WexfordLocal.com

Council HQ may become Vaccine Centre

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council headquarters on Wexford’s Newtown Road at Carrcklawn may be used as a Vaccine Centre if the need arises. It is one of a selection of suitable facilities around the county that will be made available to the HSE should a mass vaccination programme be rolled out.

Chief Executive Officer Tom Enright addressed the matter at today’s January meeting of Wexford County Council held under the Covid-19 restrictions by Microsoft Teams.

Cllr John Hegarty opened a debate on the current situation and asked if the Council were doing enough during the Level 5 lockdown and could more be done to reassure people and wondered if stricter measures are necessary?

Mr Enright said; “We have been meeting with the HSE and the Gardai asking people to abide by the rules. We have another meeting with the HSE tomorrow (Tuesday). The rules are out there. The vast majority of people are doing what is asked of them. We are playing our part, but unfortunately, there are a small number that are not. Numbers in Wexford are exceedingly high compared with other counties. We will know more tomorrow on the public health issue after meeting the HSE and we will issue a media statement afterwards if it is deemed necessary.”

Cllr Davy Hynes said some of the problems from the Covid-19 situation was associated with alcohol sales.

Cllr Jackser Owens called for a test centre to be opened in Enniscorthy. “People are frightened out there. People are very frightened. We have a big district (Enniscorthy), and I am calling on the Council to provide a Test Centre?

Cathaoireleach Cllr Ger Carty offered his support and requested that Cllr Owens would send related correspondence to the HSE.

The CEO added that the Council had made arrangements with the HSE to make property available in Enniscorthy “if and when it is needed for testing.”

“It is ready and fit for purpose, if and when it is needed.” He added that there is other ‘temporary centres’ set up by the HSE in some of the particular locations where there is a peak in the numbers of people being infected.

Cllr Michael Sheehan said there is a test centre in New Ross “but it is on again, off again!” They may not be of great benefit for the town. The one in New Ross has been closed more that it is open!

However, Cllr Sheehan had concerns about the roll-out of vaccinations in the community. He felt more involvement could be assigned to local organisations, LDF, Order of Malta, Civil Defence etc. “People are rightfully afraid, and people are rightly concerned,” he concluded.

Fishermen rescued off Duncannon

By Dan Walsh

Four fishermen on a Cork registered boat, the AZTEC, were rescued after their fishing vessel sank in the Barrow Estuary off the Duncannon coast today.

The fishing boat was paired with a Wexford fishing vessel, drawing on the same net, when it suddenly got into difficulty and began sinking.

The four fishermen were taken safely to shore by the Wexford vessel and no injuries were reported.

Dunmore East Lifeboat was launched around mid-day and was quickly on the scene.

Enniscorthy star plays in FA Cup

By Dan Walsh

18 years old Festy Ebosele who played his football with Moyne Rangers made his first-team debut for Derby County, coming on in the 64^th minute, in Saturday’s FA Cup 3^rd Round game against non-league side Chorley, who won 2-0, in freezing conditions at Victory Park.

**FESTY EBOSELE wearing the Ireland shirt. (Pic; Derby Telegraph)**

His former Enniscorthy club issued the following statement last night; “Congratulations to former Moyne Rangers player Festy Ebosele on making his 1st team debut for Derby County today in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Making his return from a three-month injury Festy showed his potential when introduced and hopefully he can finish the season strongly and break through and cement his place in Wayne Rooney’s (English and Manchester United legend) squad. Well done today Festy and all the best from everyone associated with our club.”

Body recovered from River Slaney

The body of an elderly local woman has been recovered from the River Slaney, just south of the Seamus Rafter Bridge at Enniscorthy.

Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene around 11.30am after family members became concerned for the woman’s welfare.

The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. A post mortem will take place later.

Aldi aid for six Wexford causes

By Dan Walsh

Six Wexford-based charities have become the latest beneficiaries of Aldi’s Community Grants programme, with each charity receiving a €500 grant from the Aldi store teams in County Wexford.

**Kathrina Doyle and Jim Delaney of Wexford Marine Watch receiving a €500 Donation from Aldi Wexford Charity Champion Luke Walshe as part of Aldi’s Community Grants programme.**

€500 grants were presented to Wexford Marine Watch, South East Animal Rescue, Southend Family Resource Centre, Sister Aidan Centre, Pieta House Wexford and Talk to Tom.

Aldi’s Community Grants programme helps fund local charities and organisations that contribute vital work and services in their local communities. Each local charity supported is chosen by Aldi employees, enabling them to help the local good causes they are passionate about.

John Curtin, Group Buying Director, Aldi Ireland, told WexfordLocal.com; “We are very proud to have been able to contribute to supporting local charities through the Aldi Community Grants programme and we’re pleased to see the impact of our donation in the local communities for County Wexford.”

Aldi operates seven stores in County Wexford at Gorey, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford town, employs over 4,500 people at 145 stores across the country, and Aldi claims to be 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 in February 2020.

No funding for New Ross this time!

By Dan Walsh

A funding package for seven villages in Co. Wexford amounts to €795,481, but the lion’s share goes to Rosslare Municipal District, while no allocation has been made in the New Ross Municipal District.

“I’m delighted to welcome significant funding from government for four villages in the Rosslare Municipal District this morning under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme,” said Cllr Lisa McDonald, who added: “Clongeen, Our Lady’s Island, Ballymitty and Taghmon will all benefit significantly from this funding of just short of €500,000 for projects in the district.”

