Three fishermen were rescued after their vessel suffered engine failure and drifted onto a sandbank close to the ‘bar’ in Wexford Harbour on Monday.
After the vessel suffered engine failure the anchor snapped allowing the vessel to drift onto the sandbank.
Wexford RNLI Lifeboat (File Picture)
Wexford RNLI Lifeboat launched at 3.30pm on Monday and navigated through sandbanks on a falling tide to the vessel. As attempts to refloat the vessel failed at that time, the crew took one fisherman onboard.
At 1.33am on Tuesday morning both Wexford and Rosslare Harbour managed to work together to tow the crew and their vessel to safety.
Wexford and Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboats were involved in a joint operation and the crew, and their stricken vessel were towed to safety.
During the last Covid-19 lockdown Wexford Libraries launched the ‘Keep Well Photo Competition’ and the people of Wexford were asked to take photos that showed who or what was helping them. The organisers were looking for images that would lift our spirits and the photos could include people, places and activities if they were taken somewhere in Co. Wexford.
There were 318 entries. These were shortlisted to 20 and the top 3 were voted on by the public. Three judges were then engaged to place these in order. The judges were Paul Finnegan, Chair Visit Wexford, Dr. Denise Rogers Acting Principal Psychology Manager, Wexford Mental Health Services, HSE and Philip Knight, Wexford Local Authorities Photographic Society. The judges put the photos in the following order:
THE WINNER;Tintern With a Twist by DANIEL STENNING
First place: Tintern with a Twist by Daniel. Stenning. Daniel Stenning, who lives in Taghmon, was delighted to win first prize with his striking photo Tintern with a Twist. He said; “The picture I took was just a spur of the moment thing, my brother and I were out on our kayaks. As we travelled under the bridge in Tintern, I noticed the shape of the small arch was the same shape as the front of the kayak. I took a few different shots but did not know if I had taken a good one. I checked later that evening and luckily, I had one that had the right shape to it. I was delighted to get into the top three nominations, and even more so that I was chosen as the winner.”
SECOND PLACE;Sunrise by Patricia Murphy
Second place: Sunrise by Patricia Murphy. Patricia Murphy, who won second place with her photo Sunrise, lives in Oulart, and is a paediatric nurse in Wexford General Hospital. She was driving home after night duty and notice the amazing colours in the sky. She pulled over at Ferrybank and captured her beautiful photo.
THIRD PLACE; Otter Pups by JOHN NUNN
Third place:Otter Pups by John Nunn. John Nunn, who came third with his captivating photo Otter Pups, has lived in Kilmore Quay for 32 years. John was aware of adult otters in the locality, but he had never been lucky enough to see otter pups. He said; “It was a case of being in the right place at the right time and I was fortunate to be able to frame them with the Saltee Islands in the background.”
They were presented with their prizes by Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and County Librarian Eileen Morrissey on Thursday evening in Wexford Branch Library. The winners won fabulous Taste Wexford Hampers and Taste Wexford Boxes.
A contentious failed motion that stated; “We remove the permission for jet ski’s from Courtown bye-laws in line with other beaches in the county.” was defeated by 5 votes to 4 at the June meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and the issue surfaced again today and once more emotions went skywards at the meeting held with Microsoft Teams in line with Covid-19 protocols and guidelines.
Cllr Diarmuid Devereux reminded the members that the issue of the jet ski’s in Courtown was discussed at the last meeting, but he was of the impression that things had not improved a whole lot and it continues to be a major problem! There are health and safety issues. “I believe we have to revisit it. We just cannot ignore the problem. Put that on the agenda for another day,” he added and was supported by Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin.
Cllr Joe Sullivan said he was down there (Courtown) at the weekend and he observed jet ski’s in action and there was no one from Wexford County Council to police the water and no Gardaí and then he infuriated some members of the chamber when he criticised the Kilmuckridge members for voting ‘en bloc’ to oppose jet ski’s in the Gorey district when the motion came before the June meeting.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen was having none of it and he said there was more jet ski’s launched at Cahore than there was in Courtown! “To push the problem up to Cahore is not fair on Cahore, nor is it fair on Courtown. This is a problem that must be dealt with countrywide. They are a scourge countrywide, not just in Courtown.”
