Death of Gorey artist Michael Warren

Gorey artist and sculptor MICHAEL GEORGE WARREN (Pic; Aosdána)

By Dan Walsh

Many tributes have been expressed at news of the sad passing of Michael Warren the renowned artist and sculptor. He was in his 75th year.

It is with deep sadness that all involved in Oulart Hill Walking Hub have learned of the death of Michael Warren, the Gorey sculptor. Michael was very much involved with the late Ronald Tallon in developing the concept of Tulach a’ tSolais on Oulart Hill, the biggest memorial in the world to 1798 and indeed the most marvellously nuanced.

Born in Gorey, Co. Wexford in 1950, Michael studied at Bath Academy of Art, Trinity College, Dublin, and at the Accademia di Brera in Milan, 1971-1975.

Michael was perhaps best known for his large-scale, site-responsive sculptures in wood. These abstract constructions typically maintain a sense of lightness despite their size and mass.

His major public commissions in Ireland include sculptures made for RTÉ, Dublin Port Authority, Trinity College Dublin, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the Civic Offices on Wood Quay, Dublin.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has taken place of Michael George Warren, Letatlin, Ballycale, Gorey. Michael George Warren died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on the 10th July, 2025. Beloved husband of Maria and much loved father of Cristina and George. He will be sadly missed by his family, brother Richard, sister Elaine, son-in-law Eric, daughter-in-law Eloise, extended family and friends. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Funeral Service will take place at Christ Church, Gorey, at 12 noon on Saturday 12th July, followed by Burial in Tubberneering Graveyard.

Kilmore Quay launches 40th seafood celebration

Long service volunteer SYLVIA KEHOE opened the 40th Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Kilmore Quay

The 40th annual Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival was officially opened this evening by long service volunteer Sylvia Kehoe in brilliant summer sunshine before a large family gathering.

Ms. Kehoe welcomed the community’s 40th Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival and recalled “four decades of seafood cocktails and platters, gally cooks, talent competitions, Fish Fridays, beach fun, coastal walks and talks, trawler, raft and kayak races, and so many many more memorable events.”

Ms. Kehoe continued; “40 years is a long time, 40 years of hauling nets to provide seafood for our platters and fish market, the untangling strings of bunting by the lifeboat crew, checking the tide table for beach activities, directing traffic in hi-vis vests, usually two sizes too big, and asking for the 100th time – ‘What’s the weather like for the festival weekend?’

Ms. Kehoe paid a special tribute to the volunteers. “The real magic of this festival isn’t the weather really…the real magic has been the volunteers. Showing up, year after year, sleeves rolled up and ready to get stuck in to raising funds and ensure there’s always a place for people from all over to gather, enjoy the hospitality and feel at home.

“Here’s to 40 years of community spirit and I am honoured to be representing the many volunteers over the years and I now declare the 40th Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival Open,” said Sylvia Kehoe followed by a loud celbratory cheer from the large attendance.

The proceedings commenced with a formal parade, led by Parade Marshal Peter Moran of the Coast Guard, and featured a special Festival Float presented by Red Moon Theatre. Musical contributions included a performance by Scottish piper Hamish, while Seamus Flaherty participated with his Harley-Davidson. Additional participants comprised representatives from the ICA, Athletic Club, GAA, The Grounds Restaurant, First Responders, Tomhaggard Clean Coast, RNLI, and the Becky Sheil Dancers.

John Grace, Chair of Kilmore Quay Community Development Association acted as master of ceremonies. Cllr Jim Codd was also present.

The Fish Friday Market is one of the highlights and cookery demonstrations and wine appreciation features award-winning chefs in the Stella Maris Centre from 11am to 4.30pm.

It will feature Celbrity Chef Derry Clarke, Bernie Doyle (Stella Maris Centre), Paul Hynes (La Cóte), Toddy Lambden (Mary Barry’s), Brian O’Driscoll (The Grounds), Warren Gillen (Gillen’s Café, Enniscorthy), a fish filleting demonstration with Toddy and Gina, and Billy Kelly (Kelly’s Resort Hotel) will present some wine tasting.

