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.
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.
WexfordLocal.com 