Young artists receive their awards

Prizewinners from Junior and senior infants pictured at the Wexford County Council Annual Artwork Competition 2025 in the Wexford County Council Buildings on Thursday evening. (l to r)- Tess Devereux (Piercestown NS), Julia Whelan (Ballyduff NS), Tuiren Doyle (Ballyduff NS), Don Conroy (Guest speaker), Saraid Holmes (St Kevin’s NS, Tara Hill), Leas Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council Cllr Ger Carthy, Ava Andrew (St Leonards NS, Ballycullane), Eva Flynn (Rathnure NS), Cliona Connolly (Environment Education Officer, Wexford County Council), Cian McHale (Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns), Ava Cleary Gusserane NS), Amy O’Keeffe (St Leonards NS, Ballycullane), Elena Caffery (Scoil Naomh Bríde, Blackwater). (Pic: Jim Campbell).

By Dan Walsh

Young artists from schools all around County Wexford received their awards for the Wexford County Council Annual Artwork Competition 2025 in County Hall last Thursday.

The artwork competition is an initiative run by the Environment Section of Wexford County Council in conjunction with Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club.

The theme of this year’s competition was “Bumblebees, Solitary Bees and Honeybee – Nature’s Pollinators.”

Cllr Ger Carthy, Leas -Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, presented prizes to 40 school children representing both primary and secondary schools.

Cllr Carthy stated “that the aim of the competition was to raise awareness of the importance of Wexford’s environment and to encourage all to explore its uniqueness as something to be valued and cherished. Wexford County Council is preparing a new Local Biodiversity Action Plan, supported by the Heritage Council.

Cllr Carthy thanked Don Conroy for providing the colouring sheet and judging the artwork competition. He also thanked Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club for supporting the competition and sponsoring birdboxes. He also praised the young artists present and encouraged them to maintain a healthy respect for the environment as part of their lives.

The overall winner from Primary Schools was Alice Buki Nemeth, Glynn National School and the overall winner from Secondary Schools was Leon Carthy of Selskar College Wexford. The winning artwork was displayed in County Hall.

Full List of Artwork Winners were Junior Infants; 1st, Ava Andrew St Leonards National School, Ballycullane; 2nd, Tuiren Doyle Ballyduff National School; 3rd, Julia Whelan Ballyduff National School. Highly Commended; Sariad Holmes St Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill and Tess Devereux Piercestown National School.

Senior Infants. 1st, Elena Caffery Scoil Naomh Bríde; 2nd, Amy O’Keeffe St Leonards National School, Ballycullane; 3rd, Ava Cleary Gusserane National School. Highly Commended Eva Flynn Rathnure National School and Cian McHale Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns.

First and Second Class; 1st, Kallum Hennessy Greene Kilmore National School; Joint 2nd, James Kahwati Glynn National School and Arthur James Danescastle National School; Joint 3rd, Saoirse Egan Gusserane National School and Shayna Walsh Glynn National School. Highly Commended Ailbhe Rose D’Arcy Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown.

Third and Fourth Class; 1st, Ella Roche Kilmore National School; 2nd, Faye Bernadette Murphy Kilmore National School; Joint 3rd; Ella Tobin Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown and Hanna Doyle Ballyduff National School. Dillon O’Neill, St Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill. Highly Commended Liliwen Davies Danescastle National School.

Fifth and Sixth Class; 1st, Hanna Violet Walsh Kennedy Park National School; Joint 2nd, Rachael Gahan Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns andCathal Bowe Ballyduff National School; 3rd, Addison O’Leary Scoil Naomh Bríde, Blackwater. Highly Commended Mila Barry Mythen Kilmore National School and Diana Ilnytska St Kevins National School Tara Hill.

First to Third Year; 1st, Conan Kelly St Peters College, Wexford; 2nd, Shara Alcock Selskar College, Wexford; Joint 3rd, Krisztina Barta Selskar College, Wexford, and Lucy Salisbury Kennedy College, New Ross. Highly Commended Logan Murray St Peters College, Wexford.

Fourth to Sixth Year; 1st, James Furlong St Peters College, Wexford; Joint 2nd; Niamh O’Connor Kennedy College, New Ross and Cormac Deane St Peters College, Wexford; 3rd, Darragh Sherlock St Peters College, Wexford. Highly Commended Luke Burke Kennedy College, New Ross.

Overall Winner Primary School; Alice Buki Nemeth Glynn National School. Overall Winner Secondary School Leon Carthy Selskar College.

Snap Into Action Primary School Winners; 1st, Danescastle National School; Runners-up; Ballyoughter National School and Kilmyshall National School.