Cllr Mary Farrell objected to Cllr Sullivan’s comments. “Nobody is in favour of jet ski’s but we have to remember that not everyone who has a jet ski is a thug! (shouting broke out much of the conversation was lost). Cllr Farrell suggested that what needs to happen is to put something in place that solves the problem for everybody and she quoted a sign she saw from another County Council;
“Personal watercraft e.g. Jet ski’s and recreational craft, speedboats are prohibited from being launched into or operated in these waters or off this beach for a distance of 300 metres seaward from the mean low water mark as shown,”and Cllr Farrell said this means they can’t be launched or operated within 300 metres and anyone who is being genuine and cautious about what they do will go out to the 300 metres and operate in a safe and risk free manner.
Director of Services, Amanda Byrne suggested bringing Captain Phil Murphy, Wexford County Council Harbour Master to the September meeting and bring the Gardaí in as well. “When Capt. Murphy met with the Gardaí after the July meeting he was able to point out powers that they really didn’t realise they had. A person standing there with a jet ski – that is not a crime in any sense of the word, but where there is bad behaviour or abuse of the system that needs to be reported. It will be interesting to see the number of incident reports that have come to the attention of the Gardaí.
She added that Capt. Murphy will have the data from the users found lifting the barrier and a history to bring to the next meeting.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh repeated a comment he made at the previous meeting that he was in favour of accommodating everyone to enjoy the water – it is there for everyone to enjoy – in a safe manner.
Cllr Andrew Bolger agreed that there is a problem in Courtown. Cllr Donal Kenny also contributed.
Jet Ski’s in action at Courtown Harbour on Tuesday evening.
Cllr Sullivan concluded that the roads are there for everybody and the water is there for everybody, and if you misbehave on the road you get put off the road and if you misbehave on the water – you can’t get put off the water and Cllr Sullivan alleged that jet ski’s are ‘banned from everywhere bar Courtown’. An Cathaoirleach and Cllr Sullivan ended up disagreeing as to the legality of jet ski’s – the issue rolls on and meanwhile the waters around Courtown are alive to the sound of jet ski’s watched by large numbers enjoying their day visit or staycation.
Gardaí from the Wexford Divisional Roads Policing Unit stopped a car travelling at 155 kph on the M11 last night. Gardaí searched the car and seized €2,800 worth of cocaine. The driver gave a false name and address. Gardaí discovered he was disqualified from driving and had no insurance cover The driver was arrested and the car seized.
With a high-temperature weather advisory issued across the country, Irish Water is continuing to urge the public to conserve water to ensure a consistent supply for all during this busy time. Demand for drinking water has increased very significantly in many supplies across Wexford.
At the same time, due to the dry weather and high temperatures, water source levels are dropping. Irish Water, together with Wexford County Councils, is working hard to maintain supplies.
Niall O’Riordan, Irish Water’s Operations Lead for Wexford said: “The current extra demand, combined with reduced capacity, is not sustainable across Wexford. We are appealing to everyone to be mindful of this and reduce water consumption as much as possible.
“All supplies across the county are seeing increased demand. Night time restrictions will again be in place in Enniscorthy tonight between 11pm and 6am. It is anticipated that these restrictions will need to be implemented each night this week due to the high demand.
SAVE WEXFORD WATER
“The households, farms and businesses served by public water supplies across Wexford are asked to reduce water usage as much as possible. Schemes under the most pressure at present include the Enniscorthy Scheme, Sow Regional Scheme (serving Castlebridge, Curracloe, Crossabeg, Blackwater), Fardystown Scheme (serving Rosslare, Kilmore, Kilrane), Wexford Town Scheme, South Regional Scheme (serving Duncannon, Arthurstown, Ballyhack, Wellington Bridge, Carrick on Bannow and Ballycullane), Kilmuckridge Scheme, Gorey/Courtown Scheme (Ballymoney, Tara Hill in particular).
