By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
At last Tuesday’s Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting, a request was made to build a wall in the cemetery for families to place ashes of cremated loved ones, known as a Columbarium Wall for cremated remains!
CLLR PAT KEHOE (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Cllr Pat Kehoe stated that several families had contacted him regarding the issue. He mentioned that many deceased individuals are now cremated, and families are seeking a small memorial to honour them.
The Council has promised to investigate what’s involved and report back at a future meeting.
Cllr Kehoe has succeeded in persuading Wexford County Council to provide a properly functioning public address system shared between St. Mary’s Cemetery and Enniscorthy Cemetery during the Patron ceremony in August.
Cllr Kehoe said; “People have been concerned about the need to have speakers available to allow them hear services and prayers when they are at the graves of their loved ones in the new cemetery.
“I am happy to say I met with the local senior engineer Neville Shaw, as well as Fr. Tom Dalton and the relevant contractors to work out a solution. A cable has now been brought across the road to the new cemetery which means speakers can be used as and when they are needed in the new cemetery.”
A double success at Inchydoney in Cork for Sean Doyle and a single success at Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary, for Cormac Doyle made it a day to remember for the Monbeg brothers at today’s point-to-point fixtures.
SEAN DOYLE saddled two point-to-point winners today.
Sean’s double was for the Monbeg Partnership with Shinealight who finished alone in a field of three in the maiden race for four-year-old mares and Fiyero scored by two lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. Duncormick rider Sean Staples partnered both winners.
Cormac’s winner was I Walk The Line for the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings ridden by Darragh Higgins. Five and a half lengths the winning verdict. It was Cormac’s 11th winner of the season and a personal best.
ENNISCORTHY GARDA STATION (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
A female pedestrian in her 20s has died following a road traffic collision at Curragraigue, Ballindaggin, yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of the collision involving a car and pedestrian, which occurred on the R702 Kiltealy-Enniscorthy road at approximately 3pm.
The pedestrian, aged in her late 20s was removed from the scene in a serious condition to Wexford General Hospital where she later passed away.
The male driver of the car, who was also aged in his 20s received medical assessment at the scene.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 2.30pm and 3.30pm Saturday 24th May 2025, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on (053) 9233534, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
ENNISCORTHY GARDA STATION (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
A pedestrian, a woman, aged in her 20s, was seriously injured after being struck by a car on the R702 at Curragraigue, Ballindaggin, today. It occurred at approximately 3pm.
She was taken Wexford General Hospital for treatment.
The male driver of the car, aged in his 20s, received medical assessment at the scene.
No other injuries were reported,
The road is currently closed for technical examination by Garda forensic collision investigators, with local diversions in place.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 2.30pm and 3.30pm today are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on (053) 9233534, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Barry O’Neill and Jamie Scallan agreed to share the Southern Region Riders’ championship after they rode a winner each at the first day of the two-day fixture at Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary, today (Saturday).
Scallan scored first with a 40 lengths victory on Krystal Sky who made all the running for the Cormac Doyle stables in the maiden race for four-year-old hurdles.
But O’Neill struck back with a nine lengths success on Colin Bowe’s Belle Star Outlaw in the maiden race for five-year-old mares’ an hour later.
Both riders’ set out with 14 winners each – it was now 15 apiece – and they agreed to share the title.
BERTIE FINN enjoyed a winner at Ballingarry. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Scallan has achieved his first title in what has been a record-setting campaign. O’Neill has secured the southern title for the third time, following his successes in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, he has earned his second regional prize of the season by securing the northern title earlier this year.
There was also success for Jim O’Neill, Ballindaggin, owner/handler of Seaniecon who scored by 13 lengths in the four-year-old maiden auction race ridden by Sean Staples, Duncormick.
Bertie Finn from Oulart also got on the scoresheet. He partnered Dylan Oak for octogenarian owner/handler Frank Oakes from Kildare in the Open race.
