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.
CONOR ROBINSON President of County Wexford Chamber.
By Dan Walsh
County Wexford Chamber has announced the appointment of Conor Robinson as its new President, a position effective since the annual general meeting on September 30.
At the annual general meeting, Conor outlined his vision for County Wexford Chamber, which includes building on the work done by his immediate predecessors, Lorcan Kinsella and Brendan Crowley. Building engagement in the Chamber’s four regions in Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross, and Wexford will be a key part of Conor’s role.
Conor is a partner in Wilson Robinson Solicitors LLP, Wexford and Gorey, specialising in corporate and commercial law. He has extensive experience in business transactions, including buying and selling businesses and assets, drafting shareholders’ agreements, resolving shareholder disputes, and handling corporate governance matters. Conor acts as a tutor on various aspects of Business Law for the Law Society of Ireland.
County Wexford Chamber also ratified its new Constitution and marked achievements in the past year, including the integration of Enniscorthy Chamber. In November, the Chamber will launch the new digital County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card. The Mastercard-backed card will build on the success of the Shop Local Vouchers, which has reached €2.2 million in sales since their launch in 2020.
County Wexford Chamber’s Board now comprises: Conor Robinson (President), Ed Murphy (Deputy President), Ben Radford (Vice President), Mary Browne, Roisin Clancy, Brendan Crowley, Yvonne Doyle, Willie Fitzharris, Kathryn Kiely, Lorcan Kinsella, Helen Meade, Robert Millar, John Nolan, Walter F O’Leary, Anita Power, Kathryn Roche, Matt Ronan, and Madeline Ryan.
Pictured at the launch of the new eParking options for four Wexford towns were; Back Row (L to R); Siobhan Lynn, Wexford County Council Roads Administrative Officer, Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Bridín Murphy, Chairperson Wexford County Council, Transportation and Infrastructure Special Projects Committee, Susan French and Dermot Wallace, Wexford County Council. Front Row (L to R); Kealan Fitzgerald, Payzone Products Manager, JimmyWickham, Traffic Warden, and Aoife Ward, Payzone Marketing Manager. (Pic; Brownes Photography).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council has launched a new eParking solution across the towns of Wexford, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey aimed at improving the parking experience by providing a range of mobile payment options.
The Council in partnership with Payzone and ParkMagic say the new eParking “is designed to enhance the convenience of parking for residents and visitors alike” and streamlines the parking process, making it faster and more efficient for everyone.
Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen said; “I am delighted to launch this new progressive parking solution, which provides an easy, seamless method to pay for public parking in towns throughout the county”
“At Payzone Ireland, we are thrilled to collaborate with Wexford County Council to introduce our cashless parking solution across the four locations,” said Kealan Fitzgerald, Product Manager, at Payzone Ireland, who added; “Our aim is to enhance the convenience and efficiency of parking for all users, ensuring a seamless experience.”
Siobhán Lynn, Administrative Officer, Wexford County Council commented; “In addition to our Pay and Display machine card and coin options, we are delighted to extend payment choices for public parking which now includes an eParking cashless solution.”
Whether you’re a local resident, a daily commuter, or a visitor exploring the county, paying for parking has never been easier. With a variety of payment methods available, this service caters to all preferences and ensures a hassle-free experience.
The new cashless parking service is now available in all Council operated parking spaces across Wexford town, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey. Additionally, parking payments can still be made with cash using the on-street parking meters.
While Budget 2025 is not happening till tomorrow, Tuesday, it appears that the General Election will be arriving sooner rather than later, following last week’s announcement that €9,394,680 had been allocated to 114 Co. Wexford sports clubs to help with community sports facilities and equipment.
This latest tranche of funding sees €8,529,254 allocated to 80 clubs, while 34 of the applicants were successful in sharing a further €865,426 under the equipment category back in May.
