The scene at the Longest Day Commemoration on Vinegar Hill last evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh on Vinegar Hill
The 227th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion was commemorated on Vinegar Hill last evening with the annual Longest Day Commemoration ceremony.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Aidan Browne paid tribute to the ideals of the men of 1798 and laid a wreath (with Emily Murphy) on the commemoration plinth on Vinegar Hill.
The attendance included Deputy Johnny Mythen, Senator Cathal Byrne and Cllrs Pat Kehoe, Trish Byrne, Jackser Owens and John O’Rourke.
The Reverend Canon Nicola Halford and Rev. Billy Caulfield shared a prayer service.
The Ballindaggin Pipe Band led a parade of re-enactors onto Vinegar Hill and Jacqui Hynes (joint editor of ‘Vinegar Hill.. The Last Stand of the Wexford Rebels of 1798,” delivered an historical address.
Historian Bernard Browne, in the absence of Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, acted as master of ceremonies.
Pikemen Niall Wall, Seamus Murphy, Noel Armstrong and Tim Corrigan sang ‘Boolavogue’ and the event concluded with the Ballindaggin Pipe Band playing Amhrán na bhFiann.
JAMES BROWNE TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
By Dan Walsh
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and outgoing Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, officially opened the new Páirc Aonaigh housing development at Wexford Street, Gorey in a low profile ceremony last night.
A well designed social housing development comprising 30 apartment and duplex units. The development includes 16 one-bedroom, 7 two-bedroom, and 7 three-bedroom homes.
Called Pairc Aonaigh ‘as Gaeilge which means ‘Playground’ the new development is on the site of the old St. Joseph’s CBS Primary School in the town centre.
The work was carried out with Van Dijk Architects and Mythen Construction and a team at Wexford County Council. Cost of the development has not been disclosed!
According to local TD Malcolm Byrne “Homes in this fantastic development are currently being allocated to local families and individuals and a vibrant community will grow at the heart of the town.”
MICO HASSETT, Manager National 1798 Rebellion Centre and JOHNNY MYTHEN TD with the new portrait of John Kelly The Boy From Killanne which was unveiled at a function in Enniscorthy this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy
A new portrait of John Kelly The Boy From Killanne by world renowned artist Jim Fitzgerald has gone on public display at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy.
The work was presented by Deputy Johnny Mythen TD at a function earlier this evening to mark the official opening of the 1798 Remembrance weekend of events which taking place in the town tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.
Artist Jim Fitzgerald was unable to attend the function in person, but he did appear via video link and explained many aspects behind the work and promised to visit the 1798 Centre very soon.
Manager Mico Hassett welcomed the invited attendance which included Deputy Mythen, Cllrs Pat Kehoe and Trish Byrne, and District Manager Claire Lawless. Niall Wall gave a vocal presentation with his wonderful version of the famous Wexford ballad – Kelly The Boy From Killanne.
Ms. Hassett outlined events at the 4th annual Summer School taking place tomorrow (Saturday) which begins at 10am with a walking tour with Barry Lacey and historic talks from Dr. Elaine Callinan, Myles Courtney and Dr Ida Milne.
There are two free events tomorrow evening; at 4.30pm Jacqui Hynes talks on ‘Vinegar Hill-survey of a battlefield. This is followed by the Longest Day Commemoration on Vinegar Hill from 6pm.
Rebellion Day takes place at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, from 12 noon until 5pm on Sunday.
Manager Mico Hassett says this community-focused day brings history to life; “A family day with live music re-enactors, blacksmith and crafts. It is a fun and educational day that encourages participation.”
Local Re-enactment organiser, Ray Murphy, said “Re-enactors can 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!’
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.
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.”
At the launch of the Age Friendly parking spaces in New Ross were (left to right); Cllr Michael Sheehan, Niamh Bolger, Age Friendly Officer, Cllr Pat Barden, Cllr John Dwyer, Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District, Cllr John Fleming, Ger Mackey, Cllr Matty Murphy and Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager.
