WexfordLocal.com

Enniscorthy 1916 recalled in new book

By Dan Walsh

Pat Doran was born and raised in Enniscorthy with a vague knowledge and awareness of the 1916 Easter Rising in the town, however, on the discovery that two of his great-grandfathers were willing participants he was inspired to pursue further research.

Pat’s detailed research has uncovered the names of individuals who either participated in the Easter Rising in Enniscorthy or were arrested and detained in the aftermath and the fruit of his research is found in a new book, only available in the past two weeks, entitled; Enniscorthy; The Forgotten Republic.

**PAT DORAN author of Enniscorthy; The Forgotten Republic outside the Athenaeum, Enniscorthy.**

The Easter Rising began on Monday, April 24^th in Dublin when approximately 1,200 men and women from the Irish Volunteers, Irish Citizen Army and Cumann na mBan seized strategic sites in Dublin, including the GPO (General Post Office) in Sackville St, later renamed O’Connell St. Outside of Dublin Enniscorthy was the only location where the Volunteers would raise the Tricolour.

“The fact that from April 27^th to May 1^st 1916, Enniscorthy was an Independent Republic is rarely mentioned,” said Pat, who added; “The reality that the local Volunteer force took control of the town and its citizens, confined the RIC to barracks, marched to Ferns and took it over and were nearly at Camolin when orders to surrender from Padraig Pearse (from his cell in Arbour Hill) came to surrender is barely acknowledged.”

In and around Enniscorthy the names and stories of the leaders have gone down in local folklore, however, the rank-and-file participants are lucky if their names are remembered by anybody outside their families and even some may not be remembered by their own.

Pat Doran has brought the subs onto the pitch through the pages of this fine publication and has earnestly toiled to ensure that nobody is intentionally forgotten but given their rightful place in the history of a town that they were willing to fight and die for around a century ago.

Pat Doran has done a great archival service in compiling this book and filling in mini-biographies of so many familiar names found abundantly in Enniscorthy and district, like Ferns, Ballindaggin and Camolin, and the Shannon side of the River Slaney – including Byrne, Balfe, Breen, Boyne, Carroll, Carty, Cleary, Colfer, Courtney, Connolly, Cullen, Davis, Devereux, Donohoe, Doyle, Dwyer, Dunbar, Ennis, Franklin, Goff, Hiney, Hyland, Keegan, Kehoe, Kelly, Kavanagh, Leacy, Murphy, Nolan, O’Brien, O’Byrne, O’Connor, O’Leary, O’Neill, O’Reilly, O’Rourke, O’Toole, Pierce, Rafter, Redmond, Roche, Ronan, Sinnott, Thorpe, Tobin, Tyrell, Wafer, Walsh, Whelan, Webster, Wilson and Wiles, to name just a small number.

Enniscorthy; The Forgotten Republic by Pat Doran, paperback, 280 pages, no illustrations, available at Delaney’s Newsagent, Rafter St., Enniscorthy, €15. ISBN-13-979-8-4854-4558-4

AUDIO ADDITION; PAT DORAN talking about his new publication – Enniscorthy; The Forgotten Republic.

PAT DORAN will be a guest on Mid Week Voices (South East Radio, 95.6 and 96.4FM, next Wednesday, at 8pm) talking to DAN WALSH and his listeners about his first publication Enniscorthy; The Forgotten Republic.

Wexford riders in thrilling finishes

By Dan Walsh

Doubles for Barry O’Neill and Rob James were a feature of today’s action at Loughbrickland, Co. Down and they involved two thrilling finishes that concluded in a short-head victory and a dead-heat.

**ROB JAMES two wins as a rider and one victory as a handler.**

Rob James got into the winners’ enclosure as a handler and rider in the maiden race for four-year-olds with Lost In Transit in the Matchmaker Syndicate colours. The Kiltealy raider got the better of his neighbour – Matthew Flynn-O’Connor’s Issuing Authority (Brian Lawless up) by a head verdict.

