WexfordLocal.com

Monageer farmer seeks votes for IFA chair

By Dan Walsh

James Kehoe, (41), a suckler to beef, sheep and tillage farmer from Monageer, near Enniscorthy, has served as Chairman of Wexford IFA (Irish Farmers Association) for almost four years, but he faces a fresh challenge as a lively enthusiastic contender for the important position of Chairman of South Leinster IFA when the election takes place early next month.

With his four-year term as Wexford County Chairman nearing an end, he is now currently standing for election as South Leinster Chairman. This post covers eight counties (Laois, Offaly, Kildare, Kilkenny, Carlow, Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford), and allows him to represent them on the Board of the IFA.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions this is the first time it will be a Postal Vote with approximately 750 delegates eligible to cast their vote across the region. Ballot papers will be distributed about December 6^th, they will need to be returned around December 17^th-18^th, and then the count will take place.

While relatively young in IFA terms, James has a wealth of experience under his belt at this stage. This includes dealing with local farmer issues such as animal welfare, sheep attacks, vulture funds, fair deal and many infrastructure problems with local roads and services in Wexford.

James has considerable experience in community involvement and has been prominent in fundraising and assisting charities as well as being a member of many of local organisations including the County Show Committee, Co. Wexford Farmers’ Club, Initiation Team for Wexford Live Crib and the County Wexford Rural Ireland Crime Prevention Forum.

James Kehoe has been heavily involved in the IFA since he joined the organisation in 1996 and in that time, he has held the position of Chairman in his local branch of Monageer from 2005 to 2009. He represented Wexford on the National Sheep Committee where he was also a member of the Management Committee. He was Vice Chairman of Wexford from 2015 – 2016 and he then went on to be elected Chairman of Wexford IFA in 2017.

Some of his highlights include being one of the main drivers and negotiators for the IFA during the setting up a Sheep Welfare Scheme which was of huge benefit to Irish Sheep Farmers and the environment. All too often there are reports of major sheep kills and James was instrumental in getting a second Dog Warden employed in the county. This has helped elevate the untold tragedy of unlicensed dogs causing damage and distress, not alone to animals, but, to farm families dealing with the aftermath.

He dealt with many issues that arose during the construction of the Enniscorthy and New Ross bypasses. This required discussions with TII, BAM and the local county council. These negotiations took a lot of time and energy and achieved a favourable outcome for the landowners, but he and his team saw each issue through to completion.

AUDIO ADDITION – JAMES KEHOE talks to DAN WALSH about his quest for Chairman of South Leinster IFA

€2.6m for beef farmers and €0.5m for sheep farmers in county Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Payments of €2.6 million will be paid to 1,103 farmers in County Wexford under the new Beef Finisher Scheme (BFP). 508 Wexford sheep farm holdings will share in grants to the value of €506,000 under the Sheep Welfare Scheme. The payments are welcomed by Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne.

Minister Browne explained how the Beef Finisher Payment “provides valuable income support to County Wexford farmers. The economic impact for those farmers who finished cattle when prices were under particular pressure as a result of COVID-19 earlier this year will be lessened as a result of these grant payments. Beef farming is an important economic activity, with a significant multiplier effect in County Wexford’s rural communities. It’s vitally important that the Government sustains these communities as we work towards economic recovery.”

**Wexford farming. A view from Bree Hill**

The Beef Finisher Payment is the latest supportive measure for the beef and suckler sectors carried out by the Department of Agriculture in recent times. As well as the Beef Finisher Payment issuing today, €6m in funding has been secured for the marketing and branding of suckler-based brand while a further €85m has been secured as part of Budget 2021 to support sustainable beef farming – these measures include €40m for the rollover of the BDGP, a further €40m for BEEP and €5m for the calf weighing scheme. These come on top of the €76m BEAM scheme, which issued in 2019, and the first BDGP scheme which concluded recently.

508 Wexford sheep farm holdings will share in grants to the value of €506,000 in advance payments under year four of the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

Minister Browne stated; “I am pleased to see the commencement of payments to County Wexford sheep farmers. The scheme reflects the commitment of the Government to the sheep sector in Ireland and provides a significant financial boost to the individual farmers and the sheep sector in general.”

