WexfordLocal.com

Irish Water upgrades at Tagoat and Wellingtonbridge

By Dan Walsh

Twenty-one additional wastewater treatment plants have been selected for upgrade as part of the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme, including two in Co. Wexford.

In Wexford, two settlements are set to benefit from the programme. In Wellingtonbridge, an upgrade of Wastewater capacity to provide for growth will be catered for and in Grahormac, Tagoat, an upgrade for the Wastewater Treatment Plant will provide additional capacity for growth.

Irish Water’s Regional Operations Manager, Jim Fitzgerald, said; “The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien recently announced the Housing for All plan, and this is one of Irish Water’s key initiatives in supporting the delivery of this plan. Irish Water can confirm that the green light has been given for projects which will improve wastewater treatment capacity in Wellingtonbridge and Grahormac, Tagoat. This will unlock growth and development in this area by ensuring the treatment infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of the area.”

Irish Water has announced these projects now to enable Local Authorities to make plans on housing and development into the short and medium term supporting their regional and local development plans.

The announcement today was made possible after Irish Water’s planning team finalised their reviews of all submissions with a focus on the right sized projects for the right town or village at the right cost. The project will now continue through the next stages including design, detailed planning, procurement and approvals.

Further updates on the budget and timelines for delivery will be provided in due course. Looking forward, Irish Water anticipates that this programme will continue in the next capital investment programme delivering further upgrades to cater for growth.

Irish Water is responsible for public water and wastewater infrastructure and is committed to providing a safe and reliable water supply, Irish Water is investing €5.2 billion in the period from 2020-2024 in drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure.

Wexford students tops in children’s art

By Dan Walsh

Three Wexford students have won top prizes in this year’s 67th Texaco Children’s Art Competition, the results of which were delayed until now due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They were Ella Carley (15) from Loreto Secondary School, Wexford for her work entitled ‘Thom Yorke (Fade out)’ and John (8) and Nina Redmond (6), both pupils at St. Kevin’s National School, Gorey for their works entitled ‘The Hairy Lion’ and ‘The Underwater Sea Adventure’.

All were winners of Special Merit Awards for artworks that Final Adjudicator, Professor Declan McGonagle said: “demonstrated high levels of skill and imagination”.

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates to the very first competition held in 1955.

This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Wexford and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.

Kehoe says restore school library fund

By Dan Walsh

“Every child in every school in the Wexford has the “right to be a reader” and the upcoming Budget must make this happen,” according to Enniscorthy-based Fine Gael Deputy Paul Kehoe, TD.

Calling on Minister for Education and Skills, Norma Foley to fully restore the school library fund in Budget 2022, Deputy Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com ; “Every piece of research into childhood development shows that reading really matters. Reading is linked to improved well-being, cognitive development, increased literacy and academic self-confidence. Reading has the power to change children’s lives for the better and I am calling on the Minister to restore to full budget for grant funding for primary schools to keep their libraries fully stocked.

“This budget was cut in 2008 and has never been restored. As a result, fewer children have ready access to excellent, modern books. Many schools rely on donations to provide this essential resource.

“I am very proud of the great strides that we have made in our school building programme, building state of the art new schools, upgrading existing schools and planning for the future, but we need to continue to move this forward. There is little point in providing wonderful spaces for libraries in our schools if there is no funding to fill them with books.

“Allocating €10 for every primary school child in the country to help schools buy books (including audio and picture books) would require a Budget allocation of €5.68m, which, as with every investment into our children, would pay the state back exponentially into the future. Funding school libraries allow every child to become a reader,” concluded Deputy Kehoe.

Fishermen rescued in thick fog

By Dan Walsh

Two fishermen were stranded in thick fog in a small open punt after their craft suffered outboard engine difficulties off Creaden Head in the Waterford Estuary last Saturday.

Fethard RNLI was requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard shortly before 12.30pm. The volunteer crew of Fethard RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat at Duncannon Strand and proceeded to the co-ordinates given by the men on the broken-down vessel.

The water was flat calm and there was a light breeze at the time. However, visibility was less than four metres in a thick fog. The fishermen were located off Woodstown, where they tied up to a lobster pot marker buoy.

There, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation, and it was decided to tow the fishermen’s boat back to the safety of Duncannon Harbour.

Thomas Stafford, Fethard RNLI Helm said afterwards; “The two lads did everything right. They wore their lifejackets, they tied up to a marker when the engine failed, and they had the means to call for help and give their co-ordinates when things went wrong. All this led to a positive outcome with the two lads being returned to safety.

HIGH FIVE for champions Barry and Colin

By Dan Walsh at Monksgrange

National champions Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe have hit the ground running sharing five winners on the first two days of the 2021-’22 point-to-point season, three of them today at their local Bree Hunt fixture at Monksgrange, Rathnure, where the rains fell and changed the going.

Four runners stood their ground for the maiden race for four-year-old mares and victory went to the odds-on favourite Music Of Tara by three lengths to get the O’Neill-Bowe partnership into victory mode. “She’s a smart filly. Her future will be on the track,” said the winning trainer.