Rob James recorded a double in the Open Race when his mount, Mighty Stowaway, trained by Gordon Elliott, dead-heated with David Christie’s Winged Leader with champion rider Barry O’Neill on board.

O’Neill made it a double for the afternoon half an hour later when bringing Definitely Darsi home in front by two lengths in the maiden race for six-year-old geldings and upwards for handler Cian Collins.

Sunday point-to-point takes place at Knockmullen, New Ross, under the auspices of the Wexford Hunt with the first of six races off at 12.30pm. Latest going information is “good, good to yielding in places.” Eighty-six entries.

Boil Water Notices remain in Gorey and Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water and Wexford County Council is reminding customers supplied by the Gorey and Wexford Town Public Water Supplies, that the Boil Water Notices on these supplies remain in place over the weekend and until further notice. Works are being carried as a matter of priority at both plants to enable lifting of the Boil Water Notices as soon as it is safe to do so.

In Gorey maintenance work was carried out on the filtration system at the Creagh Water Treatment Plant during the week. Following this, further testing and monitoring of the performance of the plant is underway and a further assessment of the Boil Water Notice will be made next week.

Irish Water has invested €100,000 at the Creagh Water Treatment Plant since August 2021 on a range of capital works and is also pleased to announce that we have received approval in principle, subject to specifications and costings, to acquire an additional UV treatment system to provide further resilience to the water treatment plant.

In the Wexford town supply, flushing of the network is continuing. This has been limited by low water levels in the reservoir, but levels are recovering and Irish Water operations and compliance teams will review the water quality test results early next week with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice as quickly as possible.

Jim Fitzgerald, Regional Operations Manager with Irish Water, said; “We are continuing to monitor the performance of both the Gorey and Wexford plants with a view to lifting these Boil Water Notices as soon as it is safe to do so.
“While these notices are essential measures to protect public health, we understand the inconvenience and disruption they cause. We would like to thank the people of Wexford and Gorey for their patience and assure them that we are working as a matter of priority with our partners in Wexford County Council to address these issues.”

“If any customer has a query or concern about their Boil Water Notices, please contact the Irish Water customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.”

For customers who wish to check if their property is on the Boil Water Notice themselves, please go to the following link on the Irish Water website: https://www.water.ie/help/water-quality/results/ enter the property’s Eircode and then click the ‘More Details’ tab. You will then see if your property is on the Boil Water Notice.

Minister opens historic Johnstown Castle

By Dan Walsh

The majestic redevelopment of historic Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens, near Piercestown, a few kilometres from Wexford town were officially opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. yesterday (Thursday).

Minister McConalogue said: “I am delighted to officially open this national treasure and I congratulate all involved in recent years at Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens in offering visitors the opportunity to become immersed in the story of Irish food, farming and family life, while providing a nostalgic journey through Irish farming and social history at the fascinating Irish Agricultural Museum.”

“We are so delighted to welcome today descendants of the former staff at the Johnstown Castle Estate to celebrate this special occasion, as bringing history to life is what we are passionate about,”said Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of The Irish Heritage Trust, who added; “We would also like to acknowledge the support of the local community including our wonderful team of 120 plus volunteers who have worked on many parts of the estate since 2019. We are also most grateful to our 7,600 plus members who have remained loyal throughout the challenges of the pandemic.”

Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development of Fáilte Ireland said; “It is wonderful to be in Wexford today to mark the official opening of Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens. This attraction, supported by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Teagasc and The Irish Heritage Trust, will provide an additional draw to the South-East of Ireland for domestic and international visitors. The investment in and redevelopment of Johnstown Castle amplifies Ireland’s heritage tourism credentials, creates a new must-visit attraction in Wexford and reinforces Ireland’s Ancient East as a world-class destination.”

