Fethard RNLI Open Day next Sunday

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI is hosting an Open Day next Sunday, July 20th, 12pm-3pm and all are welcome to attend for a fun-filled day out for all the family.

All are welcome to attend this community celebration. There will be tours of the station and lifeboat, opportunities to meet the crew and ask questions.

There will be a Water Safety advice stand with workshops and demonstrations running throughout the afternoon. Visitors will be treated to live music, tasty refreshments and garden games.

Fethard RNLI (File Pic; RNLI/Nadia Blanchfield).

Make sure you don’t miss your chance to Soak the Crew. A pop-up RNLI shop will be on site, where you can stock up on lifeboat clothes and souvenirs.

Also on display will be the fantastic artwork of Scoil Mhaodhoig Poulfur’s ‘Superheroes of the Sea’ art competition, with winners announced on the day. There will be a raffle with lots of hamper prizes taking place. Tickets will be available to purchase on the day and outside Dillon’s Londis on Saturday, July 19th.

As a charity, Fethard RNLI relies on the generosity of the local community to power their lifesaving work. The volunteers in Fethard are grateful for the local support and in return, wish to invite the community to have a look behind the scenes of the lifeboat station.

Sarah Bates, Chair of Fethard RNLI Fundraising Branch, told WexfordLocal.com;  “Our volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. We want to say thanks to our local community by inviting everyone to our Open Day and give them a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.”

4 young swimmers go to hospital

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Harbour RNLI lifeboat was launched at 5.30pm on Wednesday after four young swimmers were reported in difficulty near the Europort.

The swimmers were located near the shore, and the crew responded promptly upon receiving the call, arriving at the scene within minutes. The swimmers were safely brought onboard and subsequently transported to the lifeboat station.

They were taken by ambulance to Wexford General Hospital.

On a warm, sunny evening, the Rosslare Harbour lifeboat, along with Carnsore and Rosslare Coast Guard, attended the rescue.

“These four young people were incredibly lucky. Thanks to their location so near the lifeboat station and the fact that there were lifeboat crew already at the station, a rescue was underway immediately following the alarm,” said RNLI lifeboat operations manager Jamie Ryan.

New poetry from Odhran Somers

By Dan Walsh

ODHRAN SOMERS at the launch of his poetry book ‘Finally Finite‘ (Pic; Red Books)

Met this young talented man in Red Books a few weeks ago and he was excited about the publication of his first published book of poetry called ‘Finally Finite’ and I promised him a prominent mention on WexfordLocal.com.

Couldn’t attend because of commitments at the Bannow Rathangan Agricultural Show and the Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival, however, I sent my good wishes via the king of Red Books, Wally O’Neill, who acted as my representative.

“We were truly honoured to host the launch of Odhran Somers ‘Finally Finite’ in Red Books on Friday evening, said Wally, who added; “Unsurprisingly, it was a full house for an electric performance from Odhran, accompanied by Anne Ireton, Conor Lyons, Carol Booker and Steve Huenneke. Getting a crowd like that on such a beach-ready evening shows how well loved Odhran is and how popular his poetry is getting.”

Copies of ‘Finally Finite’ can be purchased now for €10 in Red Books or online at www.theirishbookshop.com

Night taps are off in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers in Gorey Town and the surrounding areas to conserve water with nighttime restrictions being introduced for some customers to help meet demand, both tonight, Friday, July 11th and tomorrow night Saturday, July 12th. 

They will be in place from 11pm each night to 6am the following morning in an attempt to reduce usage and maintain a daytime supply. 

This appeal comes as levels in many water sources are significantly lower than normal for this time of year following a drier than average autumn, winter and spring.

Speaking about the urgent need to conserve water in the Gorey area, Uisce Éireann’s Water Operations Manager, Padraig Lyng, reminded customers to be mindful of their water use and do what they can to conserve it. 
“We’re committed to ensuring a reliable water supply for the people of Gorey throughout these summer months, and the support of our customers is an important element to achieve this. 
“In the days and weeks ahead, we would appeal to customers to take the opportunity to really consider their water usage and reflect on the daily and easy actions they can take to play their part in ensuring our water resources are used wisely and in a way which benefits, not only your own household but also the wider community.”

This is also a good time for people to spot any underground leaks outside their home or business. Signs of such leaks may include persistent moisture in areas of the lawn or driveway during dry weather.

To report leaks on the public network, or for more information, the Uisce Éireann helpdesk is available 24/7 at 1800 278 278.  

Death of Gorey artist Michael Warren

Gorey artist and sculptor MICHAEL GEORGE WARREN (Pic; Aosdána)

By Dan Walsh

Many tributes have been expressed at news of the sad passing of Michael Warren the renowned artist and sculptor. He was in his 75th year.

