Wexford interest and travel to the National Ploughing Championships

Nina and Gillian of Sully Juno with Minister Emer Higgins, Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail, and Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Wexford County Council.

By Dan Walsh

The annual National Ploughing Championships take place at Ratheniska, Co. Laois, this week – Tuesday to Thursday, September 17th-19th – with an expected attendance of ca-300,000, and with massive Wexford interest WexfordLocal.com has traffic information courtesy of An Garda Siochana, but look out for Wexford’s Sensory Friendly Clothing Brand, Sully and Juno.

Sully and Juno will be in the Local Enterprise Village, proudly supported by Local Enterprise Office Wexford, and is Ireland’s only designer and manufacturer of clothing specifically tailored to meet the sensory needs of the wearer.

Their sensory-friendly designs, a first in Ireland, cater to individuals of all ages, with sizes ranging from newborn to 5XL.Each piece in the Sully and Juno collection is thoughtfully crafted with the wearer in mind, featuring flat seams, tag-free construction, and soft, organic, sustainable fabrics. The garments are not just practical but also beautifully colourful, ensuring that sensory-friendly clothing doesn’t compromise on style.

Sully and Juno will be one of over 30 small businesses featured in the Local Enterprise Village, which is situated at the heart of this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

The Local Enterprise Village has become a must-visit spot at the event, offering visitors the chance to discover and support some of Ireland’s most exciting small businesses.

Nina and Gillian of Sully and Juno said; “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been nominated by the team at LEO Wexford to showcase our sensory-friendly clothing at the National Ploughing Championships. This opportunity allows us to bring our unique, inclusive designs to a wider audience, and we’re excited to share the passion and care that goes into each piece we create.”

Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Wexford County Council said; “This is an opportunity like no other for a small business in Ireland. The chance to bring their ideas and products to almost 300,000 potential customers is a showcase like no other. The Local Enterprise Village has become one of those must-visited areas where everyone wants to discover local businesses and see what unique products they can bring home.”

TRAVEL INFORMATION FROM Co. WEXFORD TO RATHENISKEA, Co. LAOIS FOR THE 2024 NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPRIONSHIPS. (Source; An Garda Siochana).

YELLOW ROUTE; Traffic from South East/ Carlow

Traffic travelling from Carlow and South East will travel through Simmons Mill Crossroads on the N80 and continue forward towards Stradbally town where traffic will turn left at St. Joseph’s Cemetery onto the L3839 and go to Timogue Cross Roads where it will proceed straight onto L7835 (One-way system). Traffic will proceed to parking beside the event grounds. Parking: Patrons travelling this route will park in the designated YELLOW car parks on the left hand side of the L7835 beside the event grounds at Ratheniska

GREY ROUTE; Traffic from South East (Kilkenny)

Traffic travelling from Kilkenny/South East along the N78, through Castlecomer, will turn left at Newtown Cross Roads and continue forward along the R430 to The Swan. Just outside The Swan Village, traffic will turn right onto the R426 and continue to Timahoe Village. Traffic will continue through Timahoe village on the R426 towards Money Cross. At Loughteague Lane, traffic will turn right onto L78354. Traffic will proceed to parking by turning right off the L7837 and proceeding to the car parks. Parking: Patrons travelling this route will park in GREY car park, which is off the right hand side of the R427 adjacent to the site.

Group 1 race success for Sam McCauley

By Dan Walsh

Well-known businessman Sam McCauley has been making the sporting headlines these days – he was recently honoured with the official opening of McCauley Park at the Rapparees-Starlights GAA stadium in his native Enniscorthy – and today at the Champions Weekend at the Curragh he is celebrating a Group One success in the Goff’s Vincent O’Brien National Stakes with 12/1 winner Scorthy Champ.