Nationally the fund was worth €250 million to sports clubs and Fianna Fáil Minister of State, James Browne confirmed the record funding, noting; “This record funding represents County Wexford’s largest ever investment in sports facilities. It has been delivered by Fianna Fáil in Government. As a TD for County Wexford, I know the significant impact of the Community Sports Facilities Fund.”
Minister Browne noted that; “Ferrycarrig FC will benefit from a regional grant worth €373,841. Rathgarogue Community Co-operative Society will receive €303,357 towards Accessible Multi-Sport Community Amenities. Grants worth €200,000 will go towards respective developments at Rapparees-Starlights GAA club (Hurling Wall and Floodlit All Weather Playing Area), Enniscorthy United (Club Development works), Geraldine O’Hanrahan’s GAA club (floodlit astro turf pitch) and Faythe Harriers Hurling and Camogie Club (natural Playing Surface development and maintenance).
“Phase Two of the All Weather Surface development at Scoil Mhuire Coolcotts will be supported with a grant worth €199,327. Ballyhogue National School sports facilities will see an investment worth €146,525. €178,097 will support an astro pitch development in Cloughbawn GAA club.
“€7,614,219 has been awarded to County Wexford community groups under the local category of funding,” Minister Browne continued. “Three applications were made based on their regional importance, sharing in a grant worth €739,884. Ten clubs were awarded equipment only funding worth €175,151. These applications once reviewed were deemed not to be capital in nature.”
Similarly outgoing Fine Gael TD for Wexford Paul Kehoe was delighted to see so many local clubs benefit. “Our sports clubs are at the heart of every community and the massive investment that we have seen over the years continues to make our communities better places to live in,” he said.
Minister of State JAMES BROWNE TD.
The full list of successful funding applicants are as follows:
Wexford Locals €7,614,219
All Blacks AFC – led floodlighting and equipment €101,423
Aspire Gymnastics Company Limited By Guarantee – Insulation & safety wall padding and equipment €34,144
Ballyhogue National School – Upgrade and develop the grounds of Ballyhogue NS €146,525
Ballymurn Celtic A.F.C – Ballymurn Celtic improvements and maintenance €34,316
Ben Mulhall Memorial Park Association – Ben Mulhall Ball Stop Nets 2023 €13,101
Bridgetown Handball Club – Provision of Dressing Rooms, Toilets & Showers €42,299
BUFFERS ALLEY GAA CLUB – Multi-purpose Room & upgrade arena lighting to LED €42,619
Caim Community Development Group – Caim Outdoor Gym Equipment & Walking/Jogging Track €61,998
Campile United AFC – Drainage of soccer pitches & floodlighting on one €149,122
Clongeen GAA club – Multi-use games area – Development plan – Phase 3 €174,411
Cloughbawn AFC – Gym Equipment and solar panels Cloughbawn AFC €58,033
Cloughbawn GAA Club – Astro Pitch Development, Ball Stops and Dugouts €178,097
County Wexford Community Workshop Enniscorthy Ltd – Upgrade LED Floodlighting & Pitch Divider Netting €85,553
Courtown Golf Club – Multi-Function Short Game Area €125,779
Courtown Hibernian Association Football Club – Construction of a Fitness Studio €88,758
Crossabeg AFC – Artificial Playing Surface Development €148,781
Davidstown Courtnacuddy GAA club – D/C Sustainability 2024 and beyond €47,958
Duncannon FC – Duncannon FC and Community Ground Refurbishment €166,106
Enniscorthy Golf Club – Course Rejuvenation €146,750
Enniscorthy RFC – LED Floodlighting- Pitch No. 2 €101,667
Enniscorthy United AFC – Enniscorthy United Club Development Works €200,000
Fastnet Rovers – Fastnet Rovers AFC Sports Equipment Application €10,441
Faythe Harriers Hurling & Camogie Club – Natural Playing Surface development & maintenance €200,000
PAUL KEHOE TD
Ferns St Aidan’s GAA Club – Development of large multi-purpose astroturf €195,175
On a visit to Frongoch Musuem, Wales were (left to right); Peter O’Connor Tour Lead North Wexford Historical Society, Gerard Fleming Chairman of North Wexford Historical Society, Alwyn Jones Frongoch Museum, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Pip Breen and Hazel Percival of Wexford Library Service. (Pic; North Wexford Historical Society).
