The death has occurred of Rev. Fr. James (Jim Furlong), a native of Adamstown who spent much of his ministry in London and served as parish priest in Duncannon. Many tributes are being received. He was aged 81 years.
Born in the parish of Adamstown in 1943, he received his primary education in Adamstown, attended St. Peter’s College, Wexford (1958-1963), studied at St. Peter’s Seminary (1963-1969) and was ordained at St. Peter’s College on June 1st1969.
After ordination he went to the Diocese of Southwark, London, and served at Peckham Rye (1969-1975), Battersea (1976-1981), Sydenham (1982-1985), Rotherhithe (1985-1995). He returned to the Diocese of Ferns in September 1995, was appointed curate at Gusserane and became parish priest at Duncannon in August 1997.
FAMILY NOTICE; THE DEATH HAS OCCURRED OF REV. FR. JAMES (Jim) FURLONG, Tomgarrow, Adamstown. Fr. Jim passed away peacefully on Monday September 9th at Cherry Grove Nursing Home in Campile, Co. Wexford.
Pre-deceased by his sister Kathleen, brother-in-law Seamus and sister-in-law Mary. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving brother Ned, sister Peggy and her husband Martin, his nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, extended family, Bishop Ger Nash and fellow clergy and religious brothers and sisters, friends, neighbours and former parishioners of London, Belfast, Gusserane, Duncannon, Raheen and Newbawn. Grant Fr. Jim Eternal Rest and Peace
Fr. Jim will repose on Wednesday, from 3pm until 5pm; on Thursday, at his home in Tomgarrow, Adamstown, Co. Wexford (Y21WA27).
Removal from his home on Thursday, at 6pm to St Abban’s Parish Church, Adamstown for liturgical reception followed by reposal in St Abban’s Church Oratory until 9pm. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, September 13th, at 11am with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Machinery on scene at the old Murphy Floods site in Enniscorthy where demolition works have begun. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
The long running saga regards the Murphy Floods site at Enniscorthy took a positive turn this week when machinery arrived, hard hats and other safety information was posted at the entrance at Barrack Street and works have begun on site. However, traffic disruption is on the way; Under the Temporary Closing of Roads under Section 75 of the Roads Act 1993, Barrack Street will be closed from Monday, September 16th to Friday, September 27th. The alternative route advised is from Island Road to Irish Street and Bohreen Hill Junction.
Irish Street will be closed from Monday, September 23rd to Friday, October 4th. The alternative route advised from Main Street to Abbey Square, and Abbey Quay to Island Road. These alternative routes will be signposted, and local access will be facilitated.
The plan is to demolish the existing buildings and commence the new development consisting of retail and commercial space as well as housing.
This welcome development has been the talk of the town this week and its progress will be eagerly followed with huge interest.
A tender competition to appoint a works contractor for the demolition on site has been awarded to John Tinnelly & Sons based in Newry, Co. Down, and one of the leading demolition firms in Ireland and the UK, and one for the table quiz? – they were awarded the contract for the demolition of the Sugar Factory in Carlow some years ago.
Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin informed WexfordLocal.com that the Council will place the site on the market in the 4th Quarter of 2024 to determine development interest. “Proposals for the existing planning permission or alternative use, which would require a new planning process, will be considered.” It is expected that this process will take 6 to 12 months.
“Any interested party who proceeds with a proposal would be subject to a use it or lose it clause, where the site would revert to the Council if no development took place within a specified period of time,” stated Ms. Godkin, who added; “In the interim period the Council will prepare a Part VIII plan for a minimum of 20 spaces and with the intention of maximising the space available, as well as public realm works on the site. The draft drawings will be presented to the members of 2024.”
Murphy Floods Hotel was an internationally renowned family establishment facing onto Main Street since 1923 but was gutted by fire in 2005 and has remained derelict ever since. In March 2023 the site and adjoining property was acquired by Wexford County Council who announced an €8 million plan to develop a new library building, retail units, 18 apartments and underground parking.
