CATHY LEE invites everybody to the Castletown River and Nature Festival this weekend “Bring along a picnic and enjoy the surroundings.” (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
The Castletown River and Nature Festival takes place this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 23rd-24th and an opportunity to celebrate National Heritage Week with The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group as they explore the natural beauty of the Ahare River and local wildlife.
The group will be hosting two amazing free events to celebrate National Heritage Week 2025. The first will be a drawing class on Saturday, ‘Drawn to the Wild’ with Don Conroy in Castletown National School, Gorey.
Don Conroy is an artist, environmentalist, a television personality famed for his appearances on ‘The Den’ on RTE and a writer of children’s literature. A native of Dublin, he has been living near Enniscorthy for some years now!
This event is currently fully booked but a cancellation list has been created. It promises to be an excellent day.
On Sunday there is a fantastic family funday on beautiful Clone Strand, Castletown, north of Gorey celebrating Water Heritage Day with lots of fun for all the family, young and old.
Cathy Lee of the Ahare River and Biodiversity Group advised readers of Wexford Local.com to “bring along a picnic and enjoy the surroundings. There will be a sand art competition, egg and spoon race, nature treasure hunt and much much more. These events are free but booking is essential.
In association with and with support from Wexford County Council, LAWPRO and The Heritage Council, this promises to be a great weekend.
For more details please see The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group page on Eventbrite.
Ballymurn Heritage Group are hosting a Heritage evening on Friday at 7.30pm in Ballymurn Hall. Free refreshments and entry.
The evening will consist of a display of crafts, equipment and a spinning wheel demonstration. There will be a free booklet of some old cures, remedies, sayings, superstitions and recipes.
The Drinagh Mummers and local musicians will provide the entertainment. Some old wedding photos and wedding dresses will be on display, as well as fresh griddle bread and ‘Old Tonic’ to sample.
Aideen Walsh (Lahinch) will look to win a hat-trick of Irish Mid-Amateur Women’s titles at Rosslare Golf Links this weekend. (Photo: Inpho/Tom Maher).
By Caomh Breen Allen
Aideen Walsh will look to make history this weekend as the Lahinch golfer aims to secure her third consecutive Irish Mid-Amateur Women’s title when she tees up at Rosslare Golf Links tomorrow afternoon.
The Irish Mid-Amateur Men’s & Women’s Open Championship runs from Friday-Sunday, August 22nd-24th on the Wexford coast, where over 100 competitors will tackle the renowned southeast links in the 54-hole Stroke Play event.
This year’s championship carries added significance for the host venue, as Rosslare Golf Links celebrates its 120th anniversary this year.
Walsh arrives in Rosslare on the back of another standout season. The 27-year-old captured the Bridgestone Women’s Order of Merit for the first time after several near misses, while also playing a pivotal role in Ireland’s unbeaten Women’s Home Internationals campaign at Woodhall Spa.
“I think like every season it’s been a bit up and down. There are days that you’re proud of and days that you’re not so proud of, but I’m definitely delighted to win the Order of Merit,” said Walsh. “It’s just something that I wanted to tick off, so I’m glad to have done that now.”
Her year has also earned her a start at the Irish Challenge next week in Malahide and, for Walsh, Rosslare represents not only a chance at an historic hat-trick but also the perfect opportunity for some final preparation.
“I got invited, luckily enough, to the Irish Challenge next week, which is in Malahide so I’m kind of just going to use Rosslare to prepare for that,” said Walsh.
“There are a few things that I’ve been working on since Homes, just a small few things in my approach play. There’s nothing like a card in your hand to prepare for events, so I’m looking forward to it.”
For the Ennis native, the motivation remains the same, steady improvement and enjoyment of the game.
“I think what I always learned about golf is, no matter how good you can get, you can always get better,” said Walsh.
“You can really see your progress and that’s probably what has kept me in it. I’m probably playing at elite international level, nearly four or five years now, but it’s also obviously really enjoyable.”