The Minister added; “In other positive news, my party colleague, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue, has secured funding for an additional year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme as we enter the CAP transitional period. The additional year of the Scheme will be opening in the February 2021 and, as in previous years, there will be an opportunity for new entrants to the sector to join the scheme.”

€295,595 for Wexford Enterprise Centres

By Dan Walsh

Funding of €295,595 has been granted to three Enterprise Centres in Co. Wexford. €99,400 will be granted to the Enniscorthy Enterprise and Technology Centre, €52,800 to the Hatch Lab in Gorey and €144,395 to Wexford Enterprise Centre.

Commenting on the good news, Paul Kehoe TD said; “I am really pleased to see this funding coming to our Enterprise Centres at a time when the need for them is greater than ever. These funds will go towards modernising their facilities, protecting the health and safety of people who work there and helping to secure much needed jobs.

“These centres provide both rented accommodation space to enterprise and capability building supports and services through the delivery of structured programmes and have a track record of the delivery of a suite of development programmes to start-ups,” he concluded.

These centres provide both rented accommodation space to enterprise and capability building supports and services through the delivery of structured programmes and have a track record of the delivery of a suite of development programmes to start-ups.

Drama ‘over the banks’ at Lingstown

By Dan Walsh

There was a dramatic ending to the 8-runner Open Lightweight Nomination race over the Lingstown banks course this afternoon as Better B Quick came home first by eight lengths but was subsequently disqualified after a steward’s enquiry.

Better B Quick ridden by Sean Staples for Duncormack handler Michael Murphy put in a brilliant round of jumping, but sadly Better B Quick ‘went the wrong side of a doll entering the home straight’, a steward’s enquiry ensued, and the result was amended.

Victory was awarded to Vital Island, owned and trained by Richard O’Keeffe, Newtown, Taghmon, and ridden by Tiernan Power Roche, Tomhaggard. Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Richard O’Keeffe said; “He has won twice over the banks (before today). He loves it here. I would love to bring him to Cheltenham in March.”

The field are closely bunched as they jump the Banks Course at Lingstown this afternoon

The Tattersalls Ireland maiden race for four year olds was run in two divisions and resulted in a double success for Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, Denis Murphy (handler) and Jamie Codd (rider) with Grangeclare West in division one and Viva Lavilla in the second division.

Grangeclare West had four lengths to spare in the colours of Edelle Logan. “He is very well-bred (by Presenting) and could end up very good,” Denis Murphy told WexfordLocal.com. Following Viva Lavilla’s success, Denis added; “They are two nice horses. I am not surprised they worked well together. They go to the sales now.”

The Cooney Furlong four-year-old auction maiden race was won by The King of Ryhope trained in Dubin by Cian Hughes.

The mares’ maiden race for five-year olds saw a two lengths success for Nancy Wyse, bred, owned and trained by Gerard Quirk in Kilkenny and a winner for Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke.

Rob James waited until the final race before getting his winner for the day – Cut Pretender by one and a half lengths for Tipperary handler David Nagle.

Also, point-to-point action at Boulta, West Waterford today and two Wexford trained winners. Cormac Doyle, Ballindaggin, saddled newcomer Connies Choice, the two and a half lengths winner of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings ridden by Jack Hendrick from Mayglass.

There was a fine victory for the Deacon family, Belmont House, Clonroche, with Call It Time, bred by Tom Deacon, running in the colours of Willie Deacon and trained by his son, Daryl, who had a two and a half lengths victory in the Winner of One Race. The winning rider was Moira McElligott.

No Wexford trained winners at Kirkistown in Co. Down on Saturday, but champion Barry O’Neill made the journey worthwhile with a five lengths success on David Christie’s On The Road, winning his fifth race on the trot, in the Open Race.

And the winner is… Kilmuckridge

By Dan Walsh

Kilmuckridge are the winners of the Co-Operation Ireland IPB Insurance Pride of Place award for Islands and Coastal Communities.

The great news was announced by Marty Morrissey at the Award Ceremony held online this evening.

