Only 3 Ps should fill that flush!

By Dan Walsh

The Think Before You Flush campaign is aiming to curtail the problematic practice of regularly flushing unsuitable items down the toilet and the message is clear; “We are asking everybody to only flush the three P’s – pee, poo and paper – and put everything else in the bin.”

Irish Water and Clean Coasts are urging the people of Wexford to continue to Think Before You Flush as a recent survey has revealed that almost a million adults living in Ireland regularly flush wet wipes and other sanitary items down the toilet.

With sea swimming and use of our beaches becoming more popular, it’s a timely reminder that our flushing behaviour has a direct impact on the environment and that making small changes can help protect Ireland’s sandy beaches, rocky shores and secluded bays.Speaking about the survey results Georgina O’Reilly, Irish Water said; “In 2018, our research informed us that 36% of people living in Ireland were regularly flushing the wrong things down the toilet. Working in partnership with Clean Coasts on the Think Before You Flush campaign we have made some progress as 24% of respondents in this year’s survey admit to regularly doing so. Whilst this improvement is welcome, 24% represents almost a million people. The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet are stark, as we are still removing thousands of sewer blockages from our network every month.

Caretaker cleaning blocked screens at Irish Water Wastewater Treatment Plant (Pic; Irish Water).

“Our message is simple, only the three Ps, – pee, poo and paper – should be flushed down the toilet. All other items including wet wipes and other sanitary products should go in the bin even if they are labelled as flushable. This will reduce the number of sewer blockages, the risk of flooding to homes and businesses and the risk of pollution in the environment harming wildlife such as fish and birds and associated habitats.”

Ms O’Reilly added; “Wexford is such a beautiful county and has a significant number of vistors every year. Tonnes of wipes and ragging is removed annually from pumps and Wastewater Treatment Plants’ and this is foul material that needs to be disposed of. In addition to that we also clear hundreds of blockages across the wastewater network in Co. Wexford every year.”

To find out more about the Think Before You Flush campaign please visit http://thinkbeforeyouflush.org  and for  tips and information on how to avoid blocked drains please visit www.water.ie/thinkbeforeyouflush   

‘Roll Your Own’ seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort seized over 1,100kgs of ‘roll your own’ tobacco, because of routine profiling, yesterday (Thursday).

The tobacco branded ‘West Red’ and ‘John Player Special Black’ has a retail value of approximately €692,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of around €570,000. 

GUS the detector dog at Rosslare Europort. (Pic; Revenue)

The tobacco was discovered when officers, with the assistance of detector dog Gus and Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner, searched a polish registered articulated lorry and its accompanying trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France.

A polish national in his 40’s was 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.

€89,000 worth of alcohol seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Following routine profiling aimed at identifying alcohol products that may be diverted onto the Irish market without payment of the relevant tax and duties due, Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort seized over 4,000 litres of Prosecco and 320 litres of wine, last Friday. 

ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic).

The alcohol products were seized following the search of an Irish registered truck that had disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France and have a combined retail value of €89,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €51,000.

An investigation is ongoing.

These operations are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

Woman (40s) dies in Scarawalsh collision

By Dan Walsh

A woman in her 40s has died in a fatal 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 today.

The woman, who was the driver of one car, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the second car, a man in his 70s, was taken to Wexford General Hospital where his condition is described as ‘serious’. No other injuries reported.

The road is currently closed to allow Garda Forensic Collision Investigators to examine the scene. Local diversions are in place.

Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. They are particularly appealing to any road users who were travelling on this road at the time with camera footage to make this available to them.

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.

Sounds of Summer comes to Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District has announced a new 4-day festival offering several outdoor events as the Sounds of Summer comes to Gorey Civic Centre from Thursday to Sunday, August 19th to 22nd with a varied and entertaining line-up.

PADDY CASEY will be performing in the Sounds of Summer entertainment in Gorey Civic Centre car park.

This event takes place in the Gorey Civic Centre carpark and will be a great opportunity to see events begin again in Gorey. The event kickstarts with two local bands, The Wild Turkeys & The Remedy Club on Thursday 19th August, followed by a comedy evening hosted by Gorey Comedy Club on Friday, headlining on Saturday is Paddy Casey and on Sunday the marquee will host a series of sing-along films including Frozen, The Greatest Showman & Mamma Mia. On Friday and Saturday afternoon children will be entertained by local puppeteer, Lisa from Shine Bright Theatre.

