Shop Local Gift Card gone live in Co. Wexford

Pictured outside Smyths Enniscorthy are Dermot and Betty Kavanagh, Jack Kavanagh, and Joe Curran with Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber. (Pic; County Wexford Chamber).

By Dan Walsh

Backed by County Wexford Chamber, the new County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card is a single gift card for the four districts of County Wexford – Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross, and Wexford Town.

Businesses in County Wexford say the new gift card has benefits over the previous paper vouchers, including ease of use, enhanced value for employee rewards, and increased support for local businesses. 

Over 150 businesses in County Wexford accept the new gift card, including retail, hospitality, leisure, health and beauty, and services. Both physical and digital e-card versions are available. Retail businesses accepting the card include boutiques, galleries, butchers, pharmacies, garden centres and department stores.

Betty Kavanagh said the new gift card offers ease and choice for recipients. “Smyths Homevalue is based in the centre of Enniscorthy and has grown over the years from the hardware store started by Dermot’s dad in 1979 to our store of today with a diverse product range including homeware, lighting, a garden shop and seasonal items. We’ve always been a part of the Shop Local vouchers, and I think the new County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card will bring huge benefits for businesses, consumers and organisations alike.

“As a local business, we depend on local trade and the County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card will encourage ‘shop local’ and keep money in County Wexford. The technology aspect of the new gift card is important because as a county, we must move with the times. The ease of the gift card and the range of businesses it can be spent with makes the card ideal for all kinds of occasions and uses. The vouchers were bulky, but you can easily keep the gift card in your wallet – physical or digital.”

Paula Roche, CEO at County Wexford Chamber, told WexfordLocal.com; “Our mission at the Chamber is promoting local businesses, encouraging and supporting all sectors, so we can drive footfall and spend. The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card takes the shop local sentiment we’ve built with the paper vouchers to the next level and will be particularly useful for staff rewards and incentives.”

“There is a real sense of community in County Wexford and a friendly vibe that draws people here to enjoy our amazing tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and shops,” added Ms. Roche.

The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card encapsulates the whole of County Wexford in a single gift card so not only can we keep spend in Wexford, but we can also bring even more people to Wexford to experience all we have to offer.”

The card is eligible to be used with the Irish Revenue’s Small Benefit Exemption Scheme which allows organisations to gift employees up to two small non-cash benefits each year up to a value of €1,000, increasing to €1,500 in January 2025. 

They’re off for the 2024 General Election!

By Dan Walsh

It’s official! Taoiseach Simon Harris was in Áras an Uachtaráin today with President Michael D. Higgins for the dissolution of the 33rd Dáil and polling day is confirmed for Friday, November 29th.

Tonight, social media is coming alive with candidates seeking the votes and ladders are in keen demand as hundreds of election posters pop up on poles and vantage points in our towns and villages.

Earlier today an enormous banner was erected on the eastern side of Wexford bridge proclaiming the good name of Mayor of Wexford and Labour Party candidate George Lawlor. The centre at the Maldron Roundabout is almost congested with posters. And in my neighbourhood in Enniscorthy Minister James Browne is smiling down!

CLLR JACKSER OWENS to contest General Election 2024 (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

In other election news today, Enniscorthy-based Cllr Jackser Owens declared his intention to run as an Independent candidate in the 4-seat Wexford constituency.

Also today, Castletown-based Green Party candidate Ann Walsh announced her intention to contest the election in the new 3-seat Wicklow-Wexford constituency.

Nominations for contesting the 2024 General Election close next Saturday, November 16th so there maybe a few new names added by then.

ANN WALSH Green Party candidate in Wicklow-Wexford constituency.

The 34th Dáil will be the largest in the history of the State with 14 extra seats – up from 160 to 174- and the number of constituencies have increased by four from 39 to 43 and that includes a ‘divide’ that runs north of Enniscorthy creating the 4-seat Wexford constituency and the new 3-seat Wicklow-Wexford constituency.

This new constituency comprises of 41 electoral districts with a population of 49,743 from north Wexford and 31 electoral districts with a population of 35,708 from south Wicklow. The Wicklow-Wexford constituency has a population of 85,451.

Brendan and Paul bid farewell to the Dáil

By Dan Walsh

Long serving Wexford Oireachtas members Brendan Howlin TD and Paul Kehoe TD have spent their last hours in Leinster House and will cease their careers as parliamentarians when the 33rd Dail is dissolved today (Friday) and the way is officially opened for the General Election on Friday, November 29th.