Cllr Carthy leads the way in Rosslare District

New Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council CLLR GER CARTHY with his family, wife ANNE-MARIE, and their children, Daniel, Michael and Erin at the annual general meeting in Council Chamber, Wexford, today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at the Rosslare Municipal District annual general meeting

Long serving elected representative Cllr Ger Carthy is the new Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District and outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Jim Codd handed over the chains of office with a handshake and words of good wishes at the annual general meeting held in the Council Chamber, Wexford, this afternoon.

Cllr Carthy’s nomination was proposed by Cllr Lisa McDonald who referenced his experience, his ability to get things done and as a reward for all the work he has done for the district. Cllr Frank Staples seconded and described Cllr Carthy as “most capable” and “always has delivered.”

Cllr Carthy said it was a great honour for him and his family and thanked his mother, Anne, wife Anne-Marie and children, Daniel, Michael and Erin, Cllrs McDonald and Staples, District Manager Noreen Cummins, and his team of supporters.

Between Cllr Ger and his late father, Cllr Leo Carthy (first elected in June 1960) the Carthy name has been acting as “a very strong voice for our community” for 62 years and Cllr Carthy promises to continue to work with community groups and delivery of strategic plans for the district.

This is Cllr Carthy’s second term in the Chair at Rosslare Municipal District. He previously served in the year the district was established in 2019. He was also Mayor of Wexford in 2016, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council in 2019 and was Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council for the past two years.

The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach goes to Cllr Lisa McDonald, proposed by Cllr Staples and seconded by Cllr Codd.

Warm tributes were also paid to outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jim Codd, who said it was a great honour to serve as Cathaoirleach of the District and described the experience as “the highlight of my career so far.”

Cllr Codd paid tribute to District Manager Noreen Cummins, management and colleagues, staff at Wexford County Council, especially the road staff and the homeless staff – the Press, Simon Bourke, Dan Walsh and Alan Corcoran – and wished Cllrs Carthy and McDonald well in the year ahead.

There were also tributes from Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe, Lynda Leacy, (Clinical Director), Noreen Cummins (District Manager) and Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien, who attended the meeting remotely.

Brendan Howlin to Chair Wexford Arts Centre Board

Rosemary Hartigan retiring from Wexford Arts Centre Board after nine years service with Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director, and new Board member Brendan Howlin at Wexford Arts Centre.

By Dan Walsh

Long serving Teachta Dáil member, former Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin has been appointed Chair of the Wexford Arts Centre Board.

Mr Howlin replaces Rosemary Hartigan who has retired from the Board of Wexford Arts Centre after nine years’ service.

Throughout her tenure, Ms. Hartigan has been a supportive presence—working collaboratively with Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director, staff, fellow board members, artists, and community stakeholders to help guide the centre through an exciting and transformative decade including thecelebration of Wexford Arts Centre’s 50th anniversary as the oldest regional arts centre in Ireland.
In her final address to the Board, Ms. Hartigan acknowledged the valuable contributions of past and present board members, the dedicated staff team, artists, volunteers, funders, and wider community partners who have worked alongside her and the Centre over the years to ensure its success and resilience. The Board and Executive Director thanked Ms. Hartigan for her dedication and passion for guiding Wexford Arts Centre on a sustainable path during her tenure on the board.

Wexford Arts Centre is delighted to welcome Brendan Howlin as the newly appointed Chair of the Board. A proud Wexford native and lifelong supporter of the arts, the former Minister brings with him a distinguished record of public service, having served as a government minister across several portfolios.

His deep appreciation for culture and belief, promote participation, and nurture artistic excellence throughout Wexford and the wider Southeast region.in the transformative power of the arts will be a guiding force with his wealth of experience in governance and public policy, and his strong local ties, Brendan’s leadership will support the Centre’s ongoing

Enniscorthy hosts Building Action Coalition Summit

Pictured at the Enniscorthy International Forum are (left to right), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chief Executive, James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, Cllr Aidan Browne and Michael Bennett.

The Enniscorthy International Forum (EIF) hosted its annual summit in Enniscorthy recently. The theme of the summit, Bridges to a Sustainable Future: Innovation as a Critical Imperative in Troubled Times, reflected the contributions needed from buildings, the built environment, and energy to deliver on the challenges of sustainability and climate change.

“The primary theme of the summit reflects that there are many bridges that must be crossed” noted Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chief Executive of Enniscorthy International Forum, “if the world is to attain sustainability. We must address education, policy, industry culture, dissemination/deployment, and coherence with the natural environment.

