Volunteers wanted for archaeological dig

By Dan Walsh

This July excavations will be relaunched and the digs are open to volunteers, with all required training and equipment provided on site as Wexford County Council is working alongside the Irish Archaeology Field School on a standout archaeology project in the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig.

Digging the Lost Town of Carrig is a unique archaeological project based in the Irish National Heritage Park since 2018, a project established as a partnership between Irish Archaeology Field School and the Irish National Heritage Park with support from Wexford County Council, will further investigate this historically significant, medieval site.

Volunteers can also participate in rebuilding lost elements of the town under the tuition of specialists such as experimental archaeologist Dr Brendan O’ Neill and local stonemason Pat Hickey.

The project was interrupted by restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. However, this July the excavations will be relaunched, in the form of a community dig.

Wexford County Council’s Heritage Officer, Catherine McLoughlin, commented: “Wexford County Council is delighted to support this engaging community project. It is a positive opportunity for members of the public to get really involved with our local history and heritage, right at the coalface. We are incredibly lucky to have such a historically significant site at our fingertips in Wexford in the Irish National Heritage Park and the variety of opportunities for engagement over the next few weeks will enable both longstanding enthusiasts and curious newcomers of all ages to get involved.”

Upcoming Community Dig opportunities include: Community Excavation (July 26th– August 13th); Community volunteers will assist in the excavation of the first recorded Anglo-Norman stronghold in Ireland. There are also opportunities to help tell the story of this historically significant site in a tangible and relatable manner through the construction of replica medieval walls and even the building of a medieval smith’s house.

These construction activities will be led by Dr. Brendan O’Neill of University College Dublin and local stonemason Pat Hickey. The excavation is led by Dr Denis Shine and is entirely free to participants (including park entry). The excavation site can also be visited by anyone (subject to paying park entry) from July 22nd to August 13th, if they are curious about the site.

Carrig Open Day (August 6th 12-6pm).; An Open Day focused on medieval life (and fun) for the whole family. The day will feature an archaeological kid’s camp (with Dig it Kids), storytelling, site tours, experimental archaeology workshops, battle re-enactments (with the Horsemen of Eire), ‘medieval’ amusement games (with the Bemusements Games) and more. All events are free – subject to normal park entry fees.

Archaeological masterclasses (weekly throughout the summer); Participants will get to undertake practical workshops with leading archaeological specialists in bioarchaeology, medieval ceramics, geoarchaeology and experimental archaeology. These workshops are held once a week from July 21st to August 10th. Community volunteers on the excavation will be given preferential booking, but additional places may be available. These classes are subject to park entry fees.

The archaeological site, now located within the Irish National Heritage Park, was built in the winter of 1169 by Robert FitzStephen and was the first recorded Anglo-Norman stronghold in the country. A stone castle, medieval borough and deerpark later developed close to (or on) the site of the ringwork in the 13th century. The Carrig project is centred on a major research excavation of the ringwork castle, and later castle settlement. Excavations at the site from 2018 to date have focused on the ringwork, later 13th century castle and 14th century hall and chapel. The aim going forward is to continue this research but also to expand to other areas of Carrig’s settlement, such as the borough and deerpark. The longer term research project is being undertaken by the Irish Archaeology Field School in partnership with the Irish National Heritage Park. 

For further information, please contact Catherine McLoughlin, Heritage Officer, Wexford County Council catherine.mcloughlin@wexfordcoco.ie

Night time water restrictions in Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County County Council wishes to advise of night time restrictions on the Enniscorthy Water Supply due to increased demand and a drop in level of the reservoir.

The night time restrictions are essential to ensure homes and businesses have sufficient supply during the daytime. The restrictions will be in place tonight Friday, July 16th from 11pm to 6am the following morning and from 11pm on Saturday, July 17th, until 6am on Sunday morning. Irish Water understands the inconvenience of such outages and is working closely with the Local Authority partners to ensure there is uninterrupted supply during daytime hours. All vulnerable customers will be contacted in advance. 

ENNISCORTHY

Irish Water continues to work currently, with local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Customers should continue to report any issues directly to Irish Water’s call centre which operates 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or by email to operations@water.ie. Real time reporting allows for the investigation of the reported odour as close to the time of the incident as possible.

