Revenue officers have seized 1.2 million cigarettes with an estimated value of €1,005,000 following the search of an unaccompanied container at Belview Port, Waterford, which is located on the River Suir just off the River Barrow south of New Ross and west of Great Island.
The seizure took place yesterday (Monday) because of an intelligence-led operation. The illicit cigarettes, branded ‘L & B’, had arrived in Ireland from Rotterdam and represent a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately €603,000.
Investigations are ongoing.
This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply of illegal tobacco products. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.
Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohue TD with General Election candidate Brian Brennan, and Cllr Darragh McDonald visited Ann Swaine in the House of Cards on Gorey’s Main Street.
By Dan Walsh
Last Friday was a busy day for Fine Gael in the new North Wexford and South Wicklow constituency and, in particular for local General Election candidate Brian Brennan who was delighted to welcome Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohue and An Taoiseach Simon Harris to events in Gorey and Arklow.
The visit began with a highly successful budget breakfast briefing with Minister Donohue and Brian Brennan at the Loch Garman Arms Hotel, where over 100 attendees gathered to hear insights from Minister Donohue on Budget 2025 and to challenge the Minister on areas, they felt were missed including roads funding, the disability sector and VAT thresholds.
At the briefing Brian Brennan stressed the connection between Arklow and Gorey and repeated his commitment to work for the business communities in North Wexford and South Wicklow. Following the breakfast event Minister Donohue joined General Election Candidate Brian Brennan and Cllr Darragh McDonald in visiting several businesses in the town to hear their views on the budget.
Speaking on the Minister’s visit, Cllr McDonald outlined how important it is for senior politicians to be willing to engage on the ground. “Minister Donohue’s visit to Gorey is a clear commitment to the town’s future development by senior politicians which has been missing for the last number of years. Hearing first hand people’s views on the budget is critical and it was refreshing to see Minster Donohue’s engagement and interest in hearing people’s feedback both positive and negative on this year’s budget,” stated Cllr McDonald.
Following the briefing, Taoiseach Simon Harris visited the Bridgewater Shopping Centre in Arklow, where he received a warm and enthusiastic reception from shoppers, local business owners and recent sports winners from the Arklow Rocks, Geraldines and the Arklow Viking Special Olympics club. Speaking on the first official visit of the Taoiseach to Arklow Brian Brennan acknowledged the Taoiseach’s commitment to our communities, and the warm welcome he received reflects the strong support for Fine Gael’s initiatives in the area. “The visit of two senior politicians to the new Wicklow Wexford constituency is a clear indication of the serious attention the government is taking to the needs of the areas going forward. If elected I will be a new voice for the area that has been lacking representation for too long and I will continue to ensure both Gorey and Arklow receive the attention they deserve along with the corresponding investment to allow them to continue to thrive, ” concluded Mr. Brennan.
Seven races at today’s point-to-point fixture at Castletown-Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath, and two Wexford trained winners for Colin Bowe and Sean Doyle.
ROB JAMES enjoyed success at Castletown-Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath today.
The maiden race for four-year-olds was ‘divided’ and success came in division two for the Colin Bowe handled Bonaparte’s Retreat, in the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours, ridden by Rob James and two lengths clear at the finish.
Willitgoahead, who won a maiden at Ballinboola last February for the Monbeg Partnership and Ballindaggin handler Sean Doyle, took the honours by nine lengths in the Winner of Two race ridden by Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard.
Multi-times point-to-point championship winners Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill set an early pace in the 2024-’25 championship when winning the opening race of the new season with Auntie Lacey in the maiden race for four-year-old mares at Toomebridge, Co. Antrim today (Saturday).
Brigid O’Neill, Barry O’Neill, Colin Bowe and Fiona Bowe celebrating national point-to-point champions success. It could be another good year for the champions following more success today.
The Kiltealy team had two and a quarter lengths to spare with Auntie Lacey, who is for sale, and it was a Wexford-handled one/two as she was chased home by Clody Diamond handled and ridden by neighbour Rob James, who shared last season’s rider’s title with O’Neill.
Later in the afternoon Barry O’Neill joined forces with Meath handler Tom Dreaper and completed a riding double on Tech Talk by one and a half lengths in the Winner of One race.