SAM McCAULEY watching his horse win a Group 1 race at the Curragh today. “I was nearly too nervous, and it was as good as seeing Wexford win an All-Ireland!” (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Running in the colours of Rectory Road Holdings Limited. Scorthy Champ is trained by Joseph O’Brien, son of champion trainer Aidan from Poulpeasty, was confidently ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle and had three quarters of a length to spare at the finish. It was the second victory from three outings for the classy two-year-old colt. He won on his first run at Leopardstown last May.

Afterwards, Joseph O’Brien, who previously won the prestigious National Stakes twice as a jockey (2014-’15) and this is his third as a trainer (2020 and 2022) said; “I am delighted for Barry Fowler (owner) who is in the partnership with Sam McCauley and has been such a good supporter of ours for the last number of years. It is so special to win a Group 1 here this weekend.”

O’Brien added; “I don’t know what he will do next but if I was to guess, I’d say he will run again this season. I see him more as a miler so the Prix Lagardere or the Breeders Cup are options.”

A delighted Sam McCauley said; “I was nearly too nervous, and it was as good as seeing Wexford win an All-Ireland! The name comes from Enniscorthy. When I was at school people would say ‘come on Scorthy’.”

RNLI Certificates presented at Kilmore Quay

Johnny Moore, the late Anne McMorris represented by her son and daughter, John and Felicity, and Pauline McGann, RNLI Community Manager (Ireland East) pictured at the presentation of RNLI Certificates of Thanks at Kilmore Quay. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh).

By Dan Walsh

Two of Kilmore Quay RNLI’s dedicated fundraising volunteers were presented with RNLI Certificates of Thanks in recognition of their longstanding service to the charity that saves lives at sea.

As an independent charity organisation, the RNLI relies on donations to fund its life saving work. Kilmore Quay lifeboat crew are on call day and night throughout the year. To sustain this service, well-maintained equipment, lifeboats, shore equipment and ongoing training are required. None of this would be possible without the enthusiasm, commitment, and drive of dedicated local fundraisers.

Congratulations to Anne McMorris and Johnny Moore. Anne was a diligent Station Treasurer at Kilmore Quay for over 34 years. Sadly, Anne passed away earlier this year after a long and courageous battle with illness. Accepting the award on her behalf were her son and daughter, John and Felicity.

Johnny joined Kilmore Quay RNLI as shore crew in 1987 and currently holds the role of Launching Authority in addition to being a dedicated member of the fundraising team for the last 25 years.

Speaking at the event Pauline McGann, RNLI Community Manager (Ireland East) said; “Volunteers like Anne and Johnny are the lifeblood of the RNLI. They have done trojan work raising vital funds for the charity and I am delighted to be here today to recognise their hard work and commitment. We could not do what we do without the vital support of our incredible volunteers.’

Also presented with Certificates of Service by Coxswain Eugene Kehoe were Victor Gore and PJ Bates. Victor served as a crew member from 2013 to 2023. During his service Kilmore Quay Lifeboat rescued 11 lives. PJ served as a crew member from 1997 to 2023 also qualifying as a Navigator. During his service Kilmore Quay Lifeboat rescued 53 lives.

Speaking following the event, Coxswain Eugene Kehoe said; “We have a long tradition of life-boating here in Kilmore Quay thanks to our dedicated volunteers. We are very proud of all our volunteers, the fundraisers, shop volunteers, shore crew and sea-going crew, and the way they do what they do to help save lives at sea.”

Also presented with Certificates of Service by Coxswain Eugene Kehoe were Victor Gore and PJ Bates. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh)

Caroline Busher launches her 5th novel

Author Caroline Busher with her 5th novel ‘The Boy Who Slipped Through Time’  launched by playwright Billy Roche in Wexford Library today.(Pic; WexfordLocal.com.)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Library

Caroline Busher is an Irish Times best-selling author of fiction for children bringing Irish heritage and history to life through creative writing and storytelling and her fifth novel ‘The Boy Who Slipped Through Time’ was launched in Wexford Library today (Saturday) by well-known Wexford playwright and writer Billy Roche.

