Living history and heritage of Bannow Bay

By Dan Walsh

A visit to Bannow is always refreshing. Snooping in the footprints of the Normans who took full advantage of the beautiful bay to set foot on Irish soil for the first time in 1169 and changed the course of Irish history.

The well preserved ruins of ST. MARY’S CHURCH at Bannow

Today, the Norman Trail is part of our history and heritage. Many popular surnames owe their origins to the Normans, and, in physical terms, the greatest living legacy are the fortified ruins of St. Mary’s Church, believed to have been founded before 1200 AD.

The historic town of Bannow dates to the early 13th century. It is recorded that in the mid-17th century it had, at least, six streets, eleven proprietors, a castle, two stone houses, five thatched houses, seven cabins, one house, five ruined houses, and at least sixteen house plots, presumably deserted and decayed buildings as the town had been long in decline at that time.

In the opening paragraph on Bannow in Edward Culleton’s volume one of On Our Own Ground; Parish by Parish, tells us that “At Bannow Island the first Anglo-Norman soldiers disembarked and quickly established a town nearby which later gave rise to the story of the ‘buried city of Bannow’, although, in truth, it was never buried but simply decayed and was gradually covered by a thin layer of wind-blown sand.”

While in the ancient graveyard, I noticed a headstone erected by Peter Ffrench, MP, Harpoonstown, in memory of his parents and other members of the family. Ffrench himself was 85 years old when he died in 1929.

Born in Bannow, Peter Ffrench was elected on the Irish Nationalist Parnellite ticket for South Wexford in the 1893 election and spent 25 years in the House of Commons. He lost his seat to James Ryan, a medical student from Tomcoole, and member of Sinn Féin in the 1918 General Election.

Presumably, Mr Ffrench abstained from alcohol. On July 1st, 1911, he addressed a large crowd at the Temperance Demonstration on Vinegar Hill, overlooking Enniscorthy, where he declared; “Our homes would be brighter, happier and more prosperous if we did not consume so much intoxicating drink. Our country would be more prosperous and more productive, our people more physically, morally and intellectually fit to fight the great battle of life if we did not consume so much intoxicating drink.”

And before we leave historic Bannow a glimpse out across the bay. The silhouette of Baginbun and the Martello tower points out to sea where generations of seafarers perished in the lonely shipping lanes known as ‘the graveyard of a thousand ships’

‘Do Not Swim’ notices at 3 Wexford beaches

By Dan Walsh

Do Not Swim notices have been erected at Ballymoney North (Blue Flag and Identified Bathing Beach), Duncannon (Identified Bathing Beach) and Booley Bay Beach (Green Coast each) after routine testing conducted as part of Wexford County Council’s bathing water sampling programme showed breaches of the mandatory levels for E.coli and Intestinal Enterococci at the three Wexford beaches.

DUNCANNON VILLAGE. ‘Do Not Swim’ notices have been erected on the beach.

Following consultation with the HSE, the Council has been decided to issue Do Not Swim warning notices at the affected beaches in the interest of public health and in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations.

Technical staff from Wexford County Council are currently investigating the matter and while the exact source of contamination is not yet fully identified, the elevated levels of E. Coli and Intestinal Enterococci may be partly attributable to recent spells of heavy rain.

Further water quality samples have been taken today and results are expected on Saturday. Beach lifeguards at Ballymoney North and Duncannon Beaches will fly a red flag indicating swimming is prohibited while signage to this effect will also be placed at Booley Bay Beach. Members of the public are requested to abide by these restrictions until further notice.

Wexford County Council wishes to assure the public that water quality results for 15 other beaches sampled along the Wexford coastline have been excellent with no issues encountered.

More information on bathing water quality can be obtained on www.beaches.ie

43 premises without power in Clonroche

By Dan Walsh

Forty-three customers are without power tonight in the Clonroche area and ESB Networks estimate it may be 10.45am tomorrow before service is fully restored. The fault was first reported at 10.40pm.

Earlier tonight 97 premises in the Mulgannon district of Wexford town were without power as crews from ESB Networks worked to repair two separate faults.

A fault reported at 6.43 pm is affecting 15 customers and it is hoped to have power restored at 11.30pm.

A second fault in the same area of Wexford town was notified to ESB at 9pm and the estimated time for return of power is 12.45 am. Crews are working on the outage which affects 82 customers.

Earlier today ESB Networks warned its customers of “possible disruption to the electricity supply” tonight and into tomorrow due to strong winds and heavy rain from Storm Ellen as it passes over the country.

Information on social media tonight is warning roadusers of fallen trees on the road from Killinick to Our Lady’s Island.

Almost 100 without power in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Ninety-seven premises in the Mulgannon district of Wexford town are without power tonight as crews from ESB Networks are currently working to repair two separate faults.

A fault reported at 6.43 pm is affecting 15 customers and it is hoped to have power restored at 11.30pm.

