Plans for 1798 Summer School

Image Credits:  Rocket Science Media

By Dan Walsh

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre has announced details of the 1798 Summer School events to commemorate the 1798 Rebellion in Enniscorthy on Saturday and Sunday, June 21st and 22nd.

Join historian and archaeologist Barry Lacey for a walking tour of Enniscorthy town, starting at 10am from the 1798 Centre carpark on Saturday. The walk ends at The National 1798 Rebellion Centre, followed by three talks on the Rebellion.

The talks begin at 12 noon with Dr. Elaine Callinan of Carlow College, discussing the 1798 Rebellion’s influence on European and American revolutions. After a lunch break, New Ross historian Myles Courtney will provide an in-depth talk on the Battle of New Ross at 2pm.

In the final talk of the day, Dr. Ida Milne, a lecturer at Carlow College and TCD, will discuss her family’s letters from 1785 to 1817, collected by her father and uncle. These letters offer insights into the social and economic landscape before the 1798 rebellion, events around New Ross and Old Ross in 1798, and the divided loyalties within her family during that period.

The morning walking tour and talks are €10 each or a 1798 Summer School pass, which includes entry to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre exhibition over the weekend, is only €12. Pre-booking is recommended through info@1798centre.ie or 053 9327596. Free parking is available.

The public is invited to attend a free talk on the battle of Vinegar Hill, given by folklorist and historian Jacqui Hynes, at the top of Vinegar Hill. Meet in the Vinegar Hill carpark at 4.30pm and walk up to the old windmill for this discussion on its history. After the talk, walk back down the hill to attend the Longest Day Commemoration.

A commemoration for the battle of Vinegar Hill will be held at 6pm on Saturday, June 21st, at the Vinegar Hill car park, in collaboration with Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. The Enniscorthy Re-enactment Society, joined by the Nócha hOcht le Chéile pikemen and the Ballindaggin Pipe Band, will march from Enniscorthy Gaelscoil to Vinegar Hill in period attire. The commemoration will feature historical speeches and music from the Ballindaggin Pipe Band and other performers.Free and open to the public.

€98,280 to reopen Captain Wafer Hall

By Dan Walsh

The Enniscorthy Community Alliance received €98,280 from the Government’s Community Recognition Fund for renovating Captain Wafer Hall at Springvalley in the Templeshannon area of the town.

“We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly grateful for this funding from the Community Recognition Fund,” said Billy Murphy, Chairperson of the Enniscorthy Community Alliance.

“The Captain Wafer Hall has served as a cherished hub for generations of Enniscorthy residents, hosting countless events, meetings, and gatherings. This investment is a testament to its importance and will enable us to transform it into a modern, accessible, and vibrant space that can continue to serve our community for many years to come,” added Mr Murphy.

The Alliance has leased Captain Wafer Hall and is restoring it to its original state. Over the last year, the team has made minor renovations and applied for grants for major restorations.

This funding is an important milestone, but it will not fully cover the work that needs to be done so further fundraising will be taking place over the coming year.

The renovation project will restore community spaces and improve accessibility and energy efficiency.

These improvements will maintain the hall as an accommodating and practical venue for various community activities, including local meetings, classes, cultural events, and social gatherings.

Enniscorthy Community Alliance is a non-profit organisation that has supported Enniscorthy for many years through various enhancement projects and programmes.

THOMAS WAFER was born on January 11th, 1890 and was from the Shannon area of Enniscorthy.

CAPTAIN THOMAS WAFER (1890-1916).

He was apprenticed to cabinet makers, Kearney’s of Main Street, Enniscorthy, before moving to McDonagh’s in Galway. He set up his own business on the North Circular Road in Dublin, following his marriage.

He was captain of E Company, 2nd Battalion Irish Volunteers and was the officer-in-charge of the detachment that escorted the lorry of arms from Fairview Park to the GPO on Easter Monday.