Billy was full of praise for Caroline’s writings and her achievements, wished her well with her latest publication, and said it was an absolute honour to be asked to launch the book.

Caroline welcomed family and friends and all who turned up at the well-attended launch, did a few short readings and urged everyone to go out and buy a copy of the book! But she was clearly overwhelmed by the support shown towards her work and repeated her appreciation for all the support.

Caroline’s friend and traditional musician, Helen Dunbar, brought along her tin whistle and “brought the house down” with her tender rendition of the famous Wexford ballad, ‘Boolavogue’.Refreshments followed.

Caroline grew up in a Victorian House in the North West of England. As an only child Caroline spent her days reading books and writing fantastical stories. She now lives at Enniscorthy and “believes that it is the most magical place on earth.”

Caroline worked as “Reader in Residence” with Wexford Public Library Services for a few years. She is a writer in residence in a primary school setting and is a heritage expert with The Heritage Council of Ireland. Caroline is also a writer on the Poetry Ireland Writers in Schools Scheme, and she is an Arts in Education Practitioner on the Teacher Artist Partnership and the BLAST programme, which are government initiatives to raise Arts Education in Ireland. 

Caroline has held the position of Programme Manager and curator of Wexford Literary Festival and The Festival Manager of “Towers and Tales” International Storytelling Festival. She visits primary and secondary schools throughout Ireland and she also delivers workshops in libraries and has appeared at some of the best literary festivals in the country. Caroline regularly facilities creative writing classes and works as a creativity coach and mentor, helping creative people to live their dream creative life.
‘The Boy Who Slipped Through Time’ by Caroline Busher, paperback, published by Poolbeg Press Ltd, available at Easons Bookshops, Wexford, Enniscorthy and Gorey. ISBN: 9781781996959.

Gorey residents could have the longest address in the world?

CLLR FIONNTAN Ó SÚILLEABHAIN with the designs for Cúirt Dhiarmada Uí Shúilleabháin housing project in the background. He claims the honour for the naming of the estate.

By Dan Walsh at Cúirt Dhiarmada Uí Shúilleabháin, Gorey

Last Thursday I was privileged as a member of the Press to be part of a delegation from Gorey Kilmuckridge District and Wexford County Council to visit housing developments in Gorey and I am happy to say that there is progress on many schemes and housing in Gorey is best described “as progressive and impressive and reflects a growing community where people want to live, rest, work and play.”

One site I visited was the 22-unit Cleary-Doyle development at Creagh, which is ultra-modern and representatives of the developers explained what was happening and brought us on a tour of the site, including some sneak views of the indoors of some of the homes and offered an insight into modern day housing construction and the way the industry is evolving.

However, I was astonished when I heard the name of the estate, expected to be ready for occupation in Quarter Two 2025; Cúirt Dhiarmada Uí Shúilleabháin,

It must be the longest address (29 letters) in any housing estate in… in the world? I pity the postal staff and the residents getting the spelling correct; not forgetting the property market writers when properties come on the sales market, so getting the Eircode correct is fundamental to deliveries!

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súileabháin is delighted; “I’m also delighted to have eventually succeeded in getting a piece of Gorey infrastructure named in his honour, almost 40 yrs since his untimely passing.”

Gorey-based Diarmaid Ó Súilleabháin was world-renowned writer who worked as a teacher in the local Christian Brothers School prior to his passing in 1985.

“I know the new estate at Wexford St on the site of the old CBS where he used to teach, has already been named but there was a suggestion previously by councillors that an estate could be named after Diarmaid Ó Súilleabháin,” concluded Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin.

Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Eddie Taaffe Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Senator Malcolm Byrne, other Council staff and staff of Cleary & Doyle at Cúirt Dhiarmada Uí Shúilleabháin site at Creagh, Gorey, last Thursday. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Changes to Rosslare-Cherbourg sea service

By Dan Walsh

Maritime news in the headlines this week is disappointing in the South East as Stena Line has announced that from October 27th, 2024, it will be withdrawing Stena Vision from its Rosslare-Cherbourg shipping route.

