WexfordLocal.com

Murrintown opens Garden of Remembrance

By Dan Walsh

The Murrintown commemoration and opening of the Garden of Remembrance and Reflection to mark the Truce of the War of Independence a century ago ceremony was held today in poor weather conditions where Cllr Lisa McDonald delivered the oration.

Cllr McDonald said; “We are here in Murrintown today to take ownership of remembrance and hoping for reflection. The images this week in our national media of the crowds that gathered back then at the Mansion House hoping and praying for peace to prevail were palpable. That was a good day in 1921 but the months that followed that brought the Anglo-Irish Treaty, partition, the creation of Northern Ireland and the saddest part of our history, The Civil War, the war of friends which we find so hard to discuss still today.

“We’re here today celebrating the lives and the memory of the patriots who sacrificed their own lives, so that we the descendants could be independent and practice democracy and the right to self-determination. It is a fragile concept and we see it being undermined worldwide today but we must ensure that the structures that underpin modern democracy are maintained and defended. “We need to make a special effort to recognise the role that every single person plays in our country, from our elderly to our artists, our public servants, our business people, our farmers to our fishermen and our professionals. To our children with special needs, and to those with disabilities, our unemployed and our homeless, everyone.

Liam Collins, Anthony Nolan, Lieut. Kirsty Moran and Cllr Lisa McDonald take shelter from the elements at the opening of the Murrintown Garden of Remembrance today. (Pic; courtesy of event organisers).

“Everyone deserves respect and the ideals of 1916 demand us to practice just that. The best way to honour this concept is to return to belief in the possible, what we can do and what we hope to achieve. We have spent the last eighteen months battling this horrific pandemic together. We have seen the self-sacrifice of our health care workers, we have seen what we can do when we work together and we have seen the futility of division.”

In conclusion, Cllr McDonald added; “A lot has changed since mid-day on the 11th of July 1921 but one thing remains constant, we continue to strive for the ideals of the Proclamation set down in 1916, which sought to cherish all the children of Ireland equally. This work will be ongoing and will demand that our leaders step up to the plate and solve the problems that confront each generation. Our work may never be done but we must look back and remind ourselves of the sacrifice made for us and we must never give up hope.”

The Commemoration opened with a short speech from Cllr Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council, followed by prayers recited by Very Rev. Aodhán Marken, Parish Priest of Piercestown and Murrintown. Liam Collins was Master of Ceremonies.

The national flag was raised by Lieutenant Kirsty Moran and the national anthem sung by Murrintown teenager Eabha Keane. Trumpeter Anthony Nolan sounded the Last Post and Revielle.

Centenary of Truce remembered in Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

The centenary of the Truce in the War of Independence was commemorated in a brief, but dignified ceremony held in the Orchard Peace Park at the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy today.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Cathal Byrne said; “During the two and a half years of the War of Independence more than 2,000 people lost their lives. To day we remember them and the people who experienced hardship and sacrifice during that time. We reflect on these events and remember our relatives, the stories of their experiences and those who went before us.

“This day 100 years ago was a day of hope for people across Enniscorthy and County Wexford and we look forward – after a difficult period of 18 months – with renewed hope for the future,” concluded Cllr Byrne.

Inclement weather shortened the programme of events and there was a short historical narrative from Barry Lacey, the newly appointed Historian-in-Residence at the Wexford County Public Library Services.

CLLR CATHAL BYRNE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council with members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-Enactment Group at the unveiing of the Truce of the War of Independence memorial bench at Orchard Peace Park, Enniscorthy.

Cllr Byrne unveiled a memorial bench commemorating the centenary of the Truce in the War of Independence (January 21^st 1919 – July 11^th 1921). Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-Enactment Group provided a guard of honour.

The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, and Cllrs Kathleen Codd, Jackser Owens and John O’Rourke. Apologies were read on behalf of Johnny Mythen TD and Cllr Aidan Browne.

Acting Director of Services Carolyne Godkin, Mary Clince and Bernie Quigley from Enniscorthy Municipal District Council staff and Moira O’Gorman, National 1798 Rebellion Centre and Enniscorthy Castle, were active in organising this important historical event.

AUDIO ADDITION; Cathaoirleach Cllr Cathal Byrne at the Truce of the War of Independence ceremony held in Enniscorthy today.

Autumn 2021 ‘points’ fixtures announced

By Dan Walsh

Racing enthusiasts will be relieved to learn that the 2021 Autumn Point-to-Point fixture list has been published by the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee with plenty of action happening in the south-east counties.

Sunday, September 26^th; Bree Foxhounds will race at Monksgrange.

Sunday, October 17^th; Shillelagh & District at Fairwood, Tinahely; and Sunday, October 31st; Island Hunt will race at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy.

Sunday, November 7^th; Wicklow Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely; Sunday, November 14^th; Wexford Hunt at Knockmullen House, New Ross; Sunday, November 28^th; Killinick Harriers at Lingstown, Tomhaggard.