Thomas Wafer died from a sniper’s bullet while holding the Hibernian Bank in Sackville Street on April 26th, 1916.

Wafer’s memory is preserved on a plaque on the house where he lived in the Shannon. Wafer Street running from Market Square (previously New Street) to Pig Market Hill is named after him. And the Captain Thomas Wafer Memorial Hall at Springvalley, at the foot of the famous ’21 Steps’.  

No advertising on the streets?

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe warned at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council that unauthorised advertising signs lack insurance cover and public liability would fall on business owners. Cllr Pip Breen was presiding at his final meeting as Cathaoirleach.

Mr Taaffe stated that he didn’t understand the need for advertising signs on medieval narrow streets in New Ross, Enniscorthy and Wexford. “They are a hazard on footpaths. We can’t have streets blocked by free advertising. They want sandwich boards right outside their shops! We don’t want unnecessary obstructions. We must have free movement for families with young children, people with mobility issues and the elderly,” said Mr Taaffe.

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council EDDIE TAAFFE.

Mr Taaffe referred to aesthetics and the need to have our towns clean and inviting for visitors.

Cllr Owens said that taking down the signs in Enniscorthy meant that “25% of the profit was taken away from business owners” and he claimed that “Enniscorthy is dying on it’s feet and something needs to be done.”

Cllr Pat Kehoe floated the notion of ‘wall mounted’ or ‘window mounted’ advertising and he wondered if it could be covered by a shop front grant? (Apparently, there is no national policy on sandwich boards).

Referring to New Ross, Cllr Pat Barden suggested “a bracket eight feet high that could be put up in the morning and taken down in the evening?”

Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said that business was getting so tight that it was difficult for businesses to keep going, however, he also understood the dangers of trip hazards on the public road.

Cllr Tom Forde proposed a motion, seconded by Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien, that “We ask that this Council create a permit system, and standardised designs, that would allow businesses to apply the use of signage on bollards/ sandwich boards throughout the county, as long as they are not creating an obstacle for any pedestrians or road users.” The amended version put to the floor included the words ‘risk assessment’ and ‘elevated’ and a majority supported it by a show of hands.    

Cllr Patricia Byrne takes Council seat

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting 

Cllr Patricia Byrne was welcomed as the new councillor at Wexford County Council’s meeting today, filling the Fine Gael seat vacated by Cllr Cathal Byrne’s election to Seanad Éireann last February.

Cllr Byrne was officially nominated by Cllr Pat Kehoe and seconded by Cllr Bridín Murphy. She was welcomed to her seat in the chamber by Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen, alongside officials, with support from Brian Brennan TD and Senator Cathal Byrne.   

Cllr Byrne, 32, is a member of Bree branch of Fine Gael. A native of Ballyhogue, she manages Hammel’s of Bree, previously known as Byrne’s of Bree, which includes a supermarket, post office, and bar in Bree village.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy warmly welcomed Cllr Byrne and pointed out that this brings the female representation on the Council up to eight. She hoped that Cllr Byrne would join the Wexford Women’s Coalition group and “show what women councillors can do!” 

Mayor Cllr Biddy Walsh assured Cllr Byrne of “my support” and said it was an historic day having eight women members on the Council. “Great day for Wexford. Great day for Wexford County Council,” she stated.

Cllr Pat Barden recalled the interaction with the families of Barden, Byrne and Murphy at Galbally many years ago and assured his support.

Cllr Jackser Owens expressed his eagerness to working with Cllr Byrne for the next four years, aiming to serve Enniscorthy Municipal District and Wexford County Council effectively.

Cllr Michael Sheehan wished Cllr Byrne “the best of luck” and joked that “councillors get the blame for everything and get credit for nothing.”

There were also ‘good luck wishes’ from Cllrs Garry Laffan, Jim Codd and Paddy Kavanagh.

Cllr Byrne expressed gratitude to her proposer and seconder, acknowledged the kind wishes extended to her, and stated that she is eager to serve the Enniscorthy district and Wexford County to the best of her abilities.