In a statement the company states; “There will no job losses in the ports of Rosslare and Cherbourg. Every effort is being made to absorb our Stena Vision crew into the business and find other roles for them on other vessels.

“Stena Vision is not a suitable to ship to operate on the Rosslare – Cherbourg route all year round so an operational adjustment has been made.

“A three-day week service for freight and travel customers between Rosslare-Cherbourg will be provided by Stena Horizon offering a choice of up to six crossings per week.

“Stena Line will selectively deploy additional support vessels to the route during periods of peak demand from its freight and travel customers.

“This decision has been taken in line with the company’s business model of deploying vessels where they will deliver the most efficient use of company resources.

Stena Line is currently advising affected customers of its decision and of alternative arrangements.

Work in progress at Gorey’s Ramsfort Park

On the Ramsfort Park building site yesterday were (left to right); Senator Malcolm Byrne, Executive Engineer Shay Howell, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Billy Mythen, Managing Director Mythen Construction, Liz Hore, Director of Services and Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Ramsfort Park, Gorey

Wexford County Council has signed contracts with Mythen Construction Ltd for the delivery of 20 Affordable Homes Scheme at Ramsfort Park, (Radharc na Beannóige), Gorey, a pilot project via the Affordable Housing Fund under the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ programme and members and officials of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District paid an official visit to the site yesterday (Thursday).

Chief Executive, Eddie Taaffe stated; “We look forward to working with the Mythen Construction team to deliver this project. Wexford County Council is dedicated to working with delivery partners to enhance housing availability through innovative projects. Ramsfort Park underscores our commitment to delivering affordable solutions that meet the needs of today’s families.”

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen welcomed the scheme and said; “I am very pleased to see this project moving forward, this development will see 20 much-needed affordable homes provided in Gorey for first time buyers and fresh start applicants”. His sentiments were echoed by Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

Construction has commenced and it was a busy day on the site with the delivery of materials and the sound of machinery coming from the site. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.


Kilanerin Food and Heritage Festival

By Dan Walsh

Following the success of its inaugural event last year, the vibrant North Wexford community of Kilanerin is calling on lovers of food, heritage, and vintage machinery to visit the village once again for their second Kilanerin Food and Heritage Festival taking place this weekend – Saturday and Sunday, September 14th-15th – which attracted more than 1,500 visitors to Kilanerin from Wexford, Wicklow and beyond last year.

Organised by, and in aid of Kilanerin Tidy Towns and Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Development Association (KBCDA), the two-day event is suitable for all ages and will feature live music, talks and demonstrations and plenty of kids’ activities including competitions, facepainting, pot planting and will once again feature everything from old-style bread making to modern-day cookery demonstrations, and from archive photos and videos to steam engines and vintage tools.

Following hot on the heels of Ballymaloe’s Rachel Allen last year, the star attraction of the weekend is Wexford’s own celebrity chef, Kevin Dundon, who is making the trip from the award-winning Dunbrody House Hotel for a special cookery demonstration on Saturday evening at Kilanerin Community Centre.

National President of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, Mary Darcy from Kilanerin, will continue where she left-off last year by making traditional and delicious brown bread on an open fire.

Apart from the Kevin Dundon event, the organisers are planning cookery and food demonstrations by local chefs and producers; an artisan food market with the best of local producers; food trucks offering tasty hot food; and a series of talks on everything from beekeeping to fermentation. 

Other exhibitions and demonstrations over the two days will include woodturning, blacksmithing, flour grinding, and a demonstration of old tools and how they were used. There will be steam engines and other machinery on display throughout the weekend.

This year’s festival is part funded through Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Wexford County Council – Festival Grant Scheme 2024.

Entrance to the Kilanerin Food and Heritage Festival (which will run from 11am to 4pm on both days) is €10, with kids going free and complimentary car parking.