Wexford author signs trilogy book deal

By Dan Walsh

To have one book published is an outstanding achievement, to be signed up for a trilogy is amazing, but that is the excitement that is unfolding in the literary life of Anne McLoughlin from Peppardscastle, near Kilmuckridge.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com Anne McLoughlin made her announcement; “After many years working at the keyboard, I’ve made the breakthrough with a three-book deal with Poolbeg Press during Covid, and two books of my historical novels based on a fictional family tree, have already been released. It is known as The Lives Trilogy.

The first one Lives Apart, published last November, has had rave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and the second one was only released in May, so is only starting to get in the reviews and ratings.

“It has been a difficult time for authors during Covid, with the bookshops having been closed for so long, book festivals cancelled, no launches, no library readings, but it gave me a boost nonetheless to have got the contract,” Anne, who added; “With new authors like myself, Poolbeg are just releasing the books as eBooks and Paperback on Demand through Amazon and Book Depository to test the water. Many publishers have found that they have warehouses of books that they can’t shift due to the lockdowns and lack of promotional opportunities, but hopefully that will all change when we’re all vaccinated, and the country gets back to normal.”

Book one of the Lives Trilogy is Lives Apart as we already mentioned; book number two is Lives Without End, and the third publication expected next Spring will be called Lives Reunited.

  • ANNE McLOUGHLIN

Anne McLoughlin added; “I’ve done a few Zoom drop-ins to Book Clubs and they were great fun to do. Avid readers, all of whom had read the first book and were very much engaged. I even managed to do one with a book club in Alabama and another with the United Irish Cultural Centre of San Francisco.

Lives Apart looks at the experience of emigration, both for those who had the courage to venture across the Atlantic and those they left behind. One review said; “History sits gently and characters lead, with McLoughlin, sensitive to the human condition as she follows the lives of the McNamara family in Ireland and America.”

Lives Without End is an emotional tale of family secrets spanning three generations from the time of the Irish famine. Set in Ireland, in Clare and Wexford and in Boston, this second book in the ‘Lives’ trilogy focusses on the beautiful, but emotionally fragile, Bridie, a young bride, full of hope and courage, who, following a tragedy, emigrates from Ireland to build a new life in America. 

Draft County Development Plan goes forward

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has decided not to take advantage of an optional Ministerial Act to delay the draft County Development Plan by one year and instead to press forward with the Plan. This decision was made at last Monday’s monthly meeting of the Council held with Microsoft Teams in line with Covid-19 guidelines and protocols.

Deputy CEO Tony Larkin told the meeting that the Minister has indicated that he is bringing in a procedure to allow local authorities to consider County Development Plan’s – the Bill has passed in the Dail and the President has signed it – and the Act is expected to be enacted this week.

Members were circulated with the document and the choices were for members to bring a resolution to initiate the extension procedure or to push on without an extension which would require a special meeting.

Cllr Pip Breen suggested the Council proceed as planned. “It is as good as it’s going to get,” said Cllr Breen, who added; “We passed this Plan last October and we should proceed with it as we are now.”

Cllr John Hegarty seconded Cllr Breen’s proposal and pointed out that there is no clear indication that any better Plan would emerge and he hinted that there is every chance it could potentially end up with less satisfactory or worse Plan. “There is a huge amount of work gone into taking it to this stage and I now note that there are more and more external voices who are interfering with the process. Us as councillors are the only ones with responsibility for producing a Plan for County Wexford,” concluded Cllr Hegarty.

Cllr Michael Whelan favoured carrying on to the next stage and felt that the matter could be looked at later, but he wondered if it were sending a message to the Regular by people of Wexford and other counties, that would consider themselves rural counties, that they are not happy!

Cllr Jackser Owens said he would not support the Plan, “if people are not allowed to build where they are born. If they want to live in the country, they should be allowed. I will not vote to stop people from living in their own area.”

Cllr Michael Sheehan said he could not see how going for an extension would improve the Plan. “I would like to continue on, but I would be happier if we could continue ‘in person’, in the County Chamber, or some other chamber, as we are finding to our cost online is unsatisfactory, and we are better off reconvening that meeting in September when we can all sit around the same room and sort out whatever issues needs sorting out and move it on from there.”

