Enniscorthy missing flags mystery

This image was taken on Saturday when researching the cable car story. The flagpoles on the busy Seamus Rafter Bridge are there but the flags have gone!. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Twelve Irish flags flying from the Seamus Rafter Bridge over the River Slaney have disappeared from their masts since last Friday and Cllr Jackser Owens is demanding to know ‘who removed them?’ and he is disgusted at such treatment of the tricolour! “They should be left there”, he insisted!

The drama unfolded at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held at Carricklawn when Cllr Owens put the question of the missing Irish flags to the meeting and the top table were completely lost. They looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders in unison but could offer no explanation.

CLLR JACKSER OWNENS (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Director Services Eamonn Hore failed to understand what Cllr Owens was talking about and suggested he make contact with the Enniscorthy District Manager, Claire Lawless, and she may be able to help.

Cllr John O’Rourke gave some support to his Enniscorthy district colleague and said the flags go up for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and remain for Easter, Fleadh events, the longest day on Vinegar Hill, June 21st, festivals and give a good image to the town.

Of course, the Rafter Bridge is earmarked for demolition in 2027 if the Enniscorthy Flood Relief scheme progresses on time!!!

So, what happens next? Well, the next meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council takes place next Tuesday and the ‘missing flags’ mystery will be on the agenda.

I’ve been researching the problem since Monday and a few ideas are floating.

1). The umbrellas were taken down from Slaney Street last Friday, possibly as routine maintenance ahead of winter weather that could damage decorations. The storage season has arrived!

2). Another theory suggests that Enniscorthy’s changing culture has led to diminished respect for the national flag in republican terms, with anticipation of a new form of representation.

3.) Or does the removal of the flags fall under the same remit as the removal of billboards from Rafter Street and the town centre?

The Athenaeum Hall, home of the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy, has a tall flag pole, but no flag – the last one was torn to shreds and removed after members of the public complained.

There is a tricolour on a private premises on Slaney Street. It was there last night!  

New Wexford centre for entertainment groups

Welcoming a new era for the Mechanics Institute in Wexford town centre were (left to right); Brian McKenna, Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh, Garry Sinnott, Kilcaven Property Developments, Dympna O’Connor, Head of Community Development at Wexford County Council and Cllr Leonard Kelly. (Pic; Jim Campbell).

By Dan Walsh

The historic Mechanics Institute on Wexford’s Main Street will become a community space managed by Wexford County Council’s Community Department.  

Over the past two years, the Special Projects team of Wexford County Council has conducted protection work on the historic structure to prevent additional deterioration. An internal refurbishment project is currently in progress to prepare the facility for regular community use.  

The initial primary leaseholders will be a committee of established Wexford theatre groups known for their high-quality pantomimes, musicals, and dramas.  Wexford Pantomime Society, Oyster Lane Theatre Group, and Wexford Drama Group will share the building for rehearsals, meetings, and storing props and costumes.

Commenting on the launch of the refurbishment project, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Garry Laffan said; “I am really delighted to see the old Mechanics Institute building being brought back to life after all these years lying empty.  It has been a common issue raised by the public in recent years and it’s terrific that we have finally found a solution. 

“Over the years, thousands of Wexford people have enjoyed and taken part in productions from all three of these theatre groups which are managed by production teams and committees of volunteers whose only driver is the sheer love of theatre,” added Mayor Laffan.

Wexford County Council Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe said; “I am delighted to have found such a relevant and much needed use for the historic Mechanics Institute.  It is a great result all round for everyone involved and we hope the building will help strengthen the already excellent theatre culture enjoyed in the town. 

“The building is centrally located on Wexford’s Main Street and so it is really important to bring it back into use for the people of Wexford.  Hopefully now that we have made the investment, the building will continue to provide quality community space for future generations.”

