WexfordLocal.com

‘Rosslare in History’ is released

By Dan Walsh

Exciting plans for the planned launch of the new book, Rosslare in History No 7, published by Rosslare Historical Society by Cllr Ger Carthy, Chairman of Wexford County Council and Tom Enright, Chief Executive Officer, was postponed as the Covid-19 restrictions went to Level 5, however, the good news is that the fine publication has been released for sale.

Valerie Boggan, Secretary of the Society, said the launch scheduled for Friday, October 23^rd, with the attendance of a small number of people at the Community and Recreation Centre in Rosslare and a Zoom broadcast had been postponed, but will be held as soon as Covid-19 rules allow.

Rosslare in History 7, edited by Gerry Breen, contains special articles on events in Rosslare over hundreds of years and is the seventh book of the Rosslare In History series which started in March 2005.

The book is now on sale for €10 at Boggan’s Londis, Grange Road, Rosslare (all proceeds go directly to Rosslare Historical Society). Delivery or postage can be arranged by calling 053 9132590 (postage charge will apply).

The editorial committee of Rosslare Historical Society for Rosslare in History No 7, comprises: Thomas Byrne, Chairman, Valerie Boggan, Secretary, John Roche, Treasurer and Deirdre Delaney, Pat Skillen, Oliver Doyle, Niall Keogh, and Christine Roche, who are committee members.

Further information: Valerie Boggan, 086 8273212, Email: Boggan-Rosslare@Londisretailers.ie

Aldi to pay 10% Christmas bonus

By Dan Walsh

Aldi Ireland has announced a Christmas Bonus for its amazing colleagues, as a ‘Thank You’ to those who have worked tirelessly throughout this challenging year. Store and distribution colleagues will receive a 10% bonus in November, which will be paid in December ahead of the Christmas period.

The announcement recognises the efforts of 4,000 colleagues who have worked to keep the nation fed during an unprecedented year.

Niall O’Connor, Aldi Ireland Group Managing Director said: “This year has been a difficult one for so many and our colleagues have worked tirelessly to ensure the nation continues to have access to high quality affordable food. This bonus is a gesture of our appreciation for our amazing Aldi colleagues who have shown incredible resilience and dedication throughout 2020.”

Aldi employs over 4,500 people and operates a network of 144 stores across the country, with seven stores in Co. Wexford; Goreybridge, Gorey, Ryland Road, Bunclody, Bellefield, Enniscorthy, Marshmeadows, New Ross and in Wexford town at Trinity Street, Clonard Little and Newtown Road.

Aldi is Ireland’s highest paying supermarket and the first supermarket to pay staff the Living Wage Technical Group’s €12.30 rate, which came into effect on February 1^st, 2019.

Aldi currently stocks over 1,800 products and works with over 200 Irish suppliers across Ireland.

Johnstown Castle is ‘a national treasure’

By Dan Walsh

The majestic Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens has been nominated for the British Guild of Travel Writer’s (BGTW) International Tourism Awards.

The fairy-tale neo gothic Castle which opened to the public last year is the only Irish visitor attraction to secure a nomination in the prestigious BGTW International Tourism Awards 2020 that recognises excellence in tourism projects.

In 2019 Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens was opened featuring a 200-metre servant’s tunnel, a new world-class visitor centre and café plus a playground and stunning lake walks. Situated in 120 acres, the property saw the completion of €7.5m investment by Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine which was overseen by The Irish Heritage Trust.

**Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens has been nominated for the British Guild of Travel Writer’s (BGTW) International Tourism Awards.**

Following a visit to this historic property, Travel Writer, Isabel Conway said; I nominated Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens as a national treasure as at last, it is fully accessible to the public for the first time in its history. This jewel of Ireland’s Ancient East has had a roller coaster fascinating history dating back to the arrival of the Normans, offering a snapshot into the privileged lives of the gentry who occupied the sumptuous neo-gothic mansion that evolved from the original turreted building.

