Public art or a waste of money?

An artist’s impression of the OPW’s proposed piece of public roadside art planned for the roundabout at Rosslare Harbour.

By Dan Walsh

Last Friday Cllr Ger Carthy from Rosslare Municipal District sent members of the local media an artist’s impression of the OPWs proposed piece of public roadside art planned to be installed centre of the roundabout at the entrance to Rosslare Europort.

Cllr Carthy informed us that the price is sure to be north of €150,000. He described the proposal as “a monstrosity” and lamented “not a penny available for truck parking in the village or beyond.”

To say that the story ‘got legs’ on social media is a misnomer! It has reached Ronnie Delaney proportions! And the vast majority are backing Cllr Carthy almost 100%.

The only enthusiastic support towards the Rosslare proposal came from arts enthusiast, Jeremy Hill of the Monksgrange Archives Group, who claims it is “a good piece”. He views it as “the excellent concept of ‘Per Cent for Art.”

On social media, Mr Hill says; “It asks questions like -what’s holding me up. It uses ambient light to compare the top and bottom surfaces. It has a twisting dynamic yet presents a feeling of balance. It appears slightly off centre which brings you back to its sense of strength.

He adds; “What is not wanted is another boat in bronze. Art and truck parks have nothing to do with each other and this brings us back to the excellent concept of ‘Per Cent for Art.’

Over the weekend WexfordLocal.com carried out some basic research into matter and came up with the following: “The Per Cent for Art scheme is a government initiative, first introduced in 1978, whereby 1% of the cost of any publicly funded capital, infrastructural and building development can be allocated to the commissioning of a work of art. Since 1997 this scheme has been made available to all capital projects across all government departments.”

No doubt this story will run for a few more days and then expire for eternity! But one fact is for certain, by the time the project is completed… the budget will have been lost in the disastrous mist of inflation. 

Local musician raised €1008.08 for Fethard RNLI

Pictured handing over the cheque are Fiona Barry, fundraiser, Julie Butler, fundraiser, James, Sophie and Emily Power, Sarah Bates, fundraiser and Ann Butler fundraiser. Pic; RNLI/Fethard Lifeboat Station.

By Dan Walsh

James Power, a musician and music teacher launched his ’12 Gigs of Christmas’ in December to raise funds for local causes and charities. Six of these festive performances around the local community were in aid of Fethard RNLI.

James was also joined by his daughters Sophie and Emily who eagerly took charge of the collection buckets during the performances.

Sophie, Emily and James visited the station after Christmas to present members of Fethard RNLI’s fundraising team with a cheque (€1,008.80) from their fundraising efforts.

Sarah Bates, Fethard RNLI, chair of the fundraising branch said; “We would like to thank James and his family for giving up their time to raise funds for us at Fethard RNLI. As a charity we rely on the generosity of the public and voluntary donations such as these help us to continue to save lives at sea.”

Donnchadh’s treble success day at Ballycrystal

By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal

Donnchadh Doyle was the hero of the winner’s enclosure at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, at today’s Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point, where he saddled three of the six winners. Local rider Rob James enjoyed treble success. Denis Murphy also recorded a double.

Donnchadh Doyle’s first winner was Madam Blue ridden by Alan Harney in the opening race – the maiden race for five-year-old mares – with six and a half lengths to spare.

Rob James took the winning mount on Mouthshuteyesopen for Doyle in the maiden race for mares aged six years old and upwards. Five and a half lengths this time.

The James/Doyle team brought the Monbeg Syndicate first past the post for the third time in the maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards confined race and a 10 lengths success for Gatineau Park. Donnchadh Doyle also saddled the runner-up in this contest with Thankyouandplease ridden by Alan Harney.

This was the third leg of a treble for leading rider Rob James who earlier won the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards geldings on The Burrow for Delgany, Co. Wicklow, handler Gerard Lawless and the Ballydonagh Syndicate.

SHANE WALSH-KEHOE rides his first point-to-point winner at Ballycrystal today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Denis Murphy also saddled a double. Jukebox King ridden by Shane Cotter scored by four lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Denis Murphy’s double was a special affair. Owned by his mother, Catherine Murphy, Fralimonti Bilberry, by one and a half lengths in the Winners of Two race. It was the third ride for 19 years old Shane Walsh-Kehoe from Oulart and his first winner.

There was also a point-to-point at Killeagh, Cork, today and a pair of Wexford winners made the journey worthwhile.

Fedney’s Park in the colours of Caitriona Goff enjoyed a six lengths success in the maiden race for five-year-old mares, handled by her husband, Michael Goff at Clondaw and confidently ridden by their son, Harry Goff.

Josh Berry, (20), rode a short-head victory on Get Off The Phone handled by his uncle, Darragh Berry, and carrying the Run For Fun Partnership colours, in the Winner of Two race.

While Donnchadh Doyle was piling up the winners at Ballycrystal this afternoon, his brother Sean Doyle journeyed to Thurles to saddle Willitgoahead (11/10 fav.) in the hunter’s chase and Jamie Scallan got him home in front by three and a half lengths. Afterwards, Doyle admitted ‘dreaming big’ about Willitgoahead and will be seeking out opportunities at Cheltenham and Aintree in the coming months.  

