Farewell to Wexford hurling legend Jack Harding

The Funeral Mass takes place today of John ‘Jack’Harding, Kilmacoe, Curracloe, who played a hero’s game at full forward on the Wexford team that beat Tipperary 2-15 to 0-11 in the 1960 All Ireland senior hurling final at Croke Park. He recently celebrated his 87th birthday and was a member of Shelmalier GAA Club.

Wexford hurling legend JACK HARDING is presented with his All-Ireland hurling medal at Croke Park in 1960.

In its coverage of the victorious final, The Wexford People said Harding has played his greatest game against the much more experienced Tipperary opponent Mick Maher. “His undoubtable courage saw him come through a testing hour with honours.”

The Evening Press reported; “Jack Harding was an astute leader, he distributed the ball cleverly and made several openings which produced vital scores.”

Many fine tributes have been paid to Jack, who was a popular member of the community, including a social media message from Shelmalier GAA Club that said; “It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the passing of Jack Harding. The club would like to extend our sympathies to the Harding, Harding Kenny, Lanigan and Roche families at this this sad time.”

FAMILY NOTICE; Harding (Kilmacoe, Curracloe), July 2, 2020, John (Jack), beloved husband of the late Mary and loving father of John, Tommy, Christine, Theresa, Eddie, Paddy, Caroline and Seamus, brother of the late Peg and Annie and children who died in infancy; sadly missed by his family, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Due to recent HSE guidelines regarding public gatherings, those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please leave a personal message in the ‘Condolences’ section on RIP.ie.
The celebration of Jack’s Funeral Mass via the parish webcam, on the link Castlebridge Screen Curracloe Parish Facebook page at 12 noon on Saturday. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Visit Wexford to rediscover the magic

By Dan Walsh

Wexford’s champion of tourism promotion across County Wexford is VisitWexford who has launched a fresh campaign to encourage holidaymakers to make ‘the Sunny South East’ the ideal place to celebrate the Irish summer this year.

Dancing on Curracloe beach and celebrating the launch of VisitWexford are Paul Finnegan, Ashdown Park Hotel; Damien Lynch, Faythe Guesthouse; Colm Neville, Riverside Park Hotel; Chair of VisitWexford; Tom Birmingham, Wexford Local Development (WLD); Billy Byrne Tourism Development Officer Wexford County Council; Catherine McPartlin, Wexford Trails; Emma Hewlett, Kilmokea House & Gardens; Aileen Dowling, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East; Cllr Michael Whelan Chair Economic Development and Enterprise Strategic Policy committee (SPC) and Chairman of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy. 

The newly elected Chairman of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy attended his first official engagement at the launch on Curracloe Beach where Tony Larkin, Director of Services for Economic Development of Wexford County Council and member of the National Tourism Recovery Sub Group said; Wexford County Council can support the tourism industry to drive the economic recovery with this extremely important, well timed and creative VisitWexford marketing campaign.” 

Colm Neville, Chairman of VisitWexford said Wexford is ready to welcome visitors from across Ireland for their staycation holiday to the Sunny South East. “We are so lucky to have such an extensive list of outdoor attractions that are spread right across County Wexford. With cycling and walking trails, stunning beaches as well as our iconic heritage and garden sites.”

Wexford is Ireland’s sunniest destination and includes over 250km of amazing coastline which harbours some of the most spectacular beaches, adventure trails, lush gardens, heritage sites, great hospitality, and of course, excellent food. 

From Castletown just north of Gorey right down to Ballyhack outside of Arthurstown, Wexford has an alluring coastline full of sandy beaches, walking and cycling trails, boat trips and kayaking adventures, and scenic picnic spots.

Everyone might know about Wexford’s iconic attractions like Hook Lighthouse, Ireland’s National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig, just outside Wexford), the Dunbrody Ship on the quayside at New Ross, Wells House in the Ballyedmond area of Gorey, and famed Vinegar Hill overlooking the River Slaney at Enniscorthy.

But Wexford is dotted with some unfamiliar attractions like The Irish Experience Kayaking at Fethard-On-Sea, Kia Ora Farm on the outskirts of Gorey, the Irish Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle, Oulart Hill of 1798 fame, the Lavender Farm at Inch, Gorey, and Wheelock’s Village Fruit Farm near Enniscorthy. 

Colm Neville of the Riverside Park Hotel and Chair of VisitWexford and the New Chairman of Wexford County Council Cllr Ger Carthy enjoying the ice cream on the beach at Curracloe.