The highest amount (€200,000) goes to Ballymitty for the construction of a multi-functional Community Resource and Enterprise Centre that will include a café and shop.

€100,000 will be made available for a two-kilometre Maritime Walking Trail from Riverchapel linking Courtown with picnic areas. Local Cllrs Joe Sullivan and Andrew Bolger have welcomed the news.

Also in the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District €97,934 is earmarked for Boolavogue where consideration will be given to the restoration of the vacant National School and conversion into a digital hub and Community Centre as well as an adjacent landscaped garden.

In the Enniscorthy Municipal District €100,000 has been allocated to Clohamon for the restoration of a vacant school into a multi-purpose Community Centre with other facilities and a playground.

The Wexford funding has been welcomed by Senator Malcolm Byrne as “a commitment to improving the quality of life in our communities.”

Wexford Christmas Fast raises €40,650

By Dan Walsh

Two Wexford town clergymen have raised €40,650 for local charities at the annual four-day Christmas Fast which took place under pandemic regulations this year. The high profile fast is usually held outside St. Iberius Church on Wexford’s North Main Street.

Canon Arthur Minion and Fr. Aodhán Marken wish to thank the people of Wexford for their continued generosity year after year. Mayor of Wexford Cllr Leonard Kelly has led tributes to the clergymen for the sacrifice and generosity they have shown through the annual fasting in all weathers.

€40,650 is a remarkable public response during the pandemic. 2019 raised €51,000, up €6,000 on the 2018 figure.

This year’s charities are Wexford Vincent de Paul, Wexford Womens Refuge, Ozanam House Men’s Hostel, Wexford Hospice Homecare, Wexford Rape Crisis Centre.

The fast has been a feature of Christmas in Wexford town for over 20 years, runs for four days concluding on Christmas Eve. It is estimated that over €750,000 has been raised since the event was first initiated.

Good news for farm families and small business

By Dan Walsh

Senator Malcolm Byrne has informed WexfordLocal.com of a commitment by Older People’s Minister, Mary Butler T.D., that she will bring forward legislation early this year that will ease the financial burden on farm families and small business owners who avail of the Fair Deal Scheme toward nursing home costs. There are dozens of Wexford families impacted every year.

At present, because there is not a cap on the level of contribution, this can cause serious financial hardship and farm families are concerned that they may lose the family farm.

Senator Byrne said; “This is a really welcome move and will help farm families and small businesses when they are often faced with difficult decisions concerning an elderly family member.”

The Gorey-based Senator had been campaigning on this issue since his election to Seanad Éireann last April and has spoken on it on several occasions. Minister Butler has also indicated that a new plan that will allow people ‘grow old in their own homes’ when State support will be introduced by 2022.

“I have come across many families who have faced potentially huge financial burdens while wanting to provide the best possible care for a loved one. This will give them some comfort,” concluded Senator Byrne.

Death of popular Wexford businesswoman

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Kathleen (Kay) Whitty of Whitford House Hotel, Wexford, which she co-founded as a bed and breakfast with her late husband, Jim, and later developed the business into a multi-award-winning family run hotel and one of the most popular in the South East.

Born in 1942 in Gurteenminogue, Murrintown, Kay was daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Radford. She was only 22 years old when she established a successful bed and breakfast business with her late husband, Jim, who pre-deceased her in November 1993.

Along with her family the business developed into one of the leading hotels in the country and was a popular venue for special occasions or dinners and evening meals. Kay interacted with customers with a smile and a friendly welcome and her passing is mourned by family, friends and customers.

Deepest sympathy is extended. Dearly loved wife of the late Jim Whitty, cherished mother of James, Eilish, Gerard and Rónán, adored grandmother of Katie, James, Aoife, Josh, Luke, Caleb and Ralphie. Beloved sister to Mary (O’Rourke), Bernie, Mick, Toddy, John and Timmy. Sadly, missed by her son-in-law Val (Stafford) and daughters in law Bobbie, Madeleine and Erin. May She Rest in Peace.

Due to HSE Level 5 Covid restrictions on funeral gatherings, reposing and funeral gathering Mass will be private to family only please.

Funeral Mass will take place at 11.30am on Tuesday. Streaming details to follow.

Cricket has its origins in Wexford?

By Dan Walsh

“Wexford played cricket long before cricket was invented in England, that’s the view of Wexford sports historian James Caulfield and the fruits of his research will be screened in Cricket’s Irish Roots on RTE 1 on Monday night at 7.30pm.

The game we played was catted ‘cattie’ which comes from caith, the Irish word for ‘to bowl or throw’,” says James who is executive producer of this 29-minute documentary which was filmed at Slaney Manor near Barntown.

“I have done a study on it and the shillelagh was central to the games of hurling and cattie because everyone made their own shillelaghs,” said James, who added; “The language of cricket is part of our own Irish language and this came about because of the British recruiting in Ireland for hundreds of years. Soldiers had to make up their own games in those times.”

Historians in England invariably say that the origins of the game are obscure. They do not dispute James Caulfield’s version of events and admit the origins of cricket are difficult to pin down.

This is a documentary well worth watching.

AUDIO ADDITION; JAMES CAULFIELD tells DAN WALSH about his research into the origins of cricket during an interview on the formation of Gorey Cricket Club.