Gorey Local Area Plan extended by three years

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Chamber

Due to a lack of resources at Wexford County Council the members of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, at yesterday’s (Tuesday) March meeting, unanimously agreed to a three-year time frame extension to the Gorey Local Area Plan.

Senior Planner at Wexford County Council, Diarmuid Houston, addressing the meeting in Gorey Chamber via zoom, asked the members to consider extending the current Gorey Local Area Plan under the current County Development Plan. He promised “to make sure the Plan is consistent” and assured there is no change to zoning. “Everything would stay the same. I know this is not the best news, but it is the best for the town,” he added.

Planner Deirdre Kearns, also appearing via zoom, said the Gorey Plan is consistent with the County Development Plan. “You can vary or revoke the Plan at any time if an issue arose, but the fear is that the Plan would expire and there would be no plan for Gorey,” she concluded.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN
CLLR ANTHONY DONOHOE

Ms Kearns felt that “three years would be realistic” and Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen was in the process of confirming that he “would be happy to accept the request” when Cllr Anthony Donohoe questioned the statement “revoke the Plan” and he asked what goes in its place? Ms Kearns answered that to revoke the Plan – there would be no Plan – and a new Plan would have to be prepared.

Cllr Joe Sullivan said a lot of work was going on in Gorey and there was extended pressure on projects undertaken. He formally proposed that the Gorey Local Area Plan be extended for three years in compliance with the County Development Plan.

Cllr Donohoe seconded Cllr Sullivan’s proposal “if the planners were open to the zoning issues.” There were no dissenting voices. Mr Houston thanked the members for promptly complying with his request in such a brief amount of time.    

Farewell Wexford historian Nicky Furlong

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Furlong, (93), Drinagh, Wexford, who enjoyed a distinguished career as an author, historian, playwright, lecturer and journalist, to name a few of his lifetime’s involvement.

NICHOLAS FURLONG

Born in 1929, and an only son, Nicky grew up on his family’s farm at Mulgannon and Kellystown, Drinagh, with his father also owning a pub on Wexford’s Main Street, where the stories he heard and the many characters he met during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, inspired much of his later writings as a newspaper columnist, author of many books, and playwright and scriptwriter for radio and television.

Amongst his achievements were 19 books including the ‘County Wexford in the Rare Oul’ Times’ series. Nicky himself was immortalised as the subject of ‘The Wexford Man – Essays in honour of Nicky Furlong’ edited by Bernard Browne and published by Geography Publications in 2007.

His writing career started as a freelance journalist in the late 1950s. He became a columnist with the People Newspaper Group under the pen name Pat O’Leary, a weekly column that was hugely popular. In 1995, he became a weekly contributor to the former Echo Newspaper Group, writing the Furlong at Large column.

He was also a columnist with The Irish Press and Irish Farmers Journal and a contributor to Biatas, the Journal of Irish Sugar Company. He wrote three plays on the Irish revolution directed by the great Tomás Mac Anna of the Abbey Theatre in the 1960s. He wrote television scripts for Hall’s Pictorial Weekly with Frank Hall on RTE television.

Nicky was renowned as an historian and he wrote, lectured and broadcast on all aspects of the 1798 Rebellion and was prominent in the organising of commemorative events in 1998 – the bicentenary of the Rising.

Nicky Furlong’s contribution to the preservation and promotion of Wexford’s history, heritage and existence is immeasurable. Thanks for the memories, Nicky; and we are all so grateful that the writings of a legend will live forever in the archive and the libraries and in the homes of so many families across the world.

AUDIO ADDITION; NICKY FURLONG talking to DAN WALSH at the New Year’s Day launch of 1798-1998 at Enniscorthy (Dan Walsh Audio Archive)

FAMILY NOTICE; Furlong Nicholas (Nicky) – (Drinagh, Co. Wexford), March 21, 2022, beloved husband of the late Mairead and brother of Ina; sadly missed by his sister, nephew Patrick, nieces Blaithin, and Trudy, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, nephews-in-law, nieces- in-law, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace

Reposing in Mulligan’s Funeral Home, The Faythe, Wexford on Thursday from 6 o’clock until 9 o’clock. Removal from the Funeral Home on Friday at 10.15 am to St. Martin’s Church, Piercestown for Funeral Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Piercestown Cemetery.

