Lisbon and Enniscorthy in arts link

LARRY DUNNE from Enniscorthy at the Ponte 25 De Abril in Lisbon.

By Dan Walsh

Breaking The Patterns is a three-month artist residency and work placement programme for emerging visual artists in Lisbon, Portugal facilitated by the arts departments of Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow local authorities, and led by Carlow County Council Arts Service under the Invitation to Collaborate Arts Council of Ireland scheme.

Breaking the Patterns is part of a two-year initiative which commenced in early 2024. It fosters and cultivates creativity through international European art residencies, exhibitions, dedicated artistic mentorship, professional development and work experience in one of Lisbon’s many dedicated arts spaces.

Larry Dunne is an emerging illustrator from Enniscorthy who has been working at the Presentation Centre. An NCAD and IADT graduate, his offbeat illustrative work is intricately detailed, surreal, and often finished in vibrant colours. His work focuses on imaginative subversions of architecture, religious iconography, mythology, flora/fauna and psychology.

Larry is most well-known for his collaborations with Wexford Pride, Outrage Music Festival, Enniscorthy Arts Trail, Enniscorthy Theatre Company, and particularly for his 2019 solo exhibition Quare Taken – curated by Wexford’s renowned freelance curator Lisa Byrne – where he put a spotlight on the unchallenged homophobia and bigotry prevalent in Enniscorthy in the 90s and 00s.

The Breaking The Patterns exhibition launch will take place in NowHere, a contemporary art gallery in central Lisbon, next Saturday April 5th at 6pm. Curated by Cristiana Tejo and Luiza Baldan, it will showcase the artwork of 12 residency artists – six from Ireland, and six based in Portugal.

The exhibiting artists are Ally Nolan, Caoilfhionn Hanton, Giovanni Blandino, Guilhermo Hitos, Larry Dunne, Mafalda Riobom, Mariana Lourenço, Marie Jiménez, Roibí O Rua, Rory Foster, Sara E. Tralha and Sarah Joan Kelly. 

This exhibition will run until May 3rd and is free to visit.

12 communities share €402,840 in LEADER funding

WEXFORD ARTS CENTRE community garden receives LEADER funding. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Local Development has allocated €402,840 to 12 community groups under the latest LEADER Programme funding call.

Michael Wall, Chairperson of Wexford Local Development and Wexford’s Local Action Group said; “Each community group has worked hard to evidence the need for their proposed project, to show their own capability as a group to oversee each stage of the project and manage it into the future. I congratulate each community group on their funding award and the continuing work they do to develop and sustain villages and facilities throughout our county.”

Karen Codd of Rathnure Community Development expressed their delight at receiving €100,958 to develop an amenity and reflective garden in the village centre. “This garden will serve all community members, from young to old. The community has supported fundraising and will help choose planting. The facility will be free to use and is our first shared outdoor space. Everyone is excited to see it completed by 2025.”

Full list of awards under the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme community are as follows;  

Ben Mulhall Memorial Park; walking track development €36,867.63.

All Blacks AFC; walking track development €40,000.

Curracloe United Trust Company Ltd; walking track development €40,000.

Glynn Barntown GAA Club; walking track development €10,000.

Rathgarogue Community Co-operative Society Ltd; development of community park €12,981.56.

Rathnure Community Development CLG; development of community park €100,958.25.

Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane Environment Group; repairs €29,111.04

St Joseph’s GAA Club; walking track development €40,000.

St Leonards FC CLG; walking track development €26,669.25,

Taghmon Camross GAA Club; walking track upgrade €21,626.43.

Wexford Arts Centre; development of community garden €38,776.42.

Kilmore GAA Club; development of community garden €5,850.

Eight races at sunny Monksgrange today

By Dan Walsh at Monksgrange

Many of the 161 entries for the Bree Hunt point-to-point races at sunny Monksgrange today (Sunday) stood their ground creating two divides and an eight-race card. There was a large attendance.

Champions Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill recorded a double success. Lemmy Caution supplied a six lengths victory in division two of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. Sound Judgement made it a double with six lengths to spare at the end of the maiden race for five-year-old and upwards mares. Bowe confirmed afterwards that both are off to the sales now.