By Dan Walsh
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, recently unveiled a commemorative plaque to remember Wexford Volunteers interned in Frongoch Prison camp in Wales after the 1916 Easter Rising.
The Cathaoirleach and members of North Wexford Historical Society were welcomed to Frongoch by Mr Alwyn Jones, Museum Curator and owner, local Cllr Elwyn Edwards of Gwynedd County Council and local historian, Dewi Davies.
Enniscorthy was centre of the 1916 Easter Rising in County Wexford with the local leaders being sentenced to death in the aftermath and over 150 men interned in Frongoch until December 1916. Frongoch became known as the “University of Revolution” or “Ollscoil na Réabhlóide” as Michael Collins, Richard Mulcahy and others shared ideas which were later used in the guerilla warfare to follow in 1919-21.
Frongoch today is a quiet country area of North Wales and the connection with Ireland is kept alive by local man Alwyn Jones, his family and friends. The museum at Frongoch is entirely run without any state support and Alwyn has spent many years building up a collection of 1916 memorabilia which he is delighted to share with visitors.
After a tour of the site and video presentation, the group assembled in the museum where Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen along with the Chairman of North Wexford Historical Society, Gerard Fleming unveiled the commemorative plaque containing the names of 150 Wexford men who were detained in Frongoch after 1916.
Cllr Breen thanked Alwyn for his work in developing and caring for the site and its history, and Gerard Fleming mentioned his own family connection to the period, and the significance of the visit for all involved.
A hand carved bowl by Robert O’Connor of Gorey along with some other gifts were presented to Alwyn while Hazel Percival of Wexford Library Service also presented publications from the Wexford Library 1916 series to add to the museum collection.
The ceremonies took place during a tour of North Wales by the North Wexford Historical Society. The three-day trip included guided visits to Caernarfon Castle, Penrhyn Castle, the National Slate Museum, Segontium Roman Fort as well as Frongoch and concluded the society’s programme of summer tours.
Following the issuing of Status Yellow Wind and Rain and Status Orange Rain warning for Wexford by Met Éireann for today, Sunday, September 29th, Wexford County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met yesterday at 5pm to assess the Weather Warnings for Wexford.
All necessary preparations have been made across all Departments. The forecast is being kept under review and further information will be shared with the public as necessary.
The public are advised to report any issues to Wexford County Council’s 24hr number 053 9196000.
Meanwhile, several activities and sporting events planned for today (Sunday) have been called off or are due to be rescheduled as a public safety measure.
As part of the 60th celebrations of Kilrush Drama Group they are publishing a second book continuing from their 50th Anniversary edition, Drama at Kilrush.
This edition is titled More Drama at Kilrush and features over 30 productions by the group in the last ten years inclusive of two All-Ireland victories in 2015 and 2024. In the same format as the first edition, it includes a fantastic record of the plays and events over these years, based on records kept by Mick Byrne (founder member of the group), accompanied by hundreds of photographs of the productions.
Listed also are the names of actors, stage crews and a list of all awards won over this period. The book also features the Pageants that the group were involved in Flight to Grosse Ile, The Coolattin Pageant and Seven Men, Seven Daysboth written by Davy Donohoe. Also included in the book are articles by a number of people who have been connected with the group telling their own stories.
Central to this publication are hundreds of colour photographs from Eamonn Doran’s collection and photographs from other members. Eamonn has also once again undertaken the mammoth task of collecting and putting together the articles, information and photographs for the book.
The newly published book, More Drama at Kilrush will be launched this Sunday, September 29th in St. Brigid’s Hall Carnew at 7.30 pm. All are welcome and books will be on sale for €20 each. Copies of the original Drama at Kilrush book will also be on sale.
