PJ was central to the ballroom era

By Dan Walsh

PJ (Patrick Joseph) Doyle, a prominent businessman aged 90, of Hollow House, Ballypreacus, Bunclody, and formerly of Rathmines, Dublin, passed away on Wednesday, September 3rd, in the presence of his family.

PJ DOYLE

PJ was famous throughout Ireland for his ballroom businesses, especially The Barrowland in New Ross and the Castle Night Club in Enniscorthy.

Leaving school at 13, the self-made man relied on his sharp business acumen rather than formal education.

He grew up in a large family on a small farm near Bunclody, left school at 13, and moved to England, where he gained practical business experience selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners door to door.

He returned to Ireland and began organising dances at ballrooms across the country, quickly making a name for himself in the popular entertainment scene in the 1960s and 1970s.

Working with parish committees and sports clubs, he progressed to overseeing operations at several venues where the prominent showbands of the era were performing.

He noticed the advertisement for the Castle Night Club at the Warren Estates office in Enniscorthy after having acquired ballrooms in Courtown and New Ross, which were the initial venues of what later became a notable enterprise. Venues in Waterford and Clonmel were added to his portfolio.

Most of the funds were quickly invested in real estate in Dublin. PJ was among the final participants remaining in the ballroom property market.

Recently, Wexford County Council finalised a Compulsory Purchase Order on the Castle Night Club in Enniscorthy and intends to develop the area as a tourism hub. Meanwhile, The Barrowland in New Ross has reached a sale agreement, but details regarding its future redevelopment have not yet been disclosed.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Patrick Joseph (PJ) Doyle, Ballypreacus, Bunclody, Wexford / Rathmines, Dublin, Hollow House, Ballypreacus Bunclody, Co Wexford and formerly of Dublin. PJ passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 3rd, surrounded by his family. Aged 90 years. Beloved son of the late Ned and Kitty. Brother of Maura, Frances, Eamon, Brigid and the late Mick, Anne, John Joe and brothers-in-law Tysie, Noel and Jack. Very sadly missed by his brother, sisters, brother-in-law Jim, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and neighbours. May PJ’s Soul Rest In Peace

Reposing at his residence, Hollow House (Y21CF79) tomorrow (Friday) from 2pm to 8pm. Removal to Church of St. Mary Magdelene, Kilmyshall, on Saturday, September 6th at 12.30pm for Funeral Mass at 1pm. Burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery, Bunclody. House private Saturday morning please.

Community funds allocated to 10 Wexford clubs

By Dan Walsh

Adman Steel Sheds has reaffirmed its commitment to local communities by contributing a total of €75,000 in grassroots funding this year, with the latest €35,000 being awarded to 10 sports clubs nominated by Adman employees. 

Each club will receive €3,500 to invest in equipment, facilities, and youth programs, funded entirely by profits from Adman’s Lean Factory Tour — a not-for-profit experience demonstrating Lean Manufacturing principles in action. 

(Left to Right); Shane Reddy and Breda Flood, Oulart The Ballagh; Laura Kehoe and Caitriona Murray, Clonee GAA; Pat Nolan, Adman Steel Sheds; Leon McDonald and Finn Hayden, Wexford Youths Darts; Mick Curran and Trish Murphy, Camolin AFC. Unfortunately, the names for the front row have been omitted in the email, however, if the organisers would supply the names WexfordLocal.com would be delighted to add them to this photograph.

The following clubs will benefit from this year’s donations: 

Under 12 Craanford Boy’s GAA 

Oylegate United Women’s Soccer 

Clonee GAA Club

County Wexford Youth Darts 

Shamrock Rovers AFC 

Clonard Ladies LGFA 

Ballyhogue GAA Club 

Oulart the Ballagh GAA Club 

Ballygarrett GAA Club 

Camolin FC 

This marks the second year of Adman’s staff-nominated support programme, which has now supported 16 clubs across two years. By linking business innovation with social good, Adman continues to strengthen the communities where its employees live, work, and play. 