VisitWexford would like to remind all holiday makers to follow the national safety guidelines set by the HSE and that many attractions and hospitality spots will have pre-booking facilities in operation to manage visiting numbers. Please avoid crowded areas and respect the local community who all want you to have a safe and happy holiday in Wexford. 

See visitwexford.ie for further details. 

Restoration of speed limits on old N11

There is positive feedback from road users towards the re-introduction of the 100 km per hour speed limit along the old N11 which comes into effect in mid-July. The speed limit had been adjusted when the M11 opened last summer causing consternation to some road users.

The old N11 south of Enniscorthy where the speed limit will be restored to 100km/h

“The change to the Speed Limits is something that I have been calling for since July 2019 when against all common sense the Speed Limits were changed following the opening of the new motorway. I want to pay tribute to all those who wrote to the Council expressing their views as part of the public consultation process,” said Enniscorthy District member, Cllr Cathal Byrne.

“However, it is now imperative that Wexford County Council provide adequate signage along the road from Scarawalsh Roundabout to the Blackstoops Roundabout so that drivers know that the speed limit on that stretch of the road is remaining at 80km/h and I am calling on Wexford County Council to do so,” he added.

The County Wexford Road Traffic Special Speed Limit (Amendment) Bye Laws 2020 were adopted by Councillors at the monthly meeting of Wexford County Council.

The new rules would see the speed limit return to 100km/h as follows from Wednesday, July 15th.

R772 (Old N11); Clogh Roundabout to Camolin village.

R772 (Old N11); Camolin village to Ferns.

R772 (Old N11); Ferns to Scarawalsh Roundabout.

R772 (Old N11); Enniscorthy to Scurlocksbush Roundabout (Oylegate).

The road from Scarawalsh Roundabout to Blackstoops Roundabout will remain at 80km/h to allow for economic development of that part of Enniscorthy given the links to the M11 motorway.

“This was a major issue for the people of the Enniscorthy District over the past twelve months and I am glad that from the 15th July we will see the restoration of common sense applied and the speed limits restored.” concluded Cllr Cathal Byrne.

Anti-social concerns at new Wexford park

Gardai in Wexford town are to put extra officers on the beat and increase mobile patrols following allegations of anti-social behaviour issues involving youths at the recently opened Min Ryan Park at Killeens, on the outskirts of the town.

Gardai have concerns over alleged anti-social behaviour at Min Ryan Park in Wexford town.

Gardai have confirmed that extra resources have been assigned to the area to help with eradicating the problems and they are asking the co-operation of the public to report any issues in the park to Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200.

Covid 19 restrictions are in operation at the park and many families are enjoying the facility and attempting to return to some sort of normality after months of lockdown.

The park on 18 acres cost in the region of €4 million and was due to be officially opened on April 11th to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of Min Ryan’s death, but the Covid-19 outbreak put paid to those plans. It is planned to hold an official opening ceremony at a future date.

The park covers 18 acres incorporating an array of attractive features, including a playground, picnic area, dog park, memorial garden, walking track, water features, multi-use events area, play spaces, wildflower meadows and art/sculpture displays. 

The park also includes a series of rich, bio-diverse eco-systems such as a wetland area, wildflower meadows and native woodland habitats.

Save the Ballyhogue Famine Wall

By Dan Walsh

President Donald Trump would be welcome in Ballyhogue where Wexford County Council has granted approval to commence a process to save a protected structure in the shape of a wall built as part of famine relief works in Ballyhogue.

The Ballyhogue Famine Wall or Bellevue estate boundary wall, about one kilometre long, remains substantially intact and in reasonable condition was built circa-1845-1850 of brick and lime mortar construction.

Known locally as Bellevue Famine Wall and Lane it is considered to be of special architectural, historical, cultural and social interest and encloses the old Cliffe estate adjoining the banks of the Slaney.

According to ‘Landowners of Ireland’, originally published in Dublin in 1876, two separate entries for Bellevue record Anthony Cliffe (died 1878) in possession of 3,459 acres and his eldest son, Anthony John  Cliffe (1832-1894) with 1,000 acres – making a combined acreage of 4,459.

Bellevue House, which consisted of nine reception rooms and eight bedrooms, and was fitted with electricity, was maliciously destroyed by fire on January 23rd, 1923. The last occupant was Anthony Loftus Cliffe.

In court proceedings that followed, B.J. O’Flaherty solicitors, Enniscorthy, told the Court that they had acted for the Cliffes since 1887. It was stated that 1,000 acres were attached to the mansion, but 719 acres had been sold.

Bellevue Church and the Famine Wall are among the last vestiges of the landed estate system in Co. Wexford.