There are also many free events taking place on Saturday and Sunday and the brochure is available on http://www.kilmorequayseafoodfestival.com

Gum Litter Summer Roadshow in Wexford

Promoting the Bin It 2025 camapign are Back Row from left; Hugh Maguire, Environment Section, Jason Tennant, Wexford Borough District, Deputy Mayor Cllr Raymond Shannon, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan, Doireann Umoren GLT, Cliona Connolly and Caroline Sinnott, Environment Section. Front row from left; Thomas Hourihane, GLT Phil Murphy, Wexford Tidy Towns, Ann Fenlon, Wexford Tidy Towns Aileen Porter Wexford Tidy Towns and Kimberley Gray Ennis GLT.

By Dan Walsh

The Gum Litter Taskforce took to the streets of Wexford to promote positive gum litter disposal.

The Summer Roadshow campaign, collaborated with Wexford County Council aims to promote the importance of proper litter disposal through fun education and awareness initiatives that highlight the negative environmental impacts of gum litter and draw awareness to the €150 gum litter fine. 

Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council and Cllr Raymond Shannon, Deputy Mayor, Borough District of Wexford officially launched the Gum Litter Taskforce’s gum litter education campaign in Wexford Town on Tuesday.

Welcoming the roadshow back to Wexford Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “The Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign is an important reminder to the whole community that we must continue to reduce our litter and protect our local environment. The campaign has achieved positive results to date, and I hope this year’s campaign will continue to further build on those results.”  

Deputy Mayor Cllr Raymond Shannon said; “We are delighted to welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce to Wexford. It’s a great initiative that generates awareness of the negative impacts of gum litter in a fun and engaging way. As a Council, we are committed to working with campaigns such as Gum Litter Taskforce, that promote responsible litter disposal behaviours, and result in cleaner communities.”

This year’s Summer Roadshow will make 20 stops across 17 counties. The campaign also includes a school roadshow (‘Bin It!’) which will travel to primary and secondary schools across the country from October, and run an advertising campaign and website, where educational material at www.gumlittertaskforce.ie.

Kilmuckridge sunflowers are thriving

By Dan Walsh

The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field will open again this summer, with proceeds going to The Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy.

CLLR MARY FARRELL (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Following the incredible success of last year’s event, which attracted thousands of visitors from across Ireland, the sunflower field will reopen for its second year, promising not only a stunning display but also a heartfelt community initiative born from families impacted by cancer.

Organised by Cllr Mary Farrell and a dedicated team of volunteers, the project has grown into something far beyond a fundraiser. “Looking back on last year and speaking to the volunteers, the overwhelming feedback was that visiting the sunflower field was a cathartic experience creating a feel-good factor that became contagious,” Cllr Farrell told WexfordLocal.com, and she added; “We welcomed visitors from Donegal, Galway, Cork, and beyond, all happy to support our cause and take away a sunflower as a symbol of hope.”

This year’s field has been lovingly tended since January and has flourished under the recent sunny weather, bringing an earlier-than-expected bloom and plenty of colour to Kilmuckridge. The field is located behind Hammel’s Centra in the village, and visitors are warmly invited to stop by, pick a sunflower, and make a donation as a token of appreciation. All proceeds will go directly to The Hope Cancer Support Centre, which provides invaluable services to those affected by cancer and local community groups.

The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field is a community-driven project, inspired and supported by families who have been touched by cancer. It is a place of reflection, positivity, and togetherness—where every sunflower picked helps make a difference.

Water conservation at Gorey and Taylorstown

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is urging customers in Taylorstown and Gorey to support ongoing water conservation efforts following a period of high demand.

Teams are undertaking a number of measures to protect water supplies including additional monitoring and leak detection and sharing some simple steps to help conserve water and safeguard our precious supplies over the summer months.

Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann’s Operations Manager in Wexford said; “Reduced river and groundwater levels coupled with high demand are impacting supplies in both Gorey and Taylorstown. In response to this we have increased our leakage detection, pipe repairs, and other network management activities to help offset this demand.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and take measures to manage supplies as we go through the summer months. However, we welcome any support the public can provide by doing what they can to decrease their use, which will help reduce the need for additional measures such as nighttime restrictions and outages.” 

Simple actions, such as taking a shorter shower, placing a basin in the sink and fixing leaking taps can all make a significant impact. Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator to help people find out how much water they’re saving and what they can do to save even more. Check it out at water.ie/calculator.

This is also a good time for people to identify any underground leaks outside their home or business. Signs of such leaks may include persistent moisture in areas of the lawn or drivewayduring dry weather. Uisce Éireann’s first fix free scheme provides for a free leak repair on private property where such a leak is identified. We would especially appreciate those who have been contacted for a free leak investigation engage with us to resolve potential leaks.

More information on water.ie. To report leaks in the public network, or for more information, the Uisce Éireann helpdesk is available 24/7 at 1800 278 278.

‘Picnic Against Apartheid’ in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Amnesty International Wexford Group is organising a ‘Picnic Against Apartheid’ fundraiser next Sunday, July 13th in Redmond Park, Wexford town, from 2pm to 5.30pm.

It is a FREE, family friendly event which will feature guest speakers, and musicians playing throughout the day.

The aim is to highlight the apartheid system that Palestinians have been forced to endure for 76 years. Their torment has only been exasperated by Israel’s genocide. “This is genocide. Say it loudly. Say it clearly”, said Stephen Bowen, Director, Amnesty Ireland.

Founded in the 1990s, Amnesty International Wexford Group is one of eight Amnesty groups around Ireland contributing to that organisation’s tireless work in defending human rights all over the world.

Today, the Wexford group is very active in opposing the ongoing genocide in Gaza and holds a weekly protest in Redmond Square every Thursday at 6.30pm. All are welcome to attend and show solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Signs of the times at Courtown!

An Opinion Piece by Dan Walsh

Courtown featured in an RTE News package during the week where the emphasis was on coastal erosion, climate change and the effectiveness, or not, of the rock armour development and a focus where the sea has gone beyond rock armour.

I am regularly in Courtown and support the locals who need to rejuvenate a seaside resort that has much to offer and to get the tourists back!

However, I took a walk from the village last Thursday and I was amazed by the number of ‘No No’ signs, some of which I have published here, which does not sit friendly with the tourism trade.

Wexford County Council Beach Bye-laws have taken the fun out of visiting the beaches – not just Courtown, it is a coastal issue. It is not tourist friendly and is damaging.

Add in the suggestion raising its head lately that the owners of holiday homes should be forced to have their property occupied in the off-season to satisfy the Council and the crazy season becomes a fireworks display!

I will let the various signs speak for themselves!

Many people in Courtown are lamenting the old days when the place was packed during the summer season, the great days of theatre in the hotels and the big bands playing in the ballroom. The picnic on the beach, The fun and the freedom… all gone.

I was there the day, not very long ago, when the District Manager announced a ban on the kiddie’s train. The matter went to the District Council… end of story! It was a health and safety matter they said.

Children and teenagers used to enjoy jumping into the basin. Looking out for each other and having the time of their lives! Banned!

We all know the value of health and safety – it is paramount, but it’s governed by signage and CCTV which has limited credibility and ceases to work properly when footage is sought by the authorities. Nobody physically controlling the regulations and pandering to the greedy insurance interests.

Modern Courtown is struggling. Low footfall, a notable absence of young and old people, the family units no way near what it used to be. It is time for action from the elected members both at Oireachtas and Council level… and urgent action is needed!

However, there is some good news this week. New Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan is happy that work has commenced on the reinstatement of the damaged and closed slipway at Courtown beach.

“This work should be complete within about four days and the people of Courtown and tourists can look forward to a long hot summer of enjoyment of the beach,” Cllr Sullivan told WexfordLocal.com and rightfully added; “Thank you to Director of Services for Environment Eamonn Hore and Environmental Area Officer for Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Enda Brennan, for their input to this project and indeed the local people of Courtown whose lobbying have brought this about.”

