WexfordLocal.com

Edenvale feeds off natures land

By Dan Walsh

Is not it a devil when a pleasant Sunday afternoon arrives and there is nothing to do! Well, the hurling final was on in the park, but the Covid-19 restrictions ruled that one out, thought about a dip at Curracloe, but parking upsets people there these days and to keep the peace staying away for a while longer is the wise choice, so the natural course of events was to escape into natures land.

I needed a novel approach! Something I could write about and share some light reading on a day when local news either did not happen or was hiding behind ‘closed doors.’ And so, I arrived at Edenvale. Had been there before, but that’s not a valid excuse for not returning.

Edenvale is about one kilometre on the Crossabeg side of Castlebridge village, once famed for its milling trade, shortly before the River Sow empties into Wexford Harbour, and, believe it or not – one for the table quiz – the southern most tip of the existing Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council jurisdiction!

Edenvale Nature Walk is about 2.5 kilometres long, has several waterfalls, and on the practical side, hides away a water pumping station that services about 200 homes.

The laneway is in good order although does not really favour cyclists because of its hilly terrain, but there are no restrictions!

**Outstanding in its own forest at beautiful Edenvale**

This is a place where time stands still in a wooded valley, very steep on both sides, coloured by centuries of afforestation, so old that some have succumbed to age and tempestuous weather, and have ended up sprawling both sides of the river.

The heavy rainfall of the past week has discoloured the water into a temporary brownish presence that is transferred into sheets of white cascading wash at the waterfalls. A shy freshwater river instantly grows angry and sends its natural energy into people’s homes.

Edenvale has always been a friend to nature. It has been mentioned in local guide sources since they first emerged from the printing press. On May 11, 1912, shop assistants were given the first half-day off from the town businesses, and many groups from Enniscorthy and Wexford chose Edenvale to celebrate the occasion, and as some vintage photographs record, they brought with them musical instruments with the most popular being the uileann pipes, banjo and bagpipies.

In the words of Wexford’s greatest historian and raconteur, Nicholas Furlong; “Edenvale became the Mecca for the day tripper.”

On my return home I have been trawling through different references to Edenvale and there is general approval that the beauty of the place is unparalleled, however, on the negative side, far too many images on social media showing ugly scenes of scattered litter appears at the touch of a keyboard.

While I was there today the place was busy enough. Family groups admiring nature, taking home images on their mobile phones, sharing a bubbly atmosphere and many a cheerful word, and even the canines were happy in the control of their faithful companion.

Respect was everywhere. Admiration for a green and thriving environment was at a premium. Edenvale was nature’s gift to those who dare to share. In fairness, the place was almost litter free, nothing of a serious nature, however, for the little guy who left his underpants on a fallen tree trunk…well, its dark colour did a fine job in disguising a moment of forgetfulness!

Church ‘strongly recommends’ face coverings

The Diocese of Ferns has reaffirmed its commitment to social distancing and proper sanitisation in all churches and buildings.

In a statement issued this week, the Diocese said the following; “In solidarity with the vast majority of our fellow citizens who actively promote and pursue as safe an environment as possible – in their homes, their places of work and places where they shop or gather – the diocese now ‘strongly recommends’ the wearing of face coverings in addition to the continuation of social distancing and sanitising in all its churches and buildings, as public Masses and services continue.”
Gratitude is expressed to local parish councils and church stewards who have overseen the safe return to public Masses and services.

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 13^th century. It is recorded that in the mid-17^th 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 1^st, 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.

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 19^th 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-19^th century, (1846 is carved on the lintel over the eastern doorway on the interior), Tacumshane closely resembles the original 16^th 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.