Anne O’Donoghue, CEO of The Irish Heritage Trust, an independent not-for-profit which manages and cares for the property said; “We are delighted to be nominated for this international award recognising the huge success to date of Johnstown Castle Estate Museum & Gardens which would not have been possible without the significant involvement of many supporters since our opening. These include the local community, our team of over 120 dedicated volunteers and our 6,000 plus members. Our work at The Irish Heritage Trust is guided by the principles of ‘People, Place and Participation’ because we believe that the greater the number of people who build relationships with special places, the stronger those properties will be into the future”.

The next stage of the awards process is a private guild member voting opportunity to choose a shortlist for the four categories. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in London in 2021.

Lingstown to Aintree – One For Arthur

11-year-old One For Arthur has been retired having won seven of his 25 races, the highlight being the 2017 Randox Aintree Grand National.

When One For Arthur won the 2017 National it was heralded by the racing press as a win for Scotland because it was trained there by Lucinda Russell, however, the story of the race had strong claims to a Wexford victory and an amazing day’s point-to-pointing at Lingstown.

Purchased at the Derby Sales for €34,000 by Paddy Redmond of the Gorey hotels chain – Amber Springs and Ashdown Park – One For Arthur ran in five point-to-points from the stables of handler Liam Kenny, Craanford, and he showed promise when finishing third at Ballinaboola on November 10^th 2013.

He turned into the winner of the four-year maiden race at Lingstown a fortnight later -on November 24th – when ridden by Barry O’Neill. Third in the race was Blacklion who had travelled from the north to race for Colin McKeever. Both horses were sold on and both played leading roles in the 2017 spectacular at Aintree.

One For Arthur ran all his races in the UK in the ownership of the Two Golf Widows (Belinda McClung and Deborah Thompson) who enjoyed the thrill of the chase and success at the highest level.

The field taking ‘the big bank’ at Lingstown. Aintree Grand National winner One For Arthur won his point-to-point at the Wexford track. (File Pic)

One For Arthur’s greatest steeplechasing displays was cruising through the Grand National field to defeat Cause Of Causes by four and a half lengths. The runner-up had put in a brilliant display and the horse that won his point-to-point maiden at Lingstown deprived local amateur jockey Jamie Codd (Cause of Causes) a victory in the greatest race in the world. Blacklion finished in fourth place that day.

A tendon injury suffered after the National out One For Arthur out of action for 609 days and he was never able to return to the form he showed at Aintree, failing to win in his next six starts.

One For Arthur ran well in the Aintree National of 2019 when finishing sixth behind Tiger Roll. Great Wexford sporting history and certainly one for the table quiz when they return.

“A region moving forward”

By Dan Walsh

The Ireland South East Development Office (ISEDO) has welcomed the significant government investment announced for the South East region this week. Waterford’s North Quays is to benefit from over €110 million in funding after the Government signed off on funding for the redevelopment project.

Earlier this week it was announced that the South East Greenway – which will run from New Ross to Waterford, and through the North Quays development to connect with the Waterford Greenway – received €9 million in funding. The Greenway is a joint initiative of the Waterford, Wexford, and Kilkenny local authorities while the North Quays project involves infrastructural works to be progressed by both Waterford and Kilkenny local authorities.

**The Greenway Tunnel at New Ross connecting Kilkenny and Waterford. Pic; visitnewross.ie**

Chairman of the Ireland South East Development Office, Frank O’Regan, said the funding was testament to the continued good work being carried out by all stakeholders in the region, and the increased collaboration between the local authorities. “These two important projects are another step towards achieving our vision of creating a vibrant and innovative region with sustainable economic growth”, added Mr. O’Regan.

“The funding is a further vote of confidence in the region and can be a catalyst for future development. The Financial Times have recently ranked us as the top small European region for FDI Strategy and placed in the top ten for Region of the Future. Many innovative projects are being advanced under the auspices of the Regional Enterprise Plan. The forthcoming merger of Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow to form the Technological University of the South East is another key driver. “And when you combine all those developments with the other urban transformational projects that are underway, including the Abbey Quarter development in Kilkenny, Trinity Wharf in Wexford, and the increased connectivity between these places, you start to see that the region is moving towards properly meeting the needs of a growing population,” he concluded

ISEDO is a local authority initiative which works with leaders of the major regional industries as well as the Chief Executives of the councils of the five counties in the South East (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford) and other public and private stakeholders. Its priority is to make the South East the first choice for business, careers, inward investment and tourism.

