WexfordLocal.com

10 years of the Wexford Walking Festival

**The air is fresh and the views are spectacular at Drooping Rock on Forth Mountain**. (Pic; *Wexford Walking Trails*).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Walking Festival is taking place this weekend – Friday to Sunday inclusive – 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.

Chairperson of Wexford Walking Trails, Peter O’Connor told WexfordLocal.com; said “Our walking trails are a valuable resource, creating healthy recreation opportunities by providing people of all ages and abilities with attractive, safe, and accessible locations, to walk, hike, run or jog. The network of trails in County Wexford, serves to help and encourage people to incorporate exercise into their daily routine, by connecting them with attractive and well-maintained places to exercise every day. The positive impact on public health and wellness cannot be overestimated. We look forward to welcoming everyone, enjoying a walk and to celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Wexford Walking Festival over the weekend.”

“We look forward to welcoming everyone, enjoying a walk and to celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the Wexford Walking Festival over the weekend,” concluded Mr. O’Connor.

The festival weekend will commence on Friday at 6pm with a guided 6km walk to Carrigfoyle Lake, Forth Mountain. The meeting point is Barntown Community Centre (Eircode Y35 X023).

Following the walk, at 7.30pm, everyone is invited to Barntown Community Centre for a reception and the official launch of Wexford Walking Festival 2024, by Cllr Garry Laffan. The new Wexford Walking Trails brochure will be launched by Mr. Eamonn Hore, Director of Services Wexford County Council.

To celebrate a collaborative project between Wexford Walking Trails, Wexford County Council, Healthy Wexford, the Irish Farmers Association and Creative Ireland, a selection of beautiful ‘captures’ from Country Connects walks during the year, will be on display as part of the festival weekend, in Barntown Community Centre.

On Saturday, at 11am, a choice of two walks along the stunning Three Rocks Trail awaits. The meeting point is Carrigfoyle Lake Car Park. As you walk the Three Rocks Trail, breath-taking landscape, biodiversity in abundance and various sites of historical importance can be found. Local guides will accompany the walk and point out historic landmarks and items of interest along the way.

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. This coastal path shows off a vast granite rock formation, best seen at low tide. Black back gulls and terns can be seen perched on the rocks looking for their next meal. Great cormorants can also be seeing drying their wings on the massive granite boulders. Local guides will accompany the walk and point out historic landmarks and items of interest along the way.

Following the walk, to mark the 10^th anniversary of Wexford Walking Festival, complimentary refreshments will be served at 1.30pm in Lighthouse Pub located at the entrance to the Caravan Park.

Walkers are requested to register online prior to the event at https://Wexford_Walking_Festival.eventbrite.ie. Further information can be found on Wexford Walking Trails website at https://wexfordwalkingtrail.ie/ and people can also visit social media channels for updates. Wexford Walking Trails wish to thank Wexford County Council for its assistance with organising this year’s festival.

Weekend Rosslare train service news

Irish Rail have advised the public that there will be no trains running between Greystones and Dún Laoghaire next Saturday and Sunday, 28^th-29^th September.

Engineering works will once again cause disruption to railway travel this weekend, as there will be no trains running between Greystones and Dún Laoghaire. DART services will operate between Malahide/Howth and Dún Laoghaire stations only.

Rosslare services will operate to and from Greystones.Direct bus transfers will operate to/from Connolly/Greystones and Dún Laoghaire/Bray /Greystones to connect with Rosslare service at Greystones. Dublin Bus/Go-Ahead Ireland will also accept valid rail tickets on services between closed stations.

19th century Enniscorthy walls come tumbling down!

**Water canons were used to minimise the dust as 67, Irish Street Stores is finally demolished.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com)*

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The biggest sideshow in Enniscorthy today was the demolition of the former Irish Street Stores, a 19^th century landmark purchased by Wexford County Council in 2023 and earmarked for development as part of the “old Murphy Flood’s site” which has been derelict since it was destroyed by fire in 2005.

The site had been locked up, vacant and derelict for some years now and in recent times made local newspaper headlines as public representatives referred to the site as “an eyesore.”

Today there was a constant stream of onlookers. Nostalgia was in the air! So many sorry to see the town’s history brought back to ground level, others relieved at the prospect of a future development may revive the town’s prosperity! The conundrum is the lack of a timeline! Mobile phones recorded the changes! There were a few tears too!