WexfordLocal.com is reliably informed that the Library Service may have strong reservations about inclusion on the site as they prefer development on ‘stand-alone’ sites! The search for investors goes on!
At the unveiling of the Maureen O’Hara plaque in Dublin last Saturday included Melanie O’Reilly (left), Mayor of Dublin, James Geoghegan (second from left), Jim O’Callaghan TD, Ivana Bacik TD, Leader of The Labour Party and members of the O’Hara family.
By Dan Walsh
Wexford-based Melanie O’Reilly, jazz musician and Honorary Consul to France is having a busy week ahead of an Afternoon Jazz session in Wexford Arts Centre on Wednesday.
Last Saturday Melanie attended a very special event when a plaque dedicated to Irish Hollywood legend Maureen O’Hara (1920-2015) was unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan, as locals and admirers of Ms O’Hara gathered to celebrate at 32 Beechwood Avenue in Dublin’s Ranelagh.
Melanie said her mother Bonnie and Ms. O’Hara were good friends. “They looked quite like sisters. They both had that dark, auburn, red hair, and lots of it. The two of them went on to be very good friends, and of course, the rest is history… Maureen went on to Hollywood where her most famous role was alongside John Wayne in the classic film ‘The Quiet Man’.
Melanie told WexfordLocal.com that the two met as young children training at the Rathmines Theatre Company, which Ms O’Hara attended from the age of 10 before moving to the Abbey Theatre at the age 14.
AUDIO ADDITION; MELANIE O’REILLY talks to DAN WALSH about the links with her mother Bonnie O’Reilly and the legendary actress Maureen O’Hara
Swing into Jazz in the Afternoon with Melanie O’Reilly Trio takes place on Wednesday, September 11th, 2-4pm featuring Melanie O’Reilly (Vocals), Carole Nelson (Piano), Adrian Jackson (Bass).
Join Melanie and her stellar Swing trio for an afternoon of uplifting celebration of the favourite songs of the Swing Era composed by Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Gershwin, Cole Porter, Fats Waller and made popular by the legendary jazz singers of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Anita O’Day, Nat King Cole, Nina Simone and more. An afternoon full of toe tappin’ swing rhythm – All welcome!
Artist’s impression of proposed view of Market Square, Enniscorthy. (Illustration courtesy of Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh at September meeting of Wexford County Council
Following on from last weeks Special Meeting regarding the Part VIII Planning Application relating to the Market Square area of Enniscorthy, which received no support from any of the elected members on the day, came before today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held at the Council Chamber, Carricklawn, Wexford, passed without a vote and with very little discussion.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen introduced the application and Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe spoke briefly about changes to the retention of parking, said the demolition of the old Murphy-Flood’s site has begun (machinery moved in on the site on Monday morning) and will return about 20 parking spaces and seek retail offers, he stated that “there is a commitment for regeneration in the Templeshannon area, the Council has already taken charge of the Swimming Pool, he mentioned URDF funding and supported the Castle Quarter regeneration programme.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Aidan Browne, spoke of “a very difficult position”, was content that the loss of 104 car parking spaces is now down to 43 and was relieved at the commitments to Templeshannon. “With a population of 12,500 Enniscorthy is the fastest growing town in Ireland,” he concluded.
Cllr Jackser Owens who used last weeks’ special meeting, local radio and print media to admonish the plan said he “agreed with everything that Cllr Browne had said.”
Cllr Cathal Byrne welcomed commitments secured from the Executive and while he believed that Templeshannon “was always forgotten” he welcomed efforts to attract retail and is pleased that Wexford County Council has taken ownership of Enniscorthy Swimming Pool located in Templeshannon.
The only other speaker on the matter was Cllr Paddy Kavanagh, who lives close to Enniscorthy town although he is elected to the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District and recalled that in 2017 €1 million was allocated to Templeshannon via “two abysmal applications.”
The application was proposed by Cllr Browne and seconded by Cllr Owens and the meeting moved on.