Among those joining Walsh in the women’s field are Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe), the reigning Leinster, Connacht and Munster Women’s Amateur champion; Connacht Women’s winner Clodagh Coughlan (Douglas); and fellow European Mid-Amateur Team Championship bronze medallist Emma O’Driscoll (Ballybunion).
The men’s championship also boasts quality, with East of Ireland winner David Howard (Fota Island), Connacht runner-up David Reddan, and Castleknock’s Paul Coughlan all part of a strong field.
Local hopes will rest with Rosslare’s 11 representatives as JP Fitzgerald, Rhys Clarke, Gary Collins, Mark Shanahan, Ian Lynch, Geoff Coman, Michael O’Regan, Johnny Stewart, Mark Mullen, Tony O’Leary and Mark Whelan will all look to make home advantage count.
The Irish Mid-Amateur Men’s & Women’s Open Championship gets underway at 8am on Friday morning, with Keith Crowley (Fota Island), Brian Lane (Muskerry) and JP Fitzgerald leading off the Men’s championship. The Women’s championship begins at 12.15pm, with Walsh, Burke and Eleanor Brazill (Naas) in the opening group.
Wexford County Council has posted “Do Not Swim” notices at Ballymoney Beach, Gorey, Co. Wexford.
The latest sampling conducted as part of the Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water quality, showed elevated levels of bacteria at the Beach.
Following consultation with the HSE, it is necessary to issue “Do not swim” warning notices at the above beaches in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.
Further samples are being taken and results are expected by Sunday 24th August, 2025 at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed. In addition, the Council’s Environment Water Team are investigating the matter.
Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beach to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.
O’Connell Marketing takes time out to celebrate key milestones of three of its team members; Pictured (left to right), Karen Cloke (Marketing & Communications Manager), Jean O’Connell (Managing Director), Caroline Doyle (Marketing & Digital Content Executive) and Margaret Deacon (Accounts Assistant).
By Dan Walsh
Recognising five years of excellent team work, client management and exceptional campaign delivery, Jean O’Connell, founder and Managing Director of O’Connell Marketing (OCM) proudly awarded Karen Cloke, Caroline Doyle and Margaret Deacon with OCM branded Anniversary awards at a team dinner at ShaRoe Bistro, Clonegal.
Jean O’Connell said; “I am delighted to take the time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of three of our dynamic team members who always go above and beyond, embodying our commitment to excellence and client success. Their contributions are invaluable, and this recognition is testament to their passion and unwavering commitment to our values.”
Additionally, O’Connell Marketing would like to thank student intern Leo Walsh for his six months of hard work for the team. A go-getter, Leo’s many strengths include his strong communications skills, adaptability and creativity across the team’s range of clients. The team was sad to see him go, but wished him all the best as he completes his studies.
Excitingly, OCM has also been announced as the Marketing & PR agency of choice for Samhain Festival of Food & Culture. Back for its 7th year, the festival celebrates the best of Irish food and welcomes a wide range of food producers from each corner of Ireland from November 6th-9th 2025.
Jean O’Connell told WexfordLocal.com; “We’re thrilled to have been chosen to represent the Samhain Festival for Boyne Valley. From the renowned Sheirdan’s Irish Food Fair to the iconic Samhain Long Table Supper, we can’t wait to spread the word about the exciting food and drink producers who will be showcasing their artisan products at the festival.”
For more information, please visit OConnellMarketing.ie.
A project promoting Yola language awareness seeks local Rosslare Municipal District groups for storytelling workshops.
Funded by Wexford County Council through the Creative Ireland programme, this project has already engaged with groups of people from the area including Tagoat School, St. Mary’s National School, the Brigin Section of Piercestown Girl Guides, volunteers at and attendees of the Yola Farm, and residents of the Rosslare Port Lodge Hotel.
Through theatre games and exercises, project lead Chris Moran has explored with these communities the heritage of Yola and what it means today.
With the information gathered, Chris, who is an experienced theatre practitioner, will develop two resource packs (one for adults and one for children and young people).