The ’Mechanic’s Institute’ opened in 1858 and prospered for many years as a literary and library centre. In more recent times, the commercial and editorial offices of The Wexford People newspaper were above the front shop in the former Mechanics Institute, a once-elegant Victorian building with an interesting, arcaded shopfront on the ground floor.

In 2000, The Wexford People relocated from their premises on Main Street, situated opposite the junction with Anne Street, to newly constructed offices at Channing House on Rowe Street.

€1m funding for two Rosslare villages

An aerial view of the coastline linking Rosslare Strand to Rosslare Harbour where Wexford County Council has €1 million to spend. (Pic; Tony Mullen Photography).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council will get €1 million to fund the Rosslare Sustainable Tourism Experience, connecting Rosslare Harbour and Rosslare Strand with a new civic plaza and public works in both villages.

The good news was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, last Friday.

CLLR GER CARTHY Chair Rosslare District Council (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr. Ger Carthy, Chair of Rosslare Municipal District expressed his delight on hearing the announcement; “I welcome the funding announced by Minister Calleary. It represents a major step forward in realising both Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Harbours potential as thriving hubs for tourism and community life.

“We are investing in Rosslare’s future, creating places where people want to live, visit and do business,” added Cllr Carthy.

Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council stated; “The funding awarded under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund will support the advancement of a comprehensive redevelopment initiative that focuses on enhancing public spaces, improving infrastructure and promoting Rosslare’s coastal character as both a popular seaside resort and gateway to Europe.”

Lynda Lacey, Director of Services for Rosslare Municipal District added; “This is a fantastic, good news story for the district and the county as a whole. This much needed funding will provide the basis for a future submission to secure funding to carry out the capital works identified under this measure.”

Calls for applications to the fund are sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to projects with all necessary planning and consents in place and are ready to proceed, while Category 2 relates to projects that require further development and enabling initiatives to become ready for Category 1 status.

€10.5m cocaine seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 50s was taken into custody following the seizure of cocaine valued at €10.5 million at Rosslare Europort today, Monday.

The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Revenue’s Customs Service carried out the joint operation.

As a result, a truck and trailer unit travelling from the continent was controlled and searched at Rosslare Europort.

The search of the truck revealed an elaborate lead lined concealment within the fuel tank of the vehicle.

Approximately 150 Kgs of cocaine was discovered within the concealment with an estimated street value of €10.5 million.

A man in his 50’s was arrested and is currently detained under Organised Crime Legislation in the South East of the country.

Gardai say investigations are ongoing.

Enniscorthy to get CCTV instead of a Cable Car!

Environmentally friendly Turret Rocks overlooking the River Slaney at Enniscorthy is set to get CCTV cameras to spy on illegal activity.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council is undertaking a public consultation on the proposed installation of CCTV cameras and is moving forward with implementation at six locations throughout the county, including Turret Rocks, situated along the River Slaney in Enniscorthy.

This initiative aims to deter littering and illegal dumping.

Wexford County Council claim that CCTV cameras are for the sole purpose of preventing litter and illegal dumping and the enforcement of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, and the Waste Management Act 1996. They add that this initiative will adhere to the Codes of Practice for the Operation of CCTV for the Purposes of Prevention, Detection and Prosecution of Litter and Waste Offences in compliance with the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 and the Data Protection Act 2018.

They are seeking public feedback. All submissions will be considered before CCTV cameras are finalised.

Wexford Council hereby invites any interested parties to make submissions or observations regarding the proposed installation and use of CCTV cameras at the six locations, either electronically via the website or in writing to the Environment Department. https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie

HISTORY; Reference to the Cable Car suggestion; I attended and reported on the monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held under Covid-19 guidelines at Kilcannon Garden Centre on the Old Dublin Road in July 2020.