It all happens with funding secured through Wexford County Council and The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’ under the ‘Local Live Performance Programming Scheme’ (LLPPS) 2021; Lantern Presents will bring Sounds of Summer to Gorey with the support of Wexford County Council’s Arts Office.

The main focus of the scheme is to support the commercial live entertainment industry which has been so badly affected by Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and tickets are available to book online at www.lantern.ie/events/list Full details of the events can be found on www.lovegorey.ie

‘Sounds of Summer’ in Orchard Peace Park

By Dan Walsh

The existent doldrums around the arts and entertainment sector during the Covid-19 pandemic is set to get renewed encouragement as Enniscorthy Municipal District plans a weekend series of outdoor entertainment gigs to wrap up summer from Thursday to Sunday, August 26th to August 29th in the Orchard Peace Park.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Cathal Byrne told WexfordLocal.com; “We are looking forward to hosting a great weekend of entertainment in town, our local retail and hospitality services are very much back in business indoor and out and it’s most welcome to see musicians and the events industry back in action too on a local stage”.

Acting District Manager, Bernie Quigley added; “Enniscorthy Municipal District are very excited to host this weekend of music and family entertainment in Orchard Peace Park, a venue Enniscorthy is very lucky to have! We have secured a great line up and I anticipate a great turn out for all performances. Be sure to book early.” 

Enniscorthy native CLIVE BARNES and the very talented LUAN PARLE will play in Enniscorthy’s Orchard Peace Park on Thursday, August 26th.

The four-day event kicks off on Thursday 26th with well-known duo Clive Barnes, who will be facing his native Fr Cullen’s Terrace across the River Slaney from the Park, and Wicklow lass Luan Parle; followed by Cursed Murphy and guests on Friday 27th. International star in the making and local boy made good Reuben Hester makes his first Irish appearance supporting Ten Ounce Mouse band and For the Company on Saturday 28th to complete the live performances. Sunday 29th will see Orchard Peace Park transformed into an outdoor cinema featuring two big screen family movies. 

Funded through Wexford County Council and The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’ under the ‘Local Live Performance Programming Scheme’ (LLPPS) 2021; Lantern Presents will bring ‘Sounds of Summer’ to Enniscorthy with the support of County Arts Officer, Liz Burns.  

Programmed events are free of charge with limited patrons in line with current Covid guidelines.  Please keep an eye on the @ShopEnniscorthy social media pages for further information updates.  Tickets will be available to book online at http://www.lantern.ie/events/list over the coming days. 

Wexford ladies earn date in Croke Park

By Dan Walsh

WEXFORD 2-11 LAOIS 2-9

Wexford have won a place in the final of the 2021 TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Championship and will face Westmeath in Croke Park on Sunday, September 5th.

Both counties made it through on Sunday, as Wexford got the better of Laois at UPMC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny, while Westmeath defeated Kildare at Parnell Park, Dublin.

CROKE PARK. Wexford Ladies Intermediate team face Westmeath at the home of GAA on September 5th. (Pic; Crokepark.ie)

Goals from Caitriona Murray and Aisling Murphy proved crucial for Wexford as they picked up a 2-11 to 2-9 victory over Laois in Kilkenny.

Laois had gotten off to a bright start and pulled ahead following Eva Galvin’s goal, but despite a second Laois goal from Mo Nerney before the break, Wexford were good value for their 1-9 to 2-4 half-time lead.

And Wexford kicked on to the win, with Aisling Murphy’s goal with 15 minutes remaining sending them into a first TG4 Intermediate Final since 2007.

It completes a remarkable transformation for Wexford who were relegated from the Lidl National Football League Division 2 just a few months ago before installing manager Lizzie Kent as their new boss.

Scorers – Wexford: C Murray 1-3 (2f), A Wilson 0-3 (3f), A Murphy 1-0, S Hamilton 0-2, R Murphy 0-1, K Kearney 0-1, C Banville 0-1. Laois: M Nerney 1-3 (2f), E Galvin 1-0, E Fitzpatrick 0-3, A Healy 0-1, O Hennessy 0-1, E Healy 0-1

WEXFORD: S Merrigan; L Doyle, A Halligan, K Kearney, C Donnelly, S Murphy, S Harding-Kenny; C Banville, R Murphy; S Hamilton, C Murray, A Neville; S McCarthy, A Murphy, A Wilson.

LAOIS: E Barry; C Dunne, A Potts, A Kelly; R Williams, E Healy, L Nerney, J Dunne, E Fitzpatrick, A Healy; E Galvin, S A Fitzgerald, M Nerney Subs: O Hennessy for Williams (41), Leah Tarpey for Fitzgerald (50), Alanah Havill for Dunne (61).