“Our staff live, work, and play in these communities, and it’s only right that we give back to the clubs that play such an important role in people’s lives,” said Paul Nolan, Managing Director of Adman Steel Sheds. “Through the Lean Factory Tour, we’ve found a way to combine business innovation with community impact — showing how Lean can benefit both companies and communities alike.” 

From under-age GAA teams to grassroots soccer clubs and youth darts associations, the funding will help upgrade facilities, purchase equipment, and create better sporting opportunities for hundreds of players and their families. 

The initiative is powered by Adman’s Lean Factory Tour, an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience at its acclaimed Gorey manufacturing facility. Designed for SME leaders and their teams, the tour demonstrates Lean principles in action, with all profits reinvested directly into local community projects like these donations. 

Businesses interested in improving operational efficiency while giving back can book the Lean Factory Tour via www.admansteelsheds.com/about-us/lean. 

Woman dies following Gorey accident

By Dan Walsh

NATALIIA VOSKANOVA

A woman in her 60’s who was seriously injured when hit by an oil truck on Gorey’s Main Street on June 27th has sadly passed away.

Nataliia Voskanova from Main Street, Riverchapel, and formerly of Ukraine, died on Thursday, August 28th at the Mater Hospital, Dublin.

Dearly beloved wife of Ruben and loving mother of Albert and Viktor. Deeply regretted by her loving husband, sons, grandchildren David and Kyryl, daughter-in-law Kateryna, sisters-in-law, nieces, relatives, ​​​​​friends and neighbours. May She Rest In Peace.

Nataliia’s Funeral Service will take at Flood’s Funeral Home, McDermott St. Gorey, tomorrow, Thursday, September 4th at 11am. Followed by private cremation in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, Dublin.

St John’s Community Activity Garden opens

MINISTER JAMES BROWNE speaking at the official opening of St John’s Community Activity Garden this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

James Browne T.D. Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government and Jennifer Murnane O’Connor T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, performed the official opening of St. John’s Community Activity Garden at Enniscorthy this evening.

Minister Browne stepped in to perform the opening of the new garden in the grounds of St John’s Community Hospital in place of Minister Dara Calleary which was created with funding of €234,000 granted through the Town and Renewal Scheme.

AUDIO ADDITION; Minister James Browne speaking at the opening of St John’s Community Activity Garden.

Minister Murnane O’Connor referred to “a wonderful facility to be used by a wide range of groups for physical and healthy wellbeing across the county.”

Cllr. Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council said; “The garden is a place-making development which has reimagined the green space at St. John’s Hospital into an engaging space for all and is testament to the power of collaboration, vision and community spirit and it marks another significant step in enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of Enniscorthy.”   

Cllr Sullivan commended the contractor, Monageer Contracting Ltd, S&N Granite, Camolin, for their very generous donation of granite, the Enniscorthy District team of Neville Shaw, Catherine Fitzpatrick and Claire Lawless and the HSE team of Dr Denise Rodgers, Mick Mahon and Derval Howley.  

At the opening of St John’s Community Activity Garden were; Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council, Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, Minister James Browne TD and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District said; “We have this wonderful community garden and this wonderful amphitheatre that could be such a real benefit, not just for the people of this part of Enniscorthy, but in the entire town and district. We could have concerts, dances and all sorts of events here on this space and we could all enjoy it.”

Other speakers included Mick Mahon, Wexford Mental Health and Sinéad Reynolds, IHA Manager Waterford and Wexford.

Derval Howley, Head of Services St. John’s Campus HSE introduced the various speakers and acted as master of ceremonies.

The attendance included Malcolm Byrne TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllrs Pat Kehoe, Trish Byrne and Aidan Browne, CEO Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe, Director of Services Carolyne Godkin, Neville Shaw, Senior Engineer and staff of Wexford County Council, and special guests; staff and patients at St. John’s Community Hospital.

There was excellent entertainment from members of craobh Comhaltás Iniscóirthe and special assistance from Enniscorthy Men’s Shed.

School transport system requires a comprehensive review?

A rural school bus. (Pic; Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland)

By Dan Walsh

Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has called on Ministers Moynihan and McEntee to stop passing the buck over the ongoing shambles in the school transport system, and to end the chaos, which he says is the worst he has ever seen since he started out as a teacher 35 years ago.