There was more Wexford success on the northern card when the only newcomer in a field of five, She Is For Me Boys, scored by two lengths under Brian Dunleavy in the maiden race for mares’ aged five or over.
Owned by the Baltimore Stables Syndicate, She Is For Me Boys was the 50th career winner for Mary Ellen Doyle, now in her seventh year as the licence holder at Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy.
So, a brilliant start for the Wexford stables on opening day of the season and there is a very strong Wexford entry for Sunday’s fixture at Castletown-Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath. First race at 1pm.
In other point-to-point news The Island fixture due to be held at Ballycrystal on Sunday, October 20th will now be run over a new left-handed track at Peppard’s Castle, located on the coast between Kilmuckridge and Ballygarrett.
Wexford County Council and Gorey Pedestrian and Cycling Association gathered outside Gorey Civic Offices with the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, to create public awareness around ‘Make Way Day’ in Gorey.
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council and Gorey Pedestrian and Cycling Association have supported the ‘Make Way Day’ campaign, an annual event led by the Disability Federation of Ireland that brings the disability and wider community together to consider the needs of people with disabilities in shared public spaces.
In Gorey recently, Wexford County Council’s Access Team together with elected members and Senator Malcom Byrne joined forces with Gorey Pedestrian and Cycling Association and community groups in carrying out a walkability audit to raise awareness about everyday obstacles on footpaths that hinder accessibility for people with disabilities.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen said; “I am proud to be here on Make Way Day to raise awareness of the issues for the people of Gorey on our public footpaths. This is a very worthwhile exercise, to ensure we are not taking for granted accessibility in the town and always endeavour to do all we can to make our footpaths easy to use for all our citizens.”
Some of the most common issues that affect people with disabilities include cars parked on footpaths, bicycles illegally parked, bins left out on footpaths. While most often these issues are unintentional oversights by individuals, ‘Make Way Day’ aims to encourage everyone to think about their actions and how they can affect other people using the shared spaces in the towns and villages.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council CLLR AIDAN BROWNE with Cllr Jackser Owens, Patrick Hipwell, George Graham, Enniscorthy Boxing Academy, St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, and others at the greening of Enniscorthy Castle for World Mental Health Day at Enniscorthy Castle tonight. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
It was dark and damp in Enniscorthy this evening, but the brightness shone through as Enniscorthy Castle was lit up in the colour green in recognition of World Mental Health Day which takes place next Thursday, October 10th.
The event, now in its second year, was organised by local famer Patrick Hipwell, who is a dedicated campaigner for mental health, especially for men and those within the farming community.
The speeches took place within the walls of history, they were brief and to the point, but the message was loud and clear as printed on the green wrist bands supplied to the attendance; “Join Ireland’s mental health social movement and end stigma.”
The principal speakers were Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council (listen to his short contribution attached), Cllr Jackser Owens, Karen Kelly representing Embrace Farm, Jer O’Mahoney, President IFA and Patrick Hipwell of seechange.ie Well-known local entertainer Liam Sharkey acted as master of ceremonies.
AUDIO ADDITION; Cllr Aidan Browne speaking at World Mental Health Day event in Enniscorthy Castle tonight (Saturday).
The green lighting of the castle will shine across the historic site for a week’s duration. Enniscorthy Credit Union will also be in green to mark World Mental Health Day.
Music was provided by the Ballindaggin Pipe Band who played several tunes. Members of Enniscorthy Boxing Academy were also present as was well-known mental health campaigner of many years, George Graham.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com tonight Mr Hipwell said; “It is important to share your problems with each other and to help people. For people to know that they are not alone, and to push against the stigma, especially for men,”
All are invited to attend the annual Mass for World Mental Health Day which begins at 6pm tomorrow evening (Saturday) in Ballindaggin Parish Church.
Tributes have been paid to Emmett O’Connell, (88), who died at his home, Raheenduff House, Foulkesmills, on September 14th, and who, in 2015, was inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame in a ceremony in New Ross and New York and was a Knight of St Gregory the Great, Knight of St John of Malta, and Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Born on June 29th, 1936, in the South Bronx, New York, he was one of five children whose father, Michael J. O’Connell hailed from Co Sligo. Their mother, Nellie was from Banteer in north Co Cork. Emmett was given his first name in honour of the rebel leader Robert Emmet (1778-1803), with a slight difference in spelling.