“Everyone can contribute and the combination of effort will greatly help our ability to provide a continuous water supply to all. There is guidance and tips for conserving water available on www.water.ie/conservation.”
Small changes can have a significant impact, for example:
– Take a shorter shower and save up to 10 litres of water per minute
– Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home
– When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute
– Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden
– Avoid using paddling pools
– In the garden use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots
– If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose
– Report any leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278.
Irish Water is continuing to see significant levels of domestic and commercial demand for water as temperatures remain high and the public are asked to take some simple measures to conserve water in their homes, businesses and on farms.
Irish Water has been carefully monitoring all its raw water sources, that is the water from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources that feed our water treatment plants. As rivers, lakes and groundwater levels reduce through the summer and autumn period, there is less water available for supply, while at the same time the warmer weather gives rise to increased water demands for domestic, agricultural and leisure uses.
With the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public are reminded to adhere to public health and HSE advice, and handwashing and hygiene remain critically important.
Further water conservation information is available on the Irish Water website www.water.ie/conservation
Enniscorthy is getting a well-deserved street cleaning treatment on Rafter Street, Court Street, Church Street, Castle Street and a small portion of Weafer Street and Main Street members were informed by Acting District Manager Bernie Quigley at the July meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held today under strict Covid-19 protocols and guidelines at Kilcannon Garden Centre on the Old Dublin Road.
RAFTER STREET, ENNISCORTHY
The cleaning operation, which will take four days, has already begun and during the meeting Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy pointed out that “if outdoor dining is permitted it is only fair that a clean environment be presented for the public using the streets.”
Slaney Street is getting 150 umbrellas covering approximately 15 metres next week. Due to works commencing in Slaney Street under the Historic Towns Initiative it is not possible to install as many as previous years, but some colourful days are imminent.
In other news, the Council has agreed to the installation of water fountains at Bunclody, Bree, The Promenade, Enniscorthy, the 21 Steps, Templeshannon, and Doyle’s Corner, The Duffry, Enniscorthy. It is hoped to order the fountains in mid-August.
Plans are afoot to resurface the entire 3km riverside walking trail by the River Slaney, and resurface a track around the Urrin River, a 600-metre loop, up to St. John’s Bridge, that would allow wheelchairs and disabled users access around the Urrin footbridge. The grant allocation is €200,000.
Update on the Enniscorthy Technology Park is that steel erection will commence on Monday, July 26th and the project is on course for completion in May 2022.
So, many worthwhile projects in the pipeline that will make Enniscorthy town and district a better place.
At a recent meeting of the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) members approved funding for projects across County Wexford. The funding which includes €646,703.72 for 12 projects under the LEADER Programme and €150,065 to 85 community and voluntary groups under the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme.
Chair of LCDC, Cllr. Lisa McDonald, thanked the members for their commitment to the programme and acknowledged their efforts in ensuring that both businesses and community groups across the county could access this vital funding particularly through this difficult period.
The official sod turning at the €12.8 million Wastewater Treatment Plant at Arthurstown serving the communities of Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack took place last Friday morning.
The plant will provide wastewater treatment for the first time for the equivalent of almost 1,875 people and the works will ensure the communities have the capacity for social and economic development into the future and will also ensure the protection and the integrity of the environment.
Minister of State James Browne, Cllr John Fleming, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, who performed the official launch, and Cllr Michael Whelan at the official opening of the Arthurstown Wastewater Plant last Friday.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy was on hand to officiate at the sod turning; “The commencement of this vital sewerage infrastructure development will lead to enhanced tourism opportunities for the beautiful villages of Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon. 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.’
Paul Fallon, Programme Manager with Irish Water said; “This is big day for the communities of Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack and we are so pleased to finally get the project underway. This is such a beautiful part of the country and to think that this Irish Water project will eliminate the equivalent of 1,500 wheelie bins of raw sewage flowing into the Barrow, Nore, Suir estuary every day is something to be positive about.
