WexfordLocal.com

When the pilgrims came to Oylegate

By Dan Walsh

Many years ago I picked up a booklet called Through the Garden of Ireland for the 1915 season and it described itself as “the official handbook of the Dublin and South-Eastern Railway” and I came across an amazing description of miraculous events occurring at St. David’s Well at Ballinaslaney, Oylegate. Earlier today I visited St David’s Well which is still splendidly maintained although the pilgrims no longer arrive in huge numbers, but the few that believe in what was once described as The Lourdes of Ireland.

The link with the railway is interesting. Soon after the reopening of the Well in August 1908 daily excursions from different parts of Ireland were a regular occurrence. I assume they alighted at Edermine Station and walked the rest of the way. No mention of ending the excursion at Macmine Junction and taking them across the River Slaney by boat, but I could imagine the skilled boatmen from the local fishery would be enterprising in this regard!

At this time a local committee was formed, a piece of ground was fenced and a wash house was erected. A local man called O’Leary presented a statue of St. David that is keeping watch there today.

News of miracles at Oylegate began to spread. The records are there. The first noteworthy cure was a young girl suffering from “some sot of ingrowth in the head”. An operation was suggested, but the parents declined and took her to the Well instead! After several visits she recovered her health.

**ST. DAVID’S WELL near Oylegate. A place of pilgrimage for generations and still revered by many today.**

A man with rheumatism got well. A woman from the Wexford Union who could not walk for 30 years and had to be carried to the Well regained her composure and carried on in her stride.

A young Dublin woman with a deformed foot and compelled to wear a 4-inch surgical to make up the shortage of her limb visited the Well several times and was enabled to dispense with the boot altogether.

The scene around St. David’s Well was once surrounded by abandoned crutches and walking sticks, a token of cures, surgical steel boots etc.! Stories about the restoration of sight after the medical profession had given up are long associated with the Well.

Today, the scene is tranquil. The grass is neatly mown and seating is provided. It is a place of quiet reflection in the footsteps of generations of belief and prayer that brought so much comfort and no doubt there are many who quietly asked St. David to save us all from the battle with Covid-19.

Summer outdoor dining in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Mayor of Wexford Cllr Leonard Kelly requested an update from the Wexford Municipal Council District Manager Angela Laffan to inform members of the public of changes occurring in Wexford town with a view to facilitate summer outdoor hospitality.

In reply, the District Manager said; “As Wexford town reopens for business after a period of lengthy closure, the following areas were identified as requiring a road closure and/or special arrangements to licence the hospitality sector to provide outdoor dining in a safe and welcoming environment in accordance with Covid Government guidelines.

In addition to the issue of a Section 254 Licence for outdoor tables and chairs, the following arrangements have been put in place and will continue over the summer months until further notice:

Henrietta Street; Road closure in place from 11am to 11pm each day Monday to Sunday. Access for deliveries etc. up to 11am each morning Monday to Saturday,

Charlotte Street; Road closure in place from 11am to 11pm each day. Bollard installed at junction of Lower George Street and Selskar Street at 11am daily, Monday to Saturday. Bollard removed at 8.15am daily, Monday to Saturday, to facilitate refuse collection and deliveries. Bollard remains in the locked position from 11am on Saturday until 8.15am on Monday morning.

Disabled Bays: Access to the under-used Disabled Bays on Charlotte Street will not be available after 11am each day. The Post Office is encouraging less mobile customers to do their business before 11am, if at all possible. Note however, during the trial pedestrianisation of Monck Street in the past 12/18 months (which by default restricted access to Charlotte Street during business hours), additional disabled parking bays were installed at the request of the members on Common Quay Street, Lower George Street, Selskar Street and other areas to compensate. These additional bays have remained in place, so it is considered that there are adequate disabled parking bays close to this section of North Main Street.

Mallin Street; Road closure in place from 11am to 6pm each day, Monday to Saturday. Bollard installed at junction with John’s Gate Street / Cornmarket at 11am daily and lifted at 6pm. Road open to traffic on Sunday.

