Wexford town has stepped up to the mark with the launch of around 50 shared electric transport devices – the e-scooter scheme to be made available by the mobility firm Bolt . In the last few days, Melbourne became the latest city to ban e-scooter rental after hundreds of accidents sparked outrage from the public. Last September, Paris also outlawed them.
“Scooters have the potential to change towns and cities for the better, encouraging a more sustainable and environmentally friendlier way to travel, reducing car traffic, and connecting with existing transport networks,” said Aisling Dunne, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Bolt, who added; “We are excited to enable people to move around in an affordable, efficient and safe way.”
The scooters being deployed by Bolt will have a built-in speed-limit of 20km/h to prevent speeding.
The devices will have to be parked in mandatory parking locations in the town, like the shared e-bike scheme already in operation there by Bolt.
“Bolt’s existing e-bike scheme in Wexford has proved to be a popular travel option that has become an integral part of people’s daily commutes,” said Claire Goodwin, outgoing Cycling and Walking Officer at Wexford County Council.
To operate an e-scooter, a user will have to register their details and be at least 18 years old. The e-scooters will also have GPS tracking devices on them. To prevent their use while the user is drunk or impaired by any other substance, the Bolt app has a cognitive test that measures their reaction time between 10pm and 5am. The e-scooters also have a built-in tandem riding prevention system to stop more than one person from riding the device at the same time.
“These kinds of ‘micromobility’ schemes offer the public a range of sustainable transport choices, which is a vital contribution to the decarbonisation of transport emissions,” said James Lawless, Minister of State at the Department of Transport.
On my first visit to Cow House Studios, Rathnure, I was thrilled to meet talented PAUL CASHIN who is really enjoying his artistic experiences through his chosen medium of oil on canvas. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh EXCLUSIVE at the Cow House Studios, Rathnure.
Born and bred in central Co. Wexford I have traversed the highways and byways of most of the county – north, south, east and west, and the bits in between! – but yesterday I paid my first ever visit to the Cow House Studios in the townland of Ballybaun, close to Rathnure, high up on the airy slopes of the White Mountain and as the words of the song might suggest; “the last place that God made and the first place that he blessed!”
Creative Places, Enniscorthy, has launched a partnership with Cow House Studios, for a residency programme and the co-ordinator Deryn O’Callaghan supplied me with all the details and advised me to get stuck in; but when I met legendary Wexford and Rathnure hurling star, Teddy O’Connor, and his wife, Anne, at the recent Fleadh in Wexford town, they gave me directions to the studios and yesterday I completed the pilgrimage. It was one of the nicest projects I have covered for some time!
Cow House Studios is an artist run workspace. It is a unique, centre of excellence set on a working farm amidst the rolling hills and adjacent to a forest in rural Wexford. Founded in 2008 it provides a nurturing environment for artists to create, collaborate and engage with each other and local community. This is a wonderful opportunity for artists to meet and work alongside a dynamic group of local and international practitioners.
During my visit on Thursday afternoon, I met with Paul Cashin an enthusiastic talented artist from Laois based in Wexford whose chosen medium is oil on canvas, along with photography, drawing and sculpture. He is interested in large scale paintings that employ a sense of embodiment to create large complex scenes. Paul told me of “the magic of the Cow House Studios and how he is really enjoying his time there” and he has an engagement at the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig in the coming weeks and he is “really looking forward to performing there and he is hoping people will come along and admire his talent.”
During August four selected artists will experience CPE residencies, and each residency will last for one week during which time the artists will immerse themselves in their practice have opportunity to collaborate and contribute to the cultural landscape of Enniscorthy.
We have already met Paul Cashin. Other artists include Sarah Walsh, a Dutch/Irish actor, as well as a drama facilitator with an M.Ed in drama and education who used her week at Cow House Studio to finish a play she had been developing in a playwriting course that will be performed in a pub.
Gillian O’Shea is there from Monday 19th-25th August and is described as “an emerging visual Irish artist passionate about highlighting the importance of our natural world, particularly in the face of the climate crisis. Her practice explores themes of the nature, conservation.”
Fiona O’Connor is also coming to the Cow House Studios. Fiona is an artist who uses photography as a medium to explore her ideas. She has an interest in things that catch her eye, make her think, smile and spark her curiosity.”
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Co-Ordinator of Creative Places, Deryn O’Callaghan said; “Creative Places Enniscorthy are thrilled to partner with Cow House Studios on this initiative. We hope these residencies will encourage cultural exchanges, break down boundaries and build bridges between artists living and working in our community in ways that can be transformative.”
There is a special Irish-Franco connection event taking place in the 13th century setting that is Enniscorthy Castle tomorrow (Friday) at 7pm titled “Eileen Grey and the Jazz Age” with music from Melanie O’Reilly’s Swing Jazz