WexfordLocal.com

Gardaí honoured for bravery in Rosslare Harbour bank raid

By Dan Walsh

Two members of An Garda Siochána who confronted a masked suspect and removed a balaclava from his face during an armed raid on the Bank of Ireland branch in Rosslare Harbour on August 19^th 2016 have each been awarded the Bronze Scott Medal.

Garda Barry Hennessy from Wexford Garda Station and Garda Michael Lee, Immigration, Rosslare Habour were special guests in Dublin Castle this morning where the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris awarded 13 Scott Medals for bravery to deceased and serving members of An Garda Siochána.

Speaking at the ceremony Commissioner Harris said; “The most valuable asset to An Garda Siochana is our personnel. It is through their unwavering dedication and hard work that An Garda Siochána is able to keep people safe in communities throughout Ireland.

“The work of all Gardaí is inherently dangerous, complex and can often stretch far beyond our day-to-day duty, but the selfless courage of some stands out.

“The Scott Medal is the highest decoration that can be bestowed upon a member of An Garda Siochána for their exceptional courage and bravery. On this occasion, I am honoured to award the Scott Medal to 13 exemplary Gardaí for their bravery and heroism in service.”

**AN GARDA SIOCHANA on duty. (Pic; An Garda Siochána)**

On August 19^th 2016, Garda Barry Hennessy and Garda Michael Lee were on uniform mobile patrol in the Wexford district when they responded to a report of a panic alarm activation at the Bank of Ireland, Rosslare Harbour.

On arrival Gardaí Hennesy and Lee met a staff member who advised them that she was unable to gain entry or make contact with the staff inside. Garda Hennessy climbed a wall to access the rear of the building while Garda Lee remained at the front of the premises.

Garda Hennessy managed to see inside through a peephole in a steel door at the rear of the building. He banged the door a number of times and identified himself as a member of An Garda Siochána.

The door opened and three staff members ran from the bank. These staff were visibly scared and were screaming that there was a male inside who was wearing a balaclava, in possession of a handgun, which he had discharged and had been demanding money. Garda Hennessy called for armed assistance and guided the three staff members to safety.

While at the front of the bank, Garda Lee heard the commotion at the rear and saw the three staff members had run from the premises.

Although aware that an armed raider was in the bank, Garda Lee maintained his position at the front door of the bank. A masked man appeared at the front door and pointed his hand at Garda Lee in a shooting gesture. The masked man, carrying a rucksack, ran from the front door of the bank across the road towards the back of a nearby house.

In the knowledge that this male was potentially armed with a handgun, which he had already discharged once and was now running into a residential neighbourhood, Garda Lee ran after him through a gateway into the driveway of a house.

Garda Lee tackled the male suspect and managed to pull the balaclava off his face. The suspect continued to run into the rear garden and attempted to scale a high hedge. Garda Lee tackled him again, pulled him to the ground and restrained him, assisted by Garda Hennessy, who placed handcuffs on the armed male suspect and arrested him.

For exceptional courage and bravery, involving personal risk in the execution of duty, the Bronze Scott Medal is awarded to both officers – Garda Barry Hennessy and Garda Michael Lee.

Subsequently, the armed male suspect was convicted and received a prison sentence for the offences of carrying a firearm with criminal intent, attempted robbery and false imprisonment.

Leo will listen to ideas from Wexford residents

By Dan Walsh

Residents across Wexford are being offered the chance to have their voice heard and contribute to national policymaking through Fine Gael’s new Better Ireland initiative. That’s according to Fine Gael Deputy Paul Kehoe.

Deputy Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com today; “People across Wexford have the opportunity to contribute their ideas on how we can make Ireland a better place for everyone. Fine Gael is asking people to submit their ideas for a better Ireland, with the winning entrant securing a virtual meeting with An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar to discuss the proposal.”

Entries are open now and the entry process couldn’t be any easier; just log onto Finegael.ie/BetterIreland, describe your idea in 250 words or less and submit via the website. Anyone over the age of 18 who is a resident in Ireland is eligible to submit their idea.

Deputy Kehoe added; “We would like to hear from as many people as possible, from a diverse range of backgrounds, occupations, areas etc, to share their ideas with us on how we can improve life for residents in towns and cities across Wexford.