Cllr Mary Farrell said; “A wonderful achievement for our community, the District and the County. Thank you to the amazing team who put so much work into the presentation and the support of Wexford County Council. It showcases everything good about Kilmuckridge and Morriscastle.”

Kilmuckridge village and Glenbeg Point Estate (Ardamine) were among the 82 groups nominated nationwide.

Local authorities from across the island nominate groups in their communities who they feel have made a significant contribution to improving their neighbourhood, working collectively.

Pride of Place Chairperson Tom Dowling said, “The purpose of these awards has never changed. They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational, and tireless work being done by communities all over the Island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to live.”

Shop Enniscorthy tag off to flying start.

By Dan Walsh

Soon the Christmas lights will illuminate the town and the festive season will be launched. The ‘Shop Enniscorthy’ Support Local – online and on the Street’ public information campaign, launched last Tuesday has generated over 10,500 hits in the first two days after going live, and has also accumulated over 1,000 local followers.

The retail showcase videos are also proving popular, engaging thousands of viewers. The promotion to highlight the best of Enniscorthy retailers operating ‘online and on the street’ is progressing with competitions and more colourful content to explore into the New Year and beyond.

Thirty nine retailers have so far signed up to participate and all information can be found at www.shopenniscorthy.ie

Plans are at an advanced stage to live stream Enniscorthy being illuminated on Black Friday, November 27^th with a virtual switch on of the town’s Christmas lights by Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy and the Enniscorthy Elves.

A seasonal postbox for local children will be erected in Market Square on Wednesday and kids are encouraged to post their Santa letters. Who knows they might get selected for a Merry Mention online @shopenniscorthy and win a treat!

The overall aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of spending locally this Christmas if buying online or on the street and to feature retailers and service professionals operating in Enniscorthy town and district. Promoted and organised by Enniscorthy and District Chamber of Commerce and Enniscorthy Municipal Authority and supported by Enniscorthy Business Association, the campaign will roll out over the coming weeks as the countdown to Christmas gets underway in earnest.

As part of the campaign large roadside hoardings with the message ‘Shop Enniscorthy Support Local’ have been erected on all approach roads into town and at strategic locations within supported Enniscorthy so as to get the message across to shoppers of the need to spend locally this Christmas.

Gordon Barry returns with an ‘old-fashioned’ tune

By Dan Walsh

Wexford town-born musician Gordon Barry returns with new single Old-Fashioned Morphine, the follow up single from his latest EP All The Live Long Year, which is set for release next Friday, November 27^th.

Old Fashioned Morphine is the lead track from the EP All The Live Long Year which was recorded between Dublin, Cork, Wexford and Coney Island, New York.

**Wexford-born performer GORDON BARRY has a new single out next week.**

Speaking about the single Gordon Barry told Wexford Local.com; “I first heard ‘Old Fashioned Morphine’ when I went to see an act called Jolie Holland in a small club in New York. I didn’t know who she was but her songs blew me away, this song in particular stuck out like that old traditional song that we all know. I immediately knew I wanted to record it but in a much different way, I imagined it in a more up-tempo grimy sounding way with organs, big drums and electric guitars.”

Previous releases from Gordon Barry include 2017’s debut album The Best Way To Kill a Monster mixed by legendary Seattle Producer Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden).

Gordon Barry is already getting rave reviews; “Gordon Barry is the best songwriter that’s come out of Camp Copperhead but make no mistake he was already a special songwriter when he got there”. – Steve Earle.

“‘Old Fashioned Morphine’ was by far my favourite … It is a cover of Jolie Holland’s song but personally, I prefer Barry’s version. The song is very easy to listen to, with a repetitive chorus and a simple, country sound. Gordon’s voice suits the song really well and despite the simplicity of the song, it flaunts his vocal range thoroughly.” – An Nóta Árd.

River Sow Boil Water Notice remains in place

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water working in partnership with Wexford County Council wish to advise that the Boil Water Notice for the River Sow Regional Water Supply Scheme remains in place over the weekend.

Irish Water told WexfordLocal.com, in a statement issued this evening, that works and sampling continues in order to lift the Boil Water Notice and Irish Water are hopeful that following consultation with the HSE early next week, that the Boil Water Notice will be lifted.