It drew public attention, and members were supportive of the forward-thinking plans following a presentation by Wexford County Council’s Head of Special Projects, Brian Galvin,

Mr Galvin described Enniscorthy Castle as being “in good condition” and “a very important asset” and is central to the Council’s plans for a redevelopment and enhancement programme that would include an adjoining visitor centre with retail and café facilities together with an audio-visual experience to re-imagine the historic beginnings of Enniscorthy.

Mr Galvin said the cable car idea is sustainable and Austrian experts believe it can work for Enniscorthy, and it would be the only experience of its kind in this country! The members were given vision of the future when Santa Claus could arrive by cable car!

It was stated that the cable car experience would accomplish the transformation for another €13 million.

Cllr John O’Rourke felt that the cable car idea had been discussed before. “The cable car will make Enniscorthy stand out, and the next generation will be so high-tech it is a step forward. It is a fantastic idea and should have been done long and ever ago.”

Cllr Aidan Browne described the project as “very interesting, very ambitious”. Cllr Cathal Byrne suggested that attracting 140,000 visitors a year “it needs to be ambitious” and while he agreed with ideas around the castle he felt strongly about the republican and rebel tradition such as 1798 and other rebellions.

Cllr Jackser Owens complained about the lack of facilities for visitors coming to Vinegar Hill. “No toilet facilities and no access for coaches.” Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan also felt the project was very ambitious but would be good for the town.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy chaired the meeting in her role as newly elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council five years ago.

So far, only Cllr Owens’ celebrated toilet facilities have been added on Vinegar Hill, though they are not without fault – limited opening hours, are they are drafty?

Share ‘Images by Paul’ exhibition

PAUL CLARKE (centre) at the opening of his solo exhibition ‘Images by Paul’ with Kristyna Simkova and Alfie O’Sullivan of Y21 Studios on Saturday. (Pic; Y21 Studios).

By Dan Walsh at Y21 Studios, Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy amateur photographer Paul Clarke has launched his first solo exhibition, ‘Images by Paul,’ at Y21 Studios on Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy.

The launch took place on Saturday and is open to the public at Y21 Studios during opening hours until Sunday, November 2nd.

Speaking with WexfordLocal.com, Paul said the photographic exhibition features 25 prints with a mixture of landscapes, wildlife, birds and animals, portraits and much more.

Paul arrived in Enniscorthy in 1984 and has been an active member of the Enniscorthy Camera Club, where he currently serves as treasurer.

Paul thanked Kristyna Simkova and Alfie O’Sullivan of Y21 Studios for hosting the exhibition.

All photographs are for sale. Paul Clarke will be at Y21 Studios daily from 3–4pm, and brochures and contact information are always available.

The exhibition is available for viewing and there is no admission fee.

Founded by Czech artist and photographer Kristyna Simkova, Y21 Studios has operated since May as a private space aimed at fostering creativity, connection, and community integration.

Winners for Murphy and Doyle

By Dan Walsh

The famous Galway Blazers raced at Loughrea today where Wexford handlers, Denis Murphy and Donnchadh, each sent out their first winner of the new point-to-point season.

DENIS MURPHY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Denis Murphy saddled newcomer Britway Belle running in the Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, colours and with Shane Cotter in the saddle the outcome was a one length victory in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. Britway Belle will go to the sales.

Donnchadh Doyle also tasted success with the Monbeg Syndicate, Ballindaggin, when Catalini came home six lengths ahead of Ellen Doyle’s Escapefromreality, a winner at Castletown Geoghegan the previous Sunday, in the Winner of One race. Rob James was the victorious rider.

Next Sunday the point-to-point races come to Fairwood, Tinahely, with the Shillelagh & District bringing the new season to the South East.

The card consists of four maiden races (one confined to novice riders), an Open Race and a Mares Winner of One. First race at 1 pm.

Anne Ireton launches her second novel

Playwright BILLY ROCHE (who launched Bohemian Whirlpools) with ANNE IRETON (author) at the launch ceremony in Red Books, Wexford, today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Red Books, Wexford

Courtown Harbour writer Anne Ireton has completed her second novel Bohemian Whirlpools which was launched by celebrated Wexford-born playwright Billy Roche in Red Books, Wexford, this afternoon.

