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.
Twenty-six-year-old Cliona O’Leary from Boolavogue, has been selected as the 2025 Wexford Rose.
CLIONA O’LEARY… Wexford Rose 2025.
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.
At the launch of Wexapp ahead of Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann 2025 were; Anthony Bailey, Wexford Borough District Manager, Gareth Williams, Director WexApp, Eimear Kennedy, Fleadh PR & Marketing Committee.
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.
ÓRLA BATES at the opening of her Sync Shift solo exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre today. (Pic;WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre.
WexfordArts 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.
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.
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.
FR. DENIS DOYLE PP. Kilmore (2002-2020) (Pic; Tony Crosbie Photography).
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.
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.
Image Credits; Rocket Science Media.
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
The National 1798 Rebellion Centre has announced details of the 1798 Summer School events to commemorate the 1798 Rebellion in Enniscorthy on Saturday and Sunday, June 21st and 22nd.
Join historian and archaeologist Barry Lacey for a walking tour of Enniscorthy town, starting at 10am from the 1798 Centre carpark on Saturday. The walk ends at The National 1798 Rebellion Centre, followed by three talks on the Rebellion.
The talks begin at 12 noon with Dr. Elaine Callinan of Carlow College, discussing the 1798 Rebellion’s influence on European and American revolutions. After a lunch break, New Ross historian Myles Courtney will provide an in-depth talk on the Battle of New Ross at 2pm.
In the final talk of the day, Dr. Ida Milne, a lecturer at Carlow College and TCD, will discuss her family’s letters from 1785 to 1817, collected by her father and uncle. These letters offer insights into the social and economic landscape before the 1798 rebellion, events around New Ross and Old Ross in 1798, and the divided loyalties within her family during that period.
The morning walking tour and talks are €10 each or a 1798 Summer School pass, which includes entry to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre exhibition over the weekend, is only €12. Pre-booking is recommended through info@1798centre.ie or 053 9327596. Free parking is available.
The public is invited to attend a free talk on the battle of Vinegar Hill, given by folklorist and historian Jacqui Hynes, at the top of Vinegar Hill. Meet in the Vinegar Hill carpark at 4.30pm and walk up to the old windmill for this discussion on its history. After the talk, walk back down the hill to attend the Longest Day Commemoration.
A commemoration for the battle of Vinegar Hill will be held at 6pm on Saturday, June 21st, at the Vinegar Hill car park, in collaboration with Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. The Enniscorthy Re-enactment Society, joined by the Nócha hOcht le Chéile pikemen and the Ballindaggin Pipe Band, will march from Enniscorthy Gaelscoil to Vinegar Hill in period attire. The commemoration will feature historical speeches and music from the Ballindaggin Pipe Band and other performers.Free and open to the public.
The Enniscorthy Community Alliance received €98,280 from the Government’s Community Recognition Fund for renovating Captain Wafer Hall at Springvalley in the Templeshannon area of the town.
“We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly grateful for this funding from the Community Recognition Fund,” said Billy Murphy, Chairperson of the Enniscorthy Community Alliance.
“The Captain Wafer Hall has served as a cherished hub for generations of Enniscorthy residents, hosting countless events, meetings, and gatherings. This investment is a testament to its importance and will enable us to transform it into a modern, accessible, and vibrant space that can continue to serve our community for many years to come,” added Mr Murphy.
The Alliance has leased Captain Wafer Hall and is restoring it to its original state. Over the last year, the team has made minor renovations and applied for grants for major restorations.
This funding is an important milestone, but it will not fully cover the work that needs to be done so further fundraising will be taking place over the coming year.
The renovation project will restore community spaces and improve accessibility and energy efficiency.
These improvements will maintain the hall as an accommodating and practical venue for various community activities, including local meetings, classes, cultural events, and social gatherings.
Enniscorthy Community Alliance is a non-profit organisation that has supported Enniscorthy for many years through various enhancement projects and programmes.
THOMAS WAFER was born on January 11th, 1890 and was from the Shannon area of Enniscorthy.
CAPTAIN THOMAS WAFER (1890-1916).
He was apprenticed to cabinet makers, Kearney’s of Main Street, Enniscorthy, before moving to McDonagh’s in Galway. He set up his own business on the North Circular Road in Dublin, following his marriage.
He was captain of E Company, 2nd Battalion Irish Volunteers and was the officer-in-charge of the detachment that escorted the lorry of arms from Fairview Park to the GPO on Easter Monday.
Thomas Wafer died from a sniper’s bullet while holding the Hibernian Bank in Sackville Street on April 26th, 1916.
Wafer’s memory is preserved on a plaque on the house where he lived in the Shannon. Wafer Street running from Market Square (previously New Street) to Pig Market Hill is named after him. And the Captain Thomas Wafer Memorial Hall at Springvalley, at the foot of the famous ’21 Steps’.
Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe warned at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council that unauthorised advertising signs lack insurance cover and public liability would fall on business owners.Cllr Pip Breen was presiding at his final meeting as Cathaoirleach.
Mr Taaffe stated that he didn’t understand the need for advertising signs on medieval narrow streets in New Ross, Enniscorthy and Wexford. “They are a hazard on footpaths. We can’t have streets blocked by free advertising. They want sandwich boards right outside their shops! We don’t want unnecessary obstructions. We must have free movement for families with young children, people with mobility issues and the elderly,” said Mr Taaffe.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council EDDIE TAAFFE.
Mr Taaffe referred to aesthetics and the need to have our towns clean and inviting for visitors.
Cllr Owens said that taking down the signs in Enniscorthy meant that “25% of the profit was taken away from business owners” and he claimed that “Enniscorthy is dying on it’s feet and something needs to be done.”
Cllr Pat Kehoe floated the notion of ‘wall mounted’ or ‘window mounted’ advertising and he wondered if it could be covered by a shop front grant? (Apparently, there is no national policy on sandwich boards).
Referring to New Ross, Cllr Pat Barden suggested “a bracket eight feet high that could be put up in the morning and taken down in the evening?”
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said that business was getting so tight that it was difficult for businesses to keep going, however, he also understood the dangers of trip hazards on the public road.
Cllr Tom Forde proposed a motion, seconded by Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien, that “We ask that this Council create a permit system, and standardised designs, that would allow businesses to apply the use of signage on bollards/ sandwich boards throughout the county, as long as they are not creating an obstacle for any pedestrians or road users.” The amended version put to the floor included the words ‘risk assessment’ and ‘elevated’ and a majority supported it by a show of hands.
WexfordLocal.com 