All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking. All customers on the Sow Regional Public Water Supply who reside within the affected areas. This includes customers in the following areas: Ballymurn, Oylegate, Crossabeg, Oulart, The Ballagh, Glenbrien, Curracloe, Screen, Castlebridge and surrounding rural areas.

Issues arose at the Kilmallock Water Treatment Works following heavy rain on November 12^th.

Due to a deterioration in raw water quality, the drinking water entering the Sow Regional Public Water Supply was affected and, as a result, following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Wexford County Council a Boil Water Notice was issued. It remains in place over the weekend, but may be lifted in the coming week.

Councillors commended for unanimous support

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council members have unanimously agreed on a Motion of Notice submitted by Cllr Mary Farrell supporting “a vision of an Ireland where we have freedom, choice and control over all aspects of our lives.” Wexford disability rights activist, Vivian Rath has commended local councillors for supporting the motion asking Government to legislate for the right to Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in Ireland.

Thousands of disabled people live independently thanks to PAS, however, that service can be removed at any time as unbelievably PAS in Ireland is still operating as a pilot project and not legislated for as a basic human right. Its provision is dependent upon funding and access to the service can be removed at any time.

Vivian, who is a member of the Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) and a PhD student in Trinity College Dublin told WexfordLocal.com; “Independent living, which is underpinned by personal assistance services (PAS) is about having the freedom to have the same choices that everyone else has in life and by having that freedom we have a responsibility to live life to its fullest. It is about choosing what aspects of social, economic, political and community and spiritual life I want to participate in. It’s about taking responsibility for how I choose to live and grow in relationship to others. All of this and more is made possible by the support of PAS.”

Kilmuckridge-based Cllr Mary Farrell told Wexford Local.com; “Vivian has been a leading activist and advocate for People with Disabilities (PWD) for many years. He has an acute understanding of the challenges and barriers that PWD face daily. He has been their voice on many channels and mediums and never afraid to speak out and demand that the rights of PWD are heard and acted upon.

Cllr Farrell continued; “I worked in the disability sector for seventeen years and gained a valued insight into these challenges and I am passionate about ensuring and supporting the rights of PWD. I fully support and commend Vivian on his tireless efforts and dedicated work to ensure that PWD are afforded their basic human rights in every aspect of their lives. In this instance the legislation of the PAS to ensure that people can live fulfilling and independent lives based on their individual choices and needs”

“The Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI), which is a Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) is calling on the Government to finally recognise all rights to live independent lives with the support of PAS.

Chairperson of ILMI, Desmond Kenny stated; “Vivian, through his work has this month seen Wexford County Council unanimously pass a Motion supporting that right. “Wexford Local Authority have supported our vision of an Ireland where we have freedom, choice and control over all aspects of our lives. This should not be underestimated. We thank Vivian and Cllr Mary Farrell for proposing the motion, and Wexford Local Authority for passing it”.

Mr. Kenny clarified that this is only a step in the campaign to finally having our human rights recognised. He told WexfordLocal.com; “This Motion passed in Dáil Eireann on November 19^th, 2019, having been brought before government by Deputy Thomas Pringle. Since then numerous local authorities across Ireland have voted to support it. As such this reaffirms that PAS, which support us to live independent lives should finally be legislated for as a right. We will continue in our fight for that right to be formally recognised by pushing our PAS Now campaign over the coming months.”

Senator Byrne appointed to Brexit Committee

By Dan Walsh

Wexford’s Senator Malcolm Byrne has been appointed to the high-profile Seanad Brexit Committee which on behalf of the Oireachtas shall look at how Brexit is impacting on various parts of society and how legislators should respond.

The twelve-member committee will look at issues as diverse as trade, agriculture, education and transport – all key issues to Wexford.

Senator Byrne said he was honoured by the appointment.

“I’ve been talking about the challenges of Brexit for several years, including organising a well-attended ‘Brexit and Wexford’ conference. There will be profound changes in the relationships on these islands while our bonds with continental Europe will deepen further,” he told WexfordLocal.com