Gorey newspaper making headlines

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux told today’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal that THE GUARDIAN offices in Gorey is closed and he wanted to say to local journalist Cathy Lee, who was present at the meeting, that it was a great pleasure for us all (fellow members and officials) to have worked with the Gorey office over many years.

“I’m not sure of the plans of the company that now owns The People Newspaper Group are, but in my humble opinion they are making a serious mistake withdrawing their district office from Gorey. It is something that the people of the town have an affinity with, and can I note my personal disappointment at the decision,” said Cllr Devereux, who added; “I hope that the welfare of the staff vacating the office in Gorey will be looked after.”

Cllr Devereux thanked Cathly Lee and the staff in Gorey for the presence they had in the town over many years. Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen agreed and added that this happened to Dan Walsh a few years ago when THE GOREY ECHO started down this road and then disappeared.

The district offices are not just closed in Gorey, but also in Arklow, New Ross and Enniscorthy. “It is a shame and a disconnect with the ordinary people who supported and would religiously buy the local newspapers and they are trying to send us down the digital way,” added Cllr Breen.

ENNISCORTHY GUARDIAN offices have closed

Cllr Mary Farell said “it is shameful that the office is closing” and stated “it has provided the connection between the people of the town with the environs and surrounding district.” She wished the staff well – “you have treated us all with fairness and professionalism and always reported in a very fair manner.”

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said it was a very sad day to see any newspaper offices closed. “I suppose it is the sign of the world of journalism and the threats posed by globalism and I would like to wish Cathy and the staff well, and some people like Ger Leacy who gave 40 years’ service, Sean Dwyer, Fintan Lambe and others.

“It is a very sad day for local politics and what is local in the country and what is good about this country is being so localised compared to a lot of other counties. It is a foreboding sign of things to come and the direction journalism has taken. It certainly is a sad time,” concluded Cllr Ó Súilleabháin.

Journalist Cathy Lee said she appreciated the understanding of the situation. “Obviously it came as a bit of a shock to all of us but the plan from Mediahuis is to have county hubs and the Wexford town office is where I will be based once a week. We proved ourselves over the pandemic we can operate this model and work away on our own bat. They think that the quality of the paper didn’t decrease over the pandemic, actually it was strengthened and we can continue with this model.

“Personally I am disappointed because I have welcomed you all into the office and I don’t plan on dropping any of those connections that we have build up over the last two and a half years. While I won’t have a base in Gorey I don’t plan on lessening any of my connections here and I think it is just a change in the digital offering now that we have e-papers and online news coming up regularly,” added Ms. Lee.         

What next for Enniscorthy’s derelict sites?

By Dan Walsh

It has been the elephant in the room for a considerable time and a regular topic at monthly meetings of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and the unsavoury sight of derelict buildings was under strict scrutiny from members at today’s October meeting held under Covid-19 guidelines at the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy.

Tom Banville, Senior Executive Officer at Wexford County Council’s Planning Department was present to update members on the current state of derelict buildings in the Enniscorthy district and to address members queries.

Mr Banville said there are eight properties on the Derelict Sites register. Kickham’s House (better known locally as the former Irish Street Stores) was acquired by Wexford County Council in July 2020. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy described Kickham House as “a disaster waiting to happen” and she could envisage it “going on fire” if nothing is done!

The former Murphy-Flood’s site at Market Square in the town centre, according to a report, the Property Management Department is in negotiations and while a new hoarding has been erected and rubbish removed by the owner, the property remains derelict.

The old Irish Street Stores (or Kickham’s House as Wexford County Council calls the property, is a derelict site in Enniscorthy town centre.

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan raised issues on the eastern side of the River Slaney. Minor works have been carried out by the owner of Springvalley Nursing Home recently with the removal of some vegetation, a metal fence has been partially replaced and some green netting has been installed to restrict access. However, the property remains derelict.

The famous Rock Factory featuring the once internationally renowned Breen’s Carriage Factory is also under pressure. Property Management is under discussion in relation to the acquisition of the property. The owner is in Receivership.

The old Cogan’s Bar on Templeshannon Quay was recently sold and works have been carried out and consequently “the property is no longer considered derelict” and notice has been served to remove the property from the Derelict Site Register.

These are the “once prominent town properties”, but there are also a number of lesser known properties on the list including private houses. And as for the numbers that may be heading for the Derelict Site Register going forward… it doesn’t bear thinking about!

Tributes paid to Archdeacon Wilkinson

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Kenneth Wilkinson, (90), of Hazelwood, Gorey, former Archdeacon of Ferns. Bishop Michael Burrows, extending his sympathy to the Wilkinson family, has paid tribute to the former Archdeacon.

“His death marks the end of an era in the diocese of Ferns. Although retired for nearly twenty years his colleagues continued to regard him as epitomising all that is best in parochial and pastoral ministry in the Church of Ireland.