Lower Rowe Street; Road closure in place from 11am to 6pm each day, Monday to Sunday.Bollard installed at junction with Mallin Street / High Street at 11am daily. Monday to Saturday; Bollard at The Bullring/North Main Street also installed at 11am Monday to Saturday. Bollards removed at 6pm daily Monday to Friday. Bollards remain in the locked position from 11am on Saturday until 8.15am on Monday morning.

South Main Street; No road closure required. On-street parking removed on South Main Street (from junction with Cinema Lane to junction with Oyster Lane) and on sections along South Main Street (from junction with Lower Bride Street to junction with Lower King Street). Vehicular traffic will still have access to drive through this area to access other car parking facilities but will not be permitted to park on street. Three new loading bays have been installed outside R. Doyle Butchers, Wexford Auto Factors and the Emerald Gardens to facilitate deliveries into the area.

Cornmarket; A Section 254 Licence has been granted to the Thomas Moore Tavern to facilitate outdoor dining adjacent to their premises at Cornmarket.

Because of ground level conditions, certain civil works are under way to facilitate the installation of a temporary decking structure to accommodate outdoor furniture and associated infrastructure.

The situation in each of the above areas will be monitered and kept under review over the summer months together with all other businesses to whom a Section 254 Licence has been issued to facilitate outdoor dining.

Death of Cllr Tom Moorehouse

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of former Cllr Tom Moorehouse, Moran Park, Enniscorthy, who was a Fine Gael member of Enniscorthy Town Council from 1994 to 2014 and served as Chairman during the 2002-’03 term.

**CLLR TOM MOOREHOUSE (Pic; Fine Gael)**

Deputy Paul Kehoe is leading the tributes and said he is deeply saddened following the passing of Tom Moorehouse, a supporter and friend.

“Tom was a great Councillor who represented the people of Enniscorthy with the kindness many will have witnessed in person. He loved Enniscorthy and its people and everything he did was to help others. Tom was a family man and Teresa, Fran, Mary, Tina and all Tom’s extended family are in my thoughts at this sad time.”

Tom was a friendly face around St Aidan’s Parish School, where he worked as a caretaker, and was known and respected for his loyal involvement in many groups and charities, including Enniscorthy Tidy Towns’, Chernobyl Shop and he served on St. Aidan’s Cathedral Restoration Committee and the Athenaeum Restoration Committee. His goodness was far reaching and behind all his actions was his extraordinarily strong faith and devotion.

Tom was a family man and Teresa, Fran, Mary, Tina and all Tom’s extended family are in my thoughts at this sad time.

FAMILY NOTICE; TOM MOOREHOUSE, Moran Park, Enniscorthy; (ex-Councillor) Beloved husband of Teresa, loving father of Mary, Tina and Fran and brother of Joan, Margaret, Mary, Seamus, Willie and Fintan and the late Joe, John, Paddy and Philip. Sadly missed by his loving family, grandchildren Blake, Cerys, Corey, Jamie, Jesse, Tom, Ryan, Casey and Riely, son-in-law Martin, extended family, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

A Private Family Funeral will be held on Friday for Tom and may be followed from 10 o’clock at http://www.staidanscathedral.ie.

Remote working centre hub for M11 Gorey

By Dan Walsh

MHO SPACE, a company which specialises in developing remote-working centres, has partnered with Wexford County Council to develop a hub at the M11 Business Park in Gorey, the first of four similar remote-working centres planned for Wexford which MHO Space hopes to open in Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford town.

Gorey hub is already up and running and providing modern, state-of-the-art working facilities for up to 200 people.

Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Gorey- Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, warmly welcomes the proposal by MHO Space to bring significant jobs to Gorey and to build on the success of the Council’s Hatch Lab Innovation Centre which had 30 small companies operating there prior to the pandemic.

Cllr Sullivan paid tribute to the investment by local developers Tom and Paddy Redmond in the M11 Business Park and cited Gorey as one of the most vibrant and attractive towns in Leinster to work and live in.