Valentine Gill CLIFFE ESTATE map from 1822 clearly shows the Bellevue Famine Wall and Lane.

The gates are open but nobody at home!

By Dan Walsh

The gates are wide open, the fish are leaping merrily in the pond on either side of the Bridge of Democracy, but it is ‘press your nose up against the window’ time to catch a glimpse of the interior of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy.

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL CEO TOM ENRIGHT said ; If the 5,000 petition signatures supporting the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy had paid their way into the Centre it would have been a more positive approach towards keeping the door open.”

Wexford County Council is refraining from any kind of hysterical celebration about the news that “the sale is off” while only a tiny number of locals have bothered to show any kind of emotion. So where do we go from here?

CEO Tom Enright told Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council that if the 5,000 signatures that appeared on a recent social media petition had visited the Centre in person it would have been a more positive approach to keeping the door open.

Mr Enright pointed out that the future of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre rests firmly with the members of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

However, he added that there is a plan for tourism in Enniscorthy and a whole inclusion of the 1798 heritage is incorporated.

The 1798 Centre saga has been festering for a number of years – falling visitor numbers and lack of local and national interest – and as Carolyne Godkin, Acting Director of Services, told the recent meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council; “there is not enough revenue coming in to pay the electric bill.”

No sale. No plan. Stalemate; where goes the National 1798 Centre into 2021 and the following years?

It has been rumoured that the Fr Murphy Centre at Boolavogue could become the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, and my spies in that patriotic part of the county inform me that funding has been applied for, so perhaps, the future of Wexford and 1798 could still lie in ‘heart of the action’ country.

Cllr Leonard Kelly is Mayor of Wexford

In his first term of office following election on an Independent ticket in 2017, Cllr Leonard Kelly is honoured with the title Mayor of Wexford which was bestowed on him at the annual general meeting of Wexford Borough District Council.

MAYOR OF WEXFORD CLLR LEONARD KELLY following his election

The Clonard-man had unsuccessfully contested the 2014 local election and the 2016 general election and his main priority is “to support and strengthen the community.”

Mayor Kelly said; “We need to unify the Borough, work together, and put our best foot forward for the town and county of Wexford.”

Sinn Fein’s Cllr Thomas Forde, who was co-opted into Wexford County Council in place of retiring Cllr Anthony Kelly in 2017, holds the position of Deputy Mayor.

SOUNDBITE

Cllr Frank Staples takes over at Rosslare

Rosslare Municipal District Council has a new Cathaoirleach following the departure of Cllr Ger Carthy, who has become Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at the annual general meeting held in ‘the Street’ at County Hall, Wexford.

CLLR FRANK STAPLES is elected Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council

The honour falls to Cllr Frank Staples from Ballymore-Mayglass, a former Fine Gael Director of Elections at local, Dáil and European levels.

Well-known for his outspoken support for better mental health services and support across the region, he is also a busy community activist.

As a farmer, Cllr Staples has “concerns about the Green policies for rural Ireland” but aims to do his best for all of Rosslare District over the coming year.

First elected to Wexford County Council in 2014, Cllr Staples launched the ASK campaign three years ago.

Leas-Cathaoirleach for Rosslare District for 2020-’21 is Cllr Lisa McDonald.

SOUNDBITE

Cllr Michael Whelan is New Ross Chair

Ballycullane -based Cllr Michael Whelan was elected Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council, a position he previously served in 2016-’17, at the annual general meeting held in ‘distancing’ at ‘the Street’, Carricklawn, Wexford.

CLLR MICHAEL WHELAN is the new Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council

Cllr Whelan was first elected for Fianna Fáil in 2014 and has a background in the construction trade.

He served on the board of Hook Heritage and Hook Rural Tourism and was a parents’ representative on the Board of Management of St. Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross.

Cllr Whelan priorities include the protection of rural communities, promoting tourism and job creation.

Cllr Bridín Murphy from Ballymackessey, Clonroche, first elected a year ago, is the Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Cllr Barbara-Anne is Enniscorthy choice

Bunclody-based Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy is the new Cathaoirleach for the Enniscorthy District following her selection from the six-member group at the annual general meeting held in ‘the Street’ at Carricklawn, Wexford, in social distance settings.

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY is new Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council

Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan takes the Leas-Cathaoirleach position making it a good day for gender equality. Cllr Murphy is one of the longest serving councillors in the county with a seat on Wexford County Council from 2004 to 2009 and again from 2014 until the present day.

“There are a lot of things that need to be done in the Enniscorthy district and I look forward to working with District Manager Ger Mackey,” she said.

AUDIO EXTRA