Wexford water notice is lifted

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water working in partnership with Wexford County Council has notified consumers that following the completion of remedial works on this supply and receipt of satisfactory monitoring results, the boil water notice which has been in place for the Wexford Town Public Water Scheme since March 11th is now lifted with immediate effect.

This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive.

All consumers on the Wexford Town Public Water Supply Scheme can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

Irish Water and the Wexford County Council – Health Service Executive Water Local Liaison Group will continue to meet and review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.

Irish Water and Wexford County Council acknowledge the patience, co-operation and assistance of the general public during the period of the boil water notice and greatly regrets any inconvenience caused to householders and the business community. 

The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to the lifting of this notice. Further information is available on our website at www.water.ie. 

Bridge repair works progressing

By Dan Walsh

Damaged bridges in the Enniscorthy Municipal District area during the Christmas Day torrential rainfall are making progress according to Neil Dempsey, Executive Engineer, in his report to members at Monday’s monthly meeting,

A section of the road damaged by floods has been resurfaced and stone walls rebuilt on the Kilcarbry to Borrmount road. Works on the bridge are progressing well and it is anticipated that the road will re-open to traffic by the end of March.

Resurfacing works have started on the Ballyroebuck-Kiltilly road in North Wexford. Repair to Kiltilly Bridge is awaiting on ESB approval, but Wexford County Council is ready to start works once the ESB make safe their services.

KILCARBRY BRIDGE (File Pic).

At Wilton Bridge, near Bree, works are expected to commence in early April with the removal of a damaged section and debris from the River Boro and the Council is awaiting contractor availability.

Subject to a thorough inspection it is a possibility that Wilton Bridge may be demolished altogether and replaced by a new structure; such is the extent of the damage.

WexfordLocal.com has learned from expert sources that the massive damage to the bridges at Kilcarbry and Wilton was mainly caused by massive tree trunks breaking their roots and carried at speed on the rushing flood waters and striking the bridges with excessive force.

It was reported by Council Engineer, Eamonn Hore at the January meeting of Wexford County Council that the Christmas Day rainfall was the greatest since 1947!

On Christmas Day, 2021, at Johnstown Castle 58.9mm fell in 24 hours, however, 55.2mm fell in 12 hours and 34.7mm fell in six hours which indicates the severity of the rainfall in a concentrated time frame. This was a climate record in the 81.1 years of the metrological station at Johnstown Castle.

Anger at Enniscorthy flood scheme refusal

By Dan Walsh

Members and officials expressed universal anger and disappointment during today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Presentation Chamber at the decision of Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath T.D, who on March 4th, based on the advice of environmental consultants and officials, refused the River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Defence Scheme, submitted by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Project Engineer Larry McHale told the meeting that the scheme was refused on March 4th and went through details of the scheme which took a great deal of time for the Wexford County Council staff and he said “Personally, I am hugely disappointed” and he explained that the scheme failed on eight points and that five of them could have been dealt with!

Mr McHale felt “it was the wrong decision” and concludes that the entire approval process met with consultants and OPW requirements. An update on ecology and dredging timeline is planned for the next meeting. “I am frustrated and disappointed by the Minister’s decision, but we must keep trying to get back on track.”

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan said the flood relief scheme was so dependent on the development of the town and she thanked Mr McHale for his work. She suggested writing to Minister McGrath “to tell us funding will be there to proceed with the flood work and ask for a time limit in writing from the Minister’s office.”

Cllr Jackser Owens said the issue was “a national disgrace” and “a joke” that the flood scheme was turned down. He felt it “isn’t good enough” and made a call to bring Minister McGrath before a public meeting in Enniscorthy.

ENNISCORTHY in flood on St. Stephen’s Day (File Pic).