“As noted by participants, the path to net zero runs straight through our homes and neighbourhoods. Today was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when ambition and delivery go hand in hand,” said Cllr Murphy who is the newly elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Notable speakers and participants included James Browne TD, Housing Minister of Ireland,  Tatiana Molcean, United Nations Under-Secretary General, Andrew McAllister, Commissioner, California Energy Commission, Ruth Zugman do Coutto, Dep, Director Climate Change Division, UN Environment Programme,  Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner, Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law, & Consumer Protection, Darcie Houck, Commissioner, California Public Utilities Commission and James Gannon, Chairperson at Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

Minister James Browne noted that buildings account for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so decarbonising the built environment is one of the most urgent and impactful climate challenges we face.

“Ireland aims to build 300,000 new homes by 2030 and the government is pulling every lever to meet this bold target. All new homes will aim for zero emissions and an A energy rating, cutting emissions and energy use from day one.

“Building energy-efficient, low-carbon homes isn’t just about climate action; it cuts bills, improves health, and helps eliminate fuel poverty, with technologies like heat pumps and solar panels becoming standard,” concluded Minister Browne.

The 2025 Buildings Action Coalition summit explored the need to be comprehensive in the approach to buildings and the built environment, observed that fixing the built environment in a small corner of the world is insufficient, that we need to have global impact, and recognised that we are 40 years late in addressing the issues of climate and sustainability – it is necessary to do everything everywhere all at once.

Enniscorthy International Forum, located in County Wexford was established to support the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda, focusing on Buildings and the Built Environment, Energy, Diplomacy, Health, and Education.

Plans for €300,000 Ballyhogue Community Hub

Pictured at the Ballyhogue Community Hub public information event; (left to right), Bill Walsh, Ballyhogue Development Group, Cllr Trish Byrne, John V. Carr, Secretary, Ballyhogue Development Group and Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager. (Pic; Wexford Local.com)

Dan Walsh at Ballyhogue

Plans to convert the former Post Office in Ballyhogue village into a multi-purpose facility that will offer a wide range of facilities and services for all ages was unveiled at a Public Information event held in Ballyhogue National School today.

Wexford County Council successfully secured the old vacant Past Office/Shop for the community and a Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2025 seeking €300,000 grant for ‘Ballyhogue Stores’ and the former Ballyhogue Post Office has already been submitted to the Department of Rural & Community Development.

John V. Carr, Secretary of Ballyhogue Development Group told WexfordLocal.com today about the purpose of the Information Event; “We’d like to hear the community’s views on hat is needed in the proposed Community Hub and people’s vision for the future.”

Potential activities within the Community Hub include preschool and early learning, mother and toddler groups, youth groups, men’s and women’s support groups, meeting rooms and enterprise hubs, and with possible phased development depending on costs; school use and adult classes, community café and shop and community garden.

Cllr Trish Byrne, who is a member of the Board of Ballyhogue National School was present at the information event and promised her full support in co-operation with Senator Cathal Byrne. Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager was also present and supportive of the proposals.

There was curious interest from the community at the two-hour information event, plenty of detailed information was available and the need for local and national support, grants and the challenge of fundraising were brought to public attention.

Ballyhogue Development Group was set up six years ago by local residents with a mission “to protect, preserve, and grow Ballyhogue for future generations.”

€200,000 investment in The Ballagh village

BALLAGHKEENE NATIONAL SCHOOL on the R744. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District monthly meeting

Ballaghkeene, or The Ballagh as it is commonly known, is to benefit from a €200,000 investment under the Active Travel Routes to School scheme following approval at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

As part of the works Wexford County Council proposes to undertake “construction of new footpaths and pedestrian crossings on the R744 in Ballaghkeene village” with “pedestrian crossings, traffic calming to reduce speed through the village, public lighting, place making, including landscaping and street furniture, in front of Ballaghakeene National School and extending to the village centre”.

Cllr Oliver Walsh said the scheme had been met with some reservations by those in the haulage business with one local trader particularly concerned about the proposed narrowing on the regional R774 which passes through the village.

Cllr Walsh believes that the works would improve traffic management in the area and make life safer for all road users.

There was support from Cllr Mary Farrell who said the safe routes to school project is now ready to commence and will benefit Ballaghkeene for years to come.

Cllr Joe Sullivan was also supportive. “Children are the greatest asset of the state and getting them to and from school safely is a priority,” he added.

There had been 24 submissions made to the council regarding the impact of the works and concerns raised by residents and the hauliers.

Cllr Pip Breen said those who had objected to the scheme were “on board now” and recommended that the project be approved.

The Council fully backed the proposal and both Cllr Breen and Cllr Donal Kenny acknowledged the support of Active Travel.

Gorey Market House Festival 2025

Having fun at Gorey Market House Festival. (Pic; Louise Sarah Photography).

By Dan Walsh

Gorey is preparing for exciting summer celebrations as plans are announced for the Gorey Market House Festival 2025 which takes place Friday to Sunday, July 18th-20th, promising three unforgettable days of live music, arts and family fun.