A second fault in the same area of Wexford town was notified to ESB at 9pm and the estimated time for return of power is 12.45 am. Crews are working on the outage which affects 82 customers.

Earlier today ESB Networks warned its customers of “possible disruption to the electricity supply” tonight and into tomorrow due to strong winds and heavy rain from Storm Ellen as it passes over the country.

Storm Ellen set to impact on the South-East

By Dan Walsh

Storm Ellen will produce severe impacts in places this evening and tonight. A cloudy day, with outbreaks of rain. Patches of mist will develop on hills and in coastal areas. The rain will gradually clear later this afternoon, with another band of heavy rain spreading from the south in the evening. Easterly winds will be moderate to fresh and gusty this afternoon but veering south-easterly and becoming very strong and gusty later in the evening as Storm Ellen approaches, with gales developing. Highest temperatures of 17 to 19 degrees.

Storm damage at Wilton Gardens last November. (File Pic)

TONIGHT; Very windy or stormy tonight as Storm Ellen moves northwards across the country. Some damaging gusts are possible, especially in coastal areas and caution is advised. There will be a spell of heavy rain overnight also, with a risk of flooding in places. The rain will clear to the north towards dawn. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees.

TOMORROW; Thursday will be a very windy day with sunny spells and some heavy, thundery showers developing. Fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds may reach gale force in Coastal areas. Highest temperatures of 17 to 19 degrees. (SOURCE ; MET ÉIREANN Regional Forecast – LEINSTER).

Storm Ellen will track over Ireland on Wednesday night and during Thursday bringing a period of severe and potentially damaging winds. It will also be associated with heavy rain bringing a risk of flooding.

Due to the combination of storm surge, spring tides and onshore winds there is a potential risk of coastal flooding.

Take extra care, check local weather and traffic conditions before setting out on a trip. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.

Motorist should be aware that there may be a possibility of localised flooding – check your local forecast!

REMEMBER; People who are holidaying or camping near coastal areas are advised to keep safe and monitor local weather forecasts / conditions. Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings.

Check and secure items which may be blown away, including garden furniture and street furniture. 

Motorists should be aware of local flooding and exercise greater care on roads and should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris, especially high sided vehicles.

Keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Please keep safe and the best advice is to STAY AT HOME and only travel if it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY until the storm conditions have passed! 

Gorey fans cheering at home for finalists

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

People of a certain vintage will recall the ‘good old days’ when they would sit on the doorstep and listen to the match on the wireless and afterwards, in the pubs, at the forge, dropping off the milk churns at the creamery or taking a break in large workforce places, such as Gorey’s beloved Leather Factory, would know more about the game than those privileged to experience every puck of the ball from the crowded sidelines.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN is cheering for Naomh Eanna in Gorey

County hurling final 2020 takes place next Sunday in Chadwick’s Wexford Park, and while Gorey’s Naomh Éanna, first time champions two years ago, are in the spotlight (with Shelmaliers), the Covid-19 restrictions means that the devoted fans will have to stay at home on this occasion and rely upon the radio and television coverage.

It will be a strange final in Gorey, but for many it will be nostalgic and for others a new experience, however, one thing is certain, Gorey will be cheering on their heroes. And each will recall their own highlights from what promises to be a memorable sporting occasion.

Ever since the semi-final victory the green and white flags have sprung up like mushrooms on the town’s Main Street, a few colourful window displays may have popped up too, and the sight of people climbing ladders has been phenomenal!

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com today, Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, said that there is disappointment that people cannot attend the match, but they understand the circumstances why, and it in no way diminishes their support for the team and they will be cheering them all the way through TG4 and South East Radio.

AUDIO ADDITION ; CLLR JOE SULLIVAN, Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council tells DAN WALSH about the importance of Naomh Éanna’s appearance in next Sunday’s county hurling final and how the fans will cope when unable to attend the game due to Covid-19.

The Pettitt’s Senior Hurling Championship Final featuring Shelmaliers and Naomh Éanna, Gorey, takes place in Chadwick’s Wexford Park next Sunday at 2 pm and will be televised live by TG4 and broadcast live on South East Radio.

The days of wind-driven corn mills

By Dan Walsh

Found myself in the Carne area during the week. Featured on RTE’s popular ‘Reeling in the Years’ for the controversial protests against the proposal to construct a nuclear power station at Carnsore Point at the end of the 1970s.

It will be 42 years ago next Wednesday, (August 19th 1978), when over 5,000 people took part in an anti-nuclear rally and festival at Carnsore Point. The government of the day, subsequently, called off the project and to this day, Ireland is nuclear free!

When all of those ‘celebrities to be’ and environmental activists were in this area I wonder did any of them discover the past? Like I did when passing through Tacumshane on the way to Our Lady’s Island – that most curious of landmarks -Tacumshane Windmill.