**JOHNSTOWN CASTLE is officially opened. (File Picture).**

Chairman of the Teagasc Authority, Liam Herlihy said: “It is wonderful to see this new chapter in the story of Johnstown Castle. For many decades, the castle and grounds have been in the care and stewardship of Teagasc and its predecessor An Foras Taluntais. The scientific developments initiated here in the 1940s and ’50s were crucial for the agricultural and economic development of the early Irish state. The new exhibition in the Castle, in the former research labs, is a timely reminder and celebration of this contribution across the decades. The scientific contributions from Johnstown Castle now focus on the environmental sustainability of agriculture and are as important now as ever. It is very rewarding to see the success and popularity of Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens.

Johnstown Castle opened its doors to the public for the first time in 2019 exactly 850 years after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans to Wexford.

Situated in 120 acres, the historic property opened pre-pandemic following the completion of a €7.5million investment by Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and Fáilte Ireland – which was overseen by the owners of the property Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, in partnership with The Irish Heritage Trust, an independent not-for-profit organisation.

This investment included conservation works in the Castle and enabled the estate to deliver a stunning destination visitor offering in Ireland’s South-east. The offering includes Castle tours, the re-opening of the 86-metre servant’s tunnel; the building of a world-class visitor centre and re-development works at the Irish Agricultural Museum and Daniel Robertson Ornamental Gardens along with unveiling 4km of stunning lake walks and the addition of a children’s playground.

Since 2019, Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens has proven a hugely popular visitor attraction and presently draws over 100,000 visitors per year with some 7,600 Irish Heritage Trust members enjoying the facilities all year round.

The Irish Agricultural Museum explores rural life in Ireland and houses a fascinating collection of nineteen permanent exhibitions. In the past year, the Museum has launched new exhibitions, including one about Pierce’s Foundry, Wexford’s world-famous industrial giant.

Enniscorthy gets replacement water mains

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council have begun works to replace 1,650 metres of problematic water mains in Enniscorthy. The works are taking place between Edermine (Spring Hill) and Vinegar Hill, on Cluain Dara, Esmonde Road, through a brown field site to Drumgoold Road and continue on the pedestrian path to Vinegar Hill.

Speaking about the works, Irish Water’s Joe Carroll said; “We understand that the community and businesses of Enniscorthy have been affected by outages and bursts recently, which is regrettable. These works are an important part of the ongoing improvements that Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council are carrying out, in a town that is developing and growing very quickly.

“We are also working to replace mains on Rectory Road in the town, and all of these replacements will make a significant difference to the security of supply.

“To safely and efficiently complete the works a road closure at Cluain Dara and Esmonde Road is required until Friday, November 26th. Local access to either side of the works location will be maintained as the project progresses. Diversions will be signposted on approach with local access and emergency traffic facilitated.

“The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions. I’d like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we carry out these works to improve the town’s water supply.”

The works at Vinegar Hill will be carried out on behalf of Irish Water by our regional contractor Shareridge and are expected to be completed by late December.

Director of Services with Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore said; “Enniscorthy has been experiencing numerous water outages in recent times which has been a difficult experience for all water consumers. This has been largely due to high leakage levels within the existing pipe network. While the plant is at maximum output to produce good water, we have been losing a lot of water due to the condition of some of the older cast iron and plastic mains.

“To replace 1,650m of mains in this area of Enniscorthy Town is a very welcome investment and will no doubt save water and in turn save residents the hardships endured during water outages.

“This mains rehabilitation, with the future upgrade works to the plant in Vinegar Hill and new intake works in Clonhaston will ultimately lead to an increase in both quality and quantity of water to Enniscorthy Town.”

Residents and businesses in the areas to benefit from the planned improvements will be notified directly and customers can phone Irish Water on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project.

€20,000 cannabis seized in Bree

By Dan Walsh

One male has been arrested in Bree following the discovery of approximately €20,000 worth of cannabis seized last weekend after a number of searches were conducted across County Wexford under warrants issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act by the Divisional Drug Unit supported by Detective and Uniform Units.

**Drugs and cash seized under Operation Tara at Enniscorthy Garda Station.**

In Bree, one male arrested and detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

In Oulart, Gardaí seized over €3,000 in cash, approximately €3,000 of Clephredrone and approximately €2,000 worth of Diazepam. One male detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

In Wexford town, approximately €600 cannabis was seized.

