland-live-from-wells-house-337899

Road incident victim Karl will be laid to rest on Friday

By Dan Walsh

The man who died in a road traffic incident last Sunday evening on the R744 at Clonhaston, on the Enniscorthy-Oulart road, has been named as Karl ‘Chalky’ Cullen, (30), from Rockfield, Milehouse, Enniscorthy, and his funeral will take place on Friday.

Mr Cullen was the single occupant of a car that allegedly struck a ditch before bursting into flames around 7.30pm last Sunday evening. Intense investigations are taking place to establish the cause of the horror incident which has evoked overwhelming sympathy for his family and friends.

Mr Cullen was a well-known and respected businessman and in 2015 he started his own business – Karl Cullen Fitted Kitchens – and featured on the popular RTÉ programme Room To Improve with Dermot Bannon and featured in the DIY-SOS The Big Build programme.

He was a very talented craftsperson specialising in building and installing custom made kitchens and interiors.

Karl was also a talented GAA player and Enniscorthy Shamrocks GAA Player who paid tribute on social media; “Not only was Karl, or Chalky as he was commonly known, a fantastic sportsman who represented both clubs in our town, he was also a fantastic person. A friend to each and every member, with a thriving business that is known nationwide.”

FAMILY NOTICE; KARL CULLEN, Rockfield, Milehouse, Enniscorthy. Beloved son of Karl and Annette and loving brother of Darren and Diarmuid. Sadly missed by his heartbroken family, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, friends and work colleagues at Karl Cullen Fitted Kitchens. May He Rest in Peace.

Reposing at his residence today (Thursday) from 5pm to 9pm. Removal on Friday morning to St. Senan’s Parish Church, Enniscorthy, for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Enniscorthy Cemetery. House Private Friday morning please.

Progress on Enniscorthy water scheme

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water working in partnership with Wexford County Council has confirmed that repairs to a burst water main close to the reservoir at Vinegar Hill has been completed and that water supply is set to return in Enniscorthy town and its environs over the course of this afternoon or this evening, to higher ground premises.

Water may be discoloured for a short period of time as it returns. Customers are reminded to continue to boil their water before consumption as the Boil Water Notice remains in place.

Crews were quickly mobilised quickly yesterday, working to repair the burst main and restore water supply to the town and the catchment area as quickly as possible.

Speaking about the issue, Irish Water’s Ronan Walsh said; “The burst has been repaired now and the water supply was returned to most areas this morning. We are currently working on building up reservoir levels and a further outage will be in place over tonight to help replenish the reservoirs.

“The reservoir is backfilling since last night, but we will only see a normal water supply restored this afternoon/evening due to the reservoir levels had been significantly depleted. The town is on a Boil Water Notice and we are carrying out works separately to resolve that issue.

“We continue working on the replacement of the filter media at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, with a view of lifting the Boil Water Notice as soon as it’s safe to do so. We regret any inconvenience to the residents and businesses and ask them to be mindful of their water usage over the next few days, as much as possible.”