“Tell your friends, families and neighbours about the initiative and encourage younger people in your life to have a think about it as well.”

Speaking at the launch of the Better Ireland initiative this week, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said; “I’m looking forward to hearing from people across the country on how they think we can make Ireland a better place to live, work, raise children, receive an education, start a business and grow old.

“It might be a major policy initiative that will be completely transformative and change our country for the better, but it could also be something smaller; an idea that would make a real difference at a local and community level.

“Whatever your idea is, we want to hear it. I look forward to reading your submissions and meeting with the winning entrant where they will have the chance to pitch the idea to me over a video call – and you’re welcome to bring your friends and colleagues along as well,” An Tánaiste concluded.

Three people rescued from Wexford Harbour

By Dan Walsh

Three people were rescued by Wexford RNLI this morning (Wednesday) after their powerboat suffered engine failure in Wexford Harbour.

**WEXFORD RNLI Lifeboat returning to shore. (Pic; RNLI/Lorraine Galvin)**

The volunteer crew launched the inshore lifeboat at 10.12am and arrived at the scene to assess the situation at 10.17am. When on scene the crew spoke to the people who were all in good health and proceeded to set up a tow. The three people were safely brought ashore at 10.27am with no injuries.
Weather conditions at the time were calm, with a Force 2 north easterly wind and good visibility.
Speaking following the call out, Lorraine Galvin, Wexford RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘We would advise water users to ensure your boat equipment and engine are in good working order and to always carry a means of communication. If anyone sees anyone in difficulty on or near the water, ring 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

New image for four Wexford towns?

By Dan Walsh

Four Wexford towns – Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Kilmore Quay – are included in the new Streetscapes Enhancement Scheme and are set to benefit from new €7 million funding. But will the scheme destroy the individual character of all four towns?

Enniscorthy-based Deputy Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com; “This unique initiative is about making our rural towns and villages more attractive and welcoming places for locals and visitors alike.

“Whether it’s painting buildings in vibrant colours, upgrading shop fronts or installing canopies or street furniture –this fund will provide a welcome boost to rural communities the length and breadth of the country.

“We all know that even the most modest of improvements to our buildings and streetscapes can make a huge difference.

“And so over the coming weeks, Wexford County Council will work closely with businesses and property owners to give our towns and villages the facelift they deserve.”

“If you are a business or property owner in any of the four towns and villages selected, I encourage you to contact the local authority for details on how to apply.

“I have no doubt the projects funded this initiative will make a huge difference to our rural towns and villages and, most importantly, the families who live there.”

**MARKET SQUARE… the commercial centre of Enniscorthy. (File Pic.)**

The Streetscape Enhancement Initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future and is designed to make rural towns and villages more attractive places to live, work and visit.

Under the scheme, property owners will be provided with funding to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork and install features such as canopies and street furniture.

The types of projects to be supported include: strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings or shopfronts in vibrant colours; commissioning of murals in towns and villages; upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts; provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes; illumination and lighting of architectural features; installation of canopies and street furniture, and decluttering of streetscapes with removal of unnecessary signs / wires.

Missing man last seen in Rosslare area

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Faisal Alkozay, (20), who was last seen in the Rosslare area of Wexford at 1.20am on Sunday, August 15^th.

Faisal is described as 5’ 10” in height, of slim build with short black hair. When last seen Faisal was wearing a black polo shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and black runners.

Anyone with any information that can assist Gardaí in locating Faisal are asked to contact Gardaí in Wexford on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Good tidings for Wexford seafood restaurant

By Dan Walsh

Fine dining duo Chef Paul Hynes and his front of house partner in life and the food business Edwina Hynes reopened their Michelin plate recommended restaurant last weekend after a lengthy pandemic break.

The pair’s La Cote restaurant on Wexford quayside look forward to serving up the best of seafood and modern cuisine from 5.30pm to 9pm Wednesdays to Saturday for the coming season.

**Chef PAUL HYNES and Restaurant Manager EDWINA HYNES open for business again on Wexford Quay.**

Putting their newly delivered Michelin sign in place quayside Paul commented; “It feels unreal to be back with the team in the main kitchen and we are excited to share our new tasting menu with our customers. There’s seafood and gluten free dishes included so both our regulars and visitors should enjoy our offering over the coming months in a comfortable and safe space”.