Suzanne Nance is new Festival Executive Director

SUZANNE NANCE is Executive Director at Wexford Festival Opera

By Dan Walsh

The board of Wexford Festival Trust has announced the appointment of Suzanne Nance as its new Executive Director. Suzanne Nance will take up the role on January 1st, 2026, following the conclusion of Loughlin Deegan’s term as Interim Executive Director in December.

Suzanne joins Wexford Festival Opera following eight years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Media Arts Network All Classical Radio based in Portland, Oregon, where she oversaw a period of unprecedented growth, with record-breaking audience expansion and a significant increase in global digital reach.

An award-winning broadcaster and highly respected arts leader, and arts ambassador, Suzanne Nance brings a distinguished track record of visionary leadership in public media, the arts, and community engagement.

Speaking about her appointment, Suzanne said “I am deeply honoured to join Wexford Festival Opera as Executive Director, especially as we prepare to celebrate 75 extraordinary years of artistic excellence in 2026. There is a distinct and enduring magic to Wexford – rooted in the warmth of its people and their profound commitment to the arts. The unwavering support of the local community, the Board, and the Arts Council has been essential to the festival’s enduring success.

“As the home of the National Opera House, Wexford holds a cherished place not only in Ireland, but on the international stage. I am thrilled to be part of this remarkable legacy and to help amplify Ireland’s rich contributions to opera and the arts”, concluded Ms. Nance.

Paul Cleary, Chairman of the Board of Wexford Festival Trust, commented; “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Suzanne Nance to Wexford Festival Opera. Suzanne is a dynamic and visionary leader whose deep passion for opera and proven track record in arts leadership make her the ideal choice to guide the company into its next chapter.

The 74th Wexford Festival Opera takes place from October 17th – November 1st.

Conor Stone-Walsh scores local double

CONOR STONE-WALSH rode a double at his local track today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Three pound claiming conditional jockey Conor Stone-Walsh from Cleariestown was the local hero at Wexford races today where he recorded a double success. And both his winning mounts were from Wexford stables.

First up was a four lengths victory on Menas Miracle (8/1) who won ‘best turned out’ in the handicap hurdle and trained at Tomhaggard by Conor’s uncle Benny Walsh. The six-year-old bay mare was bred by her owne today.r, Peter Aspell from Newbawn.

Half an hour later in the maiden hurdle, Stone-Walsh made it two on the trot aboard Stay Gold (Evens fav.) for Killena trainer Colm Murphy. The winning verdict was a neck, and the runner-up was Paul Nolan’s Coumeenoole ridden by Sean O’Keeffe.

Other placed local runners included Hatfield Hammer (Paul Nolan/Jordan Gainford), HMS Seahorse (Paul Nolan/Sean O’Keeffe) and Philip Rothwell’s Warm In Gorey (Tiernan Power-Roche) who finished six and a half lengths behind the best named winner on the day – Crowsatedappletart (7/1) from Michael Winters’ Kanturk stables in Cork in the handicap chase.

Jockey Brian Hayes had a double including success on Fine Margin (4/1) for the champion trainer Willie Mullins in the beginner’s chase. Aintree Grand National winning jockey and champion amateur Patrick Mullins was in charge in the absence of his father.

There was a big Wexford welcome for Jack Kennedy, who has broken a leg six times, and has just returned from injury and his first winner back came on Kimakiz Du Plessis (11/8 fav) for Gordon Elliott in the opening maiden hurdle.

It was a good day’s racing anchored by the GAA Cairde Loch Garman Race Day. Good crowd too, the restaurants and bars were busy, however, a biting wind took a lot of pleasure out of a July day.

Racing returns to Bettyville Park on Wednesday, July 23rd (afternoon) and Thursday, July 24th (evening); too important dates for your social and sporting diary.

Kayakers rescued at Baginbun Beach

Beautiful Baginbun Beach (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

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.”