WexfordLocal.com

RNLI crews to receive Medals for Gallantry

By Dan Walsh

The RNLI will present three lifeboat crews in the South-East with gallantry awards for their role in a rescue last October that saved nine lives and prevented a 100-metre cargo vessel, carrying 4,000 tonnes of coal, from hitting rocks at Hook Head.

The Coxswains of Dunmore East RNLI, Kilmore Quay RNLI and Rosslare Harbour RNLI are to receive RNLI Bronze Medals for Gallantry – one of the highest awards presented by the lifesaving charity – while the volunteer lifeboat crews who responded to the callout will each receive Medal Certificates.

Following a meeting of the RNLI’s Board of Trustees, the RNLI has made the following recommendation. ‘For their fine display of seamanship and boat-handling skills in atrocious weather conditions, in securing a tow and determination to succeed resulting in the saving of nine lives. It is recommended that the Bronze Medal for Gallantry be awarded to:

Coxswain (Dunmore East) Roy Abrahamsson

Coxswain (Kilmore Quay) Eugene Kehoe

Coxswain (Rosslare Harbour) Eamon O’Rourke

The lifeboat crews of Dunmore East RNLI, Kilmore Quay RNLI and Rosslare Harbour RNLI will all receive Medal Service Certificates’;

Dunmore East RNLI crew: Roy Abrahamsson (Coxswain), David Murray (Mechanic), Neville Murphy (Navigator) and crewmembers Peter Curran, Jon Walsh, Luka Sweeney and Kevin Dingley.

Kilmore Quay RNLI crew: Eugene Kehoe (Coxswain), Philip Walsh (Mechanic), Aidan Bates (Navigator) and crewmembers Trevor Devereux and Sam Nunn.

Rosslare Harbour RNLI crew: Eamon O’Rourke (Coxswain), Mick Nicholas (Mechanic), Keith Miller (Navigator) crewmembers Padraig Quirke, Michael Sinnott, Eoghan Quirke and Paul McCormack.

The station Coxswains were informed of the awards by RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager Joe Moore who commented; ‘In recommending these awards, the RNLI Trustees recognise the difficulty of the service, the challenges that were faced by the lifeboat crews during their twelve hours at sea and the tragedy and environmental disaster that was averted off the Irish coast.’

In reviewing the service, the RNLI also recommended a Medal Service Certificate for the crew of Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 for their top cover and reassurance to all the crews below for the duration of the service. Signed letters of appreciation will also be presented to the staff of the National Maritime Operations Centre in Dublin and the Master and crew of the tug Tramontine.

RNLI Director of Lifesaving, John Payne said; “Those crew involved demonstrated that unique blend of courage, selflessness, dependability, and trustworthiness, at their best, in the most demanding of conditions. Without question their combined actions saved lives at sea. Conditions onboard the lifeboats were unpleasant in the rolling and pitching seas. The volunteer crews displayed fortitude, perseverance and courage to remain focused whilst under the most testing conditions, often up to their knees in water and heaving decks. The unity of purpose and sense of “One Crew” displayed by all contributed significantly to the successful outcome in a protracted 12-hour service.”

**Rescue of the *Lily B* off Hook Head last October (Pic; RNLI/Roy Abrahamsson)**

On October 20th 2020, Dunmore East RNLI, Kilmore Quay RNLI and Rosslare Harbour RNLI, along with Rescue 117, conducted a joint rescue operation off the Wexford coast. The Lily B, a 100-metre general cargo vessel with nine crew and carrying 4,000 tonnes of coal, had lost all power, just two nautical miles from Hook Head. Conditions on scene were force eight with severe force nine gusts and wave heights between eight and ten metres. The Lily B was drifting and in danger of striking rocks on Hook Head or capsizing in the heavy seas.

The 12-hour service in challenging conditions saw multiple attempts by the lifeboat crews involved to establish a tow between the casualty vessel and the lifeboats. With the crew of the Lily B unable to stay on deck for long in the poor conditions and with language difficulties, two of the lifeboats were eventually successful in passing a rope on deck by using a rocket line and pulling the cargo vessel clear of the rocks. The lifeboat tow was maintained for three hours with waves continually crashing over the decks until the tug vessel Tramontine from Waterford Port arrived on scene and took up the tow. The three lifeboats stayed with the Lily B until they reached the safety of the Waterford Estuary. The rescue operation was finally stood down after 12 hours at sea for the lifeboat crews.

Details of the arrangements for the presentation of Bronze Medals for Gallantry and the Medal Service Certificates are to be arranged in consultation with the awardees and will be released nearer the date.

