WexfordLocal.com

Bunclody River Slaney information meeting

By Dan Walsh

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) will hold a community information meeting about water quality on Tuesday, September 30th at 7pm in the Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club, Bunclody (Y21 N922). Members of the public, including community groups and interested individuals, are invited to attend.

The Slaney Catchment, spanning parts of Wicklow, Carlow, and much of Wexford, is one of five pilot sites in Ireland. The meeting will update progress on creating a pilot Catchment Community Forum for the Slaney.

The pilot is scheduled to operate for several more years. The meeting will address water quality and project funding related to water quality initiatives in the Slaney Catchment.

The meeting follows last year’s successful full-day workshop with community groups and catchment representatives.

This initiative encourages public involvement in Ireland’s Water Action Plan (2024–2027), which outlines how water quality will be restored and protected across all 46 river catchments.

A key part of the River Basin Management Plan is establishing a Catchment Community Forum to involve local communities in water quality issues.

The Slaney catchment was chosen due to its role in the South East region, the characteristics of water quality issues present, and the involvement of local community groups.

The Catchment Community Forum (CCF) is designed as a consultative platform focusing on water quality issues in the Slaney area. It will serve as a channel for regional and national decision-making processes concerning the management of natural waters in the Slaney Catchment.

**The River Slaney flowing from Carlow into County Wexford.** (Pic; *LAWPRO*)

The CCF will enable local discussion of water quality data, support community initiatives, and offer a way to impact environmental plans and projects, such as Local Catchment Management Plans.

Tuesday’s meeting will cover the structure of the Slaney Catchment Community Forum, ways to participate, and the nomination process.

This meeting is being held as one of five pilot areas in Ireland, as part of the Water Action Plan, to examine ways of incorporating community perspectives into catchment management work plans. Public participation in water management is included as an element in efforts to protect and restore water quality nationwide.

New book tells the stories of Kings and Saints

By Dan Walsh

A new book on Ferns’ history and heritage, Beneath the Ground of Kings and Saints; The Archaeology & History of Ferns, County Wexford by Barry Lacey, was launched Thursday night at The Book Centre in Wexford.

The work was launched by Chris Corlett, archaeologist at the National Monument Service who endorsed the publication and commended author Barry Lacey on his research and publication which further enriches the strong history and heritage found in Ferns.

Archaeologist Barry Lacey thanked Mr Corlett for launching the book, acknowledged those who helped with research and preparation, and expressed gratitude to his family and attendees. Catherine McPartlan acted as master of ceremonies.

Ferns is famous in Irish history. From the end of the 6^th century, it became an important monastic site under St. Aidan and in the 12^th century was the home of Dermot MacMurrough, the then King of Leinster, before later becoming a Norman stronghold.

The book is aimed at a general audience and takes the reader through the prehistoric, medieval and early modern periods, explaining the various characteristics of each and what evidence has been found for them in Ferns. Various illustrations, photos and maps provide a visual aid to the reader that simplifies and encourages them to engage with the information. As well as showcasing archaeology within the village, the results of investigations at the nearby medieval church site at Clone are also included.

**BARRY LACEY** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

The author of this work is Barry Lacey from Ballycarney, a short distance outside the village of Ferns and from a young age had a keen interest in local history and heritage. Ferns proximity and family ties meant he regularly frequented growing up with his grandfather Peter owning a bike shop along the Main Street, just under the shadow of Ferns Castle.

Barry graduated from University College Cork with a Higher Diploma in Archaeology and a Masters in Archaeological Excavation. He served as the first Historian-in-Residence at Wexford County Public Library Services and has given presentations to local history groups and communities.

Beneath the Ground of Kings and Saints; The Archaeology & History of Ferns, County Wexford’ compiled by Barry Lacey, published by Wordwell, 244 pages, Paperback, ISDN; 9781916742239. €25. Available at the Medieval Ferns Experience at Ferns Community Centre and at all good local bookshops and online.

Local artists support mental health charity

**Jean Maskell (left) and Michelle O’Neill (right) presenting Wally O’Neill with a cheque for €100 for a ‘*It’s Good 2 Talk’* fundraiser at Red Books in Wexford.**

By Dan Walsh

Acclaimed local artists Michelle O’Neill and Jean Maskell presented Wally O’Neill with a cheque for €100 for an ‘It’s Good 2 Talk’ fundraiser at Red Books, Peter’s Square, in Wexford town.