Fans of Ireton’s debut novel Kaleidoscopic Times can now follow the further adventures of the unconventional cast of characters who enlivened that book, including Fiachra, Flaps, Sinead, Austin, Aisling and Voodoo, as they continue to live their lives out there on the edge.

Ireton’s prolific writing has established a large following over the last few years across the county, country, and she even boasts international fans.

Anne Ireton’s Bohemian Whirlpools is a wild and authentic trip through the abyss, squats and beaches where art, friendship and chaos all blur together. These are stories from the edge, told with a sharp eye and a full heart.

From London to Wexford, Ireton follows the drifters, lovers and dreamers who live by their own code. It’s messy, it’s funny, it’s dark, and it’s all true enough to sting.

Edited by Álanna Hammel with a foreword by Wally O’Neill, the book catches the beauty in the wreckage, the music in the noise. It’s a reminder of a time when art mattered more than rent, when friendship came before profit, and when dropping out was a kind of virtue.

Wally O’Neill’s foreword for Bohemian Whirlpools clearly establishes exactly who this writer is and what her writing is all about.

He said; “Anne Ireton is a writer of literary fiction. She draws from master chroniclers of the human condition as well as from her own rich experiences of fringe culture. Her aim must be to document the unruly heart of modern life.

“Ireton captures the brutal dark comedy of survival on the margins in the spirit of Irvine Welsh. She knows that art, music and friendship can hold back the ultimate slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,” added Wally.

Today’s launch consisted of readings, music, culture and friendship and attracted a full attendance. Anne-Marie O’Byrne Hammel acted as master of ceremonies.

The Gorey launch of Bohemian Whirlpools  takes place on Thursday, October 16th at 7pm in Gorey Library.

Anne Ireton is from Courtown Harbour with two published anthologies of poetry and prose to her credit – Sunset and Indigo Corners (2020) and Zeitgeist – Spirit of Our Times (2022).

Her debut novel Kaleidoscopic Times was published by Red Books Press in 2023. Bohemian Whirlpools is the sequel. Both of her novels are in the genre of cult fiction.

Bohemian Whirlpools by Anne Ireton, edited by Alanna Hammel, 334 pages, paperback, €18, published by Red Books Press, available at Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford.

Barry O’Neill grabs the racing headlines

By Dan Walsh

Multi-times national champion point-to-point rider Barry O’Neill, Kiltealy, scored a double this afternoon at Portrush, Co. Antrim where one of his mounts’ the veteran Winged Leader was winning for a record 34th time.

Both of O’Neill’s successes were for Fermanagh handler David Christie beginning with Winger Leader, the most winning horse in point-to-point history who had six and a half lengths to spare in the Open Race. It was his 34th victory, a remarkable record, and he is not done yet!

O’Neill and Christie made it two victories in successive races with a one length success for My Like Be Like in the Winner of Three race.

SHANE O’ROURKE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Garrett Murphy, Tullycanna, Ballymitty, who is in his fifth season as a handler saddled his 15th winner with newcomer Rattlin Home by one length in the maiden race for four-year-olds. Shane O’Rourke, Horetown, Foulksmills was in the saddle and Rattlin Home, who ran in the Turbine Syndicate colours, will go to the sales.

Life sentence for murder of 8 year old girl

By Frank Greaney

MALIKA NOOR AL KATIB (Pic; An Garda Siochana).

A man has admitted to murdering his eight-year-old daughter in Co. Wexford.

35-year-old Mohammed Al Shaker Al Tamimi pleaded guilty today to the murder of Malika Noor Al Katib on December 1st last year.

He also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of her mother, Aisha Noor Al Katib, at the same premises on Lower William Street in New Ross.

He will be handed a life sentence when the case returns to court in December.