Death of local radio presenter Paul Rowley

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of popular radio journalist Paul Rowley, (62), who was the voice of South East Radio news and sport over many years. Many tributes are accumulating from his legion of friends and colleagues.

Sunday Sports Hour presenter Aidan Delaney and reporter Liam Spratt paid tribute to Paul Rowley on this evening’s programme. “Plenty of good memories being shared by people who knew Paul and he will be sadly missed,” said Aidan, who added; “Condolences to his brother Michael. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.”

A graduate of St. Peter’s College, Wexford, Paul Rowley had worked with pirate radio stations in Wexford before local broadcasting was legalised and he joined South East Radio in the newsroom when the station first went on the air in October 1989.

He was Head of News at South East Radio from 1989 for 14 years, also worked as a newsroom journalist with Today FM, FM104 and 98FM, before spending many years behind the microphone on Saturdays and Sundays as the presenter of South East Radio’s Weekend Sport.

Paul was very thorough in his work and a tough disciplinarian, however, he was fair and recognised best efforts with dignity and appreciation. He trained many broadcasters (including this writer) in the rudimentary system in the days when technical issues were complex, editing was a slow process and communications was by phone or old-fashioned pen and paper. He strived for good radio listening at all times!

He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of sport and his enthusiasm and interest covered not only the popular sports, but the minority sports too! He got great satisfaction from explaining the scoring system of the cricket matches, a challenge that was beyond many who enjoyed watching the game.

Paul was a volunteer with Wexford Order of Malta and was a regular at the horse racing meets at Bettyville Park looking after the welfare of the jockeys who were not jumping with the fluency required and were having a bad day!

He was a talented broadcaster, blessed with an articulate voice that that was warm and inviting to the listeners, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him and were privileged to be in his company or those who simply knew Paul Rowley through his voice on the radio. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Paul Rowley, William Street, Wexford. Beloved son of the late Maureen and Owen. Brother of Michael. Former Presenter on South East Radio. Sadly missed by his brother, extended family, friends and former work colleagues. May he Rest in Peace.

Due to Government advice regarding public gatherings, a private family funeral shall take place on Wednesday, August 4th followed by private cremation.

Man (50) dies in Rosslare Harbour workplace accident

A man in his 50’s has died in a workplace accident at Baku GLS Limited in Kilrane Business Park, Rosslare Harbour.

The incident occurred around 1 am today (Saturday) when the deceased was crushed beneath a load of plastic sheeting.

Emergency services attended the scene.

An Gardaí and the Health & Safety Authority will hold separate investigations into the incident.

Gum litter falls by 64% in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and Cllr Garry Laffan, Mayor of Wexford joined members of Wexford Tidy Towns to officially launch the gum litter education campaign on Wexford Quay today (Friday).

Cllr Murphy asked people to get behind the Gum Litter Taskforce campaign which is an environmental initiative set up to develop and implement an awareness campaign to reduce gum litter in the most sustainable way. “Supported and funded by the chewing gum industry, the GLT initiative has made very real and significant improvements in relation to gum litter awareness and disposal behaviour over the last 14 years since its inception in 2007. The 2019 campaign maintained an all-time high of 93% of people stating that they regard chewing gum as litter, up from 74% when the campaign first began in 2007, pointing to the attitudinal impact which the campaign has had.”

Mayor of Wexford Cllr Laffan hoped the campaign will continue to further build on those results. “Each year we see communities coming together with the common aim of reducing the level of littered gum in our county.”

**Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and** **Mayor of Wexford Cllr Gary Laffan and members of Wexford Tidy Towns’ at the Gum Litter Taskforce campaign launch on Wexford Quay**

The campaign is looking to build on the positive momentum of previous years’ campaigns and is making a strong return for 2021 after being postponed last year due to COVID-19.

Research commissioned by the Gum Litter Taskforce and conducted by Kantar Millward Brown during the 2019 campaign highlighted the campaign’s continued positive effect on people’s behaviour towards gum disposal. In 2019, the results showed that 88% of people said that they always dispose of their gum correctly, which was up from 54% when the campaign first began. This shift in public behaviour has been evident throughout the 13 years that the campaign has been running, as the proportion of gum as a percentage of litter has decreased by 64%.

Paul Kelly, Chairman of the GLT added; “It is great to see the GLT campaign return and continue its success in changing the public’s behaviour towards gum litter.