Six competitors faced the starter half an hour later for the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and the punters followed O’Neill and Bowe and backed Music Drive into favouritism. Music Drive did it well, two and a half lengths to spare on the finish line, and he is now for sale.

**The rain arrives as the riders get last instructions for the four year old maiden mares race at Monksgrange this afternoon.**

The O’Neill-Bowe hat trick came in the final race of the day – the maiden race for 6 years-old-and plus – with Getaway Lodge by three lengths in the eight-runner. Like Music Drive earlier, Getaway Lodge was in the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours.

The most competitive race of the day was the 10-runner maiden race for five-year-old and upward mares where Bonnie Debut scored by eight lengths to give Tomhaggard rider Tiernan Power Roche his 24^th career winner. Owned by David O’Byrne from Carlow, Bonnie Debut was the sixth winner as a handler for Mark Scallan, Cleariestown, who has retired from the saddle with 57 career wins and has 15 horses in training for the new season.

Jack Hendrick from Mayglass was in winning form when bringing home Diese Des Bieffes by three lengths in the Open Lightweight Race. His previous races were in England at Uttoxeter and Cheltenham (twice) for champion trainer Paul Nicholls and changed hands at the Doncaster Sales, the eight-year-old grey gelding was running in the colours of Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and the 31^st career winner for the Ballindaggin handler Cormac Doyle.

The only prize that left the county was the success of Coastguard Station from the Tipperary stables of Sam Curling at Cashel and the winning rider was Pa King. That was in the eight-runner maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

It was a very successful day. Everything went off without a hitch, the ground was good, but deteriorated as the rain began to fall heavily, there was a fine attendance – many family groups – and the punters gave a welcome to the return of the bookmakers. It was the first time in 18 months that the crowds were allowed in due to Covid-19 and some pandemic guidelines still apply, such as the mandatory wearing of masks in the parade ring.

October is ‘National Reuse Month’

By Dan Walsh

October is Ireland’s National Reuse Month, where the aim is to inspire and provide the skills and tools to reuse more in every aspect of life. For example, you may have already reused by getting shoes resoled rather than replacing them or borrowing books from your local library.

To cut down on waste and greenhouse gas emissions, we can begin to prioritise repair and reuse this October. Why not try to buy second hand, upcycle something, borrow, swap and refill. This avoids the need to extract raw materials, manufacture and distribute new stuff, and avoids waste –all of which cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. Why not make a commitment to reuse as many things as possible to save the environment this October?

Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council officially launched National Reuse Month last and joining her at the launch was Mr. Brendan Daly Principal of FCJ Secondary Bunclody, Ms. Samantha Hughes, Green School Co-ordinator and their student water ambassadors.

Speaking at the launch Cllr Murphy said; “October Reuse Month is about inspiring people to make use of the items that may otherwise go to waste. Reuse is about valuing our stuff, by using and reusing it for as long and as often as possible. At times we forget to consider where things came from or went to after we use them – never mind the environmental consequences of using up primary resources and dumping waste. Reuse is good for the environment and good for your pocket. I encourage all residents of County Wexford to get involved in national Reuse Month”

At the launch of National Reuse Month at Bunclody FCJ were Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council, Cliona Connolly, Environmental Awareness Officer and Samantha Hughes, Green School Co-Ordinator, and participating students.

Also present at the launch, Cliona Connolly, Environmental Awareness Officer, Wexford County Council added; “Throughout October we invite everyone, whether a school, sports club, community group or business, to join us for Reuse Month. Maybe you want to attend a workshop or take part in a competition. We have initiatives to suit everyone this year, from how to encourage reuse and cut out disposable plastics at your sports club or school to upcycling everything from fashion to furniture.”

All events are now listed on www.wexfordcoco.ie

There’re off at Monksgrange

By Dan Walsh

The 2021-22 point-to-point season gets into its stride at Monksgrange, Rathnure, tomorrow (Sunday) for the Bree Hunt races with the first of six races off at 2pm. There are eighty-eight entries.

The track has was spiked with watering during the week and the going is described as “good.”

**BARRY O’NEILL double today at Oldcastle. Rides at Monksgrange tomorrow.**

To gain access a QR code must be presented at the gate. Everyone, even minors, will require their own individual QR pass.

Attendees are advised to have a QR pass ready for screening at the entrance gate to avoid any unnecessary delays. If using the QR on your mobile, please ensure that it is enlarged on your screen when presenting it at the entrance.

If you develop any symptoms of Covid-19, please do not attend the point-to-point and consult your GP for medical advice. Usual admission charges will apply at the gate.

Today’s action took place at Oldcastle, Co. Meath and was the first time in 18 months that spectators was allowed, and the fixture opened with a Wexford winner.

Champions Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe teamed up to win the first race of the season – the four-year-old mares maiden race – with first timer Reddys Island in the colours of the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd by one length. Afterwards, Colin Bowe described Reddys Island as “a smart mare who will come on plenty for the experience.”

The O’Neill-Bowe partnership had a second winner in Subtle Robin, a three-quarters of a length victory in the five-year-old mares maiden race. The Kiltealy champions will be hoping for more success at their local track tomorrow afternoon.