His sister, Deirdre O’Connell (1939-2001), who was a trained actress, moved to Dublin in her early 20s where she became a founder and artistic director of the Focus Theatre and in 1965 married the legendary singer Luke Kelly, (1940-1984), of The Dubliners.
Having visited Ireland for the first time at the age of 19, Emmett was eager to be based in the land of his ancestors. After founding a small exploration company in Ireland, it won contracts ahead of major competitors. His work took him to a wide range of destinations, including Russia, Iran, Colombia, Canada, Indonesia and across Europe.
In due course he became founder and director of several Irish-based mineral and oil exploration companies, with names such as Eglinton Exploration and Texas Continental Securities.
EMMETT O’CONNELL
O’Connell took a very close interest in this country’s relationship with the European Union, believing that Ireland would have been better off if it had retained a separate currency. At the time of the referendum on Ireland’s Accession Treaty to the then European Communities (EC) in May 1972, the Common Market Study Group, which was opposed to membership, brought out a series of pamphlets, one of which was written by O’Connell.
Although the legal basis for the monetary union did not come about until the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, and the euro currency did not actually begin to replace national currencies as notes and coins until January 2002, O’Connell’s pamphlet correctly predicted that there would be some problems in the eurozone.
After retiring from his last position as chairman and CEO of the Great Western Mining Corporation, he spent more time on his farm. He lived at Raheenduff House in Foulkesmill, with his wife Ray, whom he married in 1961. They had three children, Róisín, Robert-Emmet and Oisín.
In 2015, he was inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame in a ceremony in New Ross and New York.
Emmet O’Connell was honoured with the following titles; Knight of St Gregory the Great, Knight of St John of Malta, Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, but sadly, suffered from dementia and other health problems in his later years.
He died peacefully at home on September 14th. His Funeral Mass on September 18th took place at St. Aidan’s Church Clongeen where symbols of his life were displayed, including roller and ice skates, his EEC pamphlet and a copy of the Financial Times with a coffee cup.
A massive 800,000 litres of water have been saved in Wexford every day following the detection of 70 major leaks across the county so far this year.
The daily water savings are so significant that in the first half of this year alone that they would meet the daily demand of over 6,000 people. This is the equivalent of the combined daily use in Courtown, Kilmuckridge, Oylegate and Kilmore Quay.
Dave Murphy Leakage Reduction Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, described the finds as “Some of the largest savings of water in the country so far this year. “
It’s hard to comprehend that more than 800,000 litres of clean drinking water was disappearing underground every day”, he said. “Water is a valuable resource that is expensive to produce so finding these leaks and successfully repairing them will help secure a more reliable supply for the local communities” he concluded
Speaking about the success of the repairs, Jim Fitzgerald Regional Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann, said “As a result of this work by Uisce Éireann along with Shareridge and water service crews, customers are enjoying a more secure and reliable water supply. For our leak detection and repair teams to locate and repair these leaks is a massive success”.
“Securing the water supply in Wexford remains a top priority for Uisce Éireann. Unearthing these leaks is a testament to the expertise and knowledge within our Find and Fix crews. We hope to continue to utilise this knowledge going forward in our daily search to locate and repair leaks to further improve quality of supply both in Wexford and across Ireland,” concluded Mr Fitzgerald.
Since 2018, Uisce Éireann has invested more than €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the national Leakage Reduction Programme. It is investing a further €250 million every year up to the end of 2030 – fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.
A Wexford entry in the Junk Kouture Dublin City Final held at the RDS Dublin is amongst 10 teams set to represent Ireland in the Junk Kouture World Final, where they will compete for the prestigious title of World Designer of the Year.
These teams will be competing for the ultimate title of Dublin City Designer of the Year at the World Final, where they’ll take on design champs from London, Milan, Paris, New York, and Dubai in a bid to snag the crown of World Designer of the Year.