Nicola Forde, Corporate Affairs Manager, Mars Wrigley Ireland said; “Mars Wrigley are pleased to support the return of this positive and vibrant awareness campaign in 2021. It is important that we maintain momentum on our journey to achieving a cleaner, greener Ireland through initiatives like the GLT and build on the success that the campaign has achieved since it commenced in 2007. “COVID-19 has brought more people outdoors to gather, socialise and enjoy the beauty of their local area. As a result, both younger and older generations are becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining the surrounding natural environment.”

Traffic collision at Brownswood N11

By Dan Walsh

One person was injured and taken to Wexford General Hospital with minor injuries following a two-vehicle road traffic collision on a straight stretch of road on the N11 at Brownswood, near Enniscorthy, today.

The collision occurred at around 4pm when a van turning into an entrance was in collision with a car travelling from behind. Road conditions were dry and good at the time.

**The scene of a road traffic collision on the N11 at Brownswood this afternoon.**

Emergency services were quickly on the scene. Two units of Enniscorthy Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service Wexford and Gardaí attended.

The road was closed to traffic for a time but has been cleared and is fully open again.

€2m plan for Enniscorthy business zone

By Dan Walsh

New infrastructure such as footpaths, cycleways, public transport, landscaping and signage are included in the Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road) masterplan costing in the region of €2 million and covering zoned land extending from the roundabouts at Blackstoops and Scarawalsh.

Last March Wexford County Council announced that Malachy Walsh & Partners were appointed to provide design services for the masterplan which was presented to members of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the May meeting. A public consultation process recorded comments during the ongoing design process.

At the July meeting, Bernie Quigley, Acting District Manager informed members that “a contract for the initial Phase 1 works is expected to be awarded in October.”

The masterplan is divided into Zone A and Zone B.

**Enniscorthy North Business District, commonly known as the Old Dublin Road, at Enniscorthy, is earmarked for a €2m masterplan.**

Zone A is the developed business district area where improvements envisaged include enhancing the existing street and road infrastructure, the formation of an active travel route, welcome signage on the approaches, landscaping with trees and low hedging and the provision of meeting or rest areas at key locations.

Zone B will consider the underdeveloped business district area and the plan makes proposals for new infrastructure and services, (footpath, cycleways, public lighting), the expansion of an active travel route around Zone A into Zone B, and a continuation of the landscaping and signage strategy.

Wexford County Council plans to develop short, medium and longer terms programmes of works to support the implementation of the programme of the masterplan and to support funding applications for the works.

Sad passing of GAA stalwart Willie Carley

By Dan Walsh

The world of GAA is mourning one of its greatest stalwarts as a player, official and mentor, Willie Carley, a native of Wexford town who grew up and lived at Lambstown, Killurin, who sadly passed away on Monday.

Leading the tributes is Wexford GAA who recorded on social media its sympathy to the Carley family on the sad passing of Willie: “A Wexford All-Ireland Minor Hurling winner in 1963, a former St Mary’s Maudlintown player, former Wexford GAA Coaching Officer, member of Leinster GAA Council, a Wexford senior hurling selector, a county senior hurling title winner with his beloved Faythe Harriers and steering Glynn-Barntown as senior hurling manager to county finals and mentor on several county under-age teams, A good friend to everyone connected to Wexford GAA and a true Gael. R.I.P.

In the book, Gallant boys and girls of Glynn Barntown- 1885 to 2010 – marking the 125^th anniversary of the club, compiled by Jim McGovern and John Wickham, Willie said the GAA had been “a way of life for him.”

Willie played in the Wexford town street league’s and captained Wexford CBS to victory in the schools’ championship. His greatest memories were playing on the victorious 1963 All-Ireland minor team and later in his career to play with two of his greatest heroes – Ned Wheeler in the 1968 county senior hurling final and Billy Rackard in the 1967 Leinster Intermediate Hurling Final against Dublin.

His six sons all played GAA as did his grandsons and grand-daughter, achievements that made him so proud and had a huge effect on his life. He added; “my family because of their involvement in the GAA married into GAA families and the tradition goes on.”

Willie was a very kind and well-liked person whose passion for the GAA and his family were paramount and his contribution to making the world a better place will be forever recalled in Maudlintown and Glynn-Barntown.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Willie Carley, formerly of Maudlintown, Wexford town and Lambstown, Killurin. Beloved husband of Catherine loving father of Angela, Shane, William, PJ, Mark, Paul, and Paschal and brother of Francis, Richard and the late Thomas, Theresa and Mary. Sadly missed by his loving wife, daughter, sons, sisters in law, brother in law, daughters in law, son in law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. R.I.P.