CLLR GER CARTHY,Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The resource packs will contain, amongst other items, a newly devised playscript that illustrates Yola heritage, and theatre-in-education games and exercises that encourage maximum engagement with the script and its rehearsal processes.
As there is little knowledge of Yola, the packs will be another way for people to connect with its heritage and instil further impressions of its cultural legacy. Available in digital and print formats, the packs will be available to borrow from Wexford Library. They were presented to the Rosslare people at a special event on Culture Night 2025.
Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Cllr Ger Carthy told WexfordLocal.com; “This project champions the unique heritage of Rosslare by preserving Yola and making its future more dynamic and accessible. I would encourage our local communities to get involved in the storytelling workshops, and take the opportunity to have your perspectives included in this important local story.”
For more information on the storytelling workshops or this project please contact elizabeth.howard@wexfordcoco.ie
The world famous Rose of Tralee contest takes place tonight (Monday) and tomorrow night (Tuesday) and viewing is available from 8pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
The Wexford Rose, Cliona O’Leary (26), from Boolavogue, is the last of 18 Roses on stage with Daithí Ó Sé tonight (Monday) and the whole county will be cheering for her.
Cliona was crowned winner from 22 contestants at Ashtown Park Hotel, Gorey, recently and represents Wexford in the Rose of Tralee celebrations.
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.
Uisce Éireann informs customers in Wexford that a Water Conservation Order (hosepipe ban) remains in effect in County Wexford until September 16th.
The restrictions include the use of garden hoses and other non-essential water uses.
The Order was put in place following a long period of dry weather combined with high demand, placing severe pressure on water supplies across the county.
Met Éireann reports that Wexford had much less rainfall than usual from May to July.A total of 158.9 mm of rainfall was measured by Met Éireann at JohnstownCastle weather station during this period, compared to an average of 219.6mm for the same months in previous years —over 27% less rainfall recorded locally.
FIONNUALA CALLERY, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann
Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services. While it may often feel like Ireland receives plenty of rain, the data shows the past 12 months have been unseasonably warm and dry. As a result, water sources across Wexford have not had their usual seasonal recharge.
“In response, we have ramped up efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management. With demand continuing to outstrip supply in some areas — and further dry weather anticipated — we are reminding the public that the Water Conservation Order remains in place to help protect the local water supply.
“Our data clearly shows that warm weather drives a significant increase in water demand, particularly for non-essential uses like gardening and outdoor cleaning. For example, using a hosepipe for just one hour can use as much water as a family typically consumes in an entire day.
“We will continue to monitor water consumption while the Order remains in place. Protecting our water supply is essential if we are to avoid more severe restrictions or supply interruptions in the weeks and months ahead,” stated Ms. Callery.
Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network 24/7 by calling 1800 278 278 or visiting water.ie.
Wexford Fine Gael TD, Brian Brennan, has informed WexfordLocal.com that €88,750 from the Dormant Accounts Fund will be used to invest in community sports and physical activity initiatives in Wexford.
Deputy Brennan said this funding will help ensure that new opportunities and new sports are opened to people of all abilities and backgrounds across the county.
Deputy Brennan “I am delighted to see funding of €88,750 for sports and community initiatives in Wexford.
“The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions to be used for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.
DEPUTY BRIAN BRENNAN
“Across the country, there is over €4 million available which will be crucial for ensuring everyone has the chance to lead a more active and healthier life.
“In Wexford, we’ll see €33,000 for our sports hubs, €29,750 for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and €6,000 for “Her Moves”, said Deputy Brennan, who added; “I am particularly happy to see funding of €20,000 towards programmes for volunteers and upskilling in Wexford. Our volunteers keep our initiatives running smoothly and we must offer them the opportunity to get all the training they need.
“Our sports clubs are at the heart of our community, bringing people of all backgrounds together. Through this funding I hope that even more people will be able to enjoy the benefits that sports participation and a healthy lifestyle can bring,” concluded Deputy Brennan, who has public offices in Arklow and Gorey.
WexfordLocal.com 