Sunday, December12th; Carlow Farmers at Borris House.

Man (38) arrested after Wexford drugs find

A 38-year-old man was arrested after 3kg of herbal cannabis, with an estimated value of more than €73,000, was found during a joint operation between Revenue’s Customs Service, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and the Wexford Divisional Drugs Unit at a premises in the Wexford area.

He is being held under Section 2 of The Criminal Justice (Drugs Trafficking) Act 1996 at Wexford Garda Station.

More than €2m worth of drugs have been seized in three separate incidents in Dublin and Wexford.

Investigations into these seizures are ongoing.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the smuggling of illegal drugs into the State. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on the confidential phone number 1800 295 295.

How Brexit may impact on Wexford?

By Dan Walsh

The Oireachtas has published a report (yesterday) on the impact of Brexit and makes 53 recommendations in a range of areas about how Ireland can be best placed to address the ongoing repercussions of the decision of the UK to leave the European Union.

Senator Malcolm Byrne was one of the twelve members of the committee, and the sole member from Wexford, that spent the last eight months in detailed discussions with a range of stakeholders in this significant piece of work.

Senator Byrne told WexfordLocal.com; “We engaged with Rosslare Europort and haulage companies and the effects on our freight traffic. But we also considered the impact of Brexit on so many other aspects of our lives – education and training and recognition of qualifications; managing data held in different jurisdictions; the impact on importing and exporting of food and drink, and, of course, the ongoing political ramifications.

“One big issue that I highlighted before has been the impact of Brexit on the price of certain goods, including flour, which is incredibly significant for Co. Wexford, not just because of the bakeries located here but also planned development of a mill in the county.

“Brexit continues to have profound implications for Wexford. I am immensely proud that I was able to ensure a specific recommendation about Rosslare Europort as well as on digitising paperwork to speed up movement at the ports as well as looking for greater support for businesses negativey impacted by the Rules of Origin (including flour).

The Wexford related recommendations that may be of interest includes a Specific Recommendation on Page 43 that reads as follows;

“The Committee recommends the expansion of Rosslare Europort and the new direct routes from continental Europe and is of the view that, following the recent demand-led transformation of the port, the port continues to be developed and that further resources be allocated to facilitate further necessary routes/sailings. Further development of the port will alleviate pressure on Dublin Port and congestion on surrounding motorways such as the M50. To facilitate this expansion, the Committee recommends that the motorway and link road to Rosslare be completed without delay to improve connectivity with Rosslare port.”

Two injured in Kilmore Quay workplace incident

By Dan Walsh

Two men in their 60’s sustained serious injuries in a workplace incident at the rear of the Stella Maris Centre in Kilmore Quay this afternoon.

It is understood that the men were working together on some scaffolding when it collapsed, and they were thrown to the ground at around 3.30pm.

One of the injured men was transferred by Rescue 117 helicopter to Cork University Hospital while the second man was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Waterford.

The scene was attended by two units of the National Ambulance Service Wexford, an Ambulance Officer and the Coast Guard ground unit from Kilmore Quay assisted by Rescue 117 helicopter from Waterford.

Deputy Murphy on the future of post offices

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Independent Deputy Verona Murphy addressed the Dáil on Wednesday speaking on the Post Office Network motion submitted by the private members group.

Deputy Murphy said; “Last October, the Government was put on notice that if there was no movement on the post offices, we would revisit the issue, and here we are, which is disappointing to all concerned. This motion calls on the Government to introduce an interim solution that could be effective and deliverable from July 2021 to guarantee the current post office network and prevent any further closures.

“The post office sector is a vital piece of infrastructure to many rural and regional communities. Almost 950 post offices exist throughout Ireland. They vary in size and in the services they provide. In County Wexford, there are 52 post offices. I am in regular contact with people who run post offices, particularly in the areas of Fethard, Ballycullane, Ramsgrange, Campile, New Ross and many others. Clearly, the rural post office plays a crucial role in community life.

“Unfortunately, it is becoming more of a struggle for postmasters and postmistresses to make a sustainable living from their work. Post offices throughout Ireland provide a vital service to hundreds of communities and millions of people. Not only do they provide vital services, but they also provide a warm, helpful and friendly face for the people in the local community.

“As part of the Regional Group, I have called many times for post offices to be viewed as a one-stop-shop for engagement with State services. I know many State services can be dealt with via the post office, but there is still a long way to go and there are many more services that could be incorporated into the post office’s role.”

In reply, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton said; “I know Deputies raised the important matter of the post office network in October last year and the motion before us today recognises the views of the Members who participated in that debate. I noted at the time I agreed with many of the sentiments expressed by Deputies and the Government does not intend to oppose today’s motion from the Regional Group.

“The Government’s programme is clear and a modernised post office network will provide a better range of financial and e-commerce services for citizens and enterprise as part of our commitment to a sustainable nationwide post office network.