Glanbia is Green Gold winner for the second year

By Dan Walsh

Glanbia Ireland has obtained Origin Green Gold Membership status for the second year in a row in recognition of its excellence in sustainability.

The awarding of the Origin Green Gold Standard recognises Glanbia Ireland’s efforts to excel in sustainable food production as part of Ireland’s pioneering food and drink sustainability programme.

Glanbia Ireland was just one of 26 of Ireland’s leading food businesses who received the inaugural Gold Status Membership last year and is among a group of 50 to achieve gold standard status for 2021.

Glanbia Ireland was strongly commended again this year for its community-wide, green initiatives such as Operation Biodiversity, Operation WildNation and Operation PolliNation which are championed by Glanbia CountryLife’s horticulturists and teams at the 14 award-winning garden centres and local branches in the Glanbia Ireland catchment area.

In Wexford, CountryLife has centres in Campile, New Ross and Bunclody. Locals can also avail of a huge range of services in the county and general region across Glanbia stores in Taghmon, Clonroche, Kilmuckridge, Ballywilliam and Ballycanew.

Together they helped drive the planting of over 80,000 native Irish trees and hedgerows over the past year as well the introduction of flowering perennials into gardens, wild bird conservation and other biodiversity measures through a strong educational role in communities through outreach to schools.

Pictured with the Origin Green Gold Membership award for 2021 were Glanbia Ireland’s Aoife Murphy, Director, Ingredients; John Murphy, Chairman; Jim Bergin, CEO and Audrey O’Shea, Head of Environment and Sustainability. *Photo Finbarr O’Rourke.*

Glanbia Ireland CEO, Jim Bergin, said; “It is a great honour to be made a Gold Member, reflecting all of the hard work and achievements that our teams have been making across our entire business. Gold Membership rewards and recognises our commitment to sustainability as outlined in our Living Proof sustainability strategy and our commitments on raw material sourcing and packaging, emissions, waste reduction, water efficiency, health and nutrition.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said that sustainability is at the centre of Food Vision 2030, the new ten-year strategy for the Irish agri-food sector.

Speaking at the event, Tara McCarthy CEO of Bord Bia, said; “Bord Bia is delighted to share the important results and industry leading achievements outlined in the Origin Green Progress Update Report 2021, as proof and progress continue to be trademarks of our world-class, national sustainability programme.”

No injuries in N11 road crash

By Dan Walsh

No serious injuries are reported following a two vehicle road traffic collision on the N11 at a junction known as the Fox and Goose near Crossabeg which occurred around 9.20am today.

**The scene of a road traffic collision on the N11 south of Oylegate this morning.**

Emergency vehicles from the National Ambulance Service, fire service vehicles from Wexford and Enniscorthy and the Gardaí were quickly on the scene.

Traffic was restricted to a single lane southbound for a time but the road between Oylegate and Ferrycarrig is fully operational again.

Tributes to Castletown’s Joe O’Shaughnessy

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of former Chairman of Wexford GAA County Board and record senior football medal holder Joe O’Shaughnessy, (78), of Coolroe, Castletown.

A farmer who received his early education at Castletown National School and Gorey CBS, Joe played football for Castletown and for Wexford. He played under-age with Gorey Young Emmets and won minor and juvenile county championships, but his major claim was winning nine County Senior Football Championships with Castletown (1965, 1966, 1969, 1970, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1979 and 1981) – a county record he shares with his clubmate Oliver Cullen.

He also won Wexford junior and intermediate championships with Liam Mellows, played with the Wexford U21 football team and on the Wexford senior football team between 1966 and 1974.

Following his exploits on the field of play Joe took on many administrative roles and served as Chairman of Wexford GAA County Board for three years, 1990-1993. In 2003, he became Central Council representative.

He was a member of the Castletown GAA Club committee since 1961, served as club chair on two terms (1982-’86) and (2005-’08). Treasurer for several years from 1961.

Well-known and respected for his passion as a GAA player and administrator, he was also a member of Courtown Golf Club and Wexford IFA, and tributes are already pouring in for a record-breaker.

FAMILY NOTICE; The late Joe O’Shaughnessy, Coolroe, Arklow Rock, Wicklow and Gorey. (Passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family after a short illness). Beloved husband of Ann and loving father of Michael, Marcella, Jody, Sarah, Julie, Ellen and Hannah, brother of Charlie, Ted, Larry, Betty, Peggy, Marcella and the late Eileen, Michael, Jack and Billy. He will be very sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandchildren Aoife, Sophia, Joe, Essie, Freddie, Charlie, Billy, Joe and Aoibhin, sons-in-law Matt, Shane, Lubos, Tom, daughters-in-law Caroline and Ciara, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

May He Rest In Peace.

Reposing at his Residence on Saturday 25th September from 2 pm until 6 pm. (Eircode Y14 YKO9). Funeral arriving to St. Patrick’s Church Castletown on Sunday 26th September for Funeral Mass at 12.30 pm followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Family Flowers only please. Donations if desired to The Mater Foundation.

The family very much appreciate your support and co-operation at this sad and difficult time.

Please be aware of Government and HSE Regulations regarding Social Distance for the safety of the Family and those in attendance at the Funeral.