Edwina added; “We have spruced up our room and all Covid safety procedures are in place alongside a professional team of informed wait staff – the summer with our Cheeky Cod food crate on the riverfront was a great success and enjoyable but being back to what we do best – serving locally sourced food in a welcoming indoor setting is very satisfying”.

From the MICHELIN GUIDE point of view, La Cote on the main promenade of Wexford’s historic town is a welcoming and personally run restaurant. It comprises two homely rooms with grey oak flooring and Cape Cod inspired blues. Local seafood is at the heart of their good value five course €45 menu.

Paul and Edwina look forward to operating in the new industry normal after a successful reopening at the weekend in their multi award winning restaurant. They are all set for the run up to the Wexford Opera Festival and Christmas activities albeit with less numbers but with more passion than ever to grow and succeed with their loyal team of staff.

Second death in Scarawalsh collision

A second person has died from injuries sustained in a road traffic collision involving two cars that occurred on the R772 on the Ferns side of Scarawalsh roundabout, about five kilometres from Enniscorthy, at approximately 7.50am last Wednesday.

Anne Turner, (42), St. John’s Villas, Enniscorthy, who was the driver of one car, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the second car, Matthew (Matty) Leacy, (in his 70s), College Road, Gorey, who was taken to hospital in a ‘serious’ condition, lost his fight for life on Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda station on 053 923 3534, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

320,000 cigarettes seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort seized 320,000 cigarettes when they stopped and searched a German registered van that had disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France, last Saturday.

**Cigarettes seized at Rosslare Europort (Pic; Revenue)**

The illegal cigarettes branded ‘Marlboro’ have a retail value of almost €230,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €179,000.
Two Polish nationals were questioned.

Investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295.

Training resumes at Wexford Hockey Club

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Hockey Club has announced that training for the adult section resumes this Tuesday night August 24th from 7pm to 9pm in Loreto Wexford and anyone wishing to attend is asked to make contact with the Club in advance by emailing wexfordhockey@gmail.com to receive the relevant forms for completion and COVID-19 procedures.

Adult training is open to female players aged 15 years or older. New players are welcome but are required to have a gum shield and shinguards.

This week, existing members from the primary school section are having training in Loreto, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Days and times for Junior Section Training (1st Class to 6th Year) will be confirmed later this week.

Existing members will be contacted by their coaches. For anyone new wishing to join please email wexfordhockey@gmail.com with the name and the class/year in school of your child/ward along with a contact name and number for a parent/guardian so that a Club Committee Member can get in touch.

Bishop Ger Nash’s Episcopal Ordination

By Dan Walsh

The Episcopal Ordination of Fr Ger Nash as Bishop of Ferns takes place on Sunday, September 5th, in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, at 3pm.

Normally, it would be a major civic and church event endorsed by the community in a spirit of celebration and achievement and the beginning of a new chapter in the religious heritage of the Diocese of Ferns.

Sadly, the ceremonial atmosphere will be missing due to Covid-19 restrictions as the numbers in attendance will be strictly limited, however, the ceremony will be followed on several social media platforms and more information will become available closer to the big occasion.

His Holiness Pope Francis appointed Fr Ger Nash, a priest of the Diocese of Killaloe in Co Clare, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Ferns.

The news of his Episcopal appointment was made public on June 20^th – the feastday of the Sacred Heart – and following the announcement of Bishop Denis Brennan’s successor, Mass was celebrated at St Aidan’s Cathedral Enniscorthy at 12 noon to celebrate the announcement.

Bishop Brennan welcomed the appointment; “I warmly welcome the appointment of Father Ger Nash of the Diocese of Killaloe as my successor as Bishop of Ferns. I know that the people of Ferns, priests, religious, and lay faithful will welcome him too, and make him feel at home in their midst. I heartily congratulate him on his appointment and trust that he will be happy in his new surroundings in the south-east.”

Gerard Nash was born in 1959 at Glandree in the parish of Tulla, Co Clare. After choosing to study for the Diocese of Killaloe in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, he was ordained in 1991 in Drumcharley Church, Tulla by Bishop Michael Harty.