Gorey motorcyclist (22) has died

By Dan Walsh

A 22 year old motorcyclist from Gorey who was in a critical condition from injuries sustained in a serious road traffic collision on the N2, in Co. Louth, last Saturday, has since passed away. He is named as Finlay Power from Annagh, Hollyfort, Gorey.

Finlay Power (22) was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda and had been in a critical condition following a collision between the motorcycle he was travelling on and a car.

FINLAY POWER

The driver of the car, a man in his late 30s, and a passenger, a man in his mid-60s, were treated at the scene.

Finlay was son of James and Catherine Power and a past pupil of Coláiste Bhride, Carnew. He had been a member of Gorey Civil Defence for the past two years and had attended a training session with the group the evening before the accident.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward. Any road users who were travelling on the N2 in the townland of Edmonstown, Co. Louth on Saturday evening, September 11th, between 8pm and 8.30pm and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make it available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ardee Garda Station on 041 6853222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

No Ministerial handshakes for some?

By Dan Walsh

Some public representatives are up in arms with Wexford County Council officials after claims that only selected members were informed of the recent visit to Wexford by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD and the topic was hot at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held in ‘the Street’ at Carricklawn, Wexford.

CLLR FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin referred to Minister O’Brien’s visit to St. Waleran’s in Gorey, and despite being Leas-Cathaoirleach for Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District – “I was not aware of the Minister’s visit.”

Cllr Davy Hynes was also angry. He found the Minister’s visit as “a surprise” and he described the event as nothing more than “a photo opportunity.” And he warned the Council and the Minister and the Housing for All policy by saying that “affordable housing is a joke.”

Cllr Tom Forde raised the matter of poor communications and was critical of the ministerial visit. “Why other parties and members were not informed reflects badly on the Housing for All policy,” he claimed.

Eamonn Hore said he was 40 years with the Council, and he was “disappointed and surprised” at the members reaction to the Minister’s visit and he informed the meeting that CEO Tom Enright was attending a meeting with the Minister (hence his absence from County Hall) and will bring back more detail.

Cllr Tom Forde was unhappy and felt it was a breakdown in communications and “a one party trick.”

Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin reminded the meeting that he was Leas-Cathaoirleach in the Gorey Kilmuckridge district and he observed that it was “a one party show.”

Communications Officer David Minogue said that Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach, attended on behalf of the members. He also pointed out that the district Cathaoirleach and in Wexford, Mayor of Wexford Garry Laffan, met Minister O’Brien “who was on a very tight schedule.”

Battle of Vinegar Hill revisited

By Dan Walsh

On 21 June 1798, 20,000 men, women and children found themselves trapped on a hill outside Enniscorthy, facing a Crown force of some 15,000 troops led by no less than four generals and 16 general officers.

More than two centuries later a multi-disciplinary research programme involving archaeologists, historians, folklorists, architectural historians and military specialists provides startling new insight into what happened at Vinegar Hill on that fateful day in June 1798.

The comprehensive story is told in a new publication called VINEGAR HILL… The Last Stand of the Wexford Rebels of 1798 by co-editors Ronan O’Flaherty and Jacqui Hynes quietly launched due to Covid-19 restrictions on Vinegar Hill recently. The work has 17 contributors and is a brilliant reference source with up-to-date detail through the efforts of an academic team that threw passion and expertise into the project.

It was the dying days of a rebellion that had shaken British rule in Ireland to its core. The army that now surrounded the hill was determined that none should escape. 

Using cutting-edge technology and traditional research, the sequence of the battle jumps sharply into focus, beginning with the ‘shock-and awe’ bombardment at dawn, the attack on Enniscorthy and the hill, and the critical defence of the bridge across the Slaney that allowed so many of the defenders on the hill to escape. 