Mayor of Wexford Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh cutting the ribbon at the official opening of Y21 Studios at Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy. Also in the photo are Kristyna Simkova, her daughter Eimear, Alfie O’Sullivan, Elaine Chapman and Conor Gibson. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Y21 Studios, Enniscorthy
Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh, the Mayor of Wexford, was the guest of honour in Enniscorthy today. She officially launched Y21 Studios; a new community hub situated at the Farm Centre premises on Mill Park Road.
Set up by Czech-born artist and photographer Kristyna Simkova, Y21 Studios is a privately managed space designed to inspire creativity, connection, and integration in the local community.
The studio offers a dedicated hire space for art classes, workshops, creative meet-ups, and children’s parties, and is open to artists, educators, and community groups of all backgrounds. Joining Kristyna is Conor Gibson, a rising star of the Irish Street art scene, who brings a wealth of experience working with local groups, young people, and fellow creatives. His involvement marks an exciting chapter in Enniscorthy’s growing arts culture. Y21 Studios also houses its own ‘Body & Soul’ Studios — a welcoming space for pilates, yoga, and meditation classes, promoting balance, well-being, and positive mental health. In addition, the newly relocated Creative Grounds Café & Farm Shop will be based at Y21 Studios, serving up Wexford roasted coffee, handmade treats, and local produce, along with the live music and food events that have made the café a much-loved part of Enniscorthy’s cultural life. Kristyna Simkova told WexfordLocal.com; “Y21 Studios is about more than just art -it’s about building community, encouraging creativity, and creating a welcoming space for everyone, no matter where they’re from. We believe integration happens naturally when people come together through shared experiences, and that’s what this space is all about.” Y21 Studios will be open year-round for classes, private hires, events, and community-led programming. Enquiries: hello@y21studios.com / Kristyna 085 770 4420.
Nicky Cogley (secretary) and Fintan Kelly (chairman) launched the Ten Little Plays project by Enniscorthy Theatre Company in Holohan’s Bar, Enniscorthy, tonight. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Holohan’s Bar, Enniscorthy
Creative talent is flourishing in Enniscorthy, evidenced by the enthusiastic turnout at Holohan’s Bar this evening for the official launch of Ten Little Plays. This innovative production by the Enniscorthy Theatre Company is scheduled to debut in late August.
Fintan Kelly (Chairman) and Nicky Cogley (Secretary) explained the concept of assembling 10 writers, 10 directors, and lots of actors (teenagers and adults) to cast and promote Ten Little Plays which will be performed on August 21st, 22nd and 23rd.
There was a positive response and workshops in acting, writing and directing will be part of the process to assist talent that may be enthusiastic and ambitious, but suffering experience poverty.
This is an amazing opportunity to challenge yourself, collaborate and create something brilliant.
For anybody who feels they can fulfil a part in writing, directing or acting, but missed out on tonight’s launch they have until June 10th to get involved by contacting any member of Enniscorthy Theatre Company or log on to the Enniscorthy Theatre Company website page.
Included in this photo taken at the launch of The Night Belongs to Youth are Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager, Barbara Nolan, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Liz Burns, County Arts Officer and Deryn O’Callaghan, Director of Creative Places, Enniscorthy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh on Vinegar Hill
Plans for the second annual “The Night Belongs to Youth were announced on Thursday with a special ceremony on Vinegar Hill, overlooking Enniscorthy town.
The attendance included Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager, Barbara Nolan, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Liz Burns, County Arts Officer and Deryn O’Callaghan, Director of Creative Places.
The event, which pays homage to the historical site and celebrates midsummer, will take place on Saturday, June 7th, featuring a colourful carnival-style procession that will make its way to the summit of the hill. Created by young people from across Wexford, the piece will culminate in an immersive spectacle featuring drumming, ceremonial dance, and song.
The event, which is organised by Creative Places Enniscorthy, gives young people the opportunity to collaborate with professional artists, prop makers, and musicians.
The Night Belongs to Youth is billed as a highlight of this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg, the National Day of Creativity for young people, which will see over 50 free events take place across Wexford and over 1,000 events taking place across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Deryn O’Callaghan, Director of Creative Places Enniscorthy, remarked: “The entire event has been led by the youth of Wexford. We are very mindful of the history of the area and the significance of the hill to the town, and we wanted to reflect that. We aim for this to become an annual summer event focused on ceremony, music, theatre, and youth initiatives.