Both deputies, Brendan Howlin who has served 42 years in public life and Paul Kehoe, with 22 years’ service to his credit, announced to their parties and made public their intention not to contest the next General Election.

It is the end of an era and WexfordLocal.com feel it is fitting to acknowledge the long and dedicated public representation on behalf of the people of Wexford over such a long period and to wish both a long and healthy retirement. We pay tribute by way of short biographies focussing on their political life!   

DEPUTY PAUL KEHOE

Paul Kehoe comes from a farming background in Bree and was first elected to Dáil Éireann on a Fine Gael ticket succeeding Ivan Yates in May 2002.

He served as Minister with Responsibility for Defence from May 2016 to June 2020. Paul previously served as the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence.

He was appointed Fine Gael Chief Whip in October 2004, a position he held in opposition until March 2011 when he was appointed Government Chief Whip by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD. In this role he has introduced a significant amount of Dáil Reform, which has enhanced the way the Oireachtas does its business, a huge increase in Dáil sitting days, the introduction of Friday sittings and Topical Issues Debates.

DEPUTY BRENDAN HOWLIN

Brendan Howlin was born in William Street in Wexford town, the son of John and Molly Howlin (née Dunbar). His father was a trade union official who served as secretary of the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union in Wexford for 40 years, served 18 years as a Labour member of Wexford Corporation and was election agent for the former Leader of the Labour Party and Tánaiste, Brendan Corish TD.

He first contested the 1982 General Election as a Labour candidate in the Wexford Constituency, but failed to get elected, however, when the Fine Gael-Labour coalition came to power he was nominated by the Taoiseach Garrett Fitzgerald to serve in Seanad Éireann. He was a Senator (1983-’87), member of Wexford County Council in 1985, Mayor of Wexford in 1986, and a TD for Wexford constituency since 1987.He has many other accolades to his credit including Leader of the Labour Party (2016-’20), Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (2011-’16), Leas Cheann Comhairle (2007-’11), Deputy Leader of the Labour Party (1997-2002), Minister for the Environment (1994-’97), and Minister for Health (1993-’94

Boundary nightmare facing voters in General Election?

Historic Ferns and the wider community will be required to cast their votes in the forthcoming General Election in the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Special Report by Dan Walsh

As forecast with applaudable precision by WexfordLocal.com last week the date for polling in the General Election will be Friday, November 29th. Speaking on RTE’s Six-One News this evening Taoiseach Simon Harris TD announced that the 33rd Dáil will be officially dissolved on Friday afternoon after the Taoiseach travels to Áras an Uachtaráin to meet with President Michael D. Higgins.

Already several candidates have declared their intention to fight for a seat in the new 3-seat Wicklow-Wexford constituency and there may be a few more names on the ticket when nominations close!

Big names such as Senator Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fáil), Brian Brennan (Fine Gael) and Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain (Sinn Féin) are canvassing in both counties while Cllr Pat Kennedy (Fianna Fáil) from Arklow enjoyed a day knocking on doors in Kilmuckridge district last week!

And another piece of news! WexfordLocal.com is reliably informed that the Count Centre for the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency will be Kilanerin Community Centre.

But the greatest nightmare is likely to be along the new boundary that divides the county at Scarawalsh roundabout where thousands of voters will be faced with being unable to support candidates or party representatives that have been part of their community since the foundation of the State!

There will be a scramble in the coming days and weeks as the electorate inform themselves of their electoral areas and location of polling booths.

And after the election some elected members of Wexford County Council will find themselves outside of the Wexford constituency while seeking funding and support for development and investment in the so-called north Wexford region.

Interesting days ahead! As for the three elected in South Wicklow – North Wexford and the four elected in the Wexford constituency and occupying seats in Leinster House, or the near-miss heroes who gain passage to Seanad Éireann, their worries won’t unduly impact on their lifestyle!   

The Electoral Commission Constituency Review Report 2023, recommended the formation of a new 3-seat constituency called Wicklow-Wexford.

This constituency should comprise 41 electoral districts with a population of 49,743 from north Wexford and 31 electoral districts with a population of 35,708 from south Wicklow. The Wicklow-Wexford constituency would have a population of 85,451.

To facilitate the new constituency of Wicklow-Wexford it was decided to reduce the two 5-seat constituencies of Wicklow and Wexford by one seat each and added an additional seat to create this new 3-seat constituency.