Two other positions vacated by Senator Byrne were also filled today. Cllr Frank Staples (proposed by Cllr Oliver Walsh, seconded by Cllr Anthony Donohoe) is now Chair of the Economic SPC. Cllr Ger Carthy (proposed by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and seconded by Cllr Oliver Walsh) becomes a member of the Regional Health Forum.

Wexford wins two Chamber Awards

Pictured accepting the Supporting Business Award at the Chambers Ireland Awards 2025 are (l-r): Margaret Considine, President of Chambers Ireland; Lorcan Kinsella, Director, County Wexford Chamber; Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber; and Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life & Pensions, Zurich. Chambers Ireland Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber have taken home two prestigious awards at this year’s Chambers Ireland Awards ceremony held at the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare, on Thursday.

The Chamber won the Supporting Business Award for the successful integration of Enniscorthy & District Chamber. And it also won the Digital Campaigns Award for the launch of the County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card.

These achievements reflect the power of collaboration and community spirit. The Chamber extends its appreciation to its Board members Lorcán Kinsella, Brendan Crowley, and Ed Murphy for their instrumental roles in the integration process.

And they also want to thank the wider business community and Chamber members who rallied behind this initiative in 2024 – this support made all the difference.

The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card was a true team effort, delivered just in time for Christmas 2024. Since its launch, it has generated an incredible €600,000 in sales, proving its value to our local economy.

A heartfelt thank you to the businesses and individuals who have used the scheme to gift employees and loved ones and to the nearly 200 outlets now accepting the card.

The Chamber also wish to recognise the ongoing support of Wexford County Council, and to thank Chambers Ireland for a fantastic awards ceremony, and acknowledge MC Ivan Yates for his insightful comments and generous remarks at the awards ceremony.

County Wexford Chamber remains committed to working for sustainable economic development and prosperity across County Wexford.

County Wexford Chamber was represented by Board member Lorcan Kinsella, CEO Paula Roche, and Development Officers Anne Dwyer and Deirdre O’Flynn.

K&K Windows wins top Business Award

Deputy Brian Brennan and the Kenny family celebrate success at the All-Ireland Business Summit held in Croke Park, being named AIBF All-Ireland Enterprise of the Year 2025.

By Dan Walsh

K&K Windows, Craanford, Gorey, have scooped the top prize at the All-Ireland Business Summit held in Croke Park, being named AIBF All-Ireland Enterprise of the Year 2025.

Speaking after the Summit in Croke Park, Fine Gael TD for Wicklow-Wexford, Deputy Brian Brennan had high praise for K&K Windows and the Kenny Family; “I have known Sorcha and Tomas for many years, and this award is so well deserved. This business is a great success story – family owned, locally grown, community based. 

An excellent employer operating out of their state-of-the-art premises in Craanford.

“Employing over 50 people in North Wexford, this company has gone from strength to strength over its 25 years in business and I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” concluded Deputy Brennan.

Former Enniscorthy cinema for sale

Slaney Plaza in Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, is for sale with an asking price of €400,000.

The former three-screen cinema was named after the local river and was originally opened in 1998 by Graham Spurling. 

The venue closed on March 6, 2011. 

Wexford estate agents Sherry FitzGerald O’Leary Kinsella describe the cinema located just a few minutes from Enniscorthy town centre as an “investment opportunity” with “oodles of possibilities”. 

The property includes a large lobby on entrance with a box office and shop, three large cinema screens bathrooms (including a disabled WC). 

My personal memory of the Slaney Plaza was attending the premiére of ‘Saving Private Ryan‘ which was filmed by Steven Spielberg with Curracloe used to dramatise Omaha Beach.

Youth show the way at Vinegar Hill

The talented Rhythm Riot band brought colour and joyful sound to Vinegar Hill this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

By Dan Walsh at Vinegar Hill

At dusk, a procession featuring art, music, and performance brightened up Vinegar Hill, driven by the creativity of Wexford’s youth. Dozens of dancers and performers contributed to the carnival atmosphere witnessed this evening.