“The size and scale of the challenge of raw sewage discharging into our water ways is well documented, however, the good news is that Irish Water has a plan to get to grips with this and similar areas around Ireland. This project is due for completion in 2023 and will support social and economic development and protect our marine life in the years to come too. I’d finally like to pay tribute to our colleagues in Wexford County Council, Sisk, Aecom and Atkins who have done a fantastic job to date and I look forward to bringing this project to completion with them”.
Minister of State James Browne said; “It’s great to see this project get underway. It has been a long time in the making, and it will open so many new opportunities for the communities of Arthurstown, Duncannon and Ballyhack. I wish Irish Water, Wexford County Council and Sisk the best of luck with the works.”
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, also warmly welcomed the commencement of construction of the much needed Wastewater Treatment Plant, stating that “the works when completed in approximately 16 months’ time will bring great benefits to the villages and surrounding areas in terms of environmental improvements, water quality, infrastructural development, tourism and investment.’ The Chief Executive also thanked Irish Water and the staff of Wexford County Council for bringing the project to this juncture and wished contractors Sisk Group well in their endeavours.
Although numbers were limited at the event due to COVID-19 restrictions, the communities were well represented by their elected representatives, business leaders and other members of the community.
Well-known celebrity chef and author Kevin Dundon was in Arthurstown to see the works kick off, he is passionate about his locality and the environment; “For all of us living and working in a coastal community, this is a fabulous environmental step forward. Cleaner beaches and water for residents and visitors alike means better living. Hopefully, the blue flags will return soon because of this wastewater treatment development.”
Lorraine Waters from Hook Lighthouse was also on hand to witness the Sod Turning; “Hook lighthouse too is delighted to hear its partnering villages Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack will soon have a new wastewater treatment plant, as all our areas are striving to go green and become more eco-friendly this is indeed good news, especially in a time where we are now hoping to, in the coming years increase our visitor capacity to our beautiful county.”
Chairman of New Ross Municipal District, Cllr Patrick Barden was also in attendance; “Protecting our environment has never been more important than it is today. With this new treatment system for the villages of Arthurstown Ballyhack and Duncannon, we are taking a major step in the right direction regarding improving our environment here in this lovely area. Over the years these villages have been restricted in their ability to expand and diversify due to the lack of adequate sewage treatment. This problem is now being resolved and we can look forward to realising the full potential of these vibrant communities. I would like to acknowledge the role of Irish Water and Wexford County Council in the delivery of this ambitious project. I also look forward to the day when the neighbouring village of Ramsgrange will also be connected.”
A spokesperson for Irish Water told WexfordLocal.com that across the bay in Dunmore East and all along the Waterford coastline, the practice of discharging raw sewage into the waterways has been eliminated since 2017. The investment of €24 million there delivered seven new wastewater treatment plants in towns and villages across Co. Waterford including Ardmore, Ballyduff/Kilmeadan, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow. Half of the raw sewage entering waterways in Ireland has now been eliminated and there is a plan to remove the remainder in the years to come.
The volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard on Saturday at 5.34pm, to assist a person in difficulties on their jet ski.
The crew launched the D-Class lifeboat Naomh Dubhán on the beach under Duncannon Fort. Duncannon beach lifeguards and Rescue 117 Helicopter were also involved in the rescue.
FETHARD RNLI Lifeboat on exercise. Pic; RNLI/Nigel Millard.
Conditions were calm with a light breeze on the hottest day of the year. As the lifeboat proceeded to the area where the jet ski was located, it was established from communications with the Irish Coast Guard that the male was assisted ashore by the lifeguard and locals and was receiving casualty care at Duncannon Harbour.
Fethard lifeboat crew recovered the beached jet ski, towing it into the harbour and then rendered assistance with the care of the casualty.