WexfordLocal.com has researched the history of number 67, Irish Street Stores, Enniscorthy using the most reliable sources and hoping for a forever place in the archive…

Famous **Vinegar Hill watches as the Irish Street Stores comes tumbling do**wn. (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

HISTORY OF IRISH STREET STORES; The building located on the corner of Irish Street and Barrack Street traded as Irish Street Stores and is described in the architectural inventory as “a four-bay three-storey house, circa-1875, on an L-shaped plan on a corner site probably incorporating fabric of two two-bay three-storey houses, pre-1840, on site with shopfront to ground floor, and single-bay three-storey side (north) elevation continuing into two-bay three-storey return to east.”

This description gives us an extra insight into its history. In Griffith’s Valuation (1858-’65) there were 86 premises in Irish Street, some vacant, but this building was in the possession of S. & E. Lett – and checking with the Portsmouth Records for the town the brothers were Stephen and Edward Lett of Hollyfort, near Enniscorthy, and the same family that purchased the Mill Park Brewery in 1864!

So, the Letts owned the pre-1840 building, likely built the Irish Street Stores ca-1875. They also had other property in the town including the old Armstrong premises on Main Street.

J. Donohoe Ltd was owner of Irish Street Stores, but it was previously held on a yearly tenancy by Patrick O’Neill, a Market Square-based businessman, auctioneer and politician. This tenancy is backed up by the Portsmouth Estate Records. Patrick O’Neill served as Chairman of Enniscorthy Urban Council, 1911-1920. He built O’Neill’s Terrace on Mill Park Road in 1911 which preserves his memory.

In Thom’s 1938 Commercial Directory of Enniscorthy J. Donohoe Ltd is registered as “corn and flour merchants” at Irish Street and Templeshanon.

Irish Street Stores was a wholesale and retail beer and spirits branch of J.Donohoe Ltd when the business was transferred to Templeshannon on March 2nd 1977.

The premises was used as a film set for scenes in “Underground” (1970) – a Second World War movie starring the American actor Robert Goulet where several Irish actors had minor roles including James Bartley (best known today as Bella Doyle in the RTÉ drama series, Fair City).

Using the Census Returns for 1901 and 1911 there were 95 and 92 families, respectively, listed as occupants for Irish Street.

Phase 1 of housing project opens at Whiterock Hill

Pictured at Ard na Gaoithe housing estate, Wexford town (L-R), Mick Berry, Bawn Developments, Shay Howell, Acting Director of Service Special Projects, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Minister James Browne, Deputy Johnny Mythen TD, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Service Housing, Aidan O’Reilly Department of Housing and Ciaran O’Brien Obfa Architects. (Pic; *Wexford County Council*).

By Dan Walsh

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne, T.D. was in Wexford town to perform the official opening of the first phase of a new social housing project at Whiterock Hill named Ard na Gaoithe.

The Minister was accompanied by the Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Deputy Johnny Mythen TD, local public representatives, senior housing officials from Wexford County Council and representatives of the contractor team, and he met with some of the new residents.

Welcoming Minister Browne to Wexford, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen said; “I am delighted to welcome you here today at Ard na Gaoithe. Building communities, rather than just building housing estates, is what we want to achieve for County Wexford. Today’s launch of the first phase of Ard na Gaoithe housing scheme is a fantastic example of Wexford County Council’s housing delivery ambition.

“We want to thank the housing design and delivery team of Wexford County Council, and particularly our project delivery partner Bawn Developments for their excellent work on this unique project. I want to congratulate everyone involved in the delivery of the project to date and I look forward to the completion of this and many more housing schemes across county Wexford,” concluded Cllr Breen.

Chamber Golf Classic held in September sun

The Sensible Safety team from Enniscorthy who won the 2024 County Wexford Chamber Golf Classic, held in Enniscorthy Golf Club recently. Team members Paddy Fitzpatrick, Maurice Nolan, Tommy Morrissey, and Shane Dunphy are pictured with (far left) Martin Murphy, General Manager, Home Instead Wexford, and Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber.

By Deirdre O’Flynn

The late-September sun and clear skies greeted golfers at County Wexford Chamber’s Annual Golf Classic, held on Friday last at Enniscorthy Golf Club.

Sponsored by J Donohoe BMW, the event attracted teams from across Co. Wexford, all competing for the chance to represent the Chamber at the prestigious Chambers Ireland All Ireland Chamber Champions.

The top prize—a spot in the national event at the renowned K Club in Co. Kildare on Thursday, October 17—went to the Sensible Safety team from Enniscorthy. Team members Paddy Fitzpatrick, Maurice Nolan, Tommy Morrissey, and Shane Dunphy will now represent County Wexford in this national competition, which pits the winning teams from local Chambers against one another.