By Dan Walsh
New Ross Municipal District unveiled two new Age-Friendly parking spaces in New Ross town on Thursday. The launch was performed by Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, with district members and Council officials present. These dedicated parking spaces are designed to promote inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that older residents and those with mobility challenges can easily access the town’s amenities and services. The initiative reflects the town’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive community where everyone can participate fully in town life. Speaking at the unveiling, New Ross District Manager, Alan Fitzhenry, said; “We are thrilled to introduce these Age-Friendly parking spaces, which help in making New Ross a more accessible and welcoming place for all. “Initiatives like this demonstrate our dedication to supporting residents of all ages and abilities, and we are proud to champion inclusivity in our community. “Thanks to Niamh Bolger, the Age Friendly Programme Manager with Wexford County Council, for her support on this project and to the Area Engineer, David Murphy, for completing the works,” stated Mr Fitzhenry Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council, Cllr Bridín Murphy said; “It is with great pleasure that I unveil these new age-friendly parking spaces in New Ross town today, as my last official task as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District. These spaces, strategically located to provide easier access to essential services and amenities, are a small but meaningful step towards enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the district. “I want to thank Niamh Bolger, Age Friendly Officer with Wexford County Council, for funding this initiative, as well as the District Engineer, David Murphy, for installing the spaces. “I encourage all motorists to respect these courtesy spaces, together we can create a more inclusive New Ross that truly caters to the needs of all residents,” added Cllr Murphy. The new spaces are part of a broader effort by the district to enhance accessibility in the town, aligning with the national Age-Friendly Ireland Programme.
RAFTER STREET, Enniscorthy, pedestrianised or not! (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at the monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
The ban on advertising sandwich boards in Enniscorthy surfaced again at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting where Cllr Pat Kehoe called for “a common-sense approach”.
Director of Services Carolyne Godkin reiterated the sentiments of Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe at the previous week’s County Council meeting who sternly condemned the use of free advertising on streets and the risks it posed for families with buggies, the elderly and those with disabilities.
Rafter Street, a pedestrian zone, is open to traffic 10am-4.30pm Monday-Friday and Cllr Kehoe felt it should be pedestrianised for seven days!
Cllr Kehoe noted that the sandwich boards were used by shops to keep traffic from parking too close to business doorways!
Cllr Jackser Owens lamented that 20% of business is being lost and shops were closing because of the billboard ban. He is seeking a reversal on the decision.
Then Cllr Owens threw the meeting into ‘wonderland’ when he pointed out, more than once, that there is no path on Rafter Street!
Local businesses in Enniscorthy are hesitant and secret on their reaction to the billboard ban, but it appears that the bye-law is in place and there is no going back to the old ways.
CLLR JOHN DWYER (Cathaoirleach) and CLLR JOHN FLEMING (Leas-Cathaoirleach) exchanged congratulations after the New Ross Municipal District Council annual general meeting this afternoon.
By Dan Walsh
Independent Cllr John Dwyer is the new Cathaoirleach for New Ross Municipal District. He was elected at today’s annual general meeting and replaces Cllr Bridín Murphy.
“It was an honour and a privilege to be elected as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council this afternoon, said Cllr Dwyer on a social media post, and he added: “I would like to thank my fellow councillors for the faith they have shown in me and indeed I would like to thank my family and my supporters for their ongoing support, for without them, I could not do what I do. I look forward to this coming year.”
A former member of Wexford County Council, Cllr Dwyer lost his seat in the 2014 Local Elections, narrowed missed out in 2019, and regained his seat in the 2024 Local Elections when he promised that he would be “a truly Independent voice for New Ross.”
Cllr Dwyer was also an unsuccessful candidate in two General Elections representing two different parties – Eirigí and Sinn Féin.
The Leas-Cathaoirleach is Cllr John Fleming (Fianna Fáil).
Uisce Éireann teams are currently repairing a burst water main that has reduced flow to the Creagh Water Treatment Plant in Gorey.
The burst is disrupting water supply for Uisce Éireann customers in Gorey Town, Tara Hill, Ballymoney, and nearby areas.
Crews are on site and are working to repair the burst. It is estimated that repairs will be complete, and supply will return to normal levels from approximately 5pm this evening.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured affected customers that supply will be restored as quickly as possible.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience caused by unplanned outages and we want to thank affected customers for their understanding while our crews work to repair the burst and restore normal supply,” said Mr Lyng.
Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.
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.
Rosslare Harbour RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat at sea. (Pic;RNLI/Rosslare Harbour).
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.”
CLLR DONAL KENNY is congratulated by his wife, Helen, following election as Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council at the annual general meeting in Gorey today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
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.
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