Fethard RNLI assisted two kayakers in difficulty off Baginbun Beach in force five winds yesterday (Thursday) evening after onlookers on Baginbun beach had noticed the kayakers in distress and raised the alarm with the Coast Guard.
The inshore lifeboat Naomh Dubhán was requested at 5.42pm and the volunteer crew made it ready for immediate launch.
The lifeboat helmed by James Barry made its way to the scene where the crew located the casualties shortly after 6pm with shore assistance from Fethard-on-Sea Coast Guard. Visibility was good with force five winds and slight to moderate waves.
The casualties were wearing personal flotation devices and were uninjured. Some quick-thinking from the casualties to tie their kayaks together ensured they were not separated by the wind.
Having assessed the situation, a decision was made to transfer the casualties to the lifeboat and return to Baginbun Beach with the kayaks under tow to prevent a hazard to navigation. The lifeboat crew handed the casualties over to Fethard-on-Sea Coast Guard on the shore.
Speaking after the call out, Fethard RNLI Helm James Barry said: “We would like to commend the kayakers friends on shore who did the right thing by calling for help and we wish everyone well.
“Despite fine weather, offshore winds can blow kayaks away from the beach and cause difficulties for kayakers to make their way back to shore. It is important to always wear a personal flotation device and have a means of calling for help when heading out to sea. If you do see somebody in difficulty on the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
The body of a man has been recovered from the waters off Hook Head in Co Wexford.
The Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre tasked the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 to the scene at around 11am on Thursday morning.
It is understood the man may have fallen into the water from a small boat.
In a statement, “The Department of Transport confirmed that Rescue 117 had recovered a person from the water and that he was transferred to the care of the HSE upon landing at Waterford Airport.”
At the launch of the Gorey Art Collective Exhibition opening in Gorey Library are (left to right); Mary Kearney, Executive Librarian, Sarah Redmond, who performed the official opening, and Sheila MacNally, Director of Gorey Art Collective. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Library
The launch of the Gorey Art Collection Exhibition 2025 took place in Gorey Library this evening and runs until August 1st.
The honour of performing the official launch went to Sarah Redmond who told the invited guests she was involved in the Collective at its inception and added; “It’s wonderful to now see it rise above initial obstacles and evolve into an inspiring, creative space.”
“I know that a big part of seeing the Gorey Art Collective grow and thrive is down to the help of the Arts Council and the Wexford Arts department project funding and inaugural artists workspace scheme and Gorey Art Collective is very grateful for this,” continued Ms. Redmond.
The exhibition features the work of five artists; Sheila MacNally, Bradan Ó Coscair, Caoirse Mitchell, Grainne Dempsey and Elaine Tobin.
Ms. Redmond said; “The current members of Gorey Art Collective each bring something uniquely their own, both in what they create and how they create it. They are showing us what can happen when many voices share one space.”
In summing up, Ms. Redmond stated; “Please take your time to appreciate and engage with all the works on display here (in Gorey Library) and do spread the word to come and see the exhibition.”
Mary Kearney, Executive Librarian, acted as master of ceremonies with a warm welcome for everybody and congratulations to the artists whose work is on display in Gorey Library.
Midsummer racing comes to Bettyville Park on Friday afternoon.
Big entry, an eight race card – four hurdles, three steeplechases and one INH Flat Race – and attendees should note the earlier start – first race is off at 1.35pm.
Watering has taken place at the track and the going is expected to be ‘Good’. There is a possibility of showers (4mm approx.) prior to racing.
Large crowd expected and a social atmposhere with exciting races.
Community and farming groups met with officials from Wexford County Council and theLocal Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) in Craanford Community Hall recently where the meeting addressed water quality on the River Slaney, with a particular focus on the River Bann.
Hosted by Wexford County Council’s Climate Action and Environment Section in partnership with LAWPRO, Teagasc and Tirlán, the event heard contributions from a range of speakers including the Friends of the Ahare River Biodiversity and Development Group and the Slaney Rivers Trust.
The discussion centred on visions, community actions and plans for local rivers and the River Slaney catchment. The event was chaired by Frank Burke, Climate Action Coordinator Wexford County Council.
Eoin Kinsella, Executive Scientist, Wexford County Council outlined the work being carried out by colleagues and emphasised the diversity of the work being done from agricultural inspections to managing litter on the Blue Flag beaches.
