Launch of 6th edition of ‘The Wexford Bohemian’

Pictured at the launch of WEX BOH SIX in the Westgate Heritage Centre, Wexford, tonight; (left to right); Michelle O’Neill (front cover design), Álanna Hammel (editor), Michael Fortune (who performed the official launch) and Liz Burns, Wexford County Arts Officer. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

By Dan Walsh at Westgate Heritage Centre

Local literature and poetry took another progressive step forward tonight (Saturday) with the official launch of the sixth edition of The Wexford Bohemian, publication WEX BOH SIX subtitled “Wexford’s own journal of art, culture and literature” at a pleasant reception held in Westgate Heritage Centre, Wexford.

The launch was performed by folklorist, writer and artist of many talents, Michael Fortune, who read his introduction to the publication, gave a resumé of stories from the past in his own inimitable style and added that he was delighted to be invited and to hear some of the writers read their pieces.

Editor Álanna Hammel welcomed the attendance, thanked everybody from the contributors to the finished project, especially Michael Fortune, who launched the work and encouraged people to make a purchase and acted as a warm host for the occasion.

The event was held in the Westgate Heritage Centre, a significant building long underused but has gained a new lease of life thanks to the Wex-Art Hidden Worlds exhibition and featured the launch, readings from contributors and the chance to mingle.

The 28 contributors to WEX BOH SIX include Paul Hennessy, Margaret Galvin, Rachel Weintraub, Nora Brennan, Elaine Westnott-O’Brien, Mary O’Brien, Anne Cousins, Aoife Byrne, Philip Quirke, Lulu Sinnott, Caroline Stevens-Taylor, Conor Lyons, Heidi Bowe, Michael Farry, Lauren O’Donovan, Katherine Alabama, Allston James, Deirdre McGarry, Conor Healy, Rachel Meadows, Jack Edmunds-Bergin, Kevin Byrne, Léonie Gresser, Dobroslawa Staszewska, Michael O’Callaghan, Michelle O’Neill, Sasha Bratkova and Ella Carley.

WEX BOH SIX edited by Álanna Hammel, published by Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford, printed by PracticalPrinters.ie, cover design by Michelle O’Neill and sponsored by folklore.ie and County Wexford Arts Department.

All go for 2-day races at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Bettyville Park is all set to go for the final race meetings of the season on Sunday (first race at 1.07pm) and Bank Holiday Monday (first race 1.10pm) and early bird tickets are available up to midnight.

The going is expected to be ‘yielding’ and there don’t appear to be any serious issues with the weather outlook.

Sunday’s programme consists of two steeplechases, four hurdle races and a two-mile bumper on a very competitive card.

Amongst the local trainers with runners on Sunday are Paul Nolan, Colm Murphy, Liz Doyle, Seamus Nevile, John A. Berry, Richie Rath and Barry John Walsh.

Monday’s fixture kicks off at 1.10pm. WexfordLocal.com will update Monday’s card in conjunction with a report on Sunday’s meetings which will appear here tomorrow evening.  

77 entries for Tinahely Sunday races

By Dan Walsh

There are 77 entries for the Shillelagh & District Hunt point-to-point at Fairwood, Tinahely, tomorrow (Sunday) with the first race off at 1pm.

The biggest entry is – 30 in the maiden race for four-year-olds – and the going is described as ‘good’.

It is a pity that Tinahely clashes with the Wexford races, but the point-to-point fraternity will be out in force with some local winners assured on the card and should attract a good crowd.

ROB JAMES rode his 350th career winner at Waterford. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Today’s action was at Curraghmore, Co. Waterford where three members of the Doyle family – Sean, Donnchadh and Eamonn – each saddled a winner. Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe had a four and a half lengths success in the opening four-year-old mares race with newcomer Onefournine.

The four-year-old maiden race was divided, and division won was won by Ksar Fatal for handler Donnchadh Doyle and rider Rob James who was riding his 350th career winner. The verdict was five lengths. Division two brought victory to Sean Doyle and newcomer Obey The Order ridden by Jamie Scallan who will be sold. This was Sean Doyle’s 160th career winner as a handler.