Speaking on behalf of the Independent members of the Council, Cllr Pat Barden claimed that “contrary to what John (Hegarty) said about ‘external influence’ I don’t believe there is any ‘external influence’, we got very good advice and if Fianna Fail and Fine Gael want to get advice they are entitled to do so as well, We have a proposal that we extend it for one year. There is a lot of stuff to be considered and I do not think we should be rushing it through. There is the situation with the densities and with one-off housing – two huge issues.”

The beauty of Co. Wexford. Built heritage in DUNCORMICK village. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin stated that “as councillors we are almost neutered of powers” but favoured proceeding with the existent Plan, “otherwise it could be a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire and I say that as someone who is one hundred percent in favour of rural living.”

Cllr Joe Sullivan felt there was nothing to be gained by extending the timeframe and he believed that the executive planners had worked well with the councillors in the composition of the Plan and he was happy to proceed.

Cllr Oliver Walsh said it was the fourth County Development Plan that he was involved in as a member and was well used to the procedure and he said “the previous three, while not perfect in every way, I think they have worked well for the county and the draft Plan is ‘our draft Plan drawn up by the members of this County Council with the help of the executive planners and I don’t see any point in delaying this process.”

There were also contributions from Cllrs Willie Kavanagh, Davy Hynes, Cathal Byrne, John Fleming, Jim Codd, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Andrew Bolger, Lisa McDonald, Anthony Connick, Aidan Browne, Garry Laffan and George Lawlor.

Cllr Garry Laffan proposed to proceed with the Plan, but only when convenient to do so, ‘in person’, and Cllr Michael Sheehan seconded.

It was decided to meet ‘in person’ on September 6th with Covid-19 guidelines approval?

Save Barntown Castle campaign

By Dan Walsh

Barntown Castle has weathered many storms for centuries, but in the 21st century the structure is in a very vulnerable state and to prevent inevitable collapse and destruction, essential remediation works are a matter of the utmost urgency.

Fortunately, Barntown Heritage Group, working in partnership with the landowner, are working towards carrying out essential repair works to the base of the tower house walls by the late summer.

This is where your help is needed, as part of a grant allocation from Historic Structures Fund and other secured funds, the community group need to fundraise a further €5,300 to complete phase 1 of these important conservation works.

These funds will go towards the repair and stabilisation works to the base of the tower house wall and repointing of the outer walls up a height of 2-metres from the base of the castle and the addition of a tower house door to secure its physical history.

Archaeologist Ronan O’Flaherty told WexfordLocal.com that Barntown Castle is one of the best surviving examples of a Wexford Castle – a bit later than the Norman castles dotted around the south-eastern counties. 

Saving 16th century BARNTOWN CASTLE. (left to right); MICHAEL BRAZZILL, Chairman Barntown Heritage Group, RONAN O’FLAHERTY, archaeologist, and MAYOR OF WEXFORD CLLR GARRY LAFFAN.

Barntown is a late medieval, possibly 16th century tower house of four storeys, with the entrance protected by a machicolation. The lobby shows evidence of a murder hole and the battlements have been destroyed.

It was built by the Roches as a protection for the garrison that supplied Ferrycarrig Castle with provisions and was held by Walter Roche until his death in 1561 when it passed to his heir, William Wadding.

More on Save Barntown Castle can be heard on Mid Week Voices with Dan Walsh on South East Radio this Wednesday evening at 8pm.

AUDIO ADDITION; Michael Brazzill, Chairman Barntown Heritage Group tells Dan Walsh about the Save Barntown Castle Campaign.

Music bursaries for three Wexford groups

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD today announced details of 39 successful organisations in receipt of grant aid from the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2021.

Three County Wexford groups are included; Tuaisceart Loch Garman CCE, Craanford, and Kilmuckridge Monamolin CCE (each receives €2,000) and Kiltra School of Music, Wellingtonbridge (€1,000).

Minister Foley said; “These organisations, groups and individuals provide access to a variety of music education experiences for young people and children in the community outside of school and curriculum provision.

“Music is an important way for people to express themselves and show their creativity.  It is vital that we provide these opportunities to our children and young people. Bursaries available under this scheme will help organisations get resources they need to continue working with children and young people in community settings,” concluded Minister Foley.