Sean Doyle saddled a winning pair. Ignore The Door ridden by Darragh Higgins scored by three lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and Gale Force Jet, a third winner for Cormac Byrne from Anvil Lodge, Ballindaggin, landed the Winners Two Novice Riders race by an impressive 12 lengths. The Bishopscourt Cup at the Punchestown Festival is Gale Force Jet’s next appointment.

CORMAC BYRNE ..winner at Monksgrange today. (WexfordLocal.com)

Bowe and O’Neill were in with the chance of a treble with Occupational Force in the maiden race for six-year-old and upwards geldings, but victory went to Jetbob in the Monbeg Syndicate colours, handled by Donnchadh and ridden by Rob James. Jetbob wil now be aimed at a Winner of One race.

Ellmarie Holden from Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny, enjoyed a winner at Balycrystal last Saturday week and she was amongst the winners at Monksgrange today again. She saddled Hernando De Soto ridden by Troy Walsh in division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and won by eight and a half lengths.

Handler Patrick Turley and rider Declan Lavery took the long drive from Downpatrick, Co. Down to the shadow of the Blackstairs and it was worth while as they won both divisions of the maiden race for four-year-old mares. A Chara and She’s A Fair Maid did the business in style.

Point-to-point action today at Liscarroll, Co. Cork, where Jonathan Fogarty, Gaynestown House Stud, Cleariestown, saddled newcomer With Nolimit in division one of the maiden race for four-year-olds and scored by ten lengths under Ross Sugrue.

Lonely Dancer was a winner at the Cork track too, handled by Liam O’Brien and owned by Laurence Murphy, Campile. Ridden by Adam Feeney.

Jamie Scallan rode a winner at Oldcastle in North County Dublin – 20 minutes from Dublin Airport -today; Dora D’Or for Ross O’Sullivan in the Mares Winner of Two race.

New CEO for Gorey St Aidan’s Services

By Dan Walsh

The Board of Saint Aidan’s Services in Gorey has announced the appointment of James Traynor as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Having served as Assistant CEO of Saint Aidan’s Services for nearly four years, Mr Traynor has demonstrated a strong commitment to the organisation’s core values of ‘Rights, Respect, Inclusion, and Trust’. His leadership will focus on strengthening and expanding the vital supports provided to children, adults, and elderly individuals across Gorey and North Wexford.

JAMES TRAYNOR

In a message to staff regarding the appointment, Hugh Kane, Chairperson of Saint Aidan’s Services, stated: “The Board has appointed James Traynor as the new CEO of Saint Aidan’s Services. We are delighted to welcome James to his new role and are confident that he will lead the development of our services into the future. I know that you will support James in delivering world-class supports to the individuals we are honoured to serve.”

Speaking about his new role, James Traynor said; “I am delighted to be appointed as CEO of this great organisation. I am committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance and improve our services. Gorey is a wonderful community to live and work in, and with unprecedented referrals in recent years.”

He added; “Saint Aidan’s is dedicated to meeting the challenges of delivering world-class supports. As we continue to navigate the many challenges facing the sector, we will work closely with stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of our services. Our committed and dedicated staff will continue to prioritise communication with stakeholders and actively listen to the needs of individuals, families, and the wider community.”

Bree Hunt races at Monksgrange on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

A total of 161 entries were received for the annual Bree Hunt point-to-point races, which will take place at Monksgrange, Rathnure, tomorrow Sunday.

There are six races, starting at 1pm. Clerk of the Course Pat Kelly said the going is ‘yielding’. “The track is laid out in very good condition, and we are looking forward to a great day’s racing,” he stated.

Met Éireann reports that tomorrow will be dry and mostly sunny, with patchy cloud developing in the late afternoon. The highest temperatures will range from 13 to 15 degrees, accompanied by a light to moderate northwesterly breeze.

The Monksgrange track, managed by Ben Hill, serves as schooling grounds for local stables year-round.

Monksgrange has hosted the annual Bree Hunt point-to-point races since 2008 and always attracts a large entry and is popular with attendances.