At the launch of VINEGAR HILL… The Last Stand of the Wexford Rebels of 1798 were (left to right); Liz Hore, Head of Enterprise and Tourism, Tony Larkiin, Deputy CEO, Wexford County Council, Jacqui Hynes (co-editor), Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Ronan O’Flaherty (co-editor), Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Cllr Jackser Owens. Pic. Patrick Browne

Dr Ronan O’Flaherty is an archaeologist and independent researcher, and Chair of The Longest Day Research Project.

Jacqui Hynes is a folklorist and teacher, a former manager of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre and a member of The Longest Day Research Project.

VINEGAR HILL The Last Stand of the Wexford Rebels of 1798, Ronan O’Flaherty and Jacqui Hynes, editors. Paperback Large Format, 352 pages, Full Colour throughout. Published by Four Courts Press, Dublin. ISBN: 978-1-84682-962-8

DON’T FORGET TO TUNE IN; Ronan O’Flaherty and Jacqui Hynes talks about the book, the archaeological survey of Vinegar Hill, and an overview of the Battle of Vinegar Hill with Dan Walsh on MIDWEEK VOICES, Wednesday, September 15th at 8pm on SOUTH EAST RADIO.

Celebrations at Fethard RNLI

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI celebrated the 25th anniversary of the local lifeboat station with a search and rescue display, off Baginbun Beach, in the company of neighbours Dunmore East RNLI and Kilmore Quay RNLI, Fethard Coast Guard and Rescue helicopter 117.

As the weather held off, a crowd gathered to observe lifeboat crews carry out a scenario which saw the three RNLI lifeboat crews work as a team to form search patterns to locate survivors of a fictional light aircraft, which had reportedly come down just off Baginbun Head.

When located, the casualties were brought ashore where the volunteer crew of Fethard Lifeboat administered casualty care and transferred them into the care of Fethard Coast Guard. In the final part of the exercise, Waterford based Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 flew overhead; in this scenario the helicopter crew would have airlifted the casualties onboard to receive more urgent medical care and transport to hospital.

Also present on the day were members of the RNLI’s Water Safety team, who provided advice and handed out waterproof pouches to water sports enthusiasts for the safe keeping of their mobile phones when they are out on the water.

RNLI crews from Dunmore East, Fethard and Kilmore Quay taking part in the demonstration off Baginbun Beach. Pic; RNLI/Liam Ryan.

Speaking about the joint exercise to mark the 25th anniversary, Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager for Fethard RNLI, Walter Foley said; “This major exercise between the three RNLI lifeboat stations, Fethard Coast Guard and Rescue117 shows the public the services that are available to them when things go wrong. It highlights the importance of always carrying a means of calling for help on your person and to call 999 or 112 if you or someone else gets into trouble.”

Fethard lifeboat station had been off service for a period of 82 years before locals were successful in getting the historic lifeboat station reopened with an inshore lifeboat in 1996.

Coolgreany vintage on the roads again

By Dan Walsh

There was a vibrant feel of community spirit and a reawakening of the rural countryside as a Road Run comprising a long convoy of vintage cars and tractors participated in the Coolgreany Vintage Club event that covered more than 50 kilometres today.

Highways and byways were once again awakened to the sound of vehicles from the past after 18 months of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a sight to behold and a sign of normal life returning!

The older tractors at the Coolgreany Road Run. (Pic; Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin)

Weather conditions were tolerant as the convoy paraded down Coolgreany’s long Main Street, onwards to Inch, then to Woodenbridge and the historic Meeting of the Waters at Avoca, past Aughrim Holiday Village and Tinahely before sounding the horn at the Gap Pub and Ballyfad Post Office and back safely in Coolgreany.

Founded three years ago Coolgreany Vintage Club are delighted with the response to today’s Road Run. The annual barbecue in aid of Tidy Towns’ Coolgreany also took place and there was a brilliant afternoon music session with singing star from Ferns – Stacey Breen.