JOHN MURPHY, Chairperson of TÍRLÁN.
Dr. Fran Igoe of LAWPRO outlined the scientific data on water quality and focused on the Bann catchment. He said “that the glass is only half full when it comes to water quality in his home county of Wexford and we can do a lot better. “For example, the Environmental Protection Agency has found that the River Bann is a significant contributor of nitrates to the Slaney, and that combined with the other tributaries amounts to high nitrate loading to the Slaney. This needs to be addressed as EPA monitoring shows there is an excessive nitrate impact on the estuary and Wexford Harbour.
“Clean water is important for Wexford’s tourism shellfish production and maintaining the health of the River Slaney generally. Most of the River Bann is also important for salmon and trout spawning and the water quality needs improvement,” concluded Dr. Igoe.
David Rafter, Community Water Officer commended the great work being done by community groups in Wexford and encouraged those interested in getting involved and accessing funding to get in touch with LAWPRO.
Neilus Noonan presented on work Teagasc are doing in Wexford and detailed his appointment to the Better Farming for Water initiative with a focus on the River Slaney. He outlined farmer uptake of the catch crop measure under the Farming for WaterEIP in Co. Wexford. He said the “more catch crops sown on tillage land the better for water quality in the River Slaney as it’s all about the right measure in the right place”
John Murphy, Chairperson Tirlán spoke about their commitment as a dairy processor to improving water quality in the area with their Slaney Farming for Water Project, which aims to encourage farmers to install measures on their farms funded through the Farming for WaterEIP and Tiran’s own suitability programme. He said “It’s not about finger pointing but it is about everybody working together”.
CATHY LEE of Friends of the Ahare River Biodiversity and Development Group and DR. FR FRAN IGOE of LAWPRO contributed to the meeting. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
Cathy Lee of the Friends of the Ahare River Biodiversity and Development Group, which was formed in 2019, showed examples of their water awareness raising activities, including biodiversity signage along the river, school visits to the river and family fun days at the Clone beach. Their ambition for the future is to create additional habitats along the river.
Ross Finlay project officer with the Slaney Rivers Trust spoke about their objective to improve salmon stocks in the Slaney and their plans for broadening community engagement.
Clohamon Weir has been a specific challenge and there are also other weirs impacting on fish passage on the Slaney. They are working with Inland Fisheries Ireland on the new barrier removal programme.
HISTORY OF RIVER BANN. Rises in the southern slopes of Croghan Mountain in north Wexford on the Wicklow border. It flows south and is joined by the Blackwater Stream near the village of Hollyfort, veering southwest it passes under the R725, then continuing southwestwards it flows beneath the N11 national primary route at Camolin. It is crossed by the Dublin-Rosslare railway four times, flows past Ferns, and joins the River Slaney at Scarawalsh, north of Enniscorthy. Distance 42 kilometres.
New Mayor of Wexford Cllr Garry Laffan pictured with members of his family and James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, at the annual general meeting of Wexford Borough District in Council Chamber on Monday evening.
By Dan Walsh
Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Garry Laffan is the new Mayor of Wexford replacing Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh at the annual general meeting held in the County Chamber on Monday. The position of Deputy Mayor goes to Cllr Raymond Shannon.
It is Cllr Laffan’s second occasion to wear the Mayoral robes, and he was a popular choice and warmly congratulated by fellow members and officials. He was Mayor of Wexford for the first time in 2021.
First elected to Wexford Borough Council and Wexford County Council in 2019, Cllr Laffan was a member of Wexford’s All-Ireland hurling champions team of 1996. He has been described as “the only rural voice” on the Borough Council!
Mayor Laffan said: “I am privileged and honoured to have been elected by my peers and colleagues from Wexford Borough District Council. I’d like to congratulate Cllr Catherine Walsh on her successful term as Mayor and Cllr Raymond Shannon on being elected Deputy Mayor for the coming term. I look forward to working with all communities throughout Wexford District and beyond and representing the Office of Mayor to the best of my ability.”
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Raymond Shannon said; “I was so honoured and privileged to be selected by my fellow councillors as Deputy Mayor of Wexford. A roll I will do with all my heart and passion with all the love I have Wexford.