Three constituencies are now contained in the counties of Wexford and Wicklow and will be operable for the next General Election. The new boundary between the Wexford constituency and the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency will follow the north electoral divisions to include north of Kilmuckridge, Wells, Monageer, Ballycarney, Castledockrell, Ballindaggin, Rossard and Bunclody. Several parish communities will be divided for election purposes.

New book tells story of Wexford 1916-1923

At the launch of Wexford County Archive: 25 objects from the Irish Revolution, 1916-23 in Wexford Library were (left top right); Hazel Percival, Senior Executive Librarian; Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, who performed the official opening; Aaron Ó Maonaigh, Author; Gráinne Doran, Project Co-ordinator and Wexford County Archivist, and Eileen Morrissey, County Librarian. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Library

An exciting new 66-page publication entitled Wexford County Archive: 25 objects from the Irish Revolution, 1916-23 was officially launched by the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen at a well-attended presentation held in Wexford Library last night.

Cllr Breen thanked everybody associated with the publication and said he delighted to perform the official launch. “Local authority archives have been crucial in promoting a deeper understanding of the significant historical events of the period through the local government response, and how such events impacted on County Wexford from a political, economic and social perspective,” he stated.

“The history of County Wexford between 1916 and 1923 is one of turbulence and transition,” said the author, Aaron Ó Maonaigh, who added; “Readers will notice a slight emphasis on items relating to the 1916 period. On one hand, this simply reflects the sheer volume of material relating to that event held by the archive, but it also highlights the importance of the event in the context of County Wexford’s experience of the Irish Revolution.

“Enniscorthy was one of the few places outside Dublin where a successful rebellion took place, a point of pride which Wexford’s revolutionary generation held dearly, stated an tÚas. Ó Maonaigh who concluded; “In this respect, 1916 entered the revolutionary canon of local history alongside County Wexford’s proud legacy of 1798.”

Archivist at Wexford County Council, Gráinne Doran, who was also project co-ordinator went though the pictorial display slide by slide and gave an overview of the contents of the publication and paid tribute to everybody associated with assembling the history and bringing it to publication fruition.

“The selection of items for this publication aims to provide a broad overview of the extensive range of materials held by Wexford County Archive for the revolutionary years, 1916-1923,” said Ms. Doran, who continued; “As a fitting conclusion to the Decade of Centenaries in County Wexford, this legacy project has been invaluable in showcasing the unique role of archives and objects in informing historical debate and in facilitating a better understanding of this complex period in County Wexford’s history.”

Wexford County Archive: 25 objects from the Irish Revolution, 1916-23 by Aaron Ó Maonaigh, edited by Ciarán Deane, 66 pages, illustrated, published by Wexford County Council available through Wexford County Archive. ISBN 978-1-9162523-5-6.   

Body recovered from Wexford Harbour

The search for missing Wexford man Brandon Roche has been stood down following the discovery of a body south of Wexford Bridge.

The 19-year-old is believed to have entered the water near Wexford Harbour at around 2.05 am on Sunday, October 27th.

Gardaí have confirmed that a body was recovered from Wexford Harbour earlier today.

A multi-agency operation was underway over the last ten days, including teams from Rosslare Coast Guard, Wexford RNLI and Slaney Search and Rescue.

€3.5m for Ferns GAA Centre of Excellence

By Dan Walsh

Wexford GAA has announced being awarded €3.5 million in Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Funding towards phase three of the Halo Tiles Wexford GAA Centre of Excellence at Ferns.

This phase will see the development of new dressing rooms, gym area, the installation of a floodlit 4G pitch and a spectator stand, for games with a small capacity. The Halo Tiles Centre of Excellence is a hub for inter county team preparation from under 14 to senior as well as the base for school games, Go Games activities and club underage finals.

Including land purchase, the investment to date by Wexford GAA has been €10 million with another €5 million to be invested in the final phase.  

Wexford GAA Chairman, Micheál Martin welcomed the announcement stating; “This funding will not only see the completion of our Centre of Excellence but will mean that every action of the infrastructure plan we set out in 2021, will be completed on time and within budget. The opening of phase two of the centre, in December 2023, brought the total number of pitches to seven and has facilitated a huge increase of participation across all codes.

“In conjunction with the opening of Phase Two, we signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Wexford LGFA and Wexford Camogie to ensure that the centre will be fully inclusive and give access to men and women and boys and girls of all ages. A significant amount of time and energy has been invested into this application and I wish to thank all those involved in ensuring our application was successful. 