The Night Belongs to Youth will take place on Saturday, June 7th. Members of the public can meet at Father Cullen Terrace and join the parade up Vinegar Hill.
GOREY MARKET HOUSE… last chance for public to visit on Friday and Saturday this weekend. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Gorey Market House will be open to the public today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) from 11am to 4pm. This is an opportunity to visit the building before renovation works begin later this year.
This will be a final chance for the public to see the building as it stands today, ahead of the removal of items and the start of the Regenerative Project.
The procurement to appoint an integrated design team has been completed by Special Projects. The winning tender was submitted by Cooney Architects of Waterford and an introductory meeting of those involved in the IDT (don’t ask me, I don’t know what it means either!) and Wexford County Council has taken place.
The new plans will be displayed to the public, bringing back nostalgic memories. Many people from Gorey can use this chance to bid farewell to a historic building.
HISTORY OF GOREY MARKET HOUSE; The Market House has had a turbulent history, and some would argue that the chapter remains to be completed, but it has served Gorey well and dates back to 1709 when it was rebuilt on the site of the former Tholsol. The cost came from the salaries of George and Andrew Ram, members of Gorey Corporation and members of Parliament for Gorey.
Gorey Town Commissioners were established in 1859, became Gorey Town Council in 1987 and when the town council was abolished in 2014 to make way for Gorey Municipal District Council, the final meeting took place in the Market House. Source; Historic Gorey by Michael Fitzpatrick, pub. 1987).
The old Murphy Floods site at Enniscorthy during the demolition stages last year. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting
Machinery arrived at the old Murphy Floods site in Enniscorthy on Monday morning. At the Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting on Tuesday, it was announced that the original plans for the site had been significantly scaled down, and only a temporary car park is to be opened on the site, which should be completed in six weeks.
Local councillors were taken aback by the news. Their primary concern was that they had not been consulted prior to the meeting.
A site valuation was received, indicating an estimated value of €280,000. It was recommended that the site be placed on the market with a development clause. The valuation notes that the current development viability of the site may be challenging due to associated costs.
In the interim Enniscorthy Municipal District has decided to proceed with installing a temporary car park on the old Murphy Floods site in Enniscorthy town centre.
Senior Engineer Neville Shaw informed the meeting that no tenders were received, so negotiations were initiated with a local consultant who estimated the cost of the previously agreed plan at €250,000. The plan includes 28 parking spaces, public realm improvements, seating, walkways, and a decorative metal railing perimeter finish. High quality, but that scenario has changed!
The current plan excludes the public realm, seating, some of the lighting, and relies on lower spec wooden fencing, a lower spec surface in the car park, although six or seven spaces will be added, and it comes in at a cost of €145,000.
Mr Shaw said “We must keep down the cost as low as possible. We don’t know the future of this car park. It may be short term – 3/5 years- or it may be longer.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne lamented that the plan was going ahead without consultation with the elected members and he was concerned about the timber picket fence in the town centre as one came down Main Street!
Cllr Pat Kehoe was delighted that there would be an extra 20 or more car parking spaces, and he didn’t see a major problem with it. “Get it done,” he added.
Cllr Jackser Owens was disappointed that he was not consulted in advance of the meeting, he had issues with the fence “show it up not hide it”, he stated, and he recommended a public toilet could be useful when people exited their parked their cars! Mr Shaw assured Cllr Owens that “there is no chance of a toilet at this stage.”
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was disappointed that some of the park had been removed from the plan and she felt the seating should be put back. And she said; “As a woman I am uncomfortable at the thought that lighting for the evenings and night-time would be removed. Maybe one large light in the middle of the car park could light up the area.”
Cllr Murphy added that she understood the need for cutting costs and claimed that she is reliably informed that development on the site (old Murphy Floods) would cost at least €10 million and “there isn’t a developer at the moment who is going to put that kind of investment in.”
Cllr John O’Rourke suggesting engagement with the Farmers’ Market and taking them onto the site. “It would free up car parking at Abbey Square,” he suggested.
WexfordLocal.com 