“My office has been inundated with messages from concerned parents about the chaos surrounding school bus transport. We’ve been trying our best to assist them. This issue arises every year, but this year is by far the worst I can recall, and I’ve seen at first-hand how vital school transport is for children with additional needs.

“Parents are telling me about bus services being pulled at the last minute, situations where one child in a family gets a bus place while the other in the school next door does not – forcing the parent to drive behind the bus which has empty seats. It’s ridiculous!

“Parents in Ferns are paying privately—up to €1,300 per year – for their children to attend school in Bunclody, due to the complete absence of a bus route.

FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN TD (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“I’ve sent numerous pieces of correspondence to both Ministers, as well as to Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, but they continue to pass the buck. The Minister for Education claims she’s not responsible. The Minister for Transport says he’s not. The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth simply forwards the same information from Bus Éireann that both the parents and I already know—without offering any real solutions.

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin asks; “Why are private companies not submitting bids to Bus Éireann, which is contributing to the shortage of buses and drivers?

“The entire school transport system needs to be re-evaluated. No child should be denied access to their school of choice due to a lack of a place on a bus.

“This is government failure of our children at its worst. We must invest more in our school transport systems.”

Wexford TD joins picket lines in schools’ strike

By Dan Walsh

FIONNTÁN Ó SÚLLEABHAIN TD (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

South Wicklow-North Wexford Sinn Féin Deputy Fionntan Ó Súilleabháin, himself a member of the teaching profession, has announced his intention to join the picket lines in support of the school secretaries and caretakers.

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin told WexfordLocal.com; “Over the last two days thousands of school secretaries and caretakers have taken strike action and mobilised in large numbers to demand pension parity, sick leave, bereavement leave -basic rights, and having spent 34 years working with great secretaries and caretakers I am delighted to stand with these staff on the picket lines today”

Deputy Ó Súilleabhain added; “From today, (Monday), the dispute will escalate with pickets at schools across Wexford and Wicklow with the potential for widespread disruption. The failure of the government to try and deal with this issue is reckless in the extreme.  It is time to get the Labour Court to intervene in this dispute and call parties to a hearing.”

65th birthday celebrations planned for Bree Macra 

Members of Bree Macra announced their 65th birthday plans in Hammel’s of Bree some weeks ago. (Pic; Bree Macra)

By Dan Walsh

Established in April 1960, Bree Macra has endured over the decades to become the oldest continuously operating Macra branch in Wexford.  And now is the time to celebrate its 65th birthday and reunite many members, past and present, in celebration.

Described by former Macra and IFA president Joe Healy as “A Bree’d unto themselves” in their book Bree Macra: From Birth to a New Millenium, the club has long been known for its competitive drive and strong community spirit.

Over the years, Bree Macra has achieved notable success: winning the first National Club of the Year and Leinster Club of the Year competitions, as well as numerous All-Ireland trophies, including the 2023 All-Ireland Public Speaking title.

The club’s true treasure is its dedicated members, whose hard work has sustained it for over six decades.  

Bree Macra’s 65th Anniversary Dinner Dance will take place on Saturday, September 13th in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford. The committee would like to invite Bree Macra members, friends, and alumni to celebrate sixty-five years of dedication, laughter, and friendship together.

Tickets are €45, and can be obtained from any of the committee, by contacting club chairperson Sarah Byrne on 087 7009216, or contacting the club on Instagram (@breemacra_) or Facebook (Bree Macra). 

Jetaway Nana is star winner at Wexford

ANNE SINNOTT, Craanford, Gorey, won the ‘Best Dressed’ prize on Ladies Day at Wexford Races this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Jockey Eoin Staples from Duncormick thrilled the local crowd with success on Jetaway Nana (2/1 fav.) by one and three quarters of a length in the mares’ maiden hurdle at Wexford Races this evening.

Running in the colours of Mark Hatton, Monalee, Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, the five-year-old bay mare was bred by Irish international soccer star Kevin Doyle and trained in Meath by Cian Collins.

“She came from the Doyle’s and Mark Hatton, who is a friend of Eamonn Doyle, owns her. I think it’s his first horse and it’s his first time to see her run so he picked a good day,” said trainer Collins, who added; “She picked up a €7,500 bonus today as well and it’s a great touch, it adds to the occasion.”