“Wexford as a strong dual code county, have significant demand for pitches for Hurling, Camogie, Gaelic football and Ladies Gaelic football. The growth of our games depends on ensuring access to the best and most modern facilities to all our players.

“The completion of this project and the delivery of all-weather pitches in Killeens in conjunction with Wexford County Council will help alleviate that demand that is a direct result of the work of our coaching programmes with clubs and schools,” concluded Mr Martin. 

Cllr Michael Sheehan resigns from Fianna Fáil

By Dan Walsh

Long serving New Ross Cllr Michael Sheehan has resigned from the Fianna Fáil Party and announced his intention to contest the forthcoming General Election as an Independent or Non-Party candidate.

Although Cllr Sheehan only made the announcement a few hours ago, WexfordLocal.com understands that the news is no surprise amongst many party supporters.

CLLR MICHAEL SHEEHAN

News of Cllr Sheehan’s departure from the Fianna Fáil Party comes days after Party Leader and Táiniste Micheál Martin invited retired international referee Michelle O’Neill to become a member of the party and run as a candidate in the four-seat Wexford constituency.

The date of the General Election will be announced in the coming days and Polling Day is likely to be Friday, November 29th.

Cllr Sheehan was first elected to New Ross Town Council in June 1999 and Wexford County Council since 2014 and has served as Cathaoirleach of both Wexford County Council and New Ross Municipal District Council.

Tributes to legendary showjumping star Con Power

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of the legendary showjumper, Captain Con Power, (71), of international fame who is universally acknowledged as one of the finest riders of his generation and enjoyed a sparkling career during the 1970s and 1980s.

A native of Loftus Hall, Fethard-on-Sea in south-west Wexford Con married Margaret Latta, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, and they set up an equestrian home at Derrypatrick House, Summerhill, Co. Meath.

CON POWER

Beginning his career in the Army Equitation School in 1973, he developed into one of the world’s best riders, with notable successes at Aachen, New York and Toronto, while he was the leading rider at the Dublin Horse Show in 1976 and 1979.

Con will forever be remembered for being part of the dream team who won the Aga Khan trophy three times in a row, in 1977, 1978 and 1979, famously being the only rider to ride three different horses.

He will never be forgotten and leaves an incredible legacy on equestrian sports in Ireland. His son Robert, affectionately known as Robbie, also enjoyed a spectacular career in the saddle as a National Hunt jockey, winning many of the top races including the 2007 Aintree Grand National on the 33/1 winner Silver Birch for Gordon Elliott and the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Sizing John, while daughter Elizabeth has also forged a successful Eventing career, and won the five-star RDS Stakes at the Dublin Horse Show in 2019.

Deepest condolences to his wife Margaret, Robert and Elizabeth, Lovingly remembered by his family, daughter-in-law Hannah, sisters and brothers; Ann, Pat, Ted, Mandy, Vonnie, Vivienne, Pierce and Helen, extended family, friends and neighbours. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

World angling event is a great catch for Wexford

Teams from nine counties competing in the World Championship Shore Angling 2024 in Wexford were on parade at the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at the Irish National Heritage Park

The World Championship Shore Angling 2024, featuring YOUTH (under 16) and JUNIORS (under 21) categories takes place on the Wexford coastline until November 9th showcasing the talents and passions of young anglers from around the globe in a competition that promises excitement, camaraderie, and the spirit of sportsmanship against the backdrop of Ireland’s stunning coastline.

The teams arrived at Hotel Curracloe yesterday and all nine counties participated in a colourful parade held at the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig this afternoon.

“This event is a celebration of sportsmanship, where we gather not only to compete but also to forge new friendships, challenge each other, and revel in each other’s company,” said Pat Walsh, President of the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, who added; “Ireland boasts some of the finest shore angling spots in Europe, promising an exciting competition ahead.”

The nine countries competing are Ireland, Croatia, France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, England, Netherlands and Portugal. The fishing competition will begin on Tuesday and last for four days. 

Eleven beaches will be used during the seven-day championships at Kilgorman, Old Bawn Beach, Ballinoulart, Morriscastle, Ballinesker, Curracloe, Rosslare, Rostoonstown, Ballyhealy, Burrow Kilmore and Murrough Beach in Co. Wicklow.

Headquarters is located at Hotel Curracloe. The championships are brought to Wexford by the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers.