WexfordLocal.com

Sharing new songs event at the Library

**At the New Songs presentation in Wexford Library were (left to right); Jean Maskell (artist and writer), Aileen Lambert (singer, songwriter and composer) and Eileen Morrissey, County Librarian.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Library

Traditional singer, songwriter and composer Aileen Lambert was awarded the Commemorations Artist Bursary 2024 from Wexford County Council earlier this year and last night in Wexford Library she presented an evening of ‘New Songs’.

Aileen shared songs which she has written which attempt to tell the story of ordinary people’s lives and experiences around the time of the formation of the Irish Free State.

One of Aileen’s unique talents is putting airs to old song words, or indeed, new works.

She discussed her research, composition process and the background to each song. There were four newly written songs while Aileen has also composed new airs for two poems by Jean Maskall.

Taking common forms in traditional song such as a lament and an emigration song, Aileen has penned new pieces to relate stories from diverse voices such as a bereaved mother, impoverished family, and people who experienced time in institutions such as Industrial Schools and Magdalene Laundries.

Aileen has composed beautiful, sorrowful, expressive airs to deliver the songs and this event was a unique opportunity to hear them and was enjoyed and appreciated by the audience which included County Arts Officer Liz Burns and County Librarian, Eileen Morrissey.

This event was part of Wexford County Council’s 2024 Commemorations Programme and is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

French ESB crews arrive at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

ESB Networks met crews from French counterparts Enedis on Monday morning at Rosslare Europort who have arrived to assist with power restoration in the aftermath of Storm Darragh.

Storm Darragh caused widespread and extensive damage to electricity infrastructure across the country on last Saturday, which impacted 395,000 customers at the peak.

James Browne, Minister of State at the Department of Justice with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, and H.E. Céline Place, Ambassador of France in Ireland were in attendance for the arrival of crews at Rosslare Europort.

Minister Browne said; “The impact of Storm Darragh has been felt right across the country and ESB Networks teams have been working around the clock to restore power to those impacted. But given the scale of damage they need support, so I am delighted to be here to welcome the skilled personnel from their French colleagues Enedis.

**Crews from France arriving at Rosslare Europort to assist ESB Networks post-Storm Darragh**

“Last year, ESB Networks travelled to France to assist in the aftermath of Storm Ciarán so it is great to see this reciprocated as part of the longstanding cooperation agreement in place between the electricity network operators.”

Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director of ESB Networks, commented; “Storm Darragh has been the most damaging storm we have experienced since Storm Ophelia in 2017, during which French crews provided considerable support to ESB Networks in electricity restoration efforts.

“We are delighted to be joined in this effort by our French counterparts Enedis. We have a proud track record of supporting neighbouring countries if requested by electricity network operators following major storm damage.”

Fishing trawler returns to Kilmore Quay

By Dan Walsh

Kilmore Quay RNLI were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guarda at 11.55am today to assist the crew of a 24-metre fishing trawler experiencing engine failure a mile and a half south of Kilmore Quay harbour.

**KILMORE QUAY RNLI** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Arriving on scene at 12.11pm, the lifeboat crew checked that all on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation.

Weather at the time was described as fresh with a Force 4 to Force 5 easterly wind and slight to moderate sea state.

While on scene, the crew of the fishing vessel managed to get the engine restarted.

The fishing vessel with five crew on board returned to Kilmore Quay harbour under escort by the lifeboat and did not require any further assistance.

The lifeboat returned to its berth in the marina at 1.23pm.

Support RNLI’s Christmas Appeal

The seven female lifeboat and shore crew at Fethard RNLI are ready for the Christmas ‘shout’! (back row from left) are Siani Blanchfield, Clara Bracken, Rebecca Doyle and Eileen Murphy and (front row); Natasha Blanchfield, Tricia Rice and Nadia Blanchfield. (Pic;*RNLI/Fethard*).

By Dan Walsh

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews such as those at Courtown, Wexford, Rosslare Harbour, Fethard and Kilmore Quay, are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea.

These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.

Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help.

Among the thousands of volunteers preparing for Christmas are seven female lifeboat and shore crew at Fethard RNLI including Rebecca Doyle, a trainee crew member.