Tomhaggard rider Scallan accomplished a double in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings on Throatlash in the colours of Michael Murphy, Kilmyshall, Bunclody, and a first training success for Eamonn Doyle. The verdict was two and a half lengths.

The Adamstown team of handler Susan O’Gorman and owner/breeder Andy English were triumphant with Forcetobereckonedwith by eight lengths in the concluding maiden race for mares aged five years plus. Another success for Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick and rich pickings for the Wexford raiders in neighbouring Co. Waterford.

Nicky Sinnott was finalist in Irish Rail awards

Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade presents Nicky Sinnott with his award. (Pic; Iarnród Éireann)

By Dan Walsh

Nicky Sinnott was a finalist at this year’s Iarnród Éireann Customer Experience awards, now in the second year, that took place at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin recently.

The event recognises excellence in customer experience in all aspects of service that is provided to rail customers. Workers were nominated by their peers. Nicky was a finalist in a category that highlights excellence in providing the best possible service to customers while they are travelling onboard Iarnród Éireann services.

Nicky recently came to the assistance of a passenger in Rosslare Europort who had arrived by ferry and was travelling onwards on the train. The passenger required assistance after a recent operation before boarding the train to Dublin. Nicky helped the man into the staff room and helped the man get clean and comfortable before he helped him board the train and sat with the gentleman all the way to Dublin. Nicky’s nominator said; “It was great to see someone really display such a caring customer focussed approach.”

Speaking at the event. CEO of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade said; “One of Iarnród Éireann’s core values is, Customers at the Heart of our Business. All nominees and winners here today truly espouse that value, and you should be very proud of the excellent way you serve our customers”

Co. Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit

County Wexford Chamber is organising an exclusive Leadership Summit on Thursday, November 14th, in Newbay House Wexford. 

Hosted by MC & Executive Coach Orlaith Carmody, the keynote address on business transformation and innovation will be delivered by An Post CEO David McRedmond. 

The event will equip attendees with actionable strategies for business growth and leadership development. “We’ll have the privilege of hearing from David McRedmond, who will share valuable insights into the transformation he led at An Post,” said Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber. “Additionally, representatives from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland will outline the supports available for businesses and discuss the importance of foreign direct investment in driving the continued economic growth of County Wexford.” 

DAVID McREDMOND, CEO AN POST will address forthcoming Wexford Summit.

As well as Mr McRedmond, other contributors include Brian McGee, Regional Enterprise Development Manager, IDA; Gavin Walsh, Large Enterprise Account Director, LinkedIn; and Linda Earlie, Senior Executive, Enterprise Ireland. 

“We’re also looking forward to hearing the inspiring success stories from some of County Wexford’s most innovative and influential businesses,” said Ms Roche. Sharing these insights are entrepreneurs and business people including Pauline Oakes, Vice President, Operations, EMEA/APAC region, Integer; Pat Bevan, Managing Director, Reynaers Aluminium Ireland; Deirdre Hannon, Plant Manager, Danone; Rosie Keary, Managing Director, Kersia; Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority Rosslare Europort; Ger Reynolds, Director of Operations, BD; Brendan Crowley, Managing Director, Wexford Bus; John Walsh, Commercial Director, ABP Ireland & Poland; David O’Connor, Director, Sheil Kinnear; and Therese Kelly, Director, Neville Hotels. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity to connect and learn from local leaders who are shaping the future of our business community,” said Ms Roche. 
The event runs from 9am to 4pm, and costs €70 for Chamber members and €80 for non-members. Bookings can be made on www.countywexfordchamber.ie. This event is kindly supported by Wexford Bus and County Wexford Chamber Skillnet. 

Bye-Laws enforcement for Rafter Street

By Dan Walsh

Pedestrianisation of Enniscorthy’s Rafter Street will be enforced between 10am and 4.30pm as per Bye-Laws and notification will be issued to business owners. Pedestrian zone signage has been ordered.

This information is contained in the District Manager’s Report made available at Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre.

On more than one occasion at Council meetings, Cllr Jackser Owens has complained about bin lorries making collections while people were enjoying the outdoor food facilities on the street! The Council is now acting.

Correspondence has been issued to waste contractors regarding the collection of waste outside of these hours.

Meanwhile, two business premises have closed on Rafter Street in recent times.