HARRY GOFF… winner in Co. Down today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Today’s (Saturday) point-to-point was at Loughbrickland, Co. Down and two Wexford stables rolled out winners.

The Goff family from Clondaw, Ferns, Caitriona (owner), Michael (handler) and their son Harry (rider), took the spoils with Fortune Lad by six lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Denis Murphy from Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, saddled Cool Native in the maiden race for mares’ five-year-old plus who scored by three-parts of a length under Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick.

Controlled explosion at Gorey estate

By Dan Walsh

GOREY GARDA STATION (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Gardaí evacuated residents from Gleann an Ghardín on the Ballytegan Road in Gorey today after finding suspect devices during a criminal activity investigation at the Wexford-Wicklow border.

Gardaí immediately established a cordon, and The Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal team attended the scene and conducted a controlled explosion on the viable suspect devices.

A suspect firearm, along with a large quantity of ammunition, was also seized during the operation and will be sent for technical examination by the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau.

A quantity of suspected cocaine was seized during the search, pending analysis.

A woman, aged her 30s, was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at a Garda Station in the south-east.

The scene is currently being held for technical examination and investigations are ongoing.

No tenders for new car parking facility

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

ENNISCORTHY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The old Murphy Floods site at Enniscorthy was discussed again at Tuesday’s monthly Enniscorthy Municipal Council meeting, held in the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre and chaired by Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach.

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, informed the members that a tender for the design and construction of a new car park facility, including public realm elements and associated site works at Murphy Floods site, was issued in early February.

The closing date for submissions was March 14th. Unfortunately, no tender applications were received by the specified deadline.  

Ms. Godkin stated that estate agents have been appointed to conduct a valuation and market assessment of the site, which is expected to take approximately one month to complete. 

Verona Murphy plans to continue

Opposition leaders are considering a no confidence motion in Ceann Comhairle VERONA MURPHY after chaotic Dáil scenes and claims of bias during a vote on speaking time allocations. (Pic; Oireachtas Press Office via RollingNews.ie)

By Dan Walsh

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has addressed the opposition leaders in Dáil Éireann after they announced their intention to challenge her with a ‘no confidence’ vote.

The Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil has rejected the allegations about her speaking rights role as unfounded, stating she plans to continue in her position.

Tonight, Verona Murphy stated she will continue in her challenging role and advised TDs to abide by their constitutional obligations amid calls for her resignation.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has said he would be cautious to move too quickly to state no confidence in the Ceann Comhairle, despite sharing anger over the vote yesterday, arguing that the circumstances in the Dáil would not have benefited anyone. He added that expressing no confidence in Deputy Murphy would not “fix the situation”, laying the blame on the government.

The motion, which was aimed to an end to the speaking rights row, sparked shouting and disorderly scenes in the chamber after the opposition said due procedure was not adhered to by Deputy Murphy.

The Dáil voted 94 to 74 to pass the controversial rule change, which changes how speaking rights are divided up. The opposition have contested the ratification of the vote.

Should the ‘no confidence’ vote be presented before the Dáil next week, Deputy Murphy is expected to retain her position with the support of the government. Delays in proceedings and the baggage that comes with coalition government agreement is not uncommon.

The 2020 General Election occurred on Saturday, February 8th. After four months and 128 days, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Green Party agreed on a draft programme for government.

The government formation process took several months and involved various challenges. One significant issue was addressing the role of Sinn Féin, even though it was a major political party and had substantial public support on the island of Ireland.

Independent TD Verona Murphy was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2020. She topped the poll with 11,340 – 838 above the quota – first preference votes in last November’s General Election for the Wexford constituency.

The Ramsgrange native was chosen as Ceann Comhairle for the 34th Dáil and has faced immense challenges from speaking rights to cohesion of the coalition parties and controversial agreements.

Chapel Bridge replacement welcomed

Aughnaglower Bridge, also known as Chapel Bridge between Adamstown and Clonroche has been replaced. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Aughnaglower Bridge, commonly known as Chapel Bridge, on the R735 road between Adamstown and Clonroche, washed away by heavy rain on Christmas Day 2021, has been replaced, to the locals’ delight.