At the launch of the Wexford Walking Festival and the 2024 Wexford Walking Trails brochure in Barntown Community Centre tonight were (left to right); Rory O’Mahoney, Georgina Gaul, Tom Bermingham, Eamonn Hore (who launched the brochure), Michael Brazzill, Annette Dupuy of Healthy Wexford, Mayor of Wexford Cllr George Lawlor (who launched the festival), Peter O’Connor, Chairperson Wexford Walking Trails, Cllr Garry Laffan and Jer O’Mahony, County Chairman IFA. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Barntown Community Centre
The 10th annual Wexford Walking Festival was officially launched by Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor, at a pleasant function in Barntown Community Centre earlier this evening following a guided 6km walk to Carrigfoyle Lake on Forth Mountain.
Mayor Lawlor was in a most poetic mood and welcomed “walkers, nature lovers and adventure seekers to the Wexford Walking Festival in a celebration of the beauty, history and spirit of Wexford. He urged all to celebrate the nature of Wexford’s wonders and asked them to “enjoy this festival, embrace the journey and let Wexford’s beauty guide you every step of the way.”
The new Wexford Walking Trails brochure was launched by Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive Wexford County Council who spoke about “the bright future ahead of Wexford Walking Trails. He said that County Wexford has the second highest number of accredited trails in the country attracting about one million visits. “Over €4.3 million has been spent over the five districts,” he said, and added; “The second updated edition of the Walking Trails brochure covers the county from Croghan to Carnsore and is freely available.”
Local Cllr Garry Laffan also addressed the launch. The Glynn Barntown councillor welcomed everybody to Barntown Community Centre and kept his focus on the development of the Barntown Heritage Walking Trails and how the trails have evolved in the Forth Mountain area.
Chairperson of Wexford Walking Trails, Peter O’Connor said; “We look forward to welcoming everyone, enjoying a walk and to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wexford Walking Festival over the weekend,”
The festival continues until Sunday and all walkers are invited to embrace the natural beauty and wonderment that awaits over the festival weekend.
This year’s festival will offer walkers a choice of three fully accredited walking trails with spectacular views from the mountains to the coast. The festival is an ideal opportunity for family, friends and neighbours to enjoy a walk together and meet with other people walking. The walks are graded moderate and suitable for people of all ages.
On Saturday, at 11am, a choice of two walks along the stunning Three Rocks Trail awaits. The meeting point is Carrigfoyle Lake Car Park.
On Sunday, at 11am, to coincide with ‘National Walking Day’, a choice of two stunning coastal walks from Carne to Carnesore Point awaits. The meeting point is Carne Beach Caravan Park. Walkers can explore a beautifully natural path leading to Nethertown beach. Local guides will accompany the walk and point out historic landmarks and items of interest along the way.
Following the walk, to mark the 10th anniversary of Wexford Walking Festival, complimentary refreshments will be served at 1.30pm in Lighthouse Pub located at the entrance to the Caravan Park.
Sod turning of the Activity Garden at St. John’s Community Hospital Campus, Enniscorthy. (left to right); Kelly Swaine, Monageer Contract Ltd, Cllr Pat Kehoe, Neville Shaw, Executive Engineer Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Sinead Reynolds, Health Area Manager Wexford Waterford, Denise Rogers, Lead of the Development of a Creative Garden for St. John’s Campus, Minister James Browne, Paul Kehoe TD, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager and Derval Howley, Head of Health and Wellbeing HSE and master of ceremonies. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at St. John’s Community Hospital Campus
At a special ceremony today, the sod was turned on the Activity Garden at St. John’s Community Hospital Campus, Enniscorthy. When completed the Garden will be a multi-functional space for gathering, health and social activities in the heart of the hospital.
Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council told the fine attendance that he was “absolutely delighted to turn the sod at the site that will become St. John’s Community Activity Garden. It will be a wonderful facility for the entire community across Enniscorthy town and its surrounding district.