Cllr Owens said the Minister had two pieces of paper on this desk – and he decided to sign the one that said “No – however, Cllr Aidan Browne said it wasn’t like that – it refused for legal reasons. “It’s not like the Minister doesn’t like Enniscorthy, that’s his advice,” and he felt the issue will get back on the table.

Cllr John O’Rourke claimed the exchanges were getting “a bit tetchy” but he claimed “we have to put the plan in place and move it forward.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr Cathal Byrne agreed that a letter be sent to the Minister.

Mr McHale returned to the debate and called for a panel of independent experts to review the situation. He felt the ecologists report didn’t give the scheme “a fair hearing.”

The ministerial decision is based on a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed scheme which concluded that the scheme would have considerable adverse impact on the environment.

The River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Defence Scheme, was submitted by the Office of Public Works in April 2020.

A public consultation was held in 2020. Additional information was sought from OPW towards the end of 2020 and this was submitted in April 2021.

Following discussions with the consultants and with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, it was deemed that the environmental impact of the scheme was such that the scheme should be refused under section 7E(b) of the Arterial Drainage Act.

Wexford Remembers

By Dan Walsh

A local ceremony of reflection and remembrance took place at Wexford County Council headquarters at Carricklawn, Wexford, this afternoon. Cllr John Hegarty, Deputy Mayor, welcomed the attendance.

“We are here today to remember those who have been affected by Covid 19; those healthcare and frontline staff who have put their lives at risk to protect us all; to the retail staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty; those who have lost loved ones; and for all those who have put their lives on hold for the past two years,” said Cllr Hegarty, who added; “We are here today to say thank you for all your combined efforts to keep the country and this county going through these unprecedented times.”

An Ecumenical Service was performed by Bishop Ger Nash, Catholic Bishop of Ferns, Rev. Michael Anderson, Presbyterian Church, Rev. Katherine Kehoe, Methodist Church, and Rev. Trevor Sargent, Church of Ireland Diocese of Ferns.

Readings and musical performances including the Bride Street Folk Group and Mark Redmond from Gorey were included in the ceremony which concluded with the Last Post and Reveille played by Anthony Nolan and the raising of the flag.  

Jack Hendrick’s winning streak continues

By Dan Walsh

Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick is having a brilliant season and a double at Ballyraggett today brings him onto the 16-winner mark for the season. Ballindaggin handler Sean Doyle also enjoyed double celebration at the Kilkenny track.

Hendrick was in the winners’ enclosure following the maiden race for four-year-old mares after Cormac Doyle’s newcomer Fancy Girl came home two lengths to the good.

JACK HENDRICK rode a double at Ballyragett races today.

Hendrick’s double came on Gary Murphy’s newcomer Ya Know Yaseff by three lengths in the maiden race for mares aged five years or over. Running in the Turbine Syndicate colours the Ballymitty handler indicated that Ya Know Yaseff will be heading for the sales.

Sean Doyle saddled Private Ryan in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and with Jamie Scallan up gained a one length victory. Doyle’s double occurred in the Open Race for novice riders with Is A Real Champ ridden by Robbie Jackson who will be aimed at a hunters’ chase at Cork over Easter.

The father and son team of John Walsh (owner/handler) and James Walsh (rider) from Tinahely were also amongst the Kilkenny winners when newcomer Cash Book scored by three lengths in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus.

Ballindaggin handler SEAN DOYLE saddled two winners today.

Cormac Farrell, Ballyprecus, Bunclody, travelled to Dunhallow, Co. Cork, for today’s point-to-point action and was successful in the maiden race for four-year-olds with newcomer Hurricane Highway with rider Simon Cavanagh. Ten lengths the verdict. Luke Murphy, Gorey, also tasted success at the Cork track. He was aboard his 60th career winner on Kilbunny Aplasia for handler Richie O’Hara and the partnership had ten lengths to spare in the maiden race for five year old mares.

