CLLR JOHN DWYER (Cathaoirleach) and CLLR JOHN FLEMING (Leas-Cathaoirleach) exchanged congratulations after the New Ross Municipal District Council annual general meeting this afternoon.
By Dan Walsh
Independent Cllr John Dwyer is the new Cathaoirleach for New Ross Municipal District. He was elected at today’s annual general meeting and replaces Cllr Bridín Murphy.
“It was an honour and a privilege to be elected as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council this afternoon, said Cllr Dwyer on a social media post, and he added: “I would like to thank my fellow councillors for the faith they have shown in me and indeed I would like to thank my family and my supporters for their ongoing support, for without them, I could not do what I do. I look forward to this coming year.”
A former member of Wexford County Council, Cllr Dwyer lost his seat in the 2014 Local Elections, narrowed missed out in 2019, and regained his seat in the 2024 Local Elections when he promised that he would be “a truly Independent voice for New Ross.”
Cllr Dwyer was also an unsuccessful candidate in two General Elections representing two different parties – Eirigí and Sinn Féin.
The Leas-Cathaoirleach is Cllr John Fleming (Fianna Fáil).
Uisce Éireann teams are currently repairing a burst water main that has reduced flow to the Creagh Water Treatment Plant in Gorey.
The burst is disrupting water supply for Uisce Éireann customers in Gorey Town, Tara Hill, Ballymoney, and nearby areas.
Crews are on site and are working to repair the burst. It is estimated that repairs will be complete, and supply will return to normal levels from approximately 5pm this evening.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured affected customers that supply will be restored as quickly as possible.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience caused by unplanned outages and we want to thank affected customers for their understanding while our crews work to repair the burst and restore normal supply,” said Mr Lyng.
Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.
An elderly couple were transported to the hospital last evening (Wednesday) after a single-vehicle traffic collision on the N25, south of Ballycogley on the road to Kilmore.
Emergency services responded to the incident, and the road was temporarily closed to facilitate the removal of the damaged vehicle.
Rosslare Harbour RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat at sea. (Pic;RNLI/Rosslare Harbour).
By Dan Walsh
Rosslare Harbour RNLI came to the assistance of an injured crew member on a yacht one mile off Rosslare Europort on Monday.
The all-weather lifeboat launched at 7.15pm following a request from the Irish Coast Guard.
On arrival at the scene and having communicated with the crew of four and assessing the situation, it was decided to bring the injured party onboard the lifeboat.
Upon return to Rosslare Europort, the crew member was united with family members. The other members of the crew were safe and well.
Weather conditions were dry, clear and calm at the time.
Speaking following the call out, Alan Murphy, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Launch Authority, commended the yacht crew for contacting the Irish Coast Guard. “They had the necessary communication equipment and flotation devices onboard. Thanks to our crew for a successful outcome.
‘We encourage anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to always go prepared. Check weather and tides before venturing out, carry the right equipment for a safe journey including a means of communication. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
CLLR DONAL KENNY is congratulated by his wife, Helen, following election as Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council at the annual general meeting in Gorey today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge District annual general meeting in Gorey
Popular Fianna Fáil member Cllr Donal Kenny is the new Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council following his election at the annual general meeting held in Gorey Council Chamber today.
Proposed by Cllr Pip Breen and seconded by Cllr Anthony Donohoe, Cllr Kenny was unanimously elected to fill the position held by outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Oliver Walsh who had reached the end of his term.
Cllr Kenny from Craanford was first elected to Wexford County Council in 2019, and, previously in 2022, served his first term as Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District.
The members acknowledged Cllr Kenny on his election, and Cllr Kenny returned thanks and appreciation for their support, promised to do his best during his term, and complimented his predecessor, Cllr Oliver Walsh, for his “fair and impartial” conduct during his time in the Chair.
Cllr Kenny’s first task was to call for nominations for the post of Leas-Cathaoirleach. Cllr Anthony Donohoe was elected having been proposed by Cllr Darragh McDonald and seconded by Cllr Pip Breen.
Cllr Walsh told the members that “it was a relatively good and successful year for the district” and he stated that the highlight was getting funding for the Gorey Market House THRIVE Project. He thanked the members and officials for their co-operation during his year in the Chair and he wished Cllr Kenny “the best of luck” in his term.
District Manager Philip Knight described Cllr Walsh’s year as “a lot of funding coming in marking the start of a lot of projects. It was a busy year, and the restoration of the Market House was the highlight,” said Mr Knight.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe was in attendance and congratulated the district on a very successful year and complimented the members on representing the district respectfully.
The highlight of the year for Wexford County Council was the delegation to Savanah, Georgia, led by the Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen and addressing the House of Representatives. “You represented the district well”, concluded Mr Taaffe.
Kilmore Quay RNLI launched at 8.10 am yesterday (Monday) after a request from the Irish Coast Guard to assist a 12-metre yacht with a fouled propeller south of Carnsore Point.
Arriving at the location at 9.05am, the lifeboat crew checked that all on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation. The vessel was freed from the entanglement but was still unable to make its way under its own steam due to the propeller being fouled.
It was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the disabled craft back to shore. Weather at the time was described as fine, good visibility with a Force 3 to 4 south westerly wind and slight sea state.
