Courtown coastline taken away by the sea!

The scene north of Courtown towards the Kiltennel Walking Trail. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

By Dan Walsh in Courtown

Yesterday (Saturday) I paid a visit to Courtown and was directed towards the Courtown Kiltennel Walking Trail where I witnessed a trail of destruction in the wake of last week’s Storm Éowyn.

Trees were taken out, and in fairness to the National Parks and Wildlife Service efforts to clear the walkway have been successful, but the greatest challenge facing North Wexford coastline is the fact that the heavy seas are now breaking on to the sandy surface inside the protective rock armour that exists!

Speaking to locals walking their dogs and enjoying the leisure values of this amazing environmental treasure, the general reaction was that “nature is taking its course” and prevention is “at the mercy of the tides and waves and the massive force of the sea when it enters into storm mode.”

Over the past 50 years, Courtown has lost approximately 20 linear acres of coastline. Today, Courtown Community Council are the group responsible for monitoring the popular Courtown Kiltennel Walking Trail. It also conducts annual coastwatch surveys in association with coastwatch.org.

Speaking with WexfordLocal.com, Linda Sinnott from Courtown Community Council said; “Since we began doing our surveys 5 years ago, we’ve seen an ongoing loss of 1–2 meters per annum, with even larger sections disappearing during extreme weather events, like the one that hit last weekend.” Linda adds (see photo) that “In just one month, approximately 5,000 visitors were recorded using the Courtown Kiltenel Walking Trail since the installation of a trail counter in December 2024.  

Linda adds; “We understand that coastal erosion is a significant challenge, and tough decisions must be made about what can be saved. However, the data makes it clear: this designated proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) is a major attraction for both residents and tourists. We must do everything we can to protect it. The key ingredient is political will.  

“We now have three sitting TDs, along with a Wexford minister and senator who can directly support our National Parks and Wildlife Service. We urge everyone to contact them, as well as your local representatives and Wexford County Council, to act now, before this valued yet vulnerable stretch of coastline is lost forever,” concluded Ms. Sinnott. 

Courtown lifeboat launched

By Dan Walsh at Courtown Harbour

Courtown RNLI volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 3.22pm last Friday by the Irish Coast Guard following reports of a person in difficulty.

Courtown RNLI’s inshore lifeboat. (Pic; RNLI/Courtown

Weather conditions were favourable at the time with a slight south easterly wind and calm seas.
Once the lifeboat was on scene, the crew conducted a search of the area. There were no initial sightings of a missing person. The lifeboat searched the coastline north and south of the reported sighting.

The lifeboat crew were in radio contact with the local Coast Guard who were also at the scene, and after 30 minutes Rosslare Coast Guard advised Courtown RNLI to stand down.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com Jim Murphy, Courtown RNLI Lifeboat Boathouse Manager said; “This was a false alarm with good intent and we would to commend the person who raised the alarm as that is always the right thing to do. We would much rather launch and find all is well than not launch at all. We would like to comment our volunteers for their quick response in leaving their places of work.

“Should you have any concerns for your own safety or that of someone else, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” concluded Mr Murphy.

102 entries for Ballinboola on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

102 entries, including 19 for the first four-year-old maiden race of the year, completes the card for the Wexford Hunt point-to-point races taking place at Ballinaboola, New Ross, tomorrow (Sunday). First race at 1pm.

Reports from the track say that “it is in great order with a good covering of grass” and the ‘going is described as “Good to Yielding, Yielding in Places.”

The forecast is for overnight rain, but it should clear on Sunday morning and conditions for afternoon are expected to be dry with maximum temperatures coming in at around 9 degrees.

For the benefit of racegoers not familiar with getting to the Ballinaboola track, the Eircode is Y35 D968.

Last Sunday’s postponed point-to-point scheduled for Dungarvan took place today and a single success for Wexford raiders with An Buachaill Rua, owned and handled by Robert Tector, Coolbawn, Rathnure, coming home comfortably by 15 lengths under Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

LISTED SUCCESS FOR PAUL NOLAN AT LEOPARDSTOWN

PAUL NOLAN… Listed Race win at Dublin Racing Festival today.

The prestigious annual Dublin Racing Festival opened at Leopardstown today and Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan enjoyed success in the Listed Ryanair Handicap Chase with An Peann Dearg (8/1).

Ridden by Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe, An Peann Dearg, who also landed a handicap chase over course and distance in December, took the lead at the final fence to score decisively by seven lengths.

