News and Sport and Events that matter across County Wexford.
By Dan Walsh
An elderly couple were transported to the hospital last evening (Wednesday) after a single-vehicle traffic collision on the N25, south of Ballycogley on the road to Kilmore.
Emergency services responded to the incident, and the road was temporarily closed to facilitate the removal of the damaged vehicle.
The road has since been reopened.
By Dan Walsh
Rosslare Harbour RNLI came to the assistance of an injured crew member on a yacht one mile off Rosslare Europort on Monday.
The all-weather lifeboat launched at 7.15pm following a request from the Irish Coast Guard.
On arrival at the scene and having communicated with the crew of four and assessing the situation, it was decided to bring the injured party onboard the lifeboat.
Upon return to Rosslare Europort, the crew member was united with family members. The other members of the crew were safe and well.
Weather conditions were dry, clear and calm at the time.
Speaking following the call out, Alan Murphy, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Launch Authority, commended the yacht crew for contacting the Irish Coast Guard. “They had the necessary communication equipment and flotation devices onboard. Thanks to our crew for a successful outcome.
‘We encourage anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to always go prepared. Check weather and tides before venturing out, carry the right equipment for a safe journey including a means of communication. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge District annual general meeting in Gorey
Popular Fianna Fáil member Cllr Donal Kenny is the new Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council following his election at the annual general meeting held in Gorey Council Chamber today.
Proposed by Cllr Pip Breen and seconded by Cllr Anthony Donohoe, Cllr Kenny was unanimously elected to fill the position held by outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Oliver Walsh who had reached the end of his term.
Cllr Kenny from Craanford was first elected to Wexford County Council in 2019, and, previously in 2022, served his first term as Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District.
The members acknowledged Cllr Kenny on his election, and Cllr Kenny returned thanks and appreciation for their support, promised to do his best during his term, and complimented his predecessor, Cllr Oliver Walsh, for his “fair and impartial” conduct during his time in the Chair.
Cllr Kenny’s first task was to call for nominations for the post of Leas-Cathaoirleach. Cllr Anthony Donohoe was elected having been proposed by Cllr Darragh McDonald and seconded by Cllr Pip Breen.
Cllr Walsh told the members that “it was a relatively good and successful year for the district” and he stated that the highlight was getting funding for the Gorey Market House THRIVE Project. He thanked the members and officials for their co-operation during his year in the Chair and he wished Cllr Kenny “the best of luck” in his term.
District Manager Philip Knight described Cllr Walsh’s year as “a lot of funding coming in marking the start of a lot of projects. It was a busy year, and the restoration of the Market House was the highlight,” said Mr Knight.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe was in attendance and congratulated the district on a very successful year and complimented the members on representing the district respectfully.
The highlight of the year for Wexford County Council was the delegation to Savanah, Georgia, led by the Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen and addressing the House of Representatives. “You represented the district well”, concluded Mr Taaffe.
By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay RNLI launched at 8.10 am yesterday (Monday) after a request from the Irish Coast Guard to assist a 12-metre yacht with a fouled propeller south of Carnsore Point.
Arriving at the location at 9.05am, the lifeboat crew checked that all on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation. The vessel was freed from the entanglement but was still unable to make its way under its own steam due to the propeller being fouled.
It was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the disabled craft back to shore. Weather at the time was described as fine, good visibility with a Force 3 to 4 south westerly wind and slight sea state.
The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay arriving at 11.20am where the yacht was safely brought alongside the marina.
By Dan Walsh
Twenty-six-year-old Cliona O’Leary from Boolavogue, has been selected as the 2025 Wexford Rose.
She was crowned winner from 22 contestants at Ashtown Park Hotel, Gorey, on Saturday night and will represent Wexford in the Rose of Tralee celebrations in August.
Daughter of Eugene and Siobhan O’Leary, Cliona has gone back to college to study for a degree in agriculture in SETU and is Wexford’s representative on the National Council of Macra na Feirme.
She is overjoyed at having been chosen as the Wexford Rose having had a lifelong interest in the competition and travelled to Tralee many times to enjoy the event.
Cliona is sponsored by Tommy Williamson Farming and Landscaping Supplies Templescoby, Enniscorthy where she is a former employee.