The festival promises an electric mix of local talent and headline acts, family friendlyevents, a street market plus the return of the annual Making Music Busking Competition – all set against the vibrant, welcoming backdrop of Gorey’s bustling town centre.

Philip Knight, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Manager said; “We’re incredibly excited to see the Gorey Market House Festival return this July. It’s a wonderful celebration of local music, culture and community spirit, right here in the heart of Gorey.

“I’d like to sincerely thank the festival committee and volunteers for their tremendous dedication and hard work putting together such a fantastic programme again this year. Events like this are what make Gorey such a vibrant and welcoming place to live and visit,” concluded Mr Knight.

Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Donal Kenny said; “The Gorey Market House Festival is a real highlight of the summer for families and visitors alike. It brings people together; supports local businesses and showcases the wonderful talent we have in North Wexford. I’m very proud, as Chair of the Municipal District, to support this fantastic event and I commend the committee for their tireless efforts to make it bigger and better every year.”

Visitors can expect a packed schedule of entertainment and events, including free live music on the Main Street Friday, Saturday and Sunday with artists including The Swift Show (Taylor Swift Tribute), Live Forever (Oasis Tribute), Fairytale of The Pogues (Pogues Tribute), Dabilla, The Mafia Cats, Fusion and Josh Quinn to name a few!  

The Gorey Market House Festival is all about the community and the organisers are delighted to announce the return of The Family Fun Day in Gorey Town Park on Saturday from 12pm,

A Street Market on Gorey Main Street on Sunday from 10am, The Superhero Fun Run in Gorey Town Park on Sunday from 10am and the Annual Making Music Busking Competition on Saturday, July 19th (forms available from Making Music and Loch Garman Arms).

For more information on the festival, please visit LoveGorey.ie, Gorey Market House Festival on Facebook or Instagram, www.markethousefestival.com or email gorey@wexfordcoco.ie

Wexford poets and writers in Opera House

By Dan Walsh

Álanna Hammel’s writers’ collective is hosting a special event in the National Opera House, Wexford, on Friday, July 4th, supported by Wexford County Council’s Community Dates Open Call and tickets have gone on sale.

ÁLANNA HAMMELL seen here with WALLY O’NEILL of Red Books (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The Purple and Gold Writers’ Collective invites you to spend an evening in the company of Wexford poets and writers, together with guest musicians, to experience and enjoy the special power of the spoken word.

Among the performers are Margaret Galvin, John Cooney, Ronán P. Berry, Conor Lyons, A.M. Cousins, Paul Hennessy, and Álanna Hammel. The event is directed by Paul Walsh. 

An occasion that is likely to live long in the memory. The evening is in support of It’s Good 2 Talk Counselling Psychotherapy Support Service, which provides professional counselling and support to the Wexford Community. 

Speaking with WexfordLocal.com, Álanna said; “The magic of poetry is that it touches all our lives. It can inspire, challenge, even heal and sometimes change the way we see the world. Good poems shine a light on what is so often passed over in our daily lives- the ordinary miracles, the unexpected learnings, those rare moments of emotional clarity we know we will always remember.

“They ambush us with words of awe, dread, wonder, sorrow and joy and invite us to step out of our comfort zones and into a world of deeper insight and new possibilities. At its best, poetry is a reminder of the beauty of life, particularly at times of grief or upheaval- what Seamus Heaney referred to as the joyful affirmation of poetry and music. 

Tickets are available on the National Opera House website. 

Spike Bridge is safe for crossing

SPIKE BRIDGE in Courtown Woods has been repaired and safe to cross. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

The pedestrian Spike Bridge, which crosses the Owenavorragh river and is part of Courtown Woods and the Wexford Walking Trails, has been restored and is safe to cross again after a section of the wooden floor had fallen away.

Local enthusiasts, including Michael O’Callaghan, author of The Boy Who Kicked the Nun, informed WexfordLocal.com about a potential danger. However, he has now sent photographs indicating that the Spike Bridge is safe to cross again.

Last February a notice on the bridge read; “Please note that Spike Bridge is closed due to safety concerns. The bridge will reopen once repairs have been made. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Due to the cultural and local significance of this bridge, Courtown Heritage Group became anxious that it be restored and returned to use as soon as possible. Coilte responded positively, repairs were carried out and the bridge was made safe again.

The bridge allows for access to woodland managed by Coillte on the north side of the Owenavorragh river, linking the 1.4km Bridge Walk which is especially popular for active travel and river anglers.

This timber bridge was once an Iron spiked bridge which workers on Lord Courtown’s estate used. It was locked by night after the last workers went home and opened again in the morning, to allow workers access to their workplace.