Rebecca is a long serving volunteer, predominantly in fundraising but also acts as the station’s Water Safety Officer and has in the past served as Lifeboat Press Officer.

“Because we operate around the Hook Peninsula from New Ross to Kilmore Quay, our lifeboat has 12 different launching sites. As part of the crew training, I need to complete an exercise at each. I have one more to do and I will then be ready to respond to my first call out,” Rebecca told WexfordLocal.com.

As she looks ahead to Christmas, Rebecca knows her fellow crew are ready to respond if needed; “For a crew member, there’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water, and like all RNLI crews, we at Fethard RNLI are prepared to leave our own celebrations to help others.

“But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.”

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.

Woman (50s) dies in New Ross collision

By Dan Walsh

A pedestrian, a woman in her 50s, has died in a fatal road traffic collision on the N25 at Stokestown, New Ross, which occurred at approximately 7.10pm on Sunday.

The collision involved a car and a pedestrian. No other injuries were reported.

The N25 Eastbound Road remains closed this morning and local diversions are in place through New Ross town. A technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators is taking place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

ROAD CLOSURE – N25 New Ross Bypass Eastbound Lane

By Dan Walsh

Motorists are advised to avoid the New Ross Bypass tonight from the Waterford/Glenmore direction towards Wexford, due to a collision.

Diversions in place into New Ross and onto bypass from Camblin entrance.

Road closure in place overnight.

At 10.30pm tonight WexfordLocal.com issued the following important announcement for motorists.

Emergency services are at the scene of a road traffic collision near New Ross in Co. Wexford tonight.

It’s understood to have happened on a section of the N25 by the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge.

Gardaí say local diversions are currently in place, and motorists are advised to avoid and to take alternative routes.

Road crash on N25 near New Ross

Emergency services are at the scene of a road traffic collision near New Ross in Co. Wexford tonight.

It’s understood to have happened on a section of the N25 by the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge.

Gardaí say local diversions are currently in place, and motorists are advised to avoid and to take alternative routes.

Updates to follow.

Locals in winning form at Ballycrystal

By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal

The big talking point at the Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, today was the bitter cold conditions, but it remained dry, there was competitive racing with good sized fields, and it was a successful day’s sport.

Sallyville Lady won the opening maiden race for four-year-old mares for Ballindaggin handler Eamonn Doyle. It was rather easy by 15 lengths, only two finished and it was another success in the saddle for Rob James.

Local handler Matthew Flynn O’Connor was successful in division two of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings with a 10 lengths victory for Top Guy ridden by Brian Lawless.

**MATTHEW FLYNN O’CONNOR saddled a winner at Ballycrystal today.**

Donnchadh Doyle and the Monbeg Syndicate were in celebration mood following the maiden race for geldings aged five-years-old and upwards. Matty’s Getaway ridden by Alan Harney beat stable companion Catalini (Rob James) by five lengths.

James Condon made the trip from Clonmel to saddle Crohan Lady, first win of the season for Cork rider Cal Shine, and it was a good result in the mares maiden race for five-years-old and upwards.

The star performer on the day was David Christie’s Winged Leader who won his 14^th race in succession. Josh Williamson took the mount and four and a half lengths the verdict.

Division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings was a 16 lengths victory for Cinammon Roll ridden by Derek O’Connor for Sam Curling who made the long journey from Cashel. Co. Tipperary.

And to complete a great afternoon for Tipperary raiders Pat Doyle from Holycross, Thurles, saddled I Masked Du Potier and a one and a half lengths success in the Winners of Two race. This was a second riding success for Pandora Briseldon who recalled her first at Tinahely in October last year.

Today’s second point-to-point fixture was Tattersalls, Co. Meath, where four Wexford winners were recorded. Jonathan Fogarty and the Gaynestown Stud Partnership are enjoying a most successful autumn season and their luck continued today when winning both divisions of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. Starmount took division one by two lengths and Kalkbrenner scored by one and a half lengths. Both were ridden by Barry Stone.

Sean Doyle’s Willitgoahead won his third race in a row when taking the Winners race by one and a quarter length with Jamie Scallan up.