TACUMSHANE WINDMILL receiving a course of restoration

As recent as 1891 there were thirteen wind-driven corn mills at work along the south coast of Co. Wexford. The number was down to five by 1911, one of these being Tacumshane Windmill, restored under the care of the Irish Board of Works.

Although built in the mid-19th century, (1846 is carved on the lintel over the eastern doorway on the interior), Tacumshane closely resembles the original 16th century type of a three-storey tower mill.

The end of milling and corn drying came in 1961 and the last miller was Michael ‘Mike’ Power from Sigginstown and Hilltown, born in 1902 and he also worked in other mills in the district in his young days.

Tacumshane is unique amongst surviving windmills and is regarded to have links more closely with windmills in Brittany, western France, Portugal and Spain rather than mainstream developments in the Netherlands and eastern England.

CREDITS; Tacumshin Windmill – its history and mode of operation, compiled by Austin O’Sullivan, based on a short article by Liam de Paor, first published anonymously in issue 12 of the Office of Public Works journal Oibre in 1976.  

Man dies in New Ross tragedy

A man has died in a tragic accident at a business premises in the Park House area of New Ross yesterday (Friday) afternoon.

Details are unconfirmed, but it is believed the deceased may have been a visitor to the premises when he was hit by a truck and died at the scene.

Units of the New Ross Fire Service, ambulance paramedics and Gardai were quickly on the scene of the incident which occurred around 3pm.

Gardaí and the Health & Safety Authority are both conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy.

Off to the beach…a choice of 275kms!

By Dan Walsh

The weekend is here again, and with high temperatures staying with us for longer, large crowds are again expected at Wexford’s beaches and Gardaí will be on duty in and around Curracloe and Ballinesker beaches and car parks to assist with traffic congestion.

“Please ensure you park your vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. Access to beach car parks will have to be restricted if capacity is reached”; said a spokesperson for Wexford Garda Division, who added; “Signage and traffic control measures will be also in place to help alleviate any traffic issues.”

Meanwhile, Wexford County Council reported severe congestion at Curracloe and Duncannon in recent times and suggest that visitors take an alternative beach on the 275kms of Wexford coastline.

The list includes Ballymoney North, Cahore, Old Bawn, Morriscastle, Balllinesker, Culleton’s Gap, Rosslare Strand, St. Helen’s Bay, Carne, Ballyhealy, Cullenstown Strand and Booley Beach.

For those who get onto the beach and enjoy a swim, be extra careful because the warm water is enticing jellyfish, who can cause excruciating pain by sting, even when they are dead!

Cllr Jim Moore posted photos of a Lions Mane Jellyfish and a Compass Jellyfish, washed up between Ballygrangans and Nemestown, near Kilmore Quay, sent by a local lady as a warning to the public regards their presence. Please be careful and watch out for any jellyfish.

Also not forgetting the pets. Advice from the ISPCA; “It’s better to avoid walking your dog during intense heat, so early morning or evening walks is best when it’s cooler. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, then it is too hot for their paws. Always have fresh cool water available and access to shade from the sun. Never leave a dog alone inside in a car.”

The message for this weekend is simple. Please have patience and obey Garda directions, park safely and sensibly, respect the environment, take responsibility for personal care at all times, respect others, and have a memorable and safe family occasion. 

‘Hooked’ on live theatre at Coolgreany

By Dan Walsh

Drama-lovers in North Wexford and beyond are being treated to a rare theatrical event this summer- a live outdoor theatre performance. At a time when live theatre is a rarity, this is certainly a quality show not to be missed!

Popping up in the garden and Hooked on their lines! Carl Nuzum, Niamh Fleming and Norah Finn from Coolgreany Drama. Pic; Thomas Clare

Coolgreany Drama has been presenting (in accordance with Covid-19 health and safety guidelines) the full-length comedy drama Hooked by Gillian Grattan in the unique outdoor surroundings of the beautiful Ram House Gardens in the north Wexford village.

Ram House Gardens, lovingly tended by Lolo Stevens, is a delightful summer setting for this production. It is spread over two acres and features in many major gardens of Ireland guides.

Hooked is a three-handed comedy drama in which young Dubliner Lydia’s move to a small country village leads to an unexpected chain of events, exposing many local secrets and lies.

Directed by Sally Stevens and featuring Norah Finn, Carl Nuzum and Niamh Fleming, Hooked has proved a huge hit with audiences. It was performed regularly throughout July and after a short break has returned for August performances. Remaining dates are: Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm on August,15, 16, 22 and 23 and Thursday evening, August 20.

One of the few theatre performances taking place anywhere in the country.

To book tickets on Eventbrite for the remaining shows Google Hooked Coolgreany. Admission is €12 plus Eventbrite booking fee. For further queries about the show phone: 087 2411926.

The performance lasts for approximately 90 minutes with no interval. Due to Covid restrictions there are no toilet facilities.