The Kehoe & Associates team claimed second place, while J Donohoe BMW rounded out the top three in what was a tightly contested competition.

AIB’s Ger Smith earned individual honours with the men’s longest drive, while Catherine Lawless from Fresh Today took the women’s title for longest drive. John Conroy won the ‘nearest the pin’ competition. In a great achievement, Sean Nolan, from Reynaers Aluminium, secured a hole in one on the sixth green!

County Wexford Chamber CEO Paula Roche praised the event, saying, “Our Golf Classic provided a wonderful platform for businesses to connect, unwind, and enjoy a day of friendly competition. There was a great atmosphere, the course at Enniscorthy Golf Club was in superb condition, and the scoring reflected a very high level of skill from the golfers.”

The CEO also extended the Chamber’s gratitude to the event’s main sponsor, J Donohoe BMW, and acknowledged the support of numerous other sponsors, including Pettitt’s SuperValu, Home Instead Wexford, and Killowen Farm. The support of the local community was also reflected in the tee box and green sponsors, who were also recognised at the Golf Classic.

The County Wexford Chamber Golf Classic continues to be a highlight of the business community’s calendar, blending friendly competition with networking in an enjoyable atmosphere.

Night vigil for the relics of St Bernadette

**The Relics of St Bernadette arrived at St Aidan’s Cathedral today.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy

The relics of St Bernadette have journeyed on pilgrimage to Ireland for the very first time, visiting every diocese in the country. They have arrived at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, this afternoon where large numbers have already gathered for the special 24-hour stay including an all-night vigil.

The relics arrived to a welcome liturgy, silent prayer and the veneration of the relics at 3pm. Confessions take place 4-5pm and 6-7pm with Rosary and Procession with the statue of Our Lady involving the youth section of the Diocesan Pilgrimage at 5pm.

Mass and the Blessing with Lourdes water hosted by the Irish Pilgrimage Trust takes place at 7.30pm and at 9pm the Night Vigil and Liturgy of Light begins before the Blessed Sacrament.

Areas of the Pastoral Area will be invited to attend at certain times. Parishes from around the Diocese will be invited at different hours and details can be found on the Parish Newsletter or the saintaidanscathedral Facebook page.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24^th at 10am is the Votive Mass of St. Bernadette with Blessing followed by veneration and silent prayer. At 12pm Mass of Our Lady of Lourdes and anointing of the sick, presentation of petitions, blessing with Lourdes water, blessing with relics and departure of relics.

**The Relics of St Bernadette.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

This very special once in a lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the special gifts and charisms of Lourdes in their diocese.

“Many of us have had the privilege of travelling on pilgrimage to the Shrine at Lourdes and it holds a very special place in our hearts. Others have never had this opportunity and many who once went there in pilgrimage are no longer able to do so. The theme of this visit is “Giving people a taste of Lourdes at home” and will be a faith-filled time for us to connect with that sacred place while remaining here in our own spiritual home, our diocese,” Bishop Nash told WexfordLocal.com.

Marshalstown celebrates 100 years as a parish

By Dan Walsh

The local community in Marshalstown were celebrating 100 years of the parish over the weekend. In December 1924 Bunclody and Marshalstown were separated to become individual parishes.

Originally part of the vast parish of Templeshambo the division of Templeshambo parish into smaller units in the Roman Catholic administration commenced in the 1700s.

Marshalstown was a curacy of Bunclody (then known as Newtownbarry) when St. Joseph’s Church was built in 1873.

Originally education was imparted through the ‘hedge school’ system but the first school in Marshalstown opened on October 12^th, 1885. Teachers and students first entered the present primary school on October 1^st, 1973. It has been extended and developed greatly up to modern times and recently Wexford County Council provided a modern pedestrian crossing as part of a national safety programme.

Marshalstown Community Centre was built on a site provided by Jim Bolger, it was built by Anco (later known as Fás) and Bishop Brendan Comiskey performed the official opening on Sunday, November 12^th, 1988.

History Source; Marshalstown and Castledockrell Parish Journal 2003 edited by Pat Redmond.

‘The Shadow’ series trilogy launched at Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh at Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy

Local actor Fintan Kelly has launched the latest work; The Shadow of the Pike; by renowned local author Maria Nolan at a well-attended morning ceremony at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, today (Saturday). Coffee and scones were amongst the refreshment delights.