“I look forward to working with the new Mayor Cllr Garry Laffan and wish him the very best for the year ahead, added Cllr Shannon.
In a statement issued by Iarnród Éireann today it announced that Rosslare Europort regrets the decision of Stena Line to withdraw from the Rosslare Europort to Cherbourg route from later this year. “Stena Line has been and remains a valued partner of Rosslare Europort on both European and UK routes, and port management look forward to continuing the partnership with them on the Cherbourg route over its remaining months, and on an ongoing basis on the Rosslare to Fishguard route.
“We welcome the upgrading of Fishguard port infrastructure to support and develop that service further. Rosslare Europort continues to see record demand and volumes overall, up 14% in freight volume and up 10% in passenger numbers in 2025 year to date, over a previous record year in 2024. Frequency of direct European sailings have increased from six weekly pre-Brexit to up to 36 weekly today, with a range of operators and partner ports offering choice and flexibility to port customers. Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann – Port Authority for Rosslare Europort told WexfordLocal.com that “While we are sorry to see Stena Line withdraw from the Rosslare Europort to Cherbourg route, we understand its decision relates to its own strategic priorities to focus on Irish Sea routes. We have already received queries and will immediately engage with other operators to ensure our record European frequency of up to 36 sailings per week is maintained, and we are confident we will continue to offer frequency and choice to trade and tourism customers alike. “With ongoing investment under the port Masterplan and, with the OPW in the T7 Border Control Point facilities, our focus remains on expanding and improving services and facilities through Ireland’s Gateway to Europe,” said Mr. Carr, who added; “In addition, we will soon be submitting a planning application for the onshore hub facilities to support Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy developments in the Celtic and Irish Seas.”
Prizewinners from Junior and senior infants pictured at the Wexford County Council Annual Artwork Competition 2025 in the Wexford County Council Buildings on Thursday evening. (l to r)- Tess Devereux (Piercestown NS), Julia Whelan (Ballyduff NS), Tuiren Doyle (Ballyduff NS), Don Conroy (Guest speaker), Saraid Holmes (St Kevin’s NS, Tara Hill), Leas Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council Cllr Ger Carthy, Ava Andrew (St Leonards NS, Ballycullane), Eva Flynn (Rathnure NS), Cliona Connolly (Environment Education Officer, Wexford County Council), Cian McHale (Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns), Ava Cleary Gusserane NS), Amy O’Keeffe (St Leonards NS, Ballycullane), Elena Caffery (Scoil Naomh Bríde, Blackwater). (Pic: Jim Campbell).
By Dan Walsh
Young artists from schools all around County Wexford received their awards for the Wexford County Council Annual Artwork Competition 2025 in County Hall last Thursday.
The artwork competition is an initiative run by the Environment Section of Wexford County Council in conjunction with Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club.
The theme of this year’s competition was“Bumblebees, Solitary Bees and Honeybee – Nature’s Pollinators.”
Cllr Ger Carthy, Leas -Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, presented prizes to 40 school children representing both primary and secondary schools.
Cllr Carthy stated “that the aim of the competition was to raise awareness of the importance of Wexford’s environment and to encourage all to explore its uniqueness as something to be valued and cherished. Wexford County Council is preparing a new Local Biodiversity Action Plan, supported by the Heritage Council.
Cllr Carthy thanked Don Conroy for providing the colouring sheet and judging the artwork competition. He also thanked Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club for supporting the competition and sponsoring birdboxes. He also praised the young artists present and encouraged them to maintain a healthy respect for the environment as part of their lives.
The overall winner from Primary Schools was Alice Buki Nemeth, Glynn National School and the overall winner from Secondary Schools was Leon Carthy of Selskar College Wexford. The winning artwork was displayed in County Hall.
Full List of Artwork Winners were Junior Infants; 1st, Ava Andrew St Leonards National School, Ballycullane; 2nd, Tuiren Doyle Ballyduff National School; 3rd, Julia Whelan Ballyduff National School. Highly Commended; Sariad Holmes St Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill and Tess Devereux Piercestown National School.
Senior Infants. 1st, Elena Caffery Scoil Naomh Bríde; 2nd, Amy O’Keeffe St Leonards National School, Ballycullane; 3rd, Ava Cleary Gusserane National School. Highly Commended Eva Flynn Rathnure National School and Cian McHale Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns.