Gorey Memorial Garden honours firefighters

By Dan Walsh

A Memorial Garden in memory of deceased and retired firefighters from Co. Wexford was officially opened today in the grounds of Gorey Fire Station.

CANON MARK HAYDEN in prayer at Memorial Garden (Pic; Joseph Dixon)

Edward Rossiter, Station Officer, and members of Gorey Fire Service formed a guard of honour.

Cllr Joe Sullivan planted a tree, Canon Mark Hayden recited prayers and the blessing was performed by Rev. Roger O’Neill, in a short, dignified ceremony attended by representatives of the firefighting families across Co. Wexford.

It was fitting that the Memorial Garden opened on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 remembering the hundreds of brave firefighters who died in the line of duty in the Twin Towers. The US Flag of Honour flew at half-mast.

Trinity Wharf to transform Wexford and South East region

By Dan Walsh

A recent visit by Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to Wexford’s Trinity Wharf has been hailed as “an ambitious economic plan to support job creation and economic investment in the county” and members at last Monday’s special meeting to discuss the draft County Development Plan held in ‘the Street’ at Wexford County Council headquarters at Carricklawn were treated to a short promotional presentation.

Trinity Wharf is strategically located on a prominent 10-acre site overlooking Wexford Harbour with unrivalled panoramic views from its coastal location on the Wexford quay front. It is expected to maximise opportunities for growth and foster a dynamic ecosystem into a development that will transform Wexford and the South East Region.

The overall cost is €110 million. Wexford County Council has investment under the Government Project 2040, Urban Regeneration Development Fund with combined funding of €20 million.

An additional €7 million is ringfenced by the elected members of Wexford County Council for the landmark project, which will see a portfolio of public and private investment building on the reputation of Ireland as centre of excellence for FDI and European headquarters for multi-nationals.

Trinity Wharf will be completed in two phases and will accommodate several elements including headquarters of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), 200,000 sq. ft of commercial office space, hotel accommodation with an international partner, restaurants and retail units, conference facilities, and a 64-berth marina, a new boardwalk linking Trinity Wharf with Paul Quay and the Crescent, an urban greenway, and in phase two – residential apartments.

Visit of Minister Darragh O’ Brien to Trinity Wharf, Wexford. From left; Sen Malcolm Byrne, Cllr Garry Laffan Mayor of Wexford, Tom Enright CEO Wexford County council, Minister Darragh O’Brien, Barbara Anne Murphy Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Minister James Browne. Photo; Mary Browne

Aldi reopens €2.5m Wexford town store

By Dan Walsh

Aldi has unveiled its newly revamped and extended Newtown Road store, in Wexford town, following a €2.5 million overhaul. There are also 86 car park spaces available to Aldi shoppers, along with a bicycle rack stand.

The store overhaul and extension has created four new permanent jobs in the local area in addition to the current team of 26 staff and brings the total number of staff working in Aldi’s seven Co. Wexford stores to over 185.

Over the past month the store has undergone a complete refurbishment, including the building of a new extension, increasing the shop floor space by 30% and the store has been redesigned to be as environmentally friendly as possible, featuring free to use electric car charging points and being powered by 100% green electricity.

Aldi staff, Adisa Rago, Declan Downes, Barry Doyle, Store Manager, Jess Dempsey and Joanna Tokarzwith at Aldi’s newly revamped and extended Newtown Road Wexford Town store, Picture: Patrick Browne

Speaking at the store reopening today (Thursday), Barry Doyle, Aldi Newtown Road Wexford Town Store Manager said; “Our new and improved store is fantastic news for local shoppers! The spacious design means it is easier for customers to pick up what they need, and our aim is to ensure the very best customer shopping experience. In addition, it’s great to see new jobs being created in the town.”

Aldi has made a capital investment of €23.5 million in Co. Wexford since 2004. Aldi claims to be the best paying supermarket in Ireland and currently employs over 185 full-time staff across the county. Aldi is seeking to recruit 34 new employees for its seven Wexford stores this year, including 24 permanent positions.