Mr Kelly said; “I am honoured to be invited here this morning to launch the fourth in the series of novels by this fiercely proud Enniscorthy woman and fellow dramatist Maria Nolan

**FINTAN KELLY, who performed the launch, and MARIA NOLAN celebrate the launch of ‘*The Shadow of the Pike*‘ in Presentation Arts Centre today.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

“I have known Maria all my entire life. Maria is not only a champion for the arts in Enniscorthy, but she is a champion of Enniscorthy. When it comes to promoting her town, the list really does go on and on.

“But I do feel that her involvement in the arts and historical societies in our community has brought us to this point here today.

“Maria’s knowledge of events make for compelling reading and comparisons of the battles of Vinegar Hill and the Alamo are both breathtaking and heartbreaking.

“To directly quote the back cover says; “this is an intriguing tale of friendship, love, loss and loyalty, passion, courage, strength and resilience on the never-ending quest for freedom.

“I would wish Maria the very best with this book and in all her future endeavours, concluded Mr Kelly.

Maria Nolan welcomed everyone to the launch including best selling novelists Caroline Busher and Carmel Harrington, there was a video message of congratulations from former RTE newsreader Anne Doyle, Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe and Cllr John O’Rourke gave their support and there was a warm welcome for Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager, members of Maria’s family, and in particular, her mother, friends and well-wishers.

Maria spoke about the book and also praised Anne Gilpin, back in Enniscorthy for the launch from Santiago, who edited the 440-page publication. All covers for the ‘Shadow’ series are the work of local artist Larry Dunne, who was also acknowledged at the launch.

“The pike, a symbol of the struggle against oppression and injustice, casts a long shadow from the battlefields of the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion in Wexford all the way to the grasslands of Texas and the ill-fated, isolated garrison of The Alamo,” said Maria.

The launch coincides as part of Enniscorthy’s inaugural Arts and Culture Festival, which sees a wide variety of creative events taking place across town today and tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.

2-day Enniscorthy Arts and Culture Festival

Pictured at the opening of the first Enniscorthy Arts and Culture Festival in Enniscorthy Castle last night were (left to right); Minister James Browne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Karen Franklin, Kristyna Simko, Alfie O’Sullivan, Maria Nolan, Richie Cotter, Dick Donaghue and Brendan Robinson. (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

Sharing the Culture Night platform at Enniscorthy Castle last night, ‘Forbidden Bonds’, a new film by the Wexford Film Workshop and Enniscorthy Re-Enactors was screened and marked the opening of the first Enniscorthy Arts and Culture Festival formed out of the demise of Enniscorthy Drama Group and, hopefully, it can become an annual event.

Directed by Dick Donaghue and the third in an historical series it tells the story of the young and headstrong Lady Maud de Prendergast in Enniscorthy Castle in 1240 AD, and her love for the peasant son of a blacksmith. The cast consists of local thespians and hence the immense interest in the work which is based on the writings of Maria Nolan.

The festival continues today (Saturday). Some of the highlights include a book launch of The Shadow of the Pike in the Presentation Arts Centre at 11am and there is Afternoon Tea with authors Claire Keegan and Caroline Busher in Enniscorthy Castle, 2-4pm, this is a ticket event and WexfordLocal.com understands that all the tickets are gone… but if you want to give it a go…ask and they may be able to squeeze you in?

At Creative Grounds, Irish Street, today (Saturday) the Beyond Borders Art Exhibition – celebrating International Peace Day – runs from 10am to 5pm and there is an Open Mic Night from 7pm. And Dermot Byrne performs at Creative Grounds at 3pm on Sunday.

For further information visit the Enniscorthy Arts and Culture page on Facebook.

Enniscorthy celebrates Culture Night in style

**Flags from 15 different counties shows welcome at Enniscorthy Community Allotments to celebrate Culture Night.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Several events took in Enniscorthy today to mark Culture Night, the annual celebration of culture, creativity and the arts. Weather conditions were favourable and large crowds turned out at all venues.

Four brilliant events around the town were supported by Creative Places. Fifteen countries’ flags adorned the perimeter fence at Enniscorthy Community Allotments where a large crowd were treated to music and entertainment and loads of refreshments and tasty bits in the rich award-winning garden environment at Marconi Park.

Celebrations with the large Brazilian community took place at McCauley Park Bellefield GAA Bar and Lounge and Ukrainian songs and costumes shared the entertainment at Templeshannon Community Centre.

A ‘Draw and Paint’ session took place at the Hope Centre, Weafer Street and Enniscorthy Castle welcomed visitors free of charge during the afternoon and to boost the tourism and vibrancy of the occasion placed reenactors displaying “knights in shining armour” at the entrance and in the interior of the castle. Nice touch!