Meanwhile in New Ross approximately €9,000 of cocaine, cannabis and tablets was seized. A female was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

All seized substances are subject to analysis.

€307m to acquire 40% Glanbia shareholding

By Dan Walsh

Glanbia Co-op is proposing to take full ownership of Glanbia Ireland by purchasing Glanbia plc’s 40% stake in the strategic joint venture. Ireland’s leading dairy processor, Glanbia Ireland, is a €2 billion, integrated agri-food and nutrition business, with world-class dairy and grain processing assets and an award-winning portfolio of brands including Avonmore, Kilmeaden and GAIN Animal Nutrition.

Glanbia Co-op also proposes to create an Investment Fund that will be available to pursue new opportunities with the aim of driving higher returns for Co-op Members.

The new ownership model will support the Co-op’s ambitions to build one of Europe’s top Co-ops, with greater flexibility to support Members, pursue new opportunities and add value to milk and grain through innovation.

All proposals are subject to the successful conclusion of contract negotiations, the relevant shareholder approvals within both Glanbia plc and Glanbia Co-operative Society and any necessary regulatory approvals.

Glanbia Co-operative Society (“Glanbia Co-op”) has signed a non-binding agreement with Glanbia plc (“the PLC”) to take full ownership of Glanbia Ireland (GI). Currently, Glanbia Ireland operates as a strategic joint venture, 60% owned by Glanbia Co-op and 40% owned by Glanbia plc.

New Glanbia Co-op Chief Executive Jim Bergin pictured with Glanbia Co-op Chairman John Murphy as the Co-op announced it is proposing to acquire full ownership of Glanbia Ireland. Glanbia Co-op also proposes a €168m ‘spin-out’ of plc shares to Members and the creation of an Investment Fund of €168m. (Photo: Mary Browne)

Subject to the successful conclusion of contract negotiations and the relevant shareholder approvals within both Glanbia plc and Glanbia Co-operative Society, Glanbia Co-op proposes to pay €307 million to acquire Glanbia plc’s 40% shareholding in Glanbia Ireland.

The PLC will contribute €8 million related to pension, rebranding and separation costs in connection with the proposed transaction. In addition, it is agreed that GI will not be required to pay the dividend payable to the

PLC in 2022 in respect of the 2021 financial year (estimated at €14 million) and up to the closing of the proposed transaction.

Up to 50% of the consideration payable for the proposed transaction will be funded by the Co-op through the sale of shares in Glanbia plc (estimated at approximately 11.5 million* shares), with the balance to be funded through borrowings.

Glanbia Co-op also proposes to transfer, via Share Spin Out, 12 million Glanbia plc shares to all existing Members of the Society. Based on the Glanbia plc’s closing share price of €13.98 on 9 November 2021, this would be worth approximately €168 million, or €11,028* for a Member with an average shareholding.

This follows the spin-out of a total of 36.5 million Glanbia plc shares worth over €510 million* by Glanbia Co-op in 2013, 2015 and 2017. Glanbia Co-op is the largest individual shareholder in Glanbia plc, holding 93.3 million shares or 32.4% of the issued share capital of the company.

Chairman of Glanbia Co-op, Wexford-man John Murphy said: “These proposals are driven by our ambition to pay the best possible price for milk and grain to our farmer members. The proposal to take 100% ownership of the business closest to our farmers’ interests follows an independent strategic review undertaken by KPMG at the request of the Co-op Board. The Board believes that now is the right time to take this step to create a well-invested, independent and future-focused Co-op.

“This proposal is the latest step on our journey which began in 2012 with the creation of the strategic joint venture between Glanbia Co-op and Glanbia plc. If our members approve this proposal, we will have a very strong Co-op, with full ownership of Glanbia Ireland. We will remain the largest investor in Glanbia plc, which is focused on growing as a global nutrition company, benefiting all shareholders.