A detailed account can be found in the Chief Executive’s Report which informs us that planning site notices were displayed in October 2023 and remained in place for the full duration of the planning process. There were 73 submissions received in relation to the proposal.
The proposed development consists of revised street layouts and public realm improvements to Castle Hill, Castle Street, Church Street, Court Street, Weafer Street, Spout Lane, Cathedral Street, Main Street, Barrack Street and Island Road to incorporate revised on-street parking zones, increased pavement widths, hard and soft landscaping, and improved active travel measures.
Castle Hill and Castle Street to become one-way in a west bound direction. Barrack Street to become one-way in an east bound direction as far as the entrance to the existing underground car park. New signal-controlled junction at intersection of Barrack Street and Island Road to assist traffic flow.
Part pedestrianisation of Market Square on northern side, with removal of on-street parking and through traffic between intersection of Main Street and Irish Street, and Main Street and Castle Street. New and enhanced raised table pedestrian crossings at south-east and south-west corners of Market Square, junction of Castle Hill, Castle Street and Church Street, and on Cathedral Street. Undergrounding of existing overhead services and removal of existing poles. High quality surface materials and other miscellaneous works.
The Chief Executive’s Report states that “it is recommended that the development should proceed subject to the recommendations contained in the referral response from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the following amendments;
Amend design on Church Street to retain car parking and to widen access to the Church of Ireland. Omit changes to Court Street. Retain parking on Cathedral Street, including the herring bone parking to the boundary with St. Aidan’s Cathedral. Retain parking from 59 Weafer Street heading west (uphill). Retain the two-way entrance at Dunnes Stores from Island Road to Barrack Street. Provide traffic lights at the junction of Barrack Street and Island Road with priority given to traffic from Barrack Street following review of the traffic flow. Retain existing road layout to Irish Street as an alternative to traffic heading north to Market Square.
Rosslare Harbour responding to the call out (Pic; RNLI/Rosslare Harbour)
Rosslare Harbour RNLI and Carnsore/Rosslare Coast Guard came to the aid of a sailor on a 17ft pleasure craft which had developed mechanical problems on Saturday.
The all-weather lifeboat was launched at 12.20pm, following a call from The Irish Coast Guard.
The lone sailor aboard the vessel had called for assistance when it began to drift following mechanical problems. The lifeboat launched at 12.30pm and was on the nearby scene – The Lagoon adjacent to Rosslare Europort – by 12.40pm.
On arrival, the smaller inflatable Y boat was utilised, and the pleasure craft was escorted the short distance safely back to The Lagoon. The sailor was safe and well. There was a force 3/4 north-easterly wind. It was dry.
Speaking following the call out, Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said; “We would like to commend the sailor for having a phone with him which enabled contact with the Coast Guard. The sailor was also wearing appropriate safety gear. And our thanks to our colleagues in Carnsore/Roslare Coast Guard for being on standby during the operation. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
Cutting the ribbon at McCauley Park, Bellefield, were (left to right); John Bishop, Sam McCauley, Derek Kent and Ger McVeigh. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com.)
By Dan Walsh at McCauley Park, Bellefield, Enniscorthy
The official opening of McCauley Park at Belefield Enniscorthy took place yesterday (Sunday) with a ribbon cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a stone memorial following investment of over €1.5 million, with some more developments to follow, bringing the sporting facilities into the 21st century and making the complex the envy of many others in bigger and greater funded jurisdictions.
It was a celebration of achievement, local acceptance and co-operation with others, including the GAA and Wexford County Council.
Project Manager Pat Quigley set the wheels in motion, explaining the project (hear his words on audio addition here on WexfordLocal.com). Ger McVeigh, Chair of Rapparees Starlights, spoke eloquently, the support, appreciation, and goodwill from so many were addressed. His was a message of appreciation and he pointed out that the club has almost 550 members and 32 teams represented the club, including under-age.
AUDIO ADDITION; Pat Quigley, Project Manager speaking at the opening of McCauley Bellefield GAA Park.
Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District, in his speech, reflected the contribution of the club and the significance of the development and recorded the town’s appreciation for making it a better place for sporting interests.
Micheál Martin, Chair of Wexford GAA County Broad paid tribute to Rapparees Starlights GAA Club, while Derek Kent, Chair of the Leinster Council GAA recalled that the club had received €30,000 in funding in 2023, again in 2024, and the better news, Mr. Kent promised another €30,000 for next year (2025). A round of applause followed!
John Bishop and his wife, Marilyn, were guests from Southampton in the UK and they have signed a lease of 25 years with the club. Mr Bishop, an architect by profession, said he was delighted to be back in Enniscorthy, supported the development, and wished the entire project the best of prosperity.
Stephen Murphy provided lively entertainment, Ballindaggin Pipe Band led a parade through the park, under-age skills were paused and there was a large attendance including representatives of other sporting organisations in the town. Bishop Ger Nash gave the official blessing. Brian Kehoe was master of ceremonies.
The new facility was jointly opened by John Bishop (accompanied by his wife Marilyn), Sam McCauley (and his wife, Lesley), Derek Kent, Chair of the Leinster GAA Council and Ger McVeigh, Chair of Rapparees Starlights GAA Club.
The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen, Cllrs Cathal Byrne and Pat Kehoe; from Wexford County Council were former Chief Executive Tom Enright, Shay Howell, Senior Executive Engineer and Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, all of whom were involved directly with the project, contractor Garry Flood and his team and all worked on the project.
At the memorial stone at McCauley Park, Bellefield, were (left to right); Sam McCauley, John Browne, John Bishop, Michael Doyle and Minister James Browne. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The overall project will cost over €1.5 million, with collaboration from the local community and the Rapparees Starlight’s Finance Committee raising €400,000; Wexford County Council providing funds of €400,000 and a greatly appreciated donation from local businessman Sam McCauley of €600,000.
The first phase included the development of two new pitches, fencing and associated drainage works, main infrastructure for a sensory garden as well as a community walking track complete with lighting. Major ESB works were required with the removal of six poles and cables brought underground to a newly installed ESB pillar station. Funding for this phase was provided by philanthropic donation from local businessman and long-time club member, Sam McCauley, and renamed, McCauley Park., Bellefield
The second phase of the project is a public-community partnership including the development of a new statement entrance for the club, together with 25 new public carparking spaces, new footpath with bollards, fencing, public lighting and signage. A new pedestrian crossing on the Bellefield Road will be delivered as part of phase two, as well as a new pocket garden with seating and a playground for young children. Funding for this second phase will be from the Rapparees Starlight’s Club in association with Wexford County Council.
Music, refreshments, handshakes and conversation ended a great sporting day in the McCauley Bellefield Park excellent welcoming facilities.
Popular North Wexford-based Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain has been chosen at a Sinn Féin Selection Convention for the newly created 3-seat constituency of North Wexford and South Wicklow held in the Arklow Bay Hotel to contest the forthcoming General Election.
CLLR FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN Sinn Féin candidate in the next General Election.
A member of the teaching profession, first elected in 2014 and re-elected for a third term at last May’s Local Elections for the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, and Leas-Cathaoirleach for the 2023-’24 term, Cllr Ó Súilleabháin tonight told WexfordLocal.com; “I am honoured to have been selected by party members to contest the newly created constituency in the forthcoming General Election.
“I live right in the epicentre of this new constituency, which includes Gorey, Arklow and many villages and rural hinterlands from Bunclody right up to Rathdrum,” stated Cllr Ó Súileabhain, who added; “Over the past year I’ve been strongly encouraged by many people – both Sinn Féin supporters and other independent-minded people, campaigners, visionaries and community activists to run to be a TD to represent our local area.”
He continued; “Many want to see change, a different direction and improvements in so many sectors. We have solutions to tackle the crises in housing and in many other areas. We need to give our young people hope ‘dóchas’ and keep them living here in Ireland.