Michelle and Jean donated bookmarks featuring their paintings, which were purchased by customers at the bookshop.

Wally O’Neill told WexfordLocal.com; “Being so much part of the local community, we do as much as we can to help local people. It’s great to have support from artists who are also regulars and involved in the wider cultural activities in the shop.”

Michelle and Jean will be exhibiting together at the Wexford Fringe Festival in the lobby at Clayton Whites Hotel during the forthcoming Wexford Opera Festival.

The Wexford based charity ‘It’s Good 2 Talk’ provides counselling, psychotherapy and services for anyone who needs support dealing with abuse, addiction, anxiety, relationship issues, depression, bereavement or anything else causing worry.

Details of their services can be found on their website www.Itsgood2talk.ie or contact by ‘phone on 053 9126 596.

Fr. Eustace served in Ferns, Our Lady’s Island and Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Fr. Thomas (Tommy) Eustace well-known and respected retired and former Parish Priest of Our Lady’s Island, Ferns, and Administrator at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy.

A native of Loughnageer, Foulksmills, he was educated locally and at St. Peter’s College, Wexford, where he was ordained on June 5^th, 1960, by Most. Rev. Dr. Staunton, Bishop of Ferns.

His first appointment was to the parish of Ferns, where he served as curate until September 1961, when he was appointed curate at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rowe St, Wexford. For a period, he was Chaplain at Wexford County Hospital.

In January 1965 he was transferred to St. Aidan’s Parish, Enniscorthy, where he was appointed Administrator at St. Aidan’s Cathedral in July 1976.

Fr. Eustace was appointed Parish Priest at Our Lady’s Island in February 1989 where he is credited with building the Community Centre and carrying out major repairs to the church and became Parish Priest of Ferns in September 1995. He retired from ministry in August 2005. He is a former member of Rosslare Golf Club.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Fr. Thomas (Tommy) Eustace, The Cools, Barntown, Wexford.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fr Tommy Eustace, retired and former Parish Priest of Our Lady’s Island, Ferns, and Administrator at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy.

Tommy is predeceased by his parents, John and Catherine Eustace, and his siblings, Seán, Martin, Richie, Bridie, Kathleen, Paddy, and Billy. Tommy will be sadly missed by his sister-in-law and brother-in law, nephews and nieces, extended family, many friends, former parishioners, Bishop Ger Nash and Clergy of the Diocese, extended family and friends.

May He Rest in Peace

Reposing in Ryan’s Funeral Home, Wellingtonbridge on Friday, September 26^th from 2.30pm with removal at 6.30pm to St. Aidan’s Church, Clongeen arriving for reception Prayers at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 1pm with burial afterwards in the New Cemetery Clongeen.

Call to “get energy costs under control”

By Dan Walsh

Sinn Féin TD for the Wicklow-Wexford Constituency, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has called on the Government to support Sinn Féin’s proposals to end the rip-off and get energy costs under control.

Speaking in Dáil Éireann as Sinn Féin published a motion to put an end to Ireland’s rip-off energy costs, Deputy Ó Súilleabháin hit out at Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for their decades of inaction and failure to take on energy companies.

Teachta Ó Súillebháin also called for local support. “I am calling on Malcom Byrne TD and Brian Brennan TD to step up to the plate and adopt Sinn Féin’s proposals, and support struggling households in Wicklow- Wexford and across the rest of the country,” he said.

“It is time to hold energy companies to account, protect ordinary people and end the rip-off for good, said Teachta Ó Súileabhain, who added; “Over the last few weeks, Energia, Flogas, Bord Gáis Energy and SSE Airtricity have all announced double-digit increases in the cost of energy. This is another body blow to households already crippled with the cost of living.

He continued; “Workers and families in my constituency of Wicklow- Wexford and across the country are being hammered with soaring prices at every turn. Now they are being forced to fork out hundreds of additional euros on their bills.

“Ireland already has the highest electricity prices in Europe. At a time when the cost of living has never been higher, it is unbelievable that government would choose to make this worse.

“It is not right that ordinary households face a disproportionate burden while large energy users are not expected to pay their fair share,” said Teachta Ó Súilleabhain, who added; “We would also provide the investment needed so that not only is the renewable transition expanded and accelerated, but we would also ensure that public ownership is prioritised.”