It is with deep sadness that all involved in Oulart Hill Walking Hub have learned of the death of Michael Warren, the Gorey sculptor. Michael was very much involved with the late Ronald Tallon in developing the concept of Tulach a’ tSolais on Oulart Hill, the biggest memorial in the world to 1798 and indeed the most marvellously nuanced.

Born in Gorey, Co. Wexford in 1950, Michael studied at Bath Academy of Art, Trinity College, Dublin, and at the Accademia di Brera in Milan, 1971-1975.

Michael was perhaps best known for his large-scale, site-responsive sculptures in wood. These abstract constructions typically maintain a sense of lightness despite their size and mass.

His major public commissions in Ireland include sculptures made for RTÉ, Dublin Port Authority, Trinity College Dublin, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the Civic Offices on Wood Quay, Dublin.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has taken place of Michael George Warren, Letatlin, Ballycale, Gorey. Michael George Warren died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on the 10th July, 2025. Beloved husband of Maria and much loved father of Cristina and George. He will be sadly missed by his family, brother Richard, sister Elaine, son-in-law Eric, daughter-in-law Eloise, extended family and friends. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Funeral Service will take place at Christ Church, Gorey, at 12 noon on Saturday 12th July, followed by Burial in Tubberneering Graveyard.

Kilmore Quay launches 40th seafood celebration

Long service volunteer SYLVIA KEHOE opened the 40th Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Kilmore Quay

The 40th annual Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival was officially opened this evening by long service volunteer Sylvia Kehoe in brilliant summer sunshine before a large family gathering.

Ms. Kehoe welcomed the community’s 40th Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival and recalled “four decades of seafood cocktails and platters, gally cooks, talent competitions, Fish Fridays, beach fun, coastal walks and talks, trawler, raft and kayak races, and so many many more memorable events.”

Ms. Kehoe continued; “40 years is a long time, 40 years of hauling nets to provide seafood for our platters and fish market, the untangling strings of bunting by the lifeboat crew, checking the tide table for beach activities, directing traffic in hi-vis vests, usually two sizes too big, and asking for the 100th time – ‘What’s the weather like for the festival weekend?’

Ms. Kehoe paid a special tribute to the volunteers. “The real magic of this festival isn’t the weather really…the real magic has been the volunteers. Showing up, year after year, sleeves rolled up and ready to get stuck in to raising funds and ensure there’s always a place for people from all over to gather, enjoy the hospitality and feel at home.

“Here’s to 40 years of community spirit and I am honoured to be representing the many volunteers over the years and I now declare the 40th Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival Open,” said Sylvia Kehoe followed by a loud celbratory cheer from the large attendance.

The proceedings commenced with a formal parade, led by Parade Marshal Peter Moran of the Coast Guard, and featured a special Festival Float presented by Red Moon Theatre. Musical contributions included a performance by Scottish piper Hamish, while Seamus Flaherty participated with his Harley-Davidson. Additional participants comprised representatives from the ICA, Athletic Club, GAA, The Grounds Restaurant, First Responders, Tomhaggard Clean Coast, RNLI, and the Becky Sheil Dancers.

John Grace, Chair of Kilmore Quay Community Development Association acted as master of ceremonies. Cllr Jim Codd was also present.

The Fish Friday Market is one of the highlights and cookery demonstrations and wine appreciation features award-winning chefs in the Stella Maris Centre from 11am to 4.30pm.

It will feature Celbrity Chef Derry Clarke, Bernie Doyle (Stella Maris Centre), Paul Hynes (La Cóte), Toddy Lambden (Mary Barry’s), Brian O’Driscoll (The Grounds), Warren Gillen (Gillen’s Café, Enniscorthy), a fish filleting demonstration with Toddy and Gina, and Billy Kelly (Kelly’s Resort Hotel) will present some wine tasting.

There are also many free events taking place on Saturday and Sunday and the brochure is available on http://www.kilmorequayseafoodfestival.com

Gum Litter Summer Roadshow in Wexford

Promoting the Bin It 2025 camapign are Back Row from left; Hugh Maguire, Environment Section, Jason Tennant, Wexford Borough District, Deputy Mayor Cllr Raymond Shannon, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan, Doireann Umoren GLT, Cliona Connolly and Caroline Sinnott, Environment Section. Front row from left; Thomas Hourihane, GLT Phil Murphy, Wexford Tidy Towns, Ann Fenlon, Wexford Tidy Towns Aileen Porter Wexford Tidy Towns and Kimberley Gray Ennis GLT.

By Dan Walsh

The Gum Litter Taskforce took to the streets of Wexford to promote positive gum litter disposal.

The Summer Roadshow campaign, collaborated with Wexford County Council aims to promote the importance of proper litter disposal through fun education and awareness initiatives that highlight the negative environmental impacts of gum litter and draw awareness to the €150 gum litter fine. 

Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council and Cllr Raymond Shannon, Deputy Mayor, Borough District of Wexford officially launched the Gum Litter Taskforce’s gum litter education campaign in Wexford Town on Tuesday.

Welcoming the roadshow back to Wexford Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “The Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign is an important reminder to the whole community that we must continue to reduce our litter and protect our local environment. The campaign has achieved positive results to date, and I hope this year’s campaign will continue to further build on those results.”  

Deputy Mayor Cllr Raymond Shannon said; “We are delighted to welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce to Wexford. It’s a great initiative that generates awareness of the negative impacts of gum litter in a fun and engaging way. As a Council, we are committed to working with campaigns such as Gum Litter Taskforce, that promote responsible litter disposal behaviours, and result in cleaner communities.”

This year’s Summer Roadshow will make 20 stops across 17 counties. The campaign also includes a school roadshow (‘Bin It!’) which will travel to primary and secondary schools across the country from October, and run an advertising campaign and website, where educational material at www.gumlittertaskforce.ie.

Kilmuckridge sunflowers are thriving

By Dan Walsh

The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field will open again this summer, with proceeds going to The Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy.

CLLR MARY FARRELL (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Following the incredible success of last year’s event, which attracted thousands of visitors from across Ireland, the sunflower field will reopen for its second year, promising not only a stunning display but also a heartfelt community initiative born from families impacted by cancer.

Organised by Cllr Mary Farrell and a dedicated team of volunteers, the project has grown into something far beyond a fundraiser. “Looking back on last year and speaking to the volunteers, the overwhelming feedback was that visiting the sunflower field was a cathartic experience creating a feel-good factor that became contagious,” Cllr Farrell told WexfordLocal.com, and she added; “We welcomed visitors from Donegal, Galway, Cork, and beyond, all happy to support our cause and take away a sunflower as a symbol of hope.”

This year’s field has been lovingly tended since January and has flourished under the recent sunny weather, bringing an earlier-than-expected bloom and plenty of colour to Kilmuckridge. The field is located behind Hammel’s Centra in the village, and visitors are warmly invited to stop by, pick a sunflower, and make a donation as a token of appreciation. All proceeds will go directly to The Hope Cancer Support Centre, which provides invaluable services to those affected by cancer and local community groups.

The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field is a community-driven project, inspired and supported by families who have been touched by cancer. It is a place of reflection, positivity, and togetherness—where every sunflower picked helps make a difference.

Water conservation at Gorey and Taylorstown

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is urging customers in Taylorstown and Gorey to support ongoing water conservation efforts following a period of high demand.

Teams are undertaking a number of measures to protect water supplies including additional monitoring and leak detection and sharing some simple steps to help conserve water and safeguard our precious supplies over the summer months.

Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann’s Operations Manager in Wexford said; “Reduced river and groundwater levels coupled with high demand are impacting supplies in both Gorey and Taylorstown. In response to this we have increased our leakage detection, pipe repairs, and other network management activities to help offset this demand.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and take measures to manage supplies as we go through the summer months. However, we welcome any support the public can provide by doing what they can to decrease their use, which will help reduce the need for additional measures such as nighttime restrictions and outages.” 

Simple actions, such as taking a shorter shower, placing a basin in the sink and fixing leaking taps can all make a significant impact. Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator to help people find out how much water they’re saving and what they can do to save even more. Check it out at water.ie/calculator.

This is also a good time for people to identify any underground leaks outside their home or business. Signs of such leaks may include persistent moisture in areas of the lawn or drivewayduring dry weather. Uisce Éireann’s first fix free scheme provides for a free leak repair on private property where such a leak is identified. We would especially appreciate those who have been contacted for a free leak investigation engage with us to resolve potential leaks.

More information on water.ie. To report leaks in the public network, or for more information, the Uisce Éireann helpdesk is available 24/7 at 1800 278 278.

‘Picnic Against Apartheid’ in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Amnesty International Wexford Group is organising a ‘Picnic Against Apartheid’ fundraiser next Sunday, July 13th in Redmond Park, Wexford town, from 2pm to 5.30pm.

It is a FREE, family friendly event which will feature guest speakers, and musicians playing throughout the day.

The aim is to highlight the apartheid system that Palestinians have been forced to endure for 76 years. Their torment has only been exasperated by Israel’s genocide. “This is genocide. Say it loudly. Say it clearly”, said Stephen Bowen, Director, Amnesty Ireland.

Founded in the 1990s, Amnesty International Wexford Group is one of eight Amnesty groups around Ireland contributing to that organisation’s tireless work in defending human rights all over the world.

Today, the Wexford group is very active in opposing the ongoing genocide in Gaza and holds a weekly protest in Redmond Square every Thursday at 6.30pm. All are welcome to attend and show solidarity with the people of Gaza.