“I want to commend everyone who played a part in preparing the plans especially District Manager Claire Lawless, Executive Engineer Neville Shaw and Executive Technician Pat Fitzpatrick.
“This development is possible thanks to the government’s Town & Village Renewal and €34,000 secured for this project back in 2022.
“When we see a picture of the plans we get a sense of the long-lasting impact of the facility. The Activity Garden will be a massive bonus for the patients of St. John’s Community Hospital. It will enable the patients, when the weather is fine to enjoy some fresh air and offers an exciting opportunity for open-air events here at St. John’s. Enniscorthy will have a high-quality open space available to everyone in the community. I wish everyone the best of luck with the delivery of the project, and I look forward to its opening in the very near future.”
Minister James Browne described the occasion as “a really important day” and expressed his delight at seeing Activity Garden and amphitheatre finally beginning in Enniscorthy. “It is absolutely wonderful”, he said.
Minister Browne went on to compliment Monageer Contract Ltd who will carry out the work, he showed appreciation to Wexford County Council for funding the project and thanked Minister Heather Humphreys whom he described as “a very good friend to County Wexford.”
There were also contributions from Sinead Reynolds, Health Area Manager Wexford Waterford, Denise Rogers, Lead of the Development of a Creative Garden for St. John’s Campus, and Derval Howley, Head of Health and Wellbeing HSE who made everybody feel welcome and was master of ceremonies.
The creative enhancement of Enniscorthy Activity Garden on the grounds of St. John’s Community Hospital is a placement incentive by Wexford County Council Culture and Creativity team and Age Friendly programme in partnership with the Health Service (HSE) and Creative Ireland and the Irish Architectural Foundation.
Ahead of next Tuesday’s Budget 2025, former hotelier and Fine Gael General Election candidate in the new South Wicklow-North Wexford constituency, Brian Brennan has proposed a scaled VAT rate for cafés and restaurants relating to turnover, with businesses with less than €1.5m turnover receiving a VAT rate of 6 per cent, and businesses with less than €2m turnover, receiving an 8 per cent VAT rate.
Mr. Brennan is calling for “a tiered VAT rate for cafes and restaurants to avoid a tsunami of restaurant closures this winter.”
Three more restaurants in Co. Wexford have announced closures; Geek Restaurant in Courtown, Yeah Burger in Redmond Square, Wexford town and Mexican restaurant CDMX, Cornmarket, Wexford town have all announced their plans to close. With approximately 50 restaurant closures per month, Mr. Brennan told WexfordLocal.com that simply reducing the VAT rate to 9 per cent will not be enough to stop this trend continuing. “Long term we need to look at the overall cost structure in the food service industry,”, he said, “but we need immediate action on the VAT rate.”
BRIAN BRENNAN, Fine Gael General Election candidate in the new South Wicklow North Wexford constituency is calling for “a tiered VAT rate for cafes and restaurants to avoid a tsunami of restaurant closures this winter.”
He added that struggling restaurants and cafés should be on an additional reduced VAT rate compared to multinational and larger food operators. He also proposes that Food operators over 2 million should get a revised rate of 11% . He stated that this must be part of a structured programme to support the industry, as the current model is not sustainable, and that this worrying trend of multiple closures every week is only going to accelerate this winter. Along with a scaled VAT rates, Mr. Brennan is asking for a task force involving all the relevant stakeholders to be immediately set up. This should include representatives of the pub and Nite-club sectors and examine at their crippling costs such as insurance, cost of stock, energy costs, rates, and wages, to try find a pathway towards ensuring the closure trends throughout the hospitality industry can be reversed. “Restaurants, cafés, and pubs, as well as their owners and staff, play huge part in the social and economic fabric of our society and closures, and the sight of empty premises, are having a detrimental effect”, concluded Mr. Brennan.
WexfordLocal.com 