The announcement has been welcomed by Senator Malcolm Byrne who pointed out that “these groups are brilliant supporting young and emerging talent” and that the grants “though small, will help enormously.”

Council approves 10% increase in Local Property Tax

By Dan Walsh

An overwhelming majority of members voted in favour of an increase of 10% in the Local Property Tax 2022 thus retaining the local variation at the same level when the Local Property Tax Variation report came up for discussion at today’s July meeting of Wexford County Council held with Microsoft Teams in line with Covid-19 guidelines.

Head of Finance, Ms Annette O’Neill told members that the approval sought is 10% local variation factor and it is important to note that this is not an additional 10% it is to retain the charges in the county at the same level as they have been applied since 2018.

Ms O’Neill added that the 10% sought is linked and ring-fenced to the economic and community development programme and if that is not retained it will impact on the progression of that programme.

Cllr Michael Sheehan, who proposed the adoption of the 10% local variation stated that looking at the old plan that the Council adopted the total economic and community plan is €168 million and he stated the importance of local councillors getting as many leverage resources as possible for our communities and our towns.

“The bizarre thing about the Local Property Tax is that it always seems like a 10% increase when it isn’t – you have to go back to zero and start again and increase it by 10%. A 10% increase would generate approximately €1.2 million in the entire year which would equate to 1% of the County Council’s Budget,” said Cllr Sheehan, who said he had no problem supporting the proposal, and he added; “If you look at all the projects we are supporting, they are fantastic projects in terms of infrastructure and economic building blocks  for the county and for the future but we also need to start investing in our people, our community facilities and recreational facilities across the county.”

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY … in the Chair for her first Wexford County Council meeting today.

Cllr Ger Carthy said Wexford County Council has an extremely ambitious economic and community plan spanning a few years and is structured to the four corners of the county and he was happy to support Cllr Sheehan’s proposal.

Cllr Joe Sullivan was ‘seriously conflicted’ in relation to the !0%, and while appreciating that the executive were working hard on their economic plan he alleged that in Gorey where there had been promises and undertakings and work had commenced “very little has been actually delivered” – the Town Park is not finished, the Market House is in limbo, Esmonde Street there is an undertaking! St. Waleran’s has been bought and the St. Joseph’s site has cost €0.5 million to get to the point it is at!

Cllr Sullivan read a report that 38 projects had been completed countywide, Gorey-Kilmuckridge is a third of the size of the county and there are five projects in it. “I represent the people of North Wexford and I don’t think the people of North Wexford are getting a good ‘bang for their buck’ in relation to this,” he concluded.

CEO Tom Enright referred to Cllr Sullivan’s comments on Gorey and said that there were a number of other projects completed at significant expense; the Avenue cost €0.75 million, €800,000 was spent on the Gorey Relief Road (with a piece to finish), €2.5 million on Gorey Town Park (which has been delayed because of Covid-19 but is due to open to the public in the next few weeks) and the Hatch Lab project has created well over 300 jobs.

Cllr John O’Rourke agreed with Cllr Sullivan. He was asked on the doorsteps during the last election about the Local Property Tax “where is my money going in County Wexford” and he felt now is the time to let people know “where the money is being spent and what the money is being spent on.” Cllr Cathal Byrne also sought clarity on what projects the money would be spent on.

Cllrs Hynes, Forde, Owens and Ó Súilleabháin were all on the same hymn sheet and doubting ‘value for money’ and queried the 10% increase. Cllr Jim Codd felt that some of the money could be spent on Cocklestrand and make it a ‘pothole free zone’ and Cllr Owens was worried about spending on toilets in Enniscorthy.

Cllr Michael Whelan told the meeting that “to say this money is not being used is not true” and he expressed surprised at Cllr Ó Súilleabháin; “He fought hard and got a Heritage Officer. This must be paid for! We have a Development Officer on the Greenway, we hired an historian for the Decade of Commemorations,” he added.

Cllr George Lawlor announced he will be voting for the proposal because, and he says it every year “this is about ambition for our county. For years Wexford was left on the ‘hind tit’ in relation to investment and development. There may be areas where we can’t build a Trinity Wharf in every district and then we say if we do not have access to resources and money that allows us to leverage funding by this 10% increase… then it will be more than potholes we will be trying to fill.”