Speaking about the incident Fethard RNLI Volunteer Helm John Colfer said; “It was a very positive outcome showing the teamwork achieved by the lifeguards, the Coast Guard helicopter and ourselves.” John also took the opportunity to remind all pleasure craft users to “Always wear a personal flotation device. Stay with your craft in an emergency as it will keep you afloat and easy to locate. Make sure you are wearing suitable clothing for weather and water conditions, as warm air conditions do not mean warm water conditions.”
A large section of the once enclosed perimeter wall has fallen, scorched trees and discarded beer cans indicate the residue of anti-social behaviour and evidence of disrespect and neglect secretly spoils the small cemetery attached to the once existent St Senan’s Psychiatric Hospital at Killagoley, on the outskirts of Enniscorthy.
Nobody knows how many people are buried there and nobody knows their names. There is an exception. Rose Quinn, who was abandoned by her family and died in the Wexford District Lunatic Asylum, as St Senan’s used to be known, has not been forgotten.
A four-year investigation by her great-niece, Patricia Quinn-Murphy, brought Rose’s fate into the public arena. Patricia’s findings suggest that Rose was one of countless Irish people, mostly women, banished to asylums and erased from memory in the first half of this century.
Patricia, who lives in Wexford, first heard of Rose when she began to compile a family tree shortly before her father died in 1994. He listed his aunts and uncles, all familiar names, and then added: “And there was Rose.” It was the first time she had heard the name.
Her father went on to describe his recollection, as a six-year-old, of standing outside the parish church in Clongeen, Foulksmills, in 1906, as his mother tried to persuade Rose, then aged 35, to go through with an arranged marriage against her will.
All he knew was that Rose married the man but refused to live with him, was committed to an asylum and died within a year. “I decided I had to find out about her life, so I started trying to get information from St Senan’s.”
Initially the hospital was unable to assist and said records from the time were not available. It referred her to Wexford County Council, which at one time was responsible for health administration, but it, too, had no information. In the meantime, Patricia established that Rose was not buried with either her husband’s or her own family.
_The old burial ground attached to St. Senan’s Hospital, Enniscorthy
She did not become aware of the cemetery behind St Senan’s until September 1999, when she decided to call to the hospital and seek information directly. A staff member took her to the back of the hospital and showed her the small, private cemetery.
Some small white crosses were placed by a boundary wall, and a larger cross stood in the middle. But there were no names and nothing to mark individual graves.
Patricia Quinn wrote letters to local politicians, clergy, a local newspaper, anybody who might be able to help. Then a local researcher Margaret Hawkins took an interest in the issue, she produced a documentary and wrote the story in a book – Restless Spirit; The Story of Rose Quinn, published by Mercier Press, 2006) and real public progress commenced.
“Rose was admitted to the asylum on February 16th, 1907, with “melancholia”. This was three months after her marriage. She died, probably from TB contracted in the hospital, on May 4th the same year, less than six months after her wedding.
The records also show she had been transferred to the asylum from the workhouse at New Ross. The circumstances in which she went to the workhouse in the first place are not clear, but she could have been referred there by the asylum if it were overcrowded.
The cemetery at St Senan’s was used until the 1940s and probably became operational shortly after the asylum was opened in 1868. It is unknown how many people were buried there.
The dead of St Senan’s Hospital were remembered by staff and patients, and for about 30 years or so a Patron had been held at the cemetery each summer.
Patricia Quinn’s quest for answers came to a “happy end” when a monument was unveiled at the cemetery by the Bishop of Ferns, Dr Brendan Comiskey in October 2000. It carries the dedication: “Sacred to the memory of all the people who were laid to rest in this graveyard many years ago.” A committee was also established by the hospital to oversee the maintenance of the cemetery in the future.
The St. Senan’s Hospital site and land has been sold and the burial grounds just outside the walls of the St. Senan’s lands beside a public road and public access is open. Sadly, it appears that those who were laid to rest here without name and record, briefly remembered by Margaret Hawkin’s documentary and book and Patricia Quinn’s determination to find answers from the past, are once more neglected and forgotten.
WexfordLocal.com 