Big names at 19th New Ross piano festival

**DR. JOHN O’CONOR. Renowned Dublin-born pianist and pedagogue and former director of the Royal Irish Academy of Music is appearing at the New Ross International Piano Festival on Friday afternoon.**

By Dan Walsh

The 19^th New Ross International Piano Festival takes place this week – Wednesday, September 24^th-Sunday, September 28^th – at St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, New Ross, featuring today’s most outstanding pianists.

The festival will host pianists of all ages from a variety of backgrounds from the young Irish pianist David Vasey at the start of his career to the doyen of Irish pianists, John O’Conor.

There are also new names coming to New Ross, like the German-Greek pianist Donae Dórken making her Irish debut presenting her new Odyssey programme with a mix and familiar of new, while the Hungarian pianist Daniel Labhardt offers a programme of Liszt masterpieces, including the momentous B minor Sonata.

Artistic Director of New Ross Piano Festival for many years now, Finghin Collins presents a programme of his new CD inspired by the great piano manufacturer Pleyel.

The award-winning Castalian Quartet from the UK will team up with three other pianists for a performance of cracking quintets by Brahms, Bloch and Dvorak.

Two young competition winners will perform at the coffee concerts; Malaysian pianist Magdalene Ho who stole the hearts of the jury at the 2023 Clara Haskil Competition in Switzerland while Japanese pianist Shunta Morimoto carried off the first prize in Hastings in 2022.

A new Saturday afternoon concert presents the charismatic Duo Pianistico in a popular ‘Stride and Swing’ programme.

This is always an enjoyable event, and the organisers would love to see as many as possible in those seats!

To book tickets call St. Michael’s Theatre (051 421255, or book online www.stmichaelsnewross.com.

For further festival information contact www.newrosspianofestival.com

Deputy Brian Brennan with Irish delegation in New York.

**DEPUTY BRIAN BRENNAN TD at the General Assembly Hall at United Nations Headquarters in New York today.**

By Dan Walsh

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford, Brian Brennan is attending the 80^th United Nations General Assembly in New York as part of the Irish Government Delegation where world leaders will gather to discuss the greatest challenges facing the world today.

Deputy Brennan has been selected for this delegation due to his consistently strong voice in relation to Gaza, particularly in regarding the slaughter of children throughout the conflict.

Speaking from New York, Deputy Brennan told WexfordLocal.com; “I am honoured to have been selected as part of this delegation. We have all witnessed on our phone screens and TV screens the horrors that have unfolded over the last two years and it is hard to escape some of the images.

“I myself travelled to Egypt in July this year to meet with NGO’s on the ground and to talk to some of the Palestinian people who have been displaced, injured and have lost everything and everyone who are currently seeking refuge having been driven from their own land.”

Yesterday (Monday), the United Nations resumed the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. The Conference sought to reaffirm international commitments to the two-State solution and seek to mobilise support for its implementation.

10 countries would formally recognised Palestinian statehood at the meeting — Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Portugal, Malta, Britain and San Marino alongside France.

Today (Tuesday) at the General Debate — the annual meeting of Heads of State and Government, world leaders will make statements outlining their positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges.

Among the key speakers will be President of the United States, Donal Trump.

Both the Taoiseach, Michael Martin and Tanaiste, Simon Harris will attend along with representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking in advance of the meetings, Brennan stated: “we simply must demand a ceasefire and the EU must play a stronger part in accomplishing this. That includes looking at the EU/Israel trade agreement.

“I’ve attended so many events and functions the length and breadth of Wicklow and Wexford and have met so many constituents and I could not the count the number of times that I’ve been asked to fight for a resolution to this atrocity,” concluded Deputy Brennan.

Increased capacity on Rosslare-Dunkirk route

**The DFDS vessel *Victoria Seaways* coming onto the Rosslare-Dunkirk route.** (Pic; courtesy of *Iarnród Éireann*).

By Dan Walsh

From Friday, September 26^th, Victoria Seaways will replace Optima Seaways on the Rosslare-Dunkirk route, bringing more capacity and offering both passengers and freight customers greater space and comfort on every crossing.

Victoria Seaways features upgraded facilities, with increased cabin numbers, additional freight lane metres, and improved amenities on board, making it a reliable and attractive choice for hauliers, families, and leisure travellers alike.

Director of Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann, Glenn Carr said; “This boost in capacity on the Rosslare – Dunkirk route demonstrates the latent demand there is from both business and leisure travellers on this key route and I look forward to the service going from strength to strength.”

The introduction of the vessel responds to a sustained period of growth in demand from both freight traffic and tourist passengers and further reinforces DFDS’s long-term commitment to supporting Ireland’s freight economy and passenger connectivity with continental Europe.

Since its launch in 2021, the Rosslare–Dunkirk corridor has established itself as one of Ireland’s important direct gateways to Europe.

The service has been strongly embraced by freight hauliers for its reliability and efficiency, while passenger volumes continue to rise as more Irish travellers take advantage of direct access into Northeast France and onward European destinations. At the same time, the route provides European visitors with a seamless gateway into Ireland.

The Rosslare–Dunkirk service has quickly become a cornerstone of Ireland’s direct European connectivity, reducing reliance on the UK Landbridge, strengthening supply chain resilience, and unlocking new opportunities for leisure tourism.

The route enables travellers to bring vehicles including cars, caravans, and campers, facilitating seamless exploration of continental Europe.

To mark this expansion, DFDS is introducing an early booking offer. From October 1^st to March 2^nd, passengers can benefit from 15% off best available fares. Full details and booking information are available at dfds.com.

Planned interruption to Ballindaggin water supply

By Dan Walsh

There will be planned interruptions to the Ballindaggin water supply as Uisce Éireann undertakes upgrades to the water treatment plant, including the installation of new treated water storage tanks and ongoing mechanical works on site.

To facilitate the connection of the newly installed storage tanks to the network, a planned interruption to the water supply will be required for customers in Ballindaggin and the surrounding areas on Tuesday, September 23^rd from 2pm to 6.15pm.

The investment will provide storage of treated water and will also see an upgrade of the disinfection system on site ensuring continued delivery of a safe and reliable water supply for local homes and businesses.

Uisce Éireann’s Julie Curtin told WexfordLocal.com; “The upgrade underway at the water treatment plant in Ballindaggin is critical to ensure delivery of a resilient and reliable water supply to local homes and businesses. We understand the inconvenience caused by an interruption to supply which is necessary to connect the new infrastructure to the existing water network. Every effort will be made to limit the impact of these essential works, and we would like to thank the community in advance for their patience and co-operation.

“Following the completion of the works, it can take two to three hours for normal water supply to return to customers as water refills the network, particularly for those properties on higher ground or at the end of the network,” concluded Ms. Curtin.

Conran’s Bar, Rathnure, is Best Local Pub 2025

**John Conran and Martin Murphy enjoying a pint in Conran’s Bar newest beer garden in Rathnure.**

By Dan Walsh

Conran’s Bar in Rathnure has been named Best Local Pub in the South East region at the prestigious Irish Pub Awards 2025.

Conran’s Bar is owned and operated by the Conran family, who are part of Wexford’s business and hospitality landscape for generations.

The popular Rathnure pub has earned recognition for excellence after a major refurbishment and its strong community role.

Earlier this year, Conran’s Bar underwent a major refurbishment, carried out by sister company Conran Commercial. The project, initiated in 2024, expanded the bar area, constructed an outdoor covered section for events, and renovated the lounge and rest rooms.

These refurbishments have resulted in a strong presence in darts and pool as well as increased turn out at the regular monthly “First Friday” music session.

Reflecting on the award, Lorraine Lennon, Manager of Conran’s Bar, said: “We’re delighted and privileged to win this award, especially after the major refurbishment of the pub. A big thank you to our staff and loyal customers who make us the pub we are today.”

Owner John Conran highlighted the pub’s central role in Rathnure life; “I realise how important it is for communities and groups to have a central place where people can meet, and friendships can thrive. I like to think our pub is a key element in providing just that.”

Beyond its physical transformation, Conran’s Bar has also played a vital role in the local community.

In summer 2025, the pub became the hub of a fundraising campaign for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. Headed up by the Back to the Rare Oul Times” Shot & Caught Group, an incredible €74,000 was raised with the support of customers and the wider community.

Conran’s Bar will now go forward to the national finals at the Irish Pub Awards Gala in November, where the overall winner of the Best Local Pub category will be announced.

The Irish Pub Awards are organised by the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) and the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), sponsored by Diageo.