“I am appealing to the people of North Wexford and South Wicklow – whatever your background – to support our campaign to have a locally-based TD for this area who will fight for the interests of ordinary working people, our youth and our local communities, both rural and urban,” concluded Cllr Ó Súilleabháin.
FESTY EBOSELE…called into the Republic of Ireland squad against Greece
Enniscorthy-born Festy Ebosele who played his early games locally with Moyne Rangers has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad to play Greece on Tuesday.
A Football Association of Ireland statement this evening said; “Festy Ebosele comes into the squad for Tuesday’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Greece at the Aviva Stadium.”
Ebosele, currently on loan at Watford from Udinese, has three caps already and is a former Under-21 international.
Pictured; Annette Rowsome, Senior Enterprise Development Officer Local Enterprise Office Wexford); Janet Wallace, Deputy Principal Creagh College; Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of WexfordCounty Council; Matt Furlong, Creagh College Student; Adam Connelly, Creagh College Student; Emer Kirwan, Student Enterprise Programme Co-ordinator); Bridget O’Connor, Teacher and Paul Glynn, Principal Creagh College, Gorey.
By Dan Walsh
Second-level schools across County Wexford are being called to participate in this year’s Student Enterprise Programme (SEP), a nationwide initiative that will engage over 28,000 students in setting up and running their own mini-enterprises throughout the academic year.
The Student Enterprise Programme has been a cornerstone of the secondary school experience in County Wexford for over two decades. It has inspired countless students to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, with many continuing to make significant contributions to the business world long after leaving school.
County Wexford has a proud history of success in the programme. Most notably, Creagh College in Gorey saw students Matt Furlong and Adam Connolly, under the guidance of their teacher Edel Peters, win the National Sustainability Award in the Senior Category for the academic year 2022/2023. Their innovative product, Eco Fire, offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels such as coal, peat, and firewood.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Pip Breen, who officially launched this year’s programme, emphasised its significance and said; “The Student Enterprise Programme is vital to the economy and community of Wexford. It empowers young people, encourages innovation, and cultivates a culture of entrepreneurship that benefits everyone in the county. By supporting our students today, we are investing in the future leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”
“This is a fantastic initiative, and we encourage all students in the county to participate in the programme for the upcoming academic year,” said Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development.
The SEP, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, is the largest enterprise programme for second-level students in Ireland. Students from 1st to 6th year can enter in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories.
For the 2024/2025 school year, a new range of online resources, including blogs and comprehensive materials for both students and teachers, is available at http://www.StudentEnterprise.ie.
Enniscorthy & Monart Union of Parishes Flower Festival is taking place in St. Mary’s Church, Church Street, Enniscorthy this weekend – Friday to Sunday, September 13th-15th– and the organisers are looking forward to welcoming visitors
The flower festival is being run in conjunction with Co. Wexford Garden and Flower Club, who are Gold Medal Winners at Bloom, 2023 and 2024, and are working extremely hard planning over fifty beautiful floral arrangements to adorn the church.
Very Reverend Canon Nicola Halford, Rector Enniscorthy & Monart Union of Parishes said; “All are welcome to join us for this magnificent display of flowers and creativity. Don’t miss out!” (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Very Reverend Canon Nicola Halford told WexfordLocal.com; “We are excited to showcase our wonderful church and the talent and creativity of the flower arrangers. The theme of our flower festival is ‘Harvest – all things bright and beautiful’ and it will be a celebration of community and thanksgiving for all of God’s goodness to us.”
Tickets to the festival are available on the door at St. Mary’s Church and the cost is €10 per person which includes a festival programme and refreshments in the Church Institute, following your visit to the church. There will also be an opportunity to purchase homemade produce and plants in the Church Institute.
The festival will conclude on Sunday at 6pm with an Ecumenical Harvest Thanksgiving Service. The service will be led by clergy and church leaders from the town and is being organised in conjunction with the IFA. The preacher will be Bishop Ger Nash.
WexfordLocal.com 