Due to government guidelines, a family funeral will take place on Wednesday for (max) 50 people, and you are welcome to view Willie’s Requiem Mass on www.wexfordparish.com at 12 noon at Bride Street Church, Wexford, walking to church on Wednesday morning at 11.30am. Burial will take place afterwards in Glynn Cemetery.

Funding for Wexford parents and toddlers

By Dan Walsh

A national total funding of €250,0000 was announced by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman today (Tuesday) as part of the Government’s Summer of Play initiative which means new government grants will be available for Parent and Toddler Groups in Co. Wexford.

Deputy Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com; “This funding will be allocated to all not-for profit Parent and Toddler groups throughout Wexford who actively involve the participation of parents in the local community. The grants available will range from €100 to €1,250.

**Children enjoying a reading in New Ross Library (File Picture)**

“Existing Parent and Toddler Groups can apply for a maximum of €800 while new start up groups may apply for maximum grant of up to €1,250. The funding can be used for expenses including toys, play equipment, books, and activities for the children.

“Training for parents can also be covered under the grants including for example, paediatric first aid, committee skills and parenting courses.

“Limited funding will also be available towards insurance, rent or minor refurbishment, up to a maximum of 30% of total funding for existing services. Further limited funding will be available towards insurance or rent, up to a maximum of 70% of total funding for new services.

Deputy Kehoe hopes all local groups will apply for these grants to assist them in bringing parents and children together to play and socialise again. “The groups should apply for a grant under this scheme through Wexford County Council who can also give them full details on the programme,” he concluded.

The Summer at Play grants has been welcomed by Senator Malcolm Byrne who told WexfordLocal.com that many parent and toddler groups in Co. Wexford had been inquiring of him about such supports. “Children deserve to enjoy the chance to play and these small grants, through the County Childcare Committee, will be helpful in providing opportunities in our communities,” said Senator Byrne.

Summer outdoor theatre in south Wexford

Good news for theatre enthusiasts as Ballycogley Players presents the Summer Outdoor Theatre Festival featuring four plays to three popular south Wexford venues – Tomhaggard, Our Lady’s Island and Piercestown – commencing in Tomhaggard Social Centre this Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm sharp.

Wednesday’s plays are Lockdown in Little Grimley by David Tristram and Lovers Winners by Brian Friel. On Thursdays it’s Give A Little Love by Alan Stockdill and Where Is This Mailbar by Liam Howard.

Tickets are €10 and pre-booking is essential. Booking for Tomhaggard is 085 1506791; for Our Lady’s Island 087 6733575; Piercestown 085 1510236; or info.ballycogleyplayers@gmail.com

Irish Water infrastructure includes Wexford

By Dan Walsh

While warm weather and water conservation dominated the headlines, it was another big week for the public and customers of Irish Water for a different reason as three key pieces of infrastructure in the South, West and East of the county were being announced helping to safeguard water supplies and eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into the environment.

The announcement of new infrastructure was welcome news locally for the residents, politicians and local business of Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Mayo and Wexford as Irish Water continued to deliver essential projects across the country. The projects mean a more secure water supply for customers in the East and improved water quality for swimming, angling and tourism in Mayo and Wexford.

MINISTER JAMES BROWNE, CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and PAUL FALLON Irish Water turning the sod for the new Wastewater Treatment Plant for Arthurstown, Duncannon and Ballyhack.

It was sun, sea, sand and a sod turning in Wexford as Irish Water began works to end discharge of raw sewage with the sod turning for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant for Arthurstown, Duncannon and Ballyhack. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy said: “The commencement of this vital sewerage infrastructure development will lead to enhanced tourism opportunities for the beautiful villages of Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon. In Wexford we pride ourselves on our expansive well-maintained beaches and coastline with all the amenities they offer.

“The removal of untreated wastewater to this estuary has long been a goal of Wexford County Council, and we can now look forward to all the benefits of a cleaner environment, previously denied due to the lack of treatment in the area. These works will also hasten the return of our Blue Flag Beach status to Duncannon. I very much welcome the investment from Irish Water in conjunction with Wexford County Council.”

The Greater Dublin area, a water supply zone spanning five counties, saw the official sod turning in Saggart of a new 100 million litre covered treated storage reservoir that will help to safeguard the water supply to homes and businesses.

In Killala, Co. Mayo Minister Peter Burke and Managing Director of Irish Water Niall Gleeson officially opened Killala, Foxford and Charlestown Wastewater Treatment Plants following a €19m investment which has ended the discharge of raw sewage to Killala Bay and will bring environmental benefits to the River Moy.