Also Sunday racing at Belclare in East Galway and a five lengths victory for Leading Force in the Winner of Two race for Ballyduff owner Connie Rooney and handled by John Paul Brennan at Monasootha, Camolin. Sean Staples from Duncormick was the winning rider.

Barry O’Neill looked like riding a Cheltenham Festival winner on Friday as he lead the field up the straight in the Foxhunter’s Chase on the leader Winged Leader (David Christie) only to be caught on the nod at the finish line (neck verdict) by Patrick Mullins on Billaway, however, there was a small consolation at the North Tipperary fixture at Nenagh on Saturday when he won the five year old plus mares race on Annie Magic for Carlow handler Aidan Fitzgerald by ten lengths.

Meanwhile, Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard teamed up with Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, to win the hunter’s chase at Down Royal on St. Patrick’s Day with Lawlor’s Choice at 50/1.

Wexford groups in Carnew drama week

SOUTH WICKLOW DRAMA COMMITTEE 2022 (Pic; Eamonn Doran).

By Dan Walsh

The 15th annual South Wicklow Drama Festival will be officially opened by popular veteran All-Ireland winning producer Mick Byrne from Kilrush Drama Group in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew on Sunday night and it runs for seven nights.

There is a strong Wexford involvement with six groups taking to the stage. The adjudicator is Ciaran McCauley with curtains up at 8pm nightly, except Saturday, March 26th when a 7.30pm start is planned to facilitate the final adjudication and presentation of prizes.

Line up of Plays for the Festival:

Sunday 20th March: Coolgreany Amateur Dramatic Society – The Odd Couple by Neil Simon

Monday 21st March: Ballycogley Players – The Beacon by Nancy Harris 

Tuesday 22nd March: Kilmuckdridge Dramp Group – The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge

Wednesday 23rd March: Bunclody /Kilmyshal –The Good Father by Christine O’Reilly

Thursday 24th March: Camross Drama Group – The Kings of the Kilburn Highroad by Jimmy Murphy

Friday 25th March: Prosperous Dramatic Society – God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza

Saturday 26th March: Saturday 26th March – Class by Kilrush Drama Group

Patron Tickets for the Festival are available from any of the Festival Committee, from Mark Kennedy in Hall’s Shop, Main Street, Carnew; Carnew Training & Development Centre and from Candy’s, Carnew. Purchasing a patron ticket enables audience participation to the seven plays listed for just €35.

A Happy St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated

Gorey Grand Marshal JOE DIXON accompanied by frontline workers is given a warm reception at Gorey St Patrick’s Day parade today.

By Dan Walsh at Gorey and Curragraigue

The ‘HAPPY’ was put back into St. Patrick’s Day as crowds gathered in big numbers at parades across Co. Wexford today. It was 16 degrees in Gorey as thousands lined the entire parade route on both sides of the Main Street.

It took forty minutes for all the groups and exhibits to pass the reviewing stand on Esmonde Street. The parade was led by Gorey Pipe Band, followed by a colour party, and Grand Marshal Joe Dixon who was accompanied by frontline workers as his guests in public tribute for their commitment to the people of the community during the pandemic.

Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge District Council pledged the support of North Wexford when the flags from Poland and Ukraine reached the reviewing stand.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen shows solidarity with the people of Ukraine from the reviewing stand at today’s Gorey St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The parade was colourful, the crowds were cheerful, the participants were rejoicing at the freedom of public recognition and community spirit was once again overflowing.

I also took in the world’s shortest parade at Curragraigue where the small close-knit community turned out in big numbers with Bridget the sheep stealing most of the attention! Great fun with the children getting most attention and refreshments for all in the rural setting.

Ballindaggin Pipe Band was represented having played in Bunclody earlier in the day before heading to Enniscorthy for the afternoon parade where the crowds were also reported to be out in force.

The rural setting of Curragraigue hosted the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade today.

By all accounts it was the happiest St. Patrick’s Day for a long time, aided in no small way by the pleasant weather conditions, and great credit must go to all the organisers who rejuvenated community spirit and brought a smile back on people’s faces.