Motorcyclist (50s) dies at Barntown

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 50s has died in a single-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on the R738 at Knockeen, Barntown, shortly before 6.15pm yesterday evening.

He was pronounced dead at the scene,

His body has since been removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Waterford, where a post-mortem examination will take place.

No other injuries were reported.

The road remains closed pending a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators which takes place today.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area between 5.30pm and 6.30pm are to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Meeting of Enniscorthy Community Watch 

By Dan Walsh

Concerns are growing in and around Enniscorthy town centre at the rise of anti-social behaviour and recently reported nocturnal damage to property and vehicles.

In response, a public meeting is planned for Monday, January 20th at 8.30pm in the Farm Centre, Mill Park Road. All are welcome.

Organised by Alfie O’Sullivan of Creative Grounds, Irish Street, he says on social media; “Please join us for the first public meeting of Enniscorthy Community Watch. With the recent rise in crimes being reported in the area it’s more important than ever to come together and find ways to support and protect our community.”

Mr O’Sullivan says it is an informal meeting where the following issues will be up for discussion.

✅Discuss the current concerns affecting our town.

✅Explore ways we can work together to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour issues.

✅Share ideas and potential solutions

“This is a chance for your voice to be heard, your ideas to be shared, and your presence to make a difference, said Mr O’Sullivan, who added; “We look forward to seeing you there!”

All set for Ballycrystal races on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point races takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at Ballycrystal, near Kiltealy, with an entry of 65 and the first race off at 12.30pm.

Ground conditions are expected to be ‘yielding’ and there is good news on the weather front. Expect a dry and cloudy day with possibly some light drizzle.

COLIN BOWE saddled his 20th winner of the season today.

Just one fixture today (Saturday) at Turtulla, Clonmel, and just one Wexford winner.

Khafre, who was runner-up in his only previous outing at Lingstown in November ran out the winner of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings by one and a half lengths for champion handler Colin Bowe. It was 12-times champion handler Bowe’s 20th winner of the current season. Barry O’Neill was the successful rider, and the celebrating owners is Milestone Bloodstock Ltd, Kiltealy.

Wexford Chamber hosts Political Leaders

County Wexford Chamber will host a unique Political Leaders Summit with the county’s newly elected TDs and an Ireland South MEP on Monday, February 17th.

Set to take place at 6pm in the prestigious National Opera House, Wexford, this event will feature a panel discussion with Brian Brennan TD, Malcolm Byrne TD, George Lawlor TD, Johnny Mythen TD, Fionntáin Ó Súilleabháin TD, and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP.

With MC Ivan Yates at the helm, this event promises a dynamic panel discussion focused on the priorities shaping the future of County Wexford. Our political leaders will share their insights and perspectives, offering valuable updates on their work and vision for the region. Whether you are a business owner, community leader, or engaged citizen, this is a unique opportunity to hear directly from those who represent you.

The event will also include a moderated questions-and-answers session, allowing attendees to explore key topics with the panel.

Paula Roche, CEO of the County Wexford Chamber, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating; “The Political Leaders Summit is a vital platform for County Wexford Chamber to represent the business interests of our community, many of which were outlined in our General Election Manifesto at the end of last year. It’s an opportunity to engage directly with our elected representatives, address key issues, and collaborate on building a brighter future for County Wexford.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a significant conversation about the future of our region. Secure your spot today and join us for an evening of dialogue, insight, and community. Register on www.countywexfordchamber.ie

Event Details: Monday, February 17th, at 6pm in the Jerome Hynes Suite, National Opera House, Wexford Y35 FEP3. Fee: Chamber members €25, non-members €35 (includes light refreshments).

Drug seizure at Rosslare Europort

A man in his 20s remains in Garda custody this morning following a drug seizure at Rosslare Europort yesterday (Friday).

13.4 kilos of herbal cannabis with a value of €268,000 was discovered by Revenue officers when an accompanied freight unit that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France was stopped and searched.

A man in his 20s was arrested by An Garda Síochána and is currently detained, under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, at a Garda Station in County Wexford.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing investigations involving organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding drug smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on phone number 1800 295 295.

Investigations are ongoing.

Castlebridge crash victim is named

By Dan Walsh

The man who died in a road traffic collision on the R742 at Johnstown, Castlebridge, has been named locally.

JONATHON JOHN KAVANAGH

48-year-old Jonathon (John) Kavanagh, Ballinablake, Curracloe, was travelling on his motorcycle when it was involved in a collision with a car at approximately 9.20am last Wednesday morning.

He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Jonathan Kavanagh is reposing at Mackens Funeral Home, Distillery Road, Wexford, Y35 HP29 on Sunday from 4 o’clock to 7 o’clock. Removal on Monday morning to St. Margaret’s Church, Curracloe for Funeral Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area between 8.30am and 9.30am this morning, Wednesday 15th January 2025, to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on (053) 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.