ARCHDEACON K.S. WILKINSON M.A.

“His long incumbency in Enniscorthy touched the lives of many who were enriched by his care, wisdom and dignified conduct of the liturgy. As archdeacon he was a superb chair, going to the heart of matters, avoiding any time wasting and contributing hugely to the efficiency of Diocesan administration. His was a ministry characterised by diligence, courtesy, good humour and a genuine holiness,” stated Bishop Burrows.

Rector of Enniscorthy and Monart Union, The Reverend Nicola Halford also paid tribute to Archdeacon Wilkinson. She said; “The parishioners of Enniscorthy and Monart Union are deeply saddened by the passing of their former rector Archdeacon Ken Wilkinson.  Archdeacon Wilkinson had a long and fruitful ministry here serving the parish from 1970 until 2002. There are many happy memories of his time within this Union, he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bettie, Adrian, Linda, Karen, Sandra and their families at this difficult time.”

Kenneth Samuel Wilkinson was a native of Laois who was educated at Trinity College Dublin and ordained in 1961. He was a curate at St. Michin’s Dublin before devoting 33 years of service to the Diocese of Ferns at Killegney from 1967 until 1970 when he became Rector of Enniscorthy Union.

He was bestowed with the title Archdeacon in 1988, retired in 2002 and with his wife Bettie went to live in Gorey 

FAMILY NOTICE; Kenneth Samuel Wilkinson, Hazelwood, Gorey (former Archdeacon of Ferns) who passed away peacefully at Valentia Nursing Home, Camolin, on Sunday 17th October 2021. Beloved husband of Bettie and loving father of Adrian, Linda, Karen and Sandra, father-in-law of Jacqui, Kosta and David, grandfather of Gary, Darren, Emma, Joanna, Callan, Mae and Ruben, brother of Edith (Rafter) and the late George, brother-in-law of Marion. Kenneth will be missed by all his family and friends. At Rest

Kenneth’s funeral service will take place under Covid guidelines in Christ Church, Gorey, on Wednesday, 20th October, at 12 noon followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard. House Private Please.

Rob James treble highlight at Tinahely

By Dan Walsh at Tinahely

A treble for Rob James and doubles for Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe were the highlights from today’s (Sunday) Shillelagh & District Hunt point-to-point races held in summer conditions before a good attendance at Fairwood, Tinahely.

James got off to a winning afternoon in the maiden race for five-year-old mares bringing home Diana Prince by four lengths for Milestone Bloodstock Ltd and Colin Bowe. Bowe’s other runner in the race Sagecraft parted company with Barry O’Neill at the first obstacle.

ROB JAMES rode three winners at Tinahely point-to-point races today.

The Kiltealy rider teamed up with Donnchadh Doyle to win the maiden race for five-year-old geldings in a photo-finish on Kayf Baha who got up by a head beating Hardlines (Jack Hendrick) with Patient Partner (Barry O’Neill) half a length behind in third place.

Rob James completed a treble on Honour The Master, who is bound for the sales ring and a first handler winner for former jump jockey Roger Loughran who trains on the Kildangan Road near The Curragh. The winning margin was four lengths.

Barry O’Neill won the opening maiden race for four-year-olds on Jomig Des Bois by one and a half lengths to give Colin Bowe a double on the day.

O’Neill added a second winner and the 13th of the season on Mighty Stowaway, trained by Gordon Elliott, who led the field all the way and won by ten lengths.

The Winners of One race was won by Nothinbuttime, owned, trained and ridden by Jordan Hart from Baltinglass. It was the second success for horse and rider with the first recorded last November at Damma House point-to-point. The verdict was close – a neck – with Croi Corcra (Barry O’Neill) the runner-up.

Tributes were paid to long time track announcer Sean Rafferty who is retiring. Sean’s familiar tone will be missed from the microphone and he is succeeded by Aaron O’Hara who got in some practice today by paying tribute and saying thanks to Sean for his 50 years’ contribution to the success and welfare of Shillelagh & District Hunt.

There was a second point-to-point fixture today at Umma House in south Westmeath and success for two Wexford riders. Aaron Sinnott from Enniscorthy had his first ride for Monageer handler Michael Goff and it had a victory outcome with first timer Valencia Borget scoring by twelve lengths and is now for sale. It was Sinnott’s first win of the season and his eighth career success.

Another rider getting off the new season mark was Pearse Rogan from Caim, last seasons under 21 champion, who won the maiden race for five and six year old geldings’ on Donnchadh Doyle’s Silver Flyer by four lengths. A double over two cards for the Ballindaggin hander who was at Tinahely on the day.

Another double for Barry O’Neill

By Dan Walsh

No Wexford trained winners at Portrush, Co. Derry, point-to-point today (Saturday) although champion rider Barry O’Neill recorded a double for Fermanagh handler David Christie.