The Kevin Dundon evening is a special ticketed event and includes a glass of bubbles on arrival and a chance to win some special prizes. Doors open from 6.30pm, with the demonstration starting at 7pm. Tickets costing €25 (plus booking fee) can be purchased in advance on www.gr8events.ie or by calling Kilanerin Community Centre on 0402 44555. People are also asked to follow @kilanerin_tidy_towns and Kilanerin CommunityCentre on Facebook or Instagram for festival updates and demonstration timetables.

New Wexford Women’s Refuge facility opens

Pictured at the official opening of the Wexford Women’s Refuge in Wexford town today.

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD was in Wexford town today where she officially cut the ribbon and opened the new €6.5 million state-of-the art domestic violence facility for Wexford’s Women’s Refuge consisting of 12 family units for those experiencing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Each unit in the new facility contains a bedroom, kitchen/living area, and bathroom, and can accommodate a family of one mother and her children. It replaces the existing four-unit facility in the town, which is no longer fit for purpose.

There is also space for children to play and teens will have designated areas to relax and continue with their school studies.

Minister McEntee said, “Today is an important day for Wexford and I am very grateful to all involved, especially Women’s Wexford Refuge, for their hard work in designing and planning this facility. The facility will also serve as a hub to facilitate community and outreach initiatives to support vulnerable families in the community.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne TD, said; “Wexford Women’s Refuge have been at the frontline of supporting women and their children who have been subjected to domestic violence for nearly 25 years.

“This new building represents so much more than just a safe place for vulnerable victims – a full suite of support services is also being provided, including counselling, therapeutic services, and court liaison, to help support these families at perhaps the most difficult time in their lives.

“I want to thank refuge chair Vicky Barron and the Board of Directors, the staff and volunteers at the refuge for their tireless work to change the lives of women and children across county Wexford,” concluded Minister Browne.

The new facility constructed by local company, Mythens on a site provided by Wexford County Council beside St Marys GAA Club in Maudlintown and covers the whole of County Wexford and an Outreach Service that endeavours to reach out to women who are unable to come into the Refuge for whatever reason.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and in need of support, you can reach out to Wexford Women’s refuge by phoning 053 9121876 or 1800 220 444.

Deputy Johnny Mythen selected for Sinn Féin in Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy-based sitting TD Johnny Mythen has been selected at convention to contest the next General Election for Sinn Féin in the 4-seater Wexford Constituency.

JOHNNY MYTHEN TD is nominated by Sinn Fein to contest the next General Election.

One of the most experienced politicians in the county, Deputy Mythen’s first attempt at a seat in Dail Éireann in the 2016 General Election failed by just 31 votes behind Deputy Paul Kehoe (Fine Gael) after a few recounts. He was first elected to the 33rd Dáil almost five years ago with a record breaking 18,717 first preference votes.

First elected to Enniscorthy Town Council in 2009, Mythen was elected on Wexford County Council in 2014 and served as a member of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council (2014-2019) and was honoured as Sinn Fein’s first Cathaoirleach on the local authority in 2018-2019.

Speaking after a full house selection convention, Deputy Mythen thanked the Sinn Féin organisation across County Wexford for their support. “It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the people and constituency of Wexford as their TD since February 2020.

“Through our constituency office and our involvement in the community, our team of councillors and local activists have worked very hard to fight for our communities and for our county.

“I am very grateful for that support and delighted to be part of the Wexford Sinn Féin team. We will work hard to build on that progress in the upcoming General Election.

“While it may be a new layout for the Wexford constituency as a four-seater, the challenges remain the same – in housing, health, cost-of-living, and elsewhere.

“With an ever-growing population in Wexford the government have failed in their duty to ensure that growth is matched with essential public and community infrastructure and services.

“The people of Wexford deserve better than that. I hope to have the opportunity to continue to fight their corner after the next General Election, and to see our communities thrive and reach their full potential.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work hard. I am very grateful for the Sinn Féin nomination, and I look forward to the campaign ahead,” concluded Deputy Mythen.