Referee: John Devlin (Galway).

Duncannon and Morriscastle beaches are ‘excellent’

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council today (Saturday) confirmed that further sampling obtained at Duncannon and Morriscastle beaches have returned “excellent water quality results.” Do Not Swim and Swim Advisory notices are removed with immediate effect.

DUNCANNON BEACH

Last Thursday Wexford County Council erected ‘Do Not Swim’ notice at Duncannon after routine testing conducted as part of the Council’s bathing water sampling programme showed breaches of the mandatory levels for E.coli at the above beach. Following consultation with the HSE, the Council has decided to issue the warning notice at the affected beach in the interest of public health and in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations.

Simultaneously, a Swim Advisory notice was placed at Morriscastle due to elevated levels of E-coli but within mandatory limits.

It is now safe to swim in these places after technical staff from Wexford County Council carried out further tests and investigation and it is understood that the elevated levels of E. Coli may be partly attributable to recent spells of heavy rain.

More information on bathing water quality can be obtained at www.beaches.ie

Distressed swimmer rescued at Cahore

By Dan Walsh

Cahore Inshore Rescue Service were tasked by pager by The Coastguard at 11.26am, yesterday (Friday) to reports of a swimmer in difficulty south of Cahore Pier, just off Cahore Point where sea conditions were reported as ‘very choppy’.

Helmsman Donal McGrath launched at 11.34am with crew members Sean Doyle and Ron Wynne. They located the swimmer at 11.37am and took him aboard the lifeboat to safety. There was a strong tide which appeared to be hindering the swimmer.

CAHORE PIER

Some concerned members of the public were monitoring the situation from above on the cliff and one person was signalling with a flag to assist the lifeboat in the casualty location.

A Mayday was issued and an ambulance and the rescue helicopter were tasked to assist on scene, however they were stood down once Cahore Inshore Rescue Service had the casualty on board.

We would like to thank the public for their vigilance, which led to a positive outcome on this occasion.

Remember to call 112 or 999 and ask for The Coastguard if you see someone in difficulty on the water.

Community rejuvenation for Clohamon

By Dan Walsh

Clohamon is gearing up for a fruitful rejuvenation for the whole community post-Covid 19 thanks to €100,000 funding from the Town & Village Renewal Scheme and a top up of €20,000 to the ‘matching funds requirement’ courtesy of Slaney Foods International who is a major employer in the area.

Barty O’Connor, Chairperson, told WexfordLocal.com that Clohamon Community Development Group was formed in 2017, but the pandemic had scuttled plans, however, it is time to get back on tracks and to complete development at the old two-room national school that closed three years ago.

Now extra funds are needed to cover annual playground insurance, playground maintenance and additional items not covered in the Town & Village Renewal Scheme grant such as benches and the sensory area for the playground, trailhead and waymarker walking trail signages.

Mr O’Connor paid tribute to some people who have already contributed so much; Caroline Fortune for ticking all the boxes on the application forms, County Registrar Marie Garahy who assisted in restoring the polling booth to the school, and local public representatives Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy and Kathleen Codd-Nolan. “They were most helpful, and we are so grateful in return,” he concluded.

Entrance to Clohamon village over the River Slaney

HISTORY – Clohamon or Cloch Ámainn ‘Hamon’s castle’ is said to be named after a 12th century Norman and the local lands were granted to an Englishman, Thomas Masterson, in the 16th century. His son, Sir Richard Masterson sold the estate circa-1625 to Sir George Calvert, Lord Baltimore for £1,600.

Lord Baltimore also received grants of land in Longford but moved to Clohamon in preference. He was also granted lands in Newfoundland and became the only Catholic to be granted a fieldom in North America by an English king – the province of Maryland.

Clohamon village, located in the centre of the Calvert estate was one of the largest towns in North Wexford in the 1620s. The annual Clohamon Fair was an annual showpiece where the best faction fighting skills were in high demand!

In the 1830s the local population was chiefly employed in the flour and cotton mills of William Lewis. The mill operated until 1904 and stood derelict until purchased and used as a chicken rearing unit in 1960.

Clohamon bridge crosses the river Slaney and is a fine example of granite arches and beside it is Slaney Foods International, established as a family business by the Allen family in 1970, and now quality beef exports successfully trading internationally.   

AUDIO ADDITION; Barty O’Connor, Chairperson Clohamon Community Development Group talking about future development for Clohamon.