BARRY O’NEILL…another double today.

Vaucelet won by a big margin in the Open Race and half an hour later and Ask D’man completed a quick double for O’Neill and Christie by three lengths in the Winner of Three race. Barry O’Neill is on the 11-winner mark this season.

Sixty-four entries were received for tomorrow’s (Sunday) point-to-point action at Fairwood, Tinahely, with the highest entry – 17 – in the opening race for four year old maidens at 2pm. Ground conditions are officially described as ‘good’.

Good news for Wexford waterways

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water has produced a series of new videos to outline the benefits and progress in eliminating raw sewage discharged into the waterways across the country and the first video that goes live next Tuesday focusses on Wexford and drone footage over the estuary of The Three Sisters – Barrow, Nore and Suir.

Thousands flock to the beautiful village of Arthurstown in the townland of Coleman in south Wexford for many decades and the neighbouring Duncannon and Ballyhack are also popular seaside destinations, but there was always one problem. Poorly treated sewage was being discharged into the sea for decades, blemishing the inimitable beauty of these amazing coastal gems. But that is soon set to change with a new wastewater treatment plant being built in Arthurstown that will cater for all three settlements.

Barrow, Nore, Suir Estuary (Pic; Irish Water)

Lorraine Waters, Manager of the Hook Lighthouse and Heritage Centre is one of the local contributors in the video; “There are 19 local beaches in a ten-mile radius here. It’s incredible. And that’s why, you know, why we are so excited when we heard that this new wastewater treatment plant was in the pipeline. At the end of the day, its why people are coming down here, that wide open space. It’s that beautiful clear water.”

Caroline Helfer of Hooked Kitesurfing and is passionate about watersports; “I think it’s a great thing they are doing and its important, especially for such a small country that’s very much focused on water activity. Water quality is very important for everybody. Our kiting lessons are in the water, so our students end up properly fully submerged in the water, so when there’s a problem we have to warn the students of health risk. If there was a Blue Flag beach here, it would bring in additional tourism activity and probably bring in additional businesses to the area.”

The new wastewater treatment plant will have the capacity to cater for a population equivalent of nearly 2,000 people and will protect the integrity of the environment.

And there was more good news for Wexford too with a contract due to be signed in the coming weeks for a Wastewater Treatment Plant at Kilmore Quay with works set to begin in early 2022. That project is due for completion in 2023.

Rosslare RNLI to receive honour for hurricane rescue

By Dan Walsh

The brave lifeboat crew at Rosslare Harbour RNLI, who carried out a rescue during ‘Storm Ophelia’ (October 16th, 2017) that saw three lives saved in hurricane conditions, will receive an award from the RNLI for the service.

The Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke will receive the Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum and the lifeboat crew involved will each receive Vellum Service Certificates.

The rescue took place in conditions described by the lifeboat crew involved as some of the worst they had ever witnessed as they battled 10-metre seas in force 12 conditions. In announcing this award, the RNLI recognised the Coxswain for his boat handling and exemplary leadership in hurricane force weather conditions and the lifeboat crew involved for their teamwork, courage and collective efforts in the rescue of the crew and the yacht.

The award was decided at a recent RNLI Trustees meeting and is the second recognition for Rosslare Harbour RNLI, following the Gallantry Award for the rescue of the Lily B off Hook Head, which saw nine lives saved and averted an environmental disaster when the 4,000-tonne cargo vessel was prevented from getting dashed on the rocks.

The full lifeboat crew for the callout were, Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke, Mechanic Michael Nicholas and lifeboat crew, Art Sheil, Micheal Ferguson, Keith Morris, Padraig Quirke, Stephen Breen and Richard Parish.

At 10am on 16 October 2017 a ‘Mayday’ was received by the Irish Coast Guard from the skipper of Second Love, a 10-metre Dehler yacht, in serious trouble en route from the UK to Malahide. With conditions deteriorating rapidly the crew were struggling to keep control of the yacht. They had planned to berth in Rosslare but decided to head to Arklow in a bid to outrun the weather. Rosslare Harbour RNLI lifeboat was launched, and the rescue lasted four hours in severe weather and sea conditions.

ROSSLARE RNLI Lifeboat (Pic; RNLI/Nigel Milland)

In what proved a vital course of action on the day, a decision was made to pass a drogue (a device trailed behind a vessel to slow it down in rough conditions) to the casualty yacht and then establish a tow to bring the vessel to safety. These actions took place in 10-metre seas and required great skill and patience from all involved.

Commenting on the Vellum recognition, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager David Maloney said; “While no lifeboat crew does any rescue for reward this is a great honour for our station. The conditions that day were terrible but when a Mayday is being broadcast, the lifeboat crew go.’