Rob James rode the first winner at Ballycrystal but as a handler he sent Create The Future to Fairyhouse for the five-year-old geldings maiden race and a three lengths victory under Duncormick rider Eoin Staples.

The point-to-point scene takes a break for the Christmas now, just one fixture at Mallow on December 30^th, and part two of the 2024-’25 season kicks into full flow on New Year’s Day.

Pierce Turner tells his story in ‘Living by the River’

**Author PIERCE TURNER and BRENDAN HOWLIN, who performed the official launch of Pierce’s autobiographical short stories, *Living by the River*, at Wexford Library today.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Library

Retiring Wexford politician of 40 years Brendan Howlin was at Wexford Library today where he proudly lauded Wexford’s award-winning musician Pierce Turner and officially launched his debut book of autobiographical short stories bearing the title Living by the River.

Mr Howlin likened Pierce Turner to the great Patrick Kavanagh describing him as “Wexford’s Patrick Kavanagh.”

He said; “This book Living by the River captures a period in Wexford town’s history. Not the violent and glorious history of 1798 or Cromwell or Norman knights. Pierce’s history, like Kavanagh’s is of the ordinary, understanding in the words of Seamus Heaney “that nothing is trivial”. The greatest events in history are no more important than the ordinary and the common place.

“It is the ordinary space that most lives are lived, and their dramas, successes, failures and triumphs are the “true building blocks of human history.

Howlin continues; “So we are brought to a place by the river. The river is a living thing -it – the Slaney lives across the road. We are brought back to the quay I remember as a boy – so different from today.

“To a home that is a business. A private laid-back father and an entrepreneur mother. So often in our lives the mother, the woman who wants advancement and progress, and determinately works with whatever resources that are available to make that happen.

“Pierce presents a collage of memories – of music and Sputnik (the dog) or the normal ebb and flow of existence – death and marriage, vulnerabilities and happiness.

“Of course, there is a glimpse of life outside of Wexford! Only a glimpse of New York’s brighter lights. Shared living in the global melting pot, of the Big Apple and name dropping of musical collaboration with Cynde Lauper!

Mr Howlin concluded by recalling how Wexford is blessed in this corner of Ireland to have produced such creative giants as Eoin Colfer, Billy Roche, John Banville, Colm Tóibín and many more…

He performed the official launch with the immortal words; “Jem and Molly would be proud, indeed, of Pierce; as are we Wexford people are proud to have our stories told by one of our own.”

Living by the River by Pierce Turner, 104 pages, is available at The Book Centre, Main Street, Wexford, and Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford. Pierce will be signing at The Book Centre, Wexford, from 3pm next Saturday, December 14^th. This is the ultimate Christmas read!

Oylegate – Enniscorthy Night Road Run

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The North Pole Express that once served its time on a busy bus route in London city stole the show at the annual Light Up the Night Road Run comprising of over 300 vehicles of all description -trucks, tractors and motorbikes, vintage and modern – which brought seasonal joy and musical excitement to Enniscorthy tonight. It was of those so-called ‘annual specials’ and brilliant, as always!

The colourful – flashing lights – and musical – tooting of horns and blasting out familiar Christmas tunes – cavalcade assembled in the GAA park at Oylegate before taking the 22kms return journey along the N11 and R772 with the turn around in the heart of Enniscorthy beside the River Slaney on the Promenade.

Large numbers of families gathered in Oylegate village, there was a warm reception, as always in Enniscorthy town, and along the route parked cars with eager supporters were almost bumper to bumper!

The public reaction to the event is staggering and a wonderful appreciation of the efforts of the organisers, volunteers and community energy that is necessary to carry out the logistics of the event in line with public safety and reduced disruption for the public good. Special thanks to An Garda Siochána and the Civil Defence for their contribution.

This is a tremendous annual event organised by Oylegate Vintage Club, supported in the community and from several parts of the county, and is a serious fundraiser for Pieta House. The organisers were overwhelmed by the financial support, but also encouraged by the huge crowds in Oylegate and Enniscorthy, and along the route, mostly families with young children, who braved cold to wrap up and enjoy the colourful spectacle.