Afterwards Paul Nolan, who also won this race in 2019 (Quamino 14/1) and 2016 (The Mooch 16/1) said; “It’s great for Jim and Sonja (Buckley), they are very important people in the yard and it’s great to have them here and win a big pot.

“He travelled well, something similar to the last day, but he probably hit the line a little bit stronger, said Nolan, who added; “We could see it today, but the handicapper can see it as well!”

Cathal Byrne elected to Seanad Éireann

By Dan Walsh

Outgoing Cllr Cathal Byrne has been selected on the Cultural and Education panel and becomes a member of the 27th Seanad Éireann. He promises “to be a strong voice for Wexford.”

SENATOR CATHAL BYRNE in his role as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, June 2021. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Senator Byrne lost out on the fourth seat at last November’s General Election and afterwards was chosen by the Fine Gael Party to contest the Seanad election and it was generally anticipated that he would be successful in his efforts and congratulations have been overflowing since the news was announced early this morning.

The 33-year-old from Ballyhogue has served as a member of Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Municipal District Council since 2019 and was re-elected at last June’s Local Elections, topping the poll with 2,275 first preference votes.

Cllr Byrne served as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council from June, 2021.

Senator Byrne will now have to vacate his seat on Wexford County Council and there will be much speculation around who Fine Gael will select as his successor.

Educated at Kiltealy National School, Boolavogue National School and the FCJ Secondary School, Bunclody, he graduated from Trinity College Dublin with an Honours degree in Law and Business, and a Master’s in Law.

As a qualified Solicitor he runs his own practice based in Enniscorthy, having previously worked on the successful Congressional election campaign of Joe Kennedy III in Boston (grandnephew to the former United States President John F. Kennedy) and in the Office of the Irish Attorney General.

Co. Wexford Chamber honours Jimmy Gahan

Former and current board and chapter members of County Wexford Chamber gathered to celebrate the retirement of Jimmy Gahan. (Front l-r): Matt Ronan, Evolv Healthcare; Jimmy Gahan and his wife, Dr Mairead Kelly; and Helen Meade, Reynaers Aluminium. Back (l-r): Michael Bennett, Bennett Tarmacadam; Mary O’Leary; Connie Doyle; Niamh Hogan, Holos Skincare; Annette McCarthy, Frizelle, O’Leary & Co. Solicitors; Maree Lyng, President of Wexford Rotary Club; Paula Roche, County Wexford Chamber CEO; Ronan McGrath, McGrath Quantity Surveyors; Aislinn Cody, County Wexford Chamber; MJ Furlong, AIB; and Ed Murphy, GreenTech HQ. (Pic; County Wexford Chamber).

By Dan Walsh

Jimmy Gahan is one of Enniscorthy’s best known citizens and he has been honoured by County Wexford Chamber “for the many years of dedicated service he has provided to Enniscorthy.”

Jimmy joined the former Enniscorthy Chamber as a Development Officer in 2018 and helped guide the Enniscorthy District through its integration with County Wexford Chamber.

Family, friends, and colleagues joined the Chamber’s Enniscorthy Chapter meeting in GreenTech HQ recently to wish Jimmy well on his retirement.

Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber, said; “Jimmy’s dedication to the town’s growth and his willingness to support any cause, big or small, never went unnoticed. His contributions have made a lasting impact on the community. To recognise his commitment, we were honoured to present him with a plaque, a small token of appreciation for the significant role he’s played in Enniscorthy’s development.”

Jimmy’s exceptional dedication to helping the businesses in and around Enniscorthy throughout the years was deeply admired and appreciated by everyone present.

On a personal note, I would like to wish Jimmy Gahan all the best on his retirement from chamber duties. Many moons ago, when a pen and paper were the luxuries in journalism, Jimmy was my editor for a time at the defunct Enniscorthy Echo newspaper at Mill Park Road premises and we have remained lifelong friends!

‘150k in February’ supporting children

By Dan Walsh

LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice invites people in Wexford to dust off their runners and challenge themselves to walk 150km throughout the month of February.  

LauraLynn is asking the public to take on the sponsored challenge, walking, jogging or running about 5.5km per day in February.

The challenge is an important fundraiser for the Children’s Hospice supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.   

LauraLynn Fundraising Executive Cathy White commented: “Taking part in the ‘150k in February’ challenge is a great way to get outdoors now that the evenings are getting longer. We are asking people to walk or run and just have some fun while raising much needed funds for LauraLynn. These funds will allow us to continue supporting children with palliative care needs and their families all over Ireland.” 