Cllr Pat Barden said; “Great Job done on Chapel Bridge. Thanks to Triur construction roads engineer David Murphy and all sub-contractors who worked on this project. Thanks to the public for your patience during construction phase.”

The loss of the bridge resulted in local access issues and longer travel routes for families in the area.

In February 2022, Wexford County Council reopened the road with a new layout and temporary crossing. Caution was advised as the roadway was made accessible again.

Chapel is named after a historic chapel that was once located in the district. It is known for being the first stop on the Macmine-New Ross railway line, with one platform on the up side. The station served the beet trade to Carlow.

The railway line ceased operations on March 30th, 1963. The station buildings are currently privately owned. Adjacent to the new bridge is a structure that was formerly a pub named Furlongs.

Man, 61, charged with possession of €10.6m of cocaine at Gorey Court

A 61-year-old man has appeared in court charged with possession of €10.6 million worth of cocaine.

Michael Murphy, with an address in Co Waterford, appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court on Sunday evening.

Detective Garda Sean Lane, of Waterford Garda Station, told the court that Murphy had been arrested in connection with the seizure of the drugs on March 18th.

The detective said the arrest came as part of an “intelligence-led” operation.

Drugs in packets displayed on a table
Some of the seized cocaine (An Garda Síochána)

Murphy, the transport manager of Herriot Haulage Limited – which is registered in Co Waterford, was arrested at 10.30am and taken to Waterford Garda Station.

While an initial search of the vehicle “proved negative”, the detective told the court, the truck and trailer was taken to Dublin Port where it was subjected to an X-ray.

An “anomaly” was discovered within the refrigerated unit part of the trailer.

Detective Garda Lane said that after a “further deep search” assisted by the stolen motor vehicle investigation unit and the dog unit, a “sophisticated concealment” operated through a “hydraulic” mechanism was detected.

Cocaine, which was verified by Science Foundation Ireland, weighing 152kgs and worth €10.65 million was discovered.

Gardaí also discovered phones, tools, bags and GPS tracking equipment. Some of the GPS equipment was located near the “concealment of drugs”.

Investigators believe the drugs were loaded in Spain and transported to Ireland on behalf of several organised crime groups.

Murphy – who appeared in court wearing brown shoes, a black hooded fleece and black pants – was charged under caution on Saturday night with possession of the cocaine as well possession with intent to sell or supply the drugs

In reply to the charge of possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply, Detetvive Garda Lane said Murphy said: “I understand the charge.”

Gardaí said further charges may be recommended on submission of an investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecution.

He said that during searches of properties as part of the operation, a dog unit discovered a sophisticated portable signal jammer. He said this was a counter-surveillance device used by the military which was “unknown to common folk” and was believed to be used “to aid criminality”.

Detective Garda Lane said there were “no conditions whatsoever that would alleviate the concerns of gardaí” on bail.

Murphy’s solicitor Chris Hogan said his client was a widower, residing with some of his five children who were professionals.

He said Murphy, whose exact address cannot be reported for legal reasons, had a business with 10 employees and was in the course of setting up other business interests.

He said he has “strong ties” to the jurisdiction, that he was a “businessman” with his “family here”.

Mr Hogan asked if the garda accepted that Murphy had strong ties to this jurisdiction.

Mr Hogan asked if it would alleviate his concerns if Murphy signed on at a garda station or obeyed by a curfew.

The representative of An Garda Síochána said it would not.

Judge Kevin Staunton said: “The defendant is a 61-year-old man and his family are here to support him, which can on occasion give the court some encouragement.

“He lives with his family locally and he has ties to the jurisdiction. So, I understand Mr Hogan’s argument.”

The judge said he understood the argument that he is not a person likely to flee, given his business and family interests in Ireland.

However, he added that he had concerns arising from the evidence from Det Gda Lane.

He said the amount of cocaine involved was “very significant”.

“Given the consignment of drugs, it is a serious offence by any stretch of the imagination.”

In conclusion, he added: “The concerns of gardai are well founded and I must refuse bail.”

Murphy is allowed to appeal against the refusal of bail.

He was remanded in custody to appear again via videolink at Waterford District Court on Tuesday.