Laura McGuire, Hannah Larkin, Olivia Burke, Shane Burke and Adam Donaghue from Mercy School, St Johns Road, .Wexford with donated Aldi Play Rugby Kits, also pictured are Barry Doyle, Store Manager and Corey Carty, Community Rugby Officer at Aldi’s newly revamped and extended Newtown Road Wexford Town store. Picture: Patrick Browne

As part of the store reopening, Aldi has donated six full Aldi Play Rugby kits to Mercy School, St John’s Road, Wexford. Aldi’s stores across Co. Wexford are deeply involved in their local communities. To date, the stores have donated over 55,000 meals to local charities through FoodCloud, saving the charities more than €70,000. Each store is also part of Aldi’s Community Grants network, with Wexford Marine Watch and Pieta House Wexford some of the several charities that have availed of the €500 bursary grant.

In addition to supporting local charities, Aldi is the first retailer in Ireland to commit to planting one million native Irish woodland trees by 2025, working together with Green Belt.

Aldi partners with a variety of Irish food and drink producers across Co. Wexford and spent €9 million with its Co. Wexford suppliers in 2020. Aldi is committed to growing its Irish supply base and increasing the number of locally produced Irish products available at its stores. Aldi currently partners with 12 food and drink producers across Co. Wexford.

Draft County Development Plan making progress

By Dan Walsh

Not all of the 34 elected members were there, but there was a quorum overflow, and there was a sense of normality to business as members gathered in person in ‘the Street’ at Wexford County Council headquarters at Carricklawn, Wexford, last Monday to discuss the draft County Development Plan and progress it to the next stage.

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, 2021-’22.

Fresh Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was in the chair for several deferred motions from the June meeting and some new motions submitted. The detail was very thorough with most queries directed at Diarmuid Heuston, Senior Executive Planner, who was most efficient in his replies to members queries.

The Council decided by a majortty of 17-8 to continue with the draft County Development process.

The meeting lasted three hours (with break to satisfy Covid-19 guidelines) with plenty of interaction and robust exchanges, at times, as 30 motions were dealt with.

Everything from rural housing, housing density to seaside residences, Cllr Jim Codd pointed out that the 3km radius was a disadvantage in coastal areas like Kilmore Quay, Cllr Jackser Owens wants people to live in their town, Cllrs John Fleming, John Hegarty, Michael Whelan were voiceorious about the needs of the communities they represent, but in fairness, it was a wide-ranging honest discussion without rancour and anger.

The draft County Development Plan will be available to make submissions in October. and there are still opportunities for public consultation, and it is important that the views of all are taken into consideration as the Plan will exist for seven years and, also, area plans for Enniscorthy, Wexford, Gorey and New Ross will be devised using the County Plan.

Senator Byrne welcomes Smoky Coal ban

By Dan Walsh

Traditional tales from the fireside are certain to be extinguished from next year after an announcement today from the Minister for Environment Eamon Ryan TD directing a nationwide ban on the sale of smoky coals. The days of the ‘real coal fire’ are over for good!

Long time Wexford campaigner Senator Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the news of “better air quality.”

Senator Byrne said; “The levels of air pollution measured in Wexford’s four main towns were frightening. In many cases, levels of pollution were recorded at over ten times what is regarded as safe by the World Health Organisation. Enniscorthy and New Ross were particularly bad at times, but even Wexford town, which did have a ban on the sale of smoky coals in the town, still saw higher levels than were safe.”

In 2015, then Cllr Byrne brought a motion to Wexford County Council to make Wexford a smoky coal free zone. Moves for this to happen were resisted by the Department as it wanted to develop a nationwide ban. He has regularly raised the issue in Leinster House.

“I am happy this is finally happening and that our air quality will improve. There are more sustainable fuel sources available that are better value for money, including smokeless coal, and we need to promote their use,” concluded Senator Byrne.