We all wish Cliona O’Leary the best of luck in this year’s Rose of Tralee.
By Dan Walsh
Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee has announced their partnership with Wexapp for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. Wexapp is a family run business operating in Wexford and is working with the Fleadh Executive Committee to bring you the official app for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025.
The app will provide visitors to the town with up to date and essential information about the Fleadh including schedules of events, information on local venues, transport options and other key information required for your visit.
Key features of the app are an interactive event schedule, venue maps and directions, offline access to essential information and information on Wexford’s best places to eat, drink and sleep.
The aim of the app is to provide visitors and locals with a one stop shop where they can find out all that is happening during the week of the Fleadh.
Gareth Williams, Director of WexApp stated “WexApp is proud to be the official app provider for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025, Ireland’s largest traditional music festival. Our challenge was to build a comprehensive digital solution that would enhance the festival experience for attendees while providing powerful management tools for organisers”
Eddie Taaffe, Chairperson of Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee commented: “Wexapp has created a digital experience that perfectly complements the traditional nature of our festival, making it accessible whether or not you are a tech-savvy attendee. The app will make life much easier for all fleadh visitors.”
We encourage people to download the App before they arrive to the Fleadh so that they can get an idea of what is happening and where things are located.
Local businesses are encouraged to register their listing on the App at no cost, just check out www.wexapp.ie/fleadhcheoilapp for details.
| By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre. Wexford Arts Centre today welcomed Sync Shift, an exciting solo exhibition by drawings artist Órla Bates made in collaboration with artist Joanna Leah that will run in the lower and upper galleries until Saturday, July 26th. The guest speaker at the launch was Curator Ann Mulrooney who said; “I am struck by a visual similarity to Japanese ink painting in her more recent work, something to do with the exquisite balance and sureness of what remains captured on the surface of the page.” In 2023, Órla Bates was invited to take part in the MAKE/curate programme, a partnership initiative between Wexford Arts Centre, the Arts Department of Wexford County Council, and Blackbird Cultur-Lab. The aim of the programme is to provide artists working regionally with an opportunity to work with a national curator. Over the course of two years, Orla worked with Curator Ann Mulrooney towards her solo exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre. Distinct from the curatorial support, mentorship was also facilitated by artist Joanna Leah. Órla Bates whose charcoal, graphite, ink and pastel generated works paid tribute to Ann Mulrooney and Joanna Leah for assisting in bringing her work to the exhibition. She also thanked the members of her family and Executive Director Elizabeth Whyte and the staff at Wexford Arts Centre. |
| Sync Shift will run at Wexford Arts Centre until Saturday, July 26th. The exhibition is supported by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Blackbird Cultur-Lab through Wexford Arts Centre’s Make/Curate Programme. Wexford Arts Centre is supported by the Arts Council and Wexford County Council. |
By Dan Walsh
Regina Redmond from Gorey is to follow up the publication of her first book of poetry Buried Deep is the Child with a second book to be published in the Autumn for which she already had a fresh batch of healing poems.
She has also confirmed that she is currently working on a project to adapt the poems in both collections for a musical CD in collaboration with Wexford musicians.
The CD is being produced by Hot Press music writer Jackie Hayden who lives in south Wexford.
Two of the poems are already recorded. “I Made Peace with Myself Today” and “Buried Deep is the Child “.
Since publishing Buried Deep is the Child, subtitled A Healing Journey, Regina has spoken in several venues, including Gorey Library and The Solas Cabin outside Arklow.
Regina said; “I like to see my poems as shedding light on the path I have taken from darkness into the light of recovery following my traumatic childhood. Writing has a therapeutic value for me and publishing them was somehow liberating.
“Now, since the healing power of music has long been established, it seems that adding music is a logical and valuable next step for me as I continue onward on my exploratory journey with my second collection,” she added.
News of Regina’s work has travelled as far as Mobile, Alabama in the USA where CeCe Redmond (no relation) of the Redmond Heritage Press wrote “Regina Redmond transforms her journey through trauma into a beacon of hope, healing, and awakening. Through courage, faith, and forgiveness, she discovered the warrior within — and now inspires others to find their light and their voice. Regina’s path reminds us that even through the darkest experiences, resilience and renewal are possible.”