“The Government’s objectives for An Post include harnessing the opportunities presented by e-commerce and the digital economy, capturing and retaining market share in parcels and delivering a sustainable nationwide post office network offering a range of e-commerce, financial and Government services.

“The deal agreed between An Post and postmasters in 2018 centred around a renewed vision of the post office network and a revised postmaster contract. There is an acceptance that new business lines were required, with a focus on financial and new government services, along with a capital investment plan for the renewal of existing offices.

“The agreement reached between An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union underpinned significant change and investment to redefine the post office network, including reducing the number of post offices, modernising the postmaster contract and updating the brand.

“I am pleased to advise Deputies that An Post reached an agreement with the Irish Postmasters Union in late June for an €8.5 million fund that will benefit all post offices over the next 18 months. Due to the improving financial position of the company, An Post will fund this programme from its own resources.

“I stress that the terms under which postmasters are contracted to An Post is a matter between postmasters and An Post and any negotiations are a matter for both parties directly,” concluded Minister Naughton.

The hammer strikes the anvil in Bunclody

By Dan Walsh

Nolan’s Forge on Foundry Lane, linking Irish Street and Ryland Road, in Bunclody was operated by three generations of the Nolan family from 1885 to 1992, and then fell into disrepair, but the good news is that Nolan’s Forge is being renovated and will open its doors to visitors again next month.

**PAT MURPHY, JOHNJOE MURPHY and LIAM KELLY outside the renovated Nolan’s Forge on Foundry Lane, Bunclody.**

The forge, a popular meeting place in the town centre, was founded by Martin Nolan followed by Martin’s son Stephen, while Stephen’s son, Martin Nolan operated the business until 1992, and passed away later that year.

Liam Kelly and some friends decided to renovate the old forge as a working visitor centre and plans are advanced in installing a bellows, anvil and other equipment necessary in a working forge.

“We are trying to keep alive Martin’s memory and recall the forge as a meeting place in the old days. Young people can see horseshoeing for the first time and the older people can reminisce about all the times they had seen it before,” said Liam who is anxiously to preserve memories.

An official opening by Liam Kelly’s parents is scheduled for August 11^th with a blessing and exhibition and locals will be invited to come along and recall the memories and create a new slice of Bunclody tourism.

AUDIO ADDITION; Liam Kelly talks about Nolan’s Forge which is being renovated as a visitor centre in Bunclody.

Last War of Independence action remembered in Camolin

By Dan Walsh

The 100^th anniversary of the locally titled Camolin Ambush – the last action in the War of Independence in County Wexford – was commemorated in a small but dignified ceremony in Camolin village this evening.

At least four generations of the Carton family were present at this evening’s event.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas – Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council recalled the Camolin Ambush a century ago and said; “it is only right a fitting that we should remember the events 100 years later.”

Remembering Patrick Carton and the Camolin Ambush in the War of Independence a century ago at the scene of the attack by the wall of Valentia House on Main Street, Camolin. (Pic. supplied by event organisers).

The Enniscorthy Historical Re-Enactment Group provided colour party led by Capt. Ray Murphy. After a minute’s silence at the scene of the attack at the wall of Valentia House the attendance led by the colour party marched to the graveside of Patrick Carton in the local graveyard where Capt. Murphy fired a single shot (blank) over Patrick Carton’s grave. Capt. Murphy then ceremoniously presented the spent shell to Patrick’s grand-daughter, Peggy.

Local IRA Volunteer Patrick Carton and a four-man party of RIC officers were engaged in an incident in which an explosion took place and the RIC party received minor injuries, but Patrick made good his escape across the fields without any injuries on June 5^th, 1921. It was the last action during the War of Independence in County Wexford. The Truce was called six days later on June 11th.

This evenings’ remembrance ceremony organised by John G. Kavanagh, local historian, and archaeologist and historian Barry Lacey, with the support of the Carton family.

Government support for Murrintown

Murrintown Community Centre/Youth Club have received Government funding to deliver outdoor activities in partnership with Wexford County Council, during National Play Day, local Cllr Lisa McDonald has confirmed to WexfordLocal.com.

Cllr McDonald commented; “National Play Day is an important period to invest in outdoor playgrounds and youth clubs to ensure children have outlets in their local communities to socialise and have fun. This year the Government has provided €3,000 to Wexford County Council for outdoor activities in partnership with Murrintown Community Centre.

“This funding builds on very recent finance for Wexford County Council to invest in playgrounds located in Duncannon, Mount Carmel Estate and in Cluain Dara Estate. These investments help children and their parents right now but also leave a positive legacy with enhanced playgrounds in our communities.

“National Play Day is ultimately about having fun. With the good weather I wish Murrintown Youth Club and the thousands of families and children across County Wexford a joyful National Play Day this week,” concluded Cllr McDonald.