Natural Allure from Coláiste Bride, Enniscorthy, is one of 10 finalists representing Ireland in the World Designer of the Year Junk Kouture competition. (Pic; Andrejs Plavina).
Natural Allure by Stephanie O’Connor and Sienna Howe of Colaiste Bride, Enniscorthy, is an entry made from the bark of the Ugandan Mutuba tree and 2,500 beads hand quilled from olds books.
This year’s final was livestreamed globally on RTÉ Player for the first time ever, reaching audiences around the world.
Missed the show? Don’t worry! You can still catch all the highlights on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Wednesday, October 16th at 7 pm. It’s an opportunity to relive the creativity and energy from this fantastic event.
The date and location of the Junk Kouture World Final will be announced shortly, so be sure to follow social media channels @junkkouture for the exciting update. This year’s final promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the very best in youth creativity and sustainability from around the world.
Junk Kouture extends heartfelt thanks to their partners—RTÉ as the Official Broadcast Partner, EUROSPAR as the Official Market Partner, and DHL Express Ireland as the Official Logistics Partner—along with Deloitte, ATU and all the supporters who made this event possible.
Stay tuned for more updates as we look forward to the World Final and continue to celebrate the next generation of eco-conscious designers.
For more information, visit junkkouture.com and follow us on social media @junkkouture.
At the launch of the Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Group’s trio of plays for 2024-’25 in Redmond’s Loft, Bunclody, were; Back Row; Keith McLoughlin, Tim Connaughton, Billy Canning and Niall Ó Muirí. Front Row; Senator Malcolm Byrne, Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Sinead O’Gorman and Tommy Murphy.
By Dan Walsh
Last Friday night, in Redmond’s Loft, Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Group launched its 2024-’25 season of plays, in the company of friends, performers, members past and present and sponsors.
At the launch, Chairman Rory Kinsella expressed his pride in the group having three shows in preparation, one of which was written by a group member. Ever the competitive sportsman, Rory wouldn’t hazard the odds of the two competing plays reaching their respective All Ireland finals!
Two one-act plays that will be performed in Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club from Sunday to Wednesday, October 13th-16th at 8pm nightly. One of the plays “Namaste” is penned by the group’s own Niall Ó Muirí and directed by the experienced Tommy Murphy. This is the second of Niall’s plays to be performed by the group. The cast is led by Borris man Billy Canning and local Tim Connaughton, who are joined by Róisín Barry, Keith McLoughlin and Sinéad O’Gorman.
The play features a conversation between a Bunclody man and his recently deceased father who comes back to tell him how he’d like his eulogy written. The often-hilarious play is written with Níall’s trademark humour and wit and is guaranteed to entertain audiences.
Completing the other side of the duo is “The Donahue Sisters” by Geraldine Aron, directed by Michael Dunbar and featuring Josephine Byrne, Margaret Farrell and Lisa McCann. This dream team competed on the One-Act Drama Circuit last winter with “Dead Man’s Bells” and qualified for the All-Ireland Finals in Castleblaney, finishing in third place. Not bad for a first outing!
This play also focuses on three sisters, who come together at their home during their father’s illness. The three sisters, while at home, reveal a family secret locked in the family attic from many years ago.
Following their performance in the Golf Club the ensemble will once again take to the roads, competing in the One Act Circuit throughout November, in the hopes of once again making the All-Ireland Finals, which will be held this year in Naas.
The group also launched its entry to the full-length drama circuit on Friday night. The play, “The Beacon” by Nancy Harris, and directed by Kieran Tyrrell will be performed in February. The play is set in the present day, featuring Harris’s characteristic drama, suspense and snappy dialogue. The play centres on Beiv, an artist who welcomes her son and his new American wife to her studio cottage on an island in West Cork.
The strong cast comprise of Elaine Jordan, former All Ireland Best Actress winner, Pádraig D’Arcy, also no stranger to the Athlone All Ireland stage, along with Justin Grimes, Maeve Ennis and Tim Connaughton. Having guided the group to numerous All Ireland Finals in the last decade, Tinahely native Kieran Tyrell is excited for the prospects of the new play (from a prominent TV script writer) being performed by such an experienced and able cast.
WexfordLocal.com 