Regina adds; “When I first set out on my journey to publish my poems I never dreamed it would attract such international interest and an encouragingly positive response. It’s been a hugely worthwhile and rewarding adventure for me beyond any dreams I might have had.”
Buried Deep is the Child- A Healing Journey is published by Carol Boland of Boland Press and it has resonated deeply with those who love poetry that comes from the heart. But it has also attracted a very positive and appreciative response from others who have suffered childhood trauma.
For further information contact: Regina Redmond at redmond_gina@yahoo.co.uk
By Dan Walsh
The parish of Kilmore and the Diocese of Ferns are foremost in lamenting the sad passing of Fr. Denis Doyle, who served 18 years as a loyal and likeable parish priest in Kilmore. He was aged 78 years.
Denis Doyle was born in 1947 at Cadogan, Ballycullane, educated at Balycullane National School, St. Peter’s College, Wexford, St. Peter’s Seminary and was ordained in June 1971.
After ordination Fr. Doyle was sent to the Diocese of Down and Connor, where he worked at Twinbrook, Belfast, from 1971 to 1974.
On his return he was appointed curate at Blackwater in June,1974, and was transferred to Rowe Street, Wexford, in July 1976.
In February 1986 he joined the Ferns Mission team in Brazil and remained there until 1996, when he was appointed curate in New Ross, but he returned to Brazil in 1998.
Fr Denis Doyle was appointed parish priest of Kilmore in 2002 where he served for 18 years until his retirement in 2020.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Fr. Denis Doyle, Starvehall, Coolballow, Wexford Town.
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of a much loved, devoted, former Parish Priest of Kilmore, Fr. Denis Doyle.
Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Bridget, his siblings Sean, Kathleen and Andy.
Fr. Denis will be forever loved and missed by his brothers, Nicholas and Padge, his sisters Bridget, Mary Margaret and Sadie, his much-loved nieces and nephews, loyal friend Mary and all his extended family, his many friends, former parishioners, Bishop Ger and Clergy of the Diocese. May He Rest in Peace
Fr. Denis will arrive to St. Mary’s Church, Kilmore, on Sunday, June 15th for reception prayers at 3pm and will repose until 12 midnight.
Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, June 16th, at 12pm followed by burial in St. Martin’s Cemetery, Ballycullane.
By Dan Walsh
The National 1798 Rebellion Centre has announced details for Rebellion Day, an interactive family event on Sunday, June 22nd from 12 noon-5pm at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy.
Manager Mico Hassett says this community-focused day brings history to life, offering up-close craft demonstrations and weapons displays, along with traditional music and dancing. It is a fun and educational day that encourages participation.
Local Re-enactment organiser, Ray Murphy, said “Re-enactors have the opportunity to pay homage to our past heroes and participate in commemorations and re-enactments throughout the year.
The Enniscorthy Re-enactors Society will set up camp in the gardens of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. Watch out – there may even be a few shots fired!’ Re-enactors will answer questions about the battles and weapons of 1798 throughout the day.
Learn about the hand-crafted weapons that were so important in 1798 with blacksmith and wood-working demonstrations and maybe even see the work that goes into making a hand-forged iron pike!
The Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann brings the Fringe Fleadh to Enniscorthy, providing live trad sessions and Irish Dancing throughout the afternoon.
Bring the whole family and make a day of exploring the food and craft stalls. Café 98 will be open with a special festival menu or bring a picnic and enjoy the 1798 Centre grounds.
The Centre will be open for tours from 12noon-4.15pm, so if you haven’t been in to see the exhibition or it has been a while, come inside and take in a bit of interactive history. Café 98 will be open with a take-away menu, coffee, tea, cold drinks, and sweet treats, too. Public toilet facilities are available to all. On Sunday, the carpark at St. Mary’s CBS will be open for free parking during Rebellion Day.
Deputy Manager Eve Furlong commented “The Rebellion Day event is a free, family day out and for those wanting to see the 1798 exhibition, a general admission tour ticket will be reduced to €5 per person or only €10 for up to a family of five, a super value, for the whole weekend. Keep an eye on https://www.facebook.com/1798centre/ for more updates.’
Music funded through the Fringe Fleadh in partnership with Wexford County Council
WexfordLocal.com 