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, said that the Council was seeing a lot of interest in remote working in Wexford by Dublin-based companies as people start to return to the office place and new hybrid models of work arrangements are being considered. Mr Enright stressed that Wexford offers a real alternative with affordable high-quality office accommodation, affordable housing and an unrivalled quality of life, all within a short distance of Dublin.

The CEO of the Cork-based MHO SPACE, Dave Burke, said that the company’s offering fully aligns with the ambition of Wexford County Council to reinvigorate towns and villages across rural Ireland. “There is now a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring about a shift away from the ‘normal’ big office business model and allow workers and their families to re-locate to rural Irish towns, thereby enjoying lower living costs, less commuting and a better quality of life”, he said.

With the Covid pandemic forcing tens of thousands of workers to switch from their former offices in Ireland’s cities and larger towns, the consequent explosion in working from home has accelerated the business case for remote-working hubs, which provide high-speed and secure broadband and all the other facilities of modern offices. This has two outstanding benefits: giving thousands of workers, who have been working from their homes a local-based full-office alternative and avoiding a return to long-distance commuting when the lockdown eventually ends, and their former office abodes re-open.

MHO SPACE not only develops the physical facility, but also manages all marketing and fulfilment operations to attract companies and individual workers to base themselves in these hubs.

Good Bank Holiday attitude in Co. Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Outdoor hospitality returned to towns and coastal areas across Co. Wexford today –alfresco style -the rain stayed away and there was an air of achievement and confidence in the future of the economy once again! Most importantly many people returned to work!

Special dining areas were erected outside of premises in the towns which must be a temporary measure or a change in the bye-laws will be necessary. However, until indoor hospitality returns this is the way forward…weather permitting!

**PEACEFUL AND TRANQUIL; The River Slaney at Enniscorthy earlier today.**

Large numbers visited Co. Wexford over the weekend and there were long tailbacks on the Wexford side of Oylegate village this evening as many exited the county.

Coastal areas were busy. The weather was kind. New traffic management arrangements were installed at several popular seaside resorts and everything appears to have worked out well. Plans are underway to provide shuttle bus services at Morriscastle and Curracloe going forward into the summer.

Gardai have been very active over the weekend and they report that everything went smoothly and there is nothing of serious consequence to report. Wexford County Council will also be reviewing events over the June Bank Holiday.

Swimmer safe after Ardamine scare

By Dan Walsh

A swimmer who got into difficulties off Ardamine beach yesterday (Sunday) is safe and well.

Courtown/Arklow Coast Guard Unit, Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117 from Waterford and the Lifeboat responded to a 999 call for a swimmer in difficulty off Ardamine beach at 5.32pm, The swimmer was quickly located and was able to make their way back to shore where the decision was made to have her assessed by ambulance paramedics and the Gardaí.

Once assessed and everything was fine the Coast Guard crew were stood down.

Remember if you see someone in difficulty on or near the water dial 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Death of Courtown hotel proprietor

By Dan Walsh

Bunches of flowers have been laid at the entrance to the Taravie Hotel, Courtown Harbour, today, paying tribute to proprietor Maureen Willoughby, (née Quinn) who sadly passed away on Saturday evening surrounded by her loving family.

Maureen spent 41 years in the family run Taravie Hotel where she was popular with locals and visitors alike and was always good for a friendly welcome or a homely chat.

The Taravie Hotel boasts a lovely beachside location in Courtown, offering a home from home experience, ten en-suite guest rooms and all modern facilities developed and nurtured by Maureen and members of her family where loyal staff were treated like family members. The character and kindness that was Maureen will be deeply missed and sympathy is extended to her extended family and friends. R.I.P.

FAMILY NOTICE; MAUREEN WILLOUGHBY (née Quinn), Taravie Hotel, Courtown. Beloved wife of the late Eric and loving mother of Audrey and Shane, sister of Arthur, Patty and Pauline. She will be very sadly missed by her son, daughter, brother, sisters, grandchildren Ross, Grace and Samuel, daughter-in-law Imelda, brothers-in-law Martin and Bernard, sister-in-law Betty, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours, loyal customers and many friends.