The second annual The Night Belongs to Youth event was part of this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg, the National Day of Creativity for young people. It was considered a significant event in Wexford.

The event commemorated the historical site and celebrated midsummer, commencing at Father Cullen’s Terrace and concluding at the summit of the renowned hill with a formal procession.

In contrast to over two centuries ago, this time Vinegar Hill experienced no rebellious events; instead, it hosted an immersive spectacle featuring drumming, ceremonial dance, and song.

The event, which was organised by Creative Places Enniscorthy, offered young people the opportunity to collaborate with professional artists, prop makers, and musicians. It was colourful, entertaining and worthwhile and paid tribute to the talent and promise from our precious younger generation.

Deryn O’Callaghan, Director of Creative Places Enniscorthy, told WexfordLocal.com; “The entire event was led by the youth of Wexford. We are very mindful of the history of the area and the significance of the hill to the town, and we wanted to reflect that.”

The Night Belongs to Youth is a Creative Places Enniscorthy (CPE) project, funded by CPE and the Arts Council of Ireland, part of Cruinniú na nÓg, with additional funding from Wexford County Council through the Creative Ireland Programme.

Kilanerin history project starts on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

The Things Around Us’ is an innovative community collection project exploring the objects in the hands of ordinary people that reveal the social history of Kilanerin and district running for four weeks, and it kicks off this Sunday, June 8th 12-3pm.

The project has been devised by artist/folklorist Michael Fortune in conjunction with David Williams and Conor Murphy from Kilanerin Tidy Towns, and during the month of June they will be hosting a series of pop-up road-show styled sessions in Kilanerin Community Centre and inviting people to bring their object along to tell Michael and the team all about it.

The project will be centred around people and the objects they hold and cherish within their homes, their farms, their yards and their lives and invite them to bring forward objects to share their stories and spark memories and conversations across the ages.

These may range from old black diamonds; used from funeral customs, old farming implements or to more recent objects such as an old Bosco mug or to the first mobile phone ever owned.

Every single aspect of Irish social history will be explored through the fascinating objects brought to the roadshows and we hope to widen conversations around our lives and our history.

As the village has become home to many new residents recently, efforts will be focused on engaging new residents to support and strengthen the sense of community in the area.

So if you have an old letter, an old tool or anything with a story, come along to Kilanerin and share it take photos and record its history. An exhibition of the findings will be presented as part of the Kilanerin Heritage Weekend in early September.

The dates are: Sunday, June 8th (12pm – 3pm). Thursday, June 12th (6.30pm to 9.30pm). Sunday, June 15th (12pm – 3pm) and Sunday, June 22nd June (12pm – 3pm).

The project is kindly supported by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council via their ‘Creative Communities Scheme’. For further information please contact Michael on 087 6470247 or David on 087 4197140.

€70,000 for Bunclody safer route

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has been awarded €70,000 toward a walkway link from Hospital Hill to Church Road, Bunclody under the Community Recognition Fund.

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy stated that “it is a long-held ambition of mine and the people of Bunclody to see both sides of Bunclody town linked without having to access the N80.

“The funding is very welcome as it will help to get this project underway. The walkway / cycleway will connect two sides of Bunclody town,” she added.

Saving the trip to walk Hospital Hill, Irish Street, Main Street (the N80 extremely busy national secondary road) Church Road to access the Health Centre the GAA and Soccer Club grounds as well as linking the communities.

A short cut will be safer than using main roads for walking / cycling and will also have health benefits encouraging people to walk rather than get into the car to get to and from their chosen destination!

Bunclody is a beautiful town situated on the slopes of the Backstairs mountains – but Bunclody is a hilly town – this Walkway will be of great benefit to people. 

This project is part of the plans drawn up by Pairc Na nGabhar Community Garden Committee in conjunction with Wexford County Council.