New Ross jockey Sean Flanagan teamed up with Waterford trainer John Flavin to win the handicap chase with Hit The Frame (13/2) in the handicap chase.

The champion team of Paul Townend and Willie Mullins enjoyed an easy 23 lengths victory with You Oughta Know (11/10 fav.) in the novice chase.

It was a memorable day for Cork three-pound claiming jockey John Shinnick who recorded a 59/1 double in the space of one hour winning for Tony Mullins on Paul’s Dream (5/1) and Stone Forest (9/1) for Eoin Doyle.

Today was Ladies Day at Wexford Races. The ‘Best Dressed’ prize was taken away by Anne Sinnott, Craanford, Gorey, while Tina Hemlock from Cork wore the ‘Best Hat’. The event was coordinated by celebrity fashion judge Marietta Doran and the sponsors were New Mood Boutique, Wexford, and Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort, Ballymoney, Co. Wexford.

There are two remaining fixtures for Wexford in 2025, scheduled for Sunday, October 26th and Monday, October 27th, which coincide with the October Bank Holiday.

Ladies Day at Wexford Races

Celebrity fashion expert MARIETTA DORAN and paddock commentator DAN WALSH at sunny Wexford Races in 2019. They are back in the paddock for Ladies Day today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Today (Friday) is Ladies Day at Wexford Races and a large crowd is expected at Bettyville Park for the seven-race card with the first race off at 4.30pm.

Celebrity fashion presenter Marietta Doran will judge the fashion events aided by sponsorship and attractive prizes and everybody is expected to have a great evening.

First race at 4.30pm and the card consists of four hurdles races and three steeplechases. There is a fine entry, and competitive racing will be the order of the evening.

Horse Racing Ireland has informed WexfordLocal.com that the Going will be “Yielding. Good to Yielding in places following watering and 11mm of rain since entries. Forecast is unsettled.”

Retirements and appointments in the Diocese of Ferns

By Dan Walsh

Bishop of Ferns, BISHOP GER NASH. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Ger Nash has announced changes in the Diocese of Ferns with appointments effective from Monday, September 15th 2025.

The following priests will retire from active Ministry:

Msgr Denis Lennon will retire from his role as Co-PP in Clonard Parish.

Fr Jim Finn will retire from his role as Co-PP in Crossabeg/Ballymurn.

Fr Ray Gahan will retire from his role as Co-PP in Kilaveney.

Fr Lar O’Connor will retire from his role as Co-PP in Bunclody.

Fr Paddy Cushen will retire from his role as Co-PP in Ferns Bunclody Pastoral Area and will remain in Ferns to assist in the Pastoral Area.

Fr Roger O’Neill, Co-PP Cushinstown will become Director of Vocations and Youth Ministry in the Diocese with responsibility for administration in Cushinstown/Newbawn area. He will also be appointed part time Diocesan Secretary. The pastoral care of Cushinstown/Newbawn will be carried out by the priests of the Pastoral area.

Fr Odhrán Furlong, Chaplain at Wexford University Hospital will become Co-PP in the New Ross Pastoral Area, residing in New Ross

Fr Brian Whelan, Co-PP in New Ross will become Co-PP in the Ferns Bunclody Kilrush Pastoral Area, resident in Ferns.

Fr David Murphy, will return from Chaplaincy to the Army to become Co-PP in the Annacurra, Carnew Kilanerin, Pastoral Area, resident in Tinahely

Fr John Byrne Co-PP in the Ferns Bunclody Kilrush Pastoral area will be resident in Bunclody

The pastoral care of the Parishes of Ballymurn/Crossabeg will be carried out by the priests of the Pastoral Area.

Fr Eamon Salmon, recently ordained, will be resident in Wexford Town with responsibility for Chaplaincy at Wexford General Hospital.

The pastoral care of Clonard will be the responsibility of the Wexford Pastoral area with one priest resident in Clonard.

Moderators to the Ferns Bunclody Pastoral area and to the New Ross, Cushinstown, Adamstown, Newbawn Pastoral area will be appointed in the coming weeks.