“We will have greater flexibility to support our farmers and be equipped with a dedicated Investment Fund to help drive higher returns in the future. Our fully independent Co-op will be run on pure Co-op principles with strong financial discipline, an experienced leadership team and Board. The Board have also decided that it is appropriate that all our Members would benefit at this time through the distribution of a proportion of the value created by our investment in Glanbia plc.”

Jim Bergin, Chief Executive of Glanbia Co-op said: “Glanbia Ireland today is a very strong standalone business, with circa €2 billion of annual revenue. We have excellent people and great brands. Significant capital investment of €559 million in recent years means our network of processing facilities are world-class, including our recently commissioned state-of-the-art Innovation Centre.

“We are very ambitious for this great business and are excited by the opportunities presented by this natural evolution to a pure Co-op. It will provide greater flexibility to support Co-op members, pursue new opportunities and allow us to focus on adding value to our milk and grain for the benefit of our farmers.”

Wexford receives Aldi community grants

By Dan Walsh

Seven Wexford-based charities and community organisations have become the latest beneficiaries of Aldi’s Community Grants programme, with each receiving a €500 grant from the Aldi store teams in County Wexford.

€500 grants were presented to Jonah Special School, St. Garvans National School, Pieta House Wexford, Irish Cancer Society, Alive Church, Talk To Tom and South East Animal Rescue.

Aldi’s Community Grants programme helps fund local charities and community organisations that contribute vital work and services in their local communities. Each local charity supported is chosen by Aldi employees, enabling them to help the good, local causes they are passionate about.

The Community Grants programme has supported 850 donations to local charities to date. By the end of the year, the programme will have donated over €450,000 since its inception in 2016.

John Curtin, Group Buying Director, Aldi Ireland said: “We are proud to continue supporting local charities across the country through the Aldi Community Grants programme and we’re pleased to see the impact of our donation in the local communities for County Wexford.”

Operating seven stores in County Wexford, Aldi is deeply involved in the local community and partners with a variety of Irish food and drink producers across Co. Wexford and spent €9 million with its Co. Wexford suppliers in 2020.

Body recovered from the River Barrow

By Dan Walsh

The search for a missing person on the River Barrow in the vicinity of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, south of New Ross, concluded yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon with the discovery of a male person.

While awaiting formal identification, the body is believed to be that of Martin Donohoe, (29), whose vehicle was found on the roadside close to the bridge, with his mobile phone inside. He was last seen on October 26^th.

Mr Donohoe’s family had gathered at the scene every day since his disappearance and an extensive search was carried out by search and rescue groups, sub-acqua teams, sniffer dogs and drones, Civil Defence and Coast Guard volunteers.

The body was recovered by Mallow Search & Rescue in a joint operation with Waterford Marine Search & Rescue members and transported to New Ross by boat and from there to University Hospital Waterford where a post mortem will take place.

Son of Catherine and the late Jim Donohoe, Martin was a native of Monageer who had been living in Cromwellsfort in Wexford town and worked on a site in Kilsheelan, Co. Tipperary.

The Donohoe family wish to thank all the volunteers who came from many parts of the country during the search for Martin. All efforts are deeply appreciated.

Sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP.

Slaney Foods funding of almost €2m

By Dan Walsh

Slaney Foods in Clohamon, Bunclody, is to receive €1,988,519 in funding for agri-food projects to help producers identify new markets and expand their offerings following Britain’s exit from the EU.

Wexford Fine Gael Deputy Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com ; “This funding announced by An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, will allow Slaney Foods to tap into new markets and attract more customers after a very challenging period due to Brexit.

“This is a huge investment in the agri-food industry and represents Fine Gael’s commitment to securing the economic future of rural Ireland.

Deputy Kehoe added; “The agriculture sector is the lifeblood of many communities across Wexford. Nationally, we produce enough food to feed nine times our population and the sector employs almost 165,000 people across the country.

“This investment is about gaining access to new markets in Asia and North America in particular, with a specific focus on moving up the value chain by increasing sales of higher value-add products.”

Twenty-two projects in the dairy and meat sectors across the country are to receive funding from the Government’s €70 million Capital Investment Scheme for the Processing and Marketing of Agricultural Products.