Changes will become effective soon, meanwhile, new bollards have been ordered and will be placed at both ends of the street.

Brennan supporting the farming community

By Dan Walsh

With the General Election only weeks away we begin to focus on upcoming events. WexfordLocal.com will be following the build-up in both the Wexford constituency (4 seats) and the new South Wicklow North Wexford constituency (3 seats).

The opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture sector will be discussed at a special Fine Gael meeting on Thursday, October 24th at 6pm in The Orchard Centre & Baileys Farm, Kilavaney, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow.

BRIAN BRENNAN candidate in the General Election.

Delivering for Rural Ireland and our Farming Communities is the main focus of Fine Gael in the new Wicklow Wexford constituency, and they are delighted to welcome Minster Martin Heydon Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to speak to our farmers and the wider Wicklow Wexford community and Eddie Downey, Chairman of the Fine Gael Party’s Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Forum.

Gorey based businessman and hotelier Fine Gael General Election candidate Brian Brennan said “that farming is at the core of this new constituency and Fine Gael has and will always support not only those who making their living from farming, and those who are lucky enough to live in the beautiful countryside of South Wicklow and North Wexford.” 

“This meeting is an ideal opportunity for farmers in this new constituency that goes all the way from Monageer to Coolkenno and Kilmuckeridge to Barndarrig to come along and see what Fine Gael will do for them, when with their help we can lead the next Government,” concluded Mr Brennan.

28 new car parking spaces for Enniscorthy town centre

Murphy Floods Project proposed site layout plan. (Courtesy of Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

Members of Enniscorthy Municipal District held the October meeting in the Presentation Centre today where they approved by 4 votes to 2 to proceed with the proposed site layout plan known as the Murphy Floods project which will provide 28 ‘temporary’ car parking spaces in the town centre.

The plan was presented to the meeting by David Whitty from the Special Projects department at Wexford County Council. It comprises of 28 car parking spaces – three are accessible – and includes a realm comprising of bench seating, planter boxes and an embankment with planted vegetation. A 2.8metre flight of steps will take pedestrians to and from Market Square.

The meeting was not without its tense moments. Cllrs Pat Kehoe and Cathal Byrne called for extra car park spaces – suggesting 50 spaces – while calling for the elimination of the realm and adjustments to the path on Irish Street and viewed the situation as “pedestrians verses visitors” and felt that car parking was priority!

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was critical of the hoarding and claimed it “allows for anti-social behaviour. I don’t like it” and she asked if there are any EV charging points in the plan? She was told “No”!

Cllr Jackser Owens talked about taking out 43 car spaces in Market Square under the Town First plan, but Mr Whitty pointed out that the 28 car parking spaces on the Murphy Floods site would cancel the 28 spaces being taken away from Market Square. He also said that the loss of 43 car parking spaces applied to the entire town under the Town First project!

Murphy Floods project site this evening (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Roads Engineer Neil Dempsey said that car parking wasn’t a problem in Enniscorthy town centre pointing out that most car parks are never full!

Cllr Owens also complained that there were no toilets in the town centre, but he was reminded that that was for another day!

Director of Services Carolyne Godkin pointed out that “this is a temporary car park, but it could be there for a number of years.” Regards the timeline Ms Godkin said there is the removal of rubble, a contractor must be sourced, there is no issue with funding, the Part VIII has been passed, but the plan is to keep it simple and cost effective. She doesn’t expect a start before Christmas!

Ms Godkin reminded the members that this was the plan that they voted for! She urged them to move ahead and get spaces up and running as soon as possible.

Cllr John O’Rourke proposed and Cllr Murphy seconded to go ahead with the original plan. Cllr Pat Kehoe and Cathal Byrne disagreed with the public realms. Cathaoirleach Aidan Browne, Cllrs John O’Rourke, Jackser Owens and Barbara-Anne Murphy voted for the plan, Cllrs Pat Kehoe and Cathal Byrne were against.

Women encouraged to ‘Make It Happen’

Pictured at the Local Enterprise Office National Women’s Enterprise Day in Ferrycarrig Hotel (left to right); Liz Nolan from Dampdoctor speaker, Liz Hore Wexford County Council, Ann O’Brien from Kent Stainless speaker, Breege Cosgrave Head of Enterprise and Economic Development Wexford County Council, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Pip Breen, Martina Fitzgerald speaker, Maryrose Lyons from AI Institute, Deborah Cogley artist and speaker and Carmel Moran Local Enterprise Office. (Pic; Mary Browne).