Reposing at her son Shane’s residence on Monday from 3 pm until 8 pm. Funeral arriving to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Riverchapel, on Tuesday for Funeral Mass (50 people) at 12 noon, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to the Courtown RNLI. Social distance rules will apply at residence, church and cemetery.

Arrest follows cash seizure at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 20s, originally from Poland, was arrested by Gardaí in relation to the seizure of a sum of cash at Rosslare Europort on Saturday morning.

Revenue officers stopped and searched a Polish registered freight vehicle at the port. The vehicle was intending to board a ferry to Bilbao, Spain.

**Detector dog Gus and the cash haul seized at Rosslare Europort this weekend.** (Pics; Revenue Commissioners)

The search, carried out with the assistance of detector dog, Gus, and a mobile x-ray scanner, led to the discovery of €181,000.

Revenue officers were granted a three month cash detention order by Judge Kevin Staunton at a special sitting of Gorey District Court. Investigations are ongoing.

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

Parish priest is honoured in Ferns

By Dan Walsh

Bishop of Ferns Dr Denis Brennan and Dean of Ferns, the Reverend Paul Mooney, representing the Church of Ireland community, were amongst the attendance at Fr. Patrick (Paddy) Cushen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in St. Aidan’s Church, Ferns, on Friday night.

**FR PADDY CUSHEN plants a tree to mark his Golden Jubilee at Ferns.**

A native of Graiguenamanagh, Fr Cushen was ordained at St. Peter’s College Wexford on June 6^th, 1971, and served in Chiswick, Archdiocese of Westminister, London, before being recalled to the Diocese of Ferns to serve as curate at Murrintown, Administrator in Wexford town in 1994, became parish priest of Marshalstown in 1997 and parish priest of Ferns since 2005.

Good wishes were expressed to Fr Cushen, who planted a tree to mark the special occasion. “We would like to wish Fr Paddy every happiness and good health to carry on his ministry here in the parish (od Ferns) for many years to come,” stated a community notice on social media.

In conjunction with Fr Cushen’s special occasion Bishop Brennan bestowed Bene Merenti medals on Michael Andrews and Mary Skelton in recognition of “their outstanding work in the parish and for everything they do for the church and the parish.”

Reading about the Cistercians!

By Dan Walsh

Founded in 1210, Dunbrody Abbey is one of the finest examples of a Cistercian monastery in Ireland and today the abbey features a modern visitor centre and has plenty to offer visitors at Campile.

Dunbrody Abbey and Visitor Centre is built on the site of one of the most impressive of ruined Cistercians abbeys in Ireland. It was founded by Herve de Montmorency in 1170 on the instructions of his nephew Richard de Clare (also known as Strongbow), after the Norman invasion of Ireland.

Today Dunbrody Abbey retains much of its 13th century church as well as extensive remains of buildings around the cloister garth. The transepts and their chapels are well preserved and beside the aisles, the nave stands complete; the massive crossing tower was an addition of the 15th century.

**DUNBRODY ABBEY one of the finest examples of a ruined Cistercian monastery in the country located near Campile.**

The abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536 and granted to the Etchingham family in 1545, at which point part of the church was converted into a residence. A massive collapse occurred on Christmas Eve in 1852, destroying the south wall of the church and some of the monastery.

Next to the abbey lies Dunbrody Castle and a visitor centre opened by the Earl of Belfast, only son of the 7th Marquess of Donegall. The castle gardens feature an intricate yew hedge maze called the Dunbrody Abbey Maze. Made up of 1,500 yew trees and gravel paths, it is one of the only two full size mazes in Ireland.

Dunbrody Abbey and Castle are open to visitors to explore, enjoy walks and have picnics on the grounds. Located in a beautiful stretch of south-west Wexford, the abbey remains a vital and vibrant tourist attraction and a valuable historical resource.

Well worth a visit over the June Bank Holiday weekend! Opening times May to September 11am to 5.30pm. There is ample car parking and disabled access.