TOM ENRIGHT CEO Wexford County Council.

Cllr Jim Moore said a previous Council adopted this ambitious programme of investment in our county and he found it extraordinary that the members must come back every year to underwrite and underpin a well thought out development plan for our county and its people. “It is a 5-10 year plan for our county and that was the basis at the time. It looked into the future and I don’t believe cutting tax at this stage is the ambition we need in this county,” concluded Cllr Moore, who questioned ‘what would replace it?’

Chief Executive Officer, Tom Enright said it is about having an ambitious programme for Co. Wexford and helps solve some of the infrastructure deficits that has been holding back this county for far too long and it is about taking the initiative into our own hands and to have the resources available to get things done and to attract matching funds. “We have got grants of €20.5 million for Trinity Wharf that we wouldn’t have got if we didn’t put in the investment at the start to acquire that site, do the planning, and get it ready to attract that level of investment.”

A vote was taken and an overwhelming majority supported the 10% increase variation factor for 2022. Some issues with Broadband coverage led to difficulties during the meeting and therefore the final numbers are uncertain. In reply to a question from Cllr Davy Hynes about the legality of the vote, Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy assured the members that everything was above board. The motion was carried by a large majority.

Wreath laid at sea by Fethard Lifeboat

By Dan Walsh

On Saturday, 25 years to the exact day since Fethard RNLI lifeboat station was re-established (July 10th, 1966), following an absence of 82 years, a milestone was marked by a solemn ceremony at sea, where current lifeboat crew laid a wreath to remember all those involved with the station, who had passed away over the last 25 years.

The anniversary was originally to involve a large-scale exercise at sea, viewed by the public from Baginbun beach and involving Fethard RNLI, Kilmore Quay RNLI, Dunmore East RNLI and the Irish Coast Guard. Unfortunately, the display was postponed due to the ongoing restrictions for Covid, and it is now planned to take place on Sunday, September 12th.

Laying a wreath at sea remembering 25 years of Fethard RNLI Lifeboat on Saturday (Pic; RNLI/Fethard).

Commenting on the 25th anniversary, Fethard RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Walter Foley said; “All of us involved with Fethard RNLI would like to sincerely thank our wonderful community who have supported this lifeboat station for the past 25 years. There are so many people involved with our station and we appreciate every one of them and the work they do.

‘Having a lifeboat station re-established after suffering such a loss as we did in 1914 is an incredible achievement. In the intervening years, our community decided they wanted their lifeboat back and campaigned and raised the funds necessary to return one to the area. There is a special bond between Fethard RNLI, and its community and it is the reason why we are still going strong today.”

An official event to mark the 25th anniversary of the reopening of Fethard RNLI is due to take place on Baginbun beach on Sunday, September 12th. Further details will be available nearer the date.

Barry Lacey is first Historian-in-Residence

By Dan Walsh

Barry Lacey from Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, has been appointed by Wexford County Council as the first Historian-in-Residence with Wexford Library and Archive Service and is charged with the promotion and awareness of the Decade of Centenaries and the collections of Wexford County Library and Archive. 

Mr Lacey aims to bring 1921 to life for people in Wexford using a variety of media and as part of his role, he would like people living in Wexford or with a Wexford connection to contact him regarding any memorabilia or documents they have belonging to their ancestors who played a part during the War of Independence or the Civil War.

BARRY LACEY… first Historian-in-Residence at Wexford County Public Library

Barry Lacey has a Higher Diploma in Archaeology and a Masters in Archaeological Excavation. He has a keen interest in the War of Independence in County Wexford and has already created a website dedicated to this research. Barry has worked on Decade of Centenary projects for Wexford County Council in the past, delivering a slideshow showcasing the various incidents that took place during the war of Independence in Wexford.

Welcoming the appointment, the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy said she is delighted to welcome Barry Lacey as Historian-in-Residence with Wexford Library Service. “These years, one hundred years ago, mark a critical time in the creation of the state. Many people played a part in the struggle for independence here in County Wexford and it is only right that their contribution is documented and the records of the time collected in their entirety so that we get to fully understand the history of the struggle for independence,” she added.

Barry Lacey made a brief address at the centenary of the Truce in the War of Independence ceremony at Orchard Peace Park, Enniscorthy, on Sunday.