First and Second Class; 1st, Kallum Hennessy Greene Kilmore National School; Joint 2nd, James Kahwati Glynn National School and Arthur James Danescastle National School; Joint 3rd, Saoirse Egan Gusserane National School and Shayna Walsh Glynn National School. Highly Commended Ailbhe Rose D’Arcy Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown.
Third and Fourth Class; 1st, Ella Roche Kilmore National School; 2nd, Faye Bernadette Murphy Kilmore National School; Joint 3rd; Ella Tobin Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown and Hanna Doyle Ballyduff National School. Dillon O’Neill, St Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill. Highly Commended Liliwen Davies Danescastle National School.
Fifth and Sixth Class; 1st, Hanna Violet Walsh Kennedy Park National School; Joint 2nd, Rachael Gahan Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns andCathal Bowe Ballyduff National School; 3rd, Addison O’Leary Scoil Naomh Bríde, Blackwater. Highly Commended Mila Barry Mythen Kilmore National School and Diana Ilnytska St Kevins National School Tara Hill.
First to Third Year; 1st, Conan Kelly St Peters College, Wexford; 2nd, Shara Alcock Selskar College, Wexford; Joint 3rd, Krisztina Barta Selskar College, Wexford, and Lucy Salisbury Kennedy College, New Ross. Highly Commended Logan Murray St Peters College, Wexford.
Fourth to Sixth Year; 1st, James Furlong St Peters College, Wexford; Joint 2nd; Niamh O’Connor Kennedy College, New Ross and Cormac Deane St Peters College, Wexford; 3rd, Darragh Sherlock St Peters College, Wexford. Highly Commended Luke Burke Kennedy College, New Ross.
Overall Winner Primary School; Alice Buki Nemeth Glynn National School. Overall Winner Secondary School Leon Carthy Selskar College.
Snap Into Action Primary School Winners; 1st, Danescastle National School; Runners-up; Ballyoughter National School and Kilmyshall National School.
New Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council CLLR GER CARTHY with his family, wife ANNE-MARIE, and their children, Daniel, Michael and Erin at the annual general meeting in Council Chamber, Wexford, today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the Rosslare Municipal District annual general meeting
Long serving elected representative Cllr Ger Carthy is the new Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District and outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Jim Codd handed over the chains of office with a handshake and words of good wishes at the annual general meeting held in the Council Chamber, Wexford, this afternoon.
Cllr Carthy’s nomination was proposed by Cllr Lisa McDonald who referenced his experience, his ability to get things done and as a reward for all the work he has done for the district. Cllr Frank Staples seconded and described Cllr Carthy as “most capable” and “always has delivered.”
Cllr Carthy said it was a great honour for him and his family and thanked his mother, Anne, wife Anne-Marie and children, Daniel, Michael and Erin, Cllrs McDonald and Staples, District Manager Noreen Cummins, and his team of supporters.
Between Cllr Ger and his late father, Cllr Leo Carthy (first elected in June 1960) the Carthy name has been acting as “a very strong voice for our community” for 62 years and Cllr Carthy promises to continue to work with community groups and delivery of strategic plans for the district.
This is Cllr Carthy’s second term in the Chair at Rosslare Municipal District. He previously served in the year the district was established in 2019. He was also Mayor of Wexford in 2016, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council in 2019 and was Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council for the past two years.
The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach goes to Cllr Lisa McDonald, proposed by Cllr Staples and seconded by Cllr Codd.
Warm tributes were also paid to outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jim Codd, who said it was a great honour to serve as Cathaoirleach of the District and described the experience as “the highlight of my career so far.”
Cllr Codd paid tribute to District Manager Noreen Cummins, management and colleagues, staff at Wexford County Council, especially the road staff and the homeless staff – the Press, Simon Bourke, Dan Walsh and Alan Corcoran – and wished Cllrs Carthy and McDonald well in the year ahead.
There were also tributes from Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe, Lynda Leacy, (Clinical Director), Noreen Cummins (District Manager) and Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien, who attended the meeting remotely.
A female pedestrian in her 60s is in St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, having been seriously injured when hit by a truck on Main Street, Gorey, this morning.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the collision at around 10.45am.
The street was closed for a time but has since reopened.
WexfordLocal.com 