By Dan Walsh

Entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen from across Co. Wexford are being encouraged to “Make It Happen” in 2024 at this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day, organised by the Local Enterprise Office Wexford and held in Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford, recently.

Wexford’s event heard from Martina Fitzgerald, CEO of Scale Ireland, and former broadcaster, who explained to the audience how her upbringing framed her experience of business and entrepreneurship. Like many women, Martina’s exposure to strong female leadership and example continues to this day to impact and influence her career!

Continuing with the theme of “if you see it, you can be it”, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Pip Breen also credited strong women – his mother and grandmother, with influencing his life and work ethos. “Today’s event is all about leadership and empowerment – the speakers here this morning are true visionaries and innovators in their industries and are known as generous and empowering advocates of other businesswomen.

“The opportunity to listen, learn and lead are enormous in this room today. From small business owners to tech innovators, these women are the backbone of our economy. They bring diverse perspectives, drive innovation, and create jobs, all while balancing the demands of family and community,” concluded Cllr Breen.

This theme of listen, learn and lead was prevalent throughout the event with businesses from across the county and across many sectors being represented in the room. Panellists Ann O’Brien from Kent Stainless, Deborah Cogley of Deborah Cogley Art and Liz Nolan of Dampdoctor, gave three very different perspectives on business growth, scaling and pushing ahead – but they all spoke of the value of networking and the advice and support of their peers in helping them grow their businesses.

The theme of this year’s event, “Making It Happen”, encourages businesswomen to take that next step, whether that be to act on an idea, grow their business or take steps to change or innovate in their business. Wexford’s NWED (National Women’s Enterprise Day) Ambassador Liz Nolan from Dampdoctor spoke about her own business’s journey.

Head of Enterprise and Economic Development Breege Cosgrave, divulged that NWED 2024 attendance numbers were vastly up on other years, with approximately 2,500 businesswomen registered to attend NWED events last Thursday. “This is testament to the work and supports that the LEO’s offer to all businesses, not just to female led business. Our ambition in promoting female entrepreneurship is in line with Enterprise Ireland’s strategy to increase the number of female-led companies growing internationally by 100% by 2025, and here we are, all working together on days like today – Making It Happen”!



Annual Conference of Comhairle na nÓg

By Dan Walsh

The Annual Youth Conference of Wexford Comhairle na nÓg was held in the Council Chamber of Wexford’s County Hall with 100 young people from secondary schools and youth organisations across county Wexford in attendance.

The Annual Youth Conference is a chance for young people’s voices to be heard. A wide range of issues impacting the lives of young people were identified, and ways in which Comhairle na nÓg can address these issues were discussed.

Attended by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, the event gave the young people the opportunity to understand the weight and value of their opinions as members of Comhairle na nÓg. “As Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council I am delighted to support this continued partnership with Comhairle na nÓg. We welcome young people’s views and take them on board when developing policies for the future of Wexford”, said Cllr Breen.

New members were elected to join the current Comhairle and together these representatives will form the Wexford Comhairle na nÓg, representing young people in County Wexford during 2024 – 2025.  This group will examine the issues identified at the Annual Youth Conference and discuss measures which could be put in place to make a positive difference.  They will discuss ways to ensure that decision makers create opportunities for young people to have their say and contribute to determining the type of society they wish to live in.

“It’s all about providing a platform for young people to have their voices heard on issues which affect their lives. We invited three students from each school and several youth groups from across County Wexford to join. This ensures we have good geographical representation and a cross-section of diverse voices. The young people were wonderfully engaged, informed and insightful.”, said Avril O’Sullivan, the Wexford Comhairle na nÓg co-ordinator.

Director of Services for Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin said; “I wish to compliment and congratulate the members of Wexford Comhairle na nÓg and the FDYS on this year’s event. Encouraging and facilitating the voice of young people to be heard in a structured and professional way is important for policy makers and service providers alike.  These young people have given up their time to represent their cohort and their commitment and contribution deserves to be recognised.”