To take part participants register on the LauraLynn website where they will receive a T-shirt, as well as their own sponsorship page. Funds raised from the “150k in February” challenge will help Laura Lynn provide essential care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families from across the country.  

Whether you walk or run regularly or are trying to get more active as part of your new year’s resolutions this challenge is for everyone.  

Participants can share their experiences and photos on social media using the hashtag #TeamLauraLynn and join the dedicated Facebook group to connect with others taking part in the challenge. 

For more information or to register go to lauralynn.ie/150K or contact Cathy at challenges@lauralynn.ie. 

Lá Fhéile Bríde at Ballycarney

By Dan Walsh

LORRAINE O’DWYER tells the Stories of Bridget at the Old Post Office, Ballycarney.

Saturday, February 1st marks the beginning of Spring and the celebration of Lá Fhéile Bríde, St Brigid’s Day. The day has long symbolised hope, renewal and the feminine.

Monday is Brigid’s Day, a new Bank Holiday introduced for the first time in 2024, so the focus is on Brigid in the coming days.

Ballycarney Development Group is inviting interested parties to join with Gorey-based storyteller Lorraine O’Dwyer from Gallivanting.ie for an evening celebrating St Briget!

“Her story begins 1000s of years ago with an ancient tribe that made their home in Ireland, and she has been with us ever since, both Goddess and Saint,” said Lorraine, who added; “So join us as we weave reed crosses, prepare our Brat Bhríd to leave out overnight and celebrate this ancient Spring Festival!”

This is a free event but to manage numbers the organisers are asking that you book a place by emailing ballycarneydevelopmentgroup@gmail.com

It all happens at The Old Post Office Ballycarney (Y21H1K2) on Friday, January 31st, commencing at 7pm.

Six males refused entry at Rosslare

By Dan Walsh

An Garda Síochána continues to investigate following the discovery of nine people in a shipping container at Rosslare Europort last Monday morning.

It is understood that the men and teenagers were found in the container at the port where they were for four days, having arrived on a ship from Dunkirk in France.

It is believed the nine people were aged between 16 and 23 and are all originally from east Africa.

It is understood they may have thought that they were waiting to be transported onwards while in Rosslare before raising the alarm.

Gardaí say that “six adult males have been refused leave to land in accordance with immigration legislation.

“One adult male has claimed international protection and will now be processed by the International Protection Office (IPO).

“Two males are believed to be minors and are now in the care of Tusla.

Gardaí attached to Wexford Garda Station, supported by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, are investigating all of the circumstances of this incident.

Anyone with any information in relation to this discovery is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 66 11 or any Garda Station.

Enniscorthy’s ‘Cyclone’ joins Gladiators

By Dan Walsh

Twenty-three years old Lystus Ebosele from Enniscorthy has joined the popular BBC television programme ‘The Gladiators’ as ‘Cyclone’.

Sister of the Republic of Ireland soccer player Festy Ebosele, who began his career with Moyne Rangers in his native Enniscorthy, Lystus is now capturing the public imagination in her own right and becoming an international television celebrity.

CYCLONE (real name Lystus Ebosele) from Enniscorthy stars in the BBC programme ‘Gladiators‘. (Pic; BBC/Radio Times).

Upon joining the series, Cyclone was certainly not short on confidence – and is set to prove a formidable force for contestants.

Describing herself as “the ultimate all-round athlete”, she said: “I’ve got the look, I’ve got the energy, and I’ve got the muscles.”

She posted: “Secret’s finally out, I am so excited to finally be able to share this with you all, I’m joining Gladiators as Cyclone!”

Cyclone, real name Lystus Ebosele, 5ft 10in is from Enniscorthy and is an Irish powerlifter who was named the 84kg+ Jr World Champion in 2023.

Through her YouTube channel, which has received over 1.8 million views in total, she helps viewers to learn useful powerlifting techniques.

The Gladiators can be viewed on BBC television on Saturday evenings.

Garda investigation at Rosslare Europort

ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

An Garda Síochána at Wexford Garda Station have commenced an investigation following the discovery of nine people in a shipping container at Rosslare Europort at approximately 10.30am this morning (Monday).

Gardaí were alerted to the presence of a number of people inside a shipping container at Rosslare Europort.

Gardaí and emergency services located the nine males and they have been assessed by medical personnel.

Eight have been deemed to be in good health while one male is receiving further medical assessment at a hospital in the south-east of the country for non-life-threatening injuries.

Gardaí attached to Wexford Garda Station, supported by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, are investigating all the circumstances of this incident.

Anyone with any information in relation to this discovery is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 66 11 or any Garda Station.