The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay arriving at 11.20am where the yacht was safely brought alongside the marina.
Twenty-six-year-old Cliona O’Leary from Boolavogue, has been selected as the 2025 Wexford Rose.
CLIONA O’LEARY… Wexford Rose 2025.
She was crowned winner from 22 contestants at Ashtown Park Hotel, Gorey, on Saturday night and will represent Wexford in the Rose of Tralee celebrations in August.
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.
At the launch of Wexapp ahead of Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann 2025 were; Anthony Bailey, Wexford Borough District Manager, Gareth Williams, Director WexApp, Eimear Kennedy, Fleadh PR & Marketing Committee.
By Dan Walsh
Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee has announced their partnership with Wexapp for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025.Wexapp is a family run business operating in Wexford and is working with the Fleadh Executive Committee to bring you the official app for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025.
The app will provide visitors to the town with up to date and essential information about the Fleadh including schedules of events, information on local venues, transport options and other key information required for your visit.
Key features of the app are an interactive event schedule, venue maps and directions, offline access to essential information and information on Wexford’s best places to eat, drink and sleep.
The aim of the app is to provide visitors and locals with a one stop shop where they can find out all that is happening during the week of the Fleadh.
Gareth Williams, Director of WexApp stated “WexApp is proud to be the official app provider for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025, Ireland’s largest traditional music festival. Our challenge was to build a comprehensive digital solution that would enhance the festival experience for attendees while providing powerful management tools for organisers”
Eddie Taaffe, Chairperson of Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee commented: “Wexapp has created a digital experience that perfectly complements the traditional nature of our festival, making it accessible whether or not you are a tech-savvy attendee. The app will make life much easier for all fleadh visitors.”
We encourage people to download the App before they arrive to the Fleadh so that they can get an idea of what is happening and where things are located.
Local businesses are encouraged to register their listing on the App at no cost, just check out www.wexapp.ie/fleadhcheoilapp for details.
ÓRLA BATES at the opening of her Sync Shift solo exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre today. (Pic;WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre.
WexfordArts Centre today welcomed Sync Shift, an exciting solo exhibition by drawings artist Órla Bates made in collaboration with artist Joanna Leah that will run in the lower and upper galleries until Saturday, July 26th. The guest speaker at the launch was Curator Ann Mulrooney who said; “I am struck by a visual similarity to Japanese ink painting in her more recent work, something to do with the exquisite balance and sureness of what remains captured on the surface of the page.” In 2023, Órla Bates was invited to take part in the MAKE/curate programme, a partnership initiative between Wexford Arts Centre, the Arts Department of Wexford County Council, and Blackbird Cultur-Lab. The aim of the programme is to provide artists working regionally with an opportunity to work with a national curator. Over the course of two years, Orla worked with Curator Ann Mulrooney towards her solo exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre. Distinct from the curatorial support, mentorship was also facilitated by artist Joanna Leah. Órla Bates whose charcoal, graphite, ink and pastel generated works paid tribute to Ann Mulrooney and Joanna Leah for assisting in bringing her work to the exhibition. She also thanked the members of her family and Executive Director Elizabeth Whyte and the staff at Wexford Arts Centre.
Sync Shift will run at Wexford Arts Centre until Saturday, July 26th. The exhibition is supported by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Blackbird Cultur-Lab through Wexford Arts Centre’s Make/Curate Programme. Wexford Arts Centre is supported by the Arts Council and Wexford County Council.
Regina Redmond from Gorey is to follow up the publication of her first book of poetry Buried Deep is the Child with a second book to be published in the Autumn for which she already had a fresh batch of healing poems.
She has also confirmed that she is currently working on a project to adapt the poems in both collections for a musical CD in collaboration with Wexford musicians.
The CD is being produced by Hot Press music writer Jackie Hayden who lives in south Wexford.
Two of the poems are already recorded. “I Made Peace with Myself Today” and “Buried Deep is the Child “.
Since publishing Buried Deep is the Child, subtitled A Healing Journey, Regina has spoken in several venues, including Gorey Library and The Solas Cabin outside Arklow.
Regina said; “I like to see my poems as shedding light on the path I have taken from darkness into the light of recovery following my traumatic childhood. Writing has a therapeutic value for me and publishing them was somehow liberating.
“Now, since the healing power of music has long been established, it seems that adding music is a logical and valuable next step for me as I continue onward on my exploratory journey with my second collection,” she added.
News of Regina’s work has travelled as far as Mobile, Alabama in the USA where CeCe Redmond (no relation) of the Redmond Heritage Press wrote “Regina Redmond transforms her journey through trauma into a beacon of hope, healing, and awakening. Through courage, faith, and forgiveness, she discovered the warrior within — and now inspires others to find their light and their voice. Regina’s path reminds us that even through the darkest experiences, resilience and renewal are possible.”
Regina adds; “When I first set out on my journey to publish my poems I never dreamed it would attract such international interest and an encouragingly positive response. It’s been a hugely worthwhile and rewarding adventure for me beyond any dreams I might have had.”
Buried Deep is the Child- A Healing Journey is published by Carol Boland of Boland Press and it has resonated deeply with those who love poetry that comes from the heart. But it has also attracted a very positive and appreciative response from others who have suffered childhood trauma.
WexfordLocal.com 