Covid cancels Santa’s Enchanted Castle

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy’s popular Santa’s Enchanted Castle family Christmas experience, due to commence on November 21^st, has been cancelled.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy said; “No doubt there will be disappointment among local children. When Government restrictions levels are clarified in early December Santa will make sure to conjure up some magic around Enniscorthy before Christmas Eve.”

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal Council CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY calls for ‘shop local’ in Enniscorthy

“It was a tough decision,” said a statement issued this morning on behalf of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Enniscorthy & District Chamber, Rathnure Pantomime Society, The Riverside Park Hotel and Treacys Hotel & Suites.

**CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council**

The statement reads; “The current Level 5 restrictions in place until December 1st coupled with the uncertainty around what Level the country will exit at leaves us with no alternative. Live indoor events are not permitted under Level 3 and our show preparations have been severely curtailed over the last month. Safety of our patrons is the ultimate priority.

“We will miss welcoming all our lovely families to Santa’s Enchanted Castle and Enniscorthy town, but rest assured the whole team we will be back, bigger and brighter in 2021.

“All tickets purchased from www.santasenchantedcastle.ie will be refunded in full over the next seven working days. ‘Sleep Over’ package guests with The Riverside Park Hotel and Treacys Hotel & Suites will be contacted by and refunded directly via the booking team at their chosen hotel accommodation.”

Ballyhogue Famine Wall receives protection

By Dan Walsh

The famous Ballyhogue Famine Wall, in accordance with Section 55 of the Planning and Development Act (Amended), been formally added to the Record of Protected Structures following a public consultation. The decision was unanimously supported by members at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held by Microsoft Teams due to the Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions.

BALLYHOGUE FAMINE WALL (File Pic. Permission of the Crean family)

Senior planner, Diarmuid Heuston said; “In total the County Council received 61 submissions from the public and one from the statutory bodies (Failte Ireland). All of the submissions are in favour of protecting the wall although some questioned the details in the information report that the Council had prepared as part of the process to protect sections of the wall from demolition.”

The matter had been informed to the Office of the minister in charge of Heritage, but no response was forthcoming.

Local historian Eithne Scallan favoured the decision. She said; “There is no similar structure with such an important background of culture and history and highlights the importance of maintaining such a significant structure as the Ballyhogue Famine Wall.”

Public representatives who supported the venture included Senator Malcolm Byrne and Deputy Johnny Mythen, TD, who stated; “The Ballyhogue Famine Wall represents a special time in our history and is possibly one of the few walls of that era in existence and it should be placed on the list to preserve and maintain our history and heritage and act as a reminder that our ancestors built this structure during one of the toughest times in Wexford’s history.”

€100,000 for Clonroche Health Centre

By Dan Walsh

The HSE will make available a grant €100,000 to support the redevelopment works at the waiting rooms area at Clonroche Health Centre.

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has welcomed news. He told WexfordLocal.com; “Following several representations to the HSE, I’m delighted to learn that the HSE has approved a grant of €100,000 to support redevelopment works at Clonroche Health Centre. Works on the health centre’s waiting area are due to get underway shortly. These works will support the health centre’s ability to serve hundreds of patients in the Clonroche area.

“I wish to commend local GP Dr Nabi for his stellar service to the local community. The COVID-19 pandemic and the imminent winter season revealed the urgent need for redevelopment works in the centre. I hope that this funding will help with the day-to-day running of the health centre for patients and health professionals alike.

“Meanwhile, I will continue to make representations to the HSE regarding the progress of primary care centres and health centres across County Wexford”, Minister Browne concluded.