“The rescue was a challenging one where skill, good seamanship and patience were needed. We are fortunate to have incredibly dedicated and skilled lifeboat crew in Rosslare where each volunteer would have been ready and willing to go to sea. When the pagers went off for this shout, we had eighteen of our lifeboat crew respond. Without their excellent work, the outcome of this service would have been very different.”

Gorey is “producing clean water” again

By Dan Walsh

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien T.D. has met with Irish Water and Wexford County Council following the contamination in drinking water at the Creagh Plant in Gorey recently and, in a statement, says the plant is “operating normally” and “producing clean water.”

Minister O’Brien said; “Irish Water has assured me that the treatment plant at Gorey (and Ballymore Eustace) is stable, operating normally and producing clean water. I am pleased that Irish Water and the local authorities are working together in full co-operation to put in place urgent corrective measures.”

Unsafe water leaving the plant at Creagh over a five-day period led to 52 confirmed illnesses and several hospital admissions.

The Minister noted that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) had issued audit reports on the incident at Gorey.

“The EPA’s action in pointing out the seriousness of the failures at Gorey is crucial in ensuring that my Department, Irish Water and the local government system responded promptly and appropriately to immediately address the risks of similar incidents happening elsewhere,” concluded Minister O’Brien.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN (File Pic)

The contamination of the drinking water supply from Creagh was discussed at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council.

Cllr Joe Sullivan requested that it be put on the record that he has full confidence in the investigation and said the perfect outcome is to ensure that it does not happen again.

He stated that the Council should engage with the people who were adversely affected by the last outrage and restore public confidence in the water supply in Gorey. “That is the way forward. No point in going back in a blame game,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.

Director of Services for Water Eamonn Hore gave a detailed report into incidents and a timetable of events at Creagh in August. There were equipment failure and human failure and he said we must ensure that an incident like this never happens again. He added the final detailed report on Creagh should be available in the next week or ten days.

Ballymore-Mayglass mourns parish priest

By Dan Walsh

There is great sadness in the parish of Ballymore-Mayglass following news of the sad passing of the parish priest of sixteen years Fr Murty Byrne, (74), announced today by the Diocese of Ferns.

Fr. Byrne will always be fondly remembered for his leadership of the fundraising committee in the small parish of 1,000 people who collected €350,000 in seven years to cover the cost of renovations and a new roof at the 180 year old Mayglass Church completed in 2009.

FR. MURTY BYRNE P.P. BALLYMORE-MAYGLASS

Martin (Murty) Byrne was born in 1947 at Muchtown, Rathangan, attended Baldwinstown National School and St. Peter’s College, Wexford, and ordained in the Church of the Assumption, Rathangan, in June 1976.

He served in the UK Diocese of Brentford and on his return served as a curate at Rowe St, Wexford (1983) and Kilmyshal (1989). He spent 14 years as curate at Raheen and was appointed parish priest of Ballymore-Mayglass in September 2005.

Cllr Jim Codd paid tribute on social media. “Your kindness and humanity were legendary. You touched the lives of so many. My deepest condolences to your family and parishioners.”

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Fr. Murty Byrne on 13th October 2021. Parish Priest of Ballymore /Mayglass Parish and formally of Muchtown, Rathangan.

Beloved brother of Jim, Seanie, Blee and Ell. Sadly missed by his brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, parishioners, neighbours and friends. “May He Rest in Peace”

Reposing in Ballymore Church on Thursday evening from 5pm 9pm Funeral Mass in Ballymore Church on Friday at 2pm. Burial afterwards in Rathangan Cemetery. House strictly private please.

Is ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’ in Wexford?

By Dan Walsh

A call has gone out to schools in Co. Wexford, and elsewhere across the country, from sprinter Phil Healy and fellow athlete, David Gillick, who have joined forces with Fyffes in a quest to find ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’.

Irish Olympians, Cork sprinter Phil Healy and fellow athlete, Dubliner David Gillick, have joined forces with Fyffes in an online quest to find ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’. Pictured at the launch were young supporters, Casey (6), Jerry (8), and Juneau Conroy (10), from Raheny.

Together, the Irish Olympians have recorded a series of workouts which they say are ‘fit for even the least active’ – exercise routines they hope schools will adopt as part of their PE curriculum.

In this latest fitness initiative, Fyffes has introduced a strong competitive element. Coupled with monthly and spot prize rewards, one successful school will have the distinction of being chosen as ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’, the prize for which will be a visit from the Fit Squad ambassadors Phil and David and €5,000 worth of sports equipment.

Last year, the Fit Squad went online when schools were forced to close. With hundreds now awaiting visits, Fyffes says it is looking forward to resuming live sessions in schools ‘when conditions permit’.

Registration for the competition, which runs from November until April, can now be made online at www.fyffesfitsquad.ie, with the overall winner to be announced in May.