Death of top Gorey businessman

By Dan Walsh

Many tributes have been paid to leading Gorey businessman, Sean Stafford, senior, who passed away at his home, Ramsfort Park, aged 89 years.

Sean has been associated with the business, social and sporting activity links in the community and received many awards for his loyalty, commitment and contribution to the betterment of Gorey and its environs in many ways.

He retained close links with the community, freely socialised with the locals and was held in the highest esteem for his kindness to individuals and organisations within the community.

**SEAN STAFFORD (1930-2020) – Pic JOE DIXON**

Born on December 31^st, 1930, Sean Stafford served his time in the confectionary trade in Cork before arriving in Gorey on a motorbike in 1955 from his native Wexford town and setting up a family bakery on the Main Street.

He traded successfully on Main Street and sold Supervalu to Pettits before embarking on an exceptional path of business acumen that has made Stafford’s the biggest employer in Gorey. Today, Stafford Bakeries is a state-of-the-art bakery at the IDA Industrial Estate in Clonattin, and also operates the Joanne’s Café outlets at South Main St, Wexford, Main St., Gorey, and Main St, Arklow.

Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Municipal District Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, was a close friend of Mr Stafford whom he described as “a charitable man who made a huge contribution to the economic life of Gorey.”

Sean served as treasurer of Naomh Éanna GAA Club for its first 30 years (with Cllr Sullivan as secretary, 1992-1998) at a time of expansive development and spearheading fund-raising projects. He was a fervent supporter of the club and held a keen lifetime interest in Gaelic games.

AUDIO ADDITION – Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council pays tribute to businessman Sean Stafford

Dearly beloved husband of the late Lucy (née Doyle). Seán will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his son Seán, daughters Mary, Lou-Ann, Úna and his darling Joanne, sisters Frances and Olive, daughter in-law Michele, sons in-law Michael and Dan, brother in-law Barney (Murphy), sister in-law Christine (Doyle), his grandchildren Siún, Laura, Daniel, Cáit, Sarah, Tríona, Michael, Lucy, Seán Óg and Seána, nephews, nieces, extended family, large circle of friends and his valued staff.

Reposing at his home on Tuesday (November 10^th) from 2-7pm (in accordance with strict Covid 19 measures). Removal on Wednesday at 11.15am to St Michael’s Church, Gorey (via North Parade and Main St) arriving for a private family Funeral Mass at 12 noon, followed by interment in St Michael’s Cemetery.

People are welcome to pay their respects to Seán as the funeral cortège makes its way to the church and cemetery.

Seán’s Funeral Mass can be viewed by logging onto https://www.stmichaelsgorey.ie/onlinemass.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis’

Jamie Codd on the double at New Ross

By Dan Walsh

Overnight rain contributed to heavy conditions at Knockmullen House, New Ross, today, where the Wexford Foxhounds autumn point-to-point fixture took place.

Jamie Codd enjoyed a nice double. He teamed up with Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, to score an eight lengths’ victory with Eddie Logue’s Tattersalls winner a fortnight ago, Fanamix, in the Cooney Furlong Grain Winner of One Race. Career winner number 222 for handler Murphy.

Earlier Codd was aboard Gordon Elliott’s Prevaricate, the two lengths winner of the opening maiden race for four-year olds. Runner-up was Kalyptra, trained a few miles away at Loftus Hall by Pierce Power, with Ellen Doyle’s Champ Is Real taking the third prize.

Conor Moore from Kilmore Quay had his first winner since breaking his leg last year when taking the ‘older maiden’ race on the home-bred First Preference, owned by Jimmy Devereux, Rostoonstown Stud, Tomhaggard, and trained by his son, Vincent.

John Clifford did not have far to travel from Inistioge and over the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge to saddle Davitt Road Glory, the six lengths winner of the adjacent mares’ maiden race ridden by Dan Nevin.

Prime Pretender came from the Fermoy stables of Paul Cashman to savour an eight lengths victory in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings to give rider Stefan Tobin from Tallow his first point-to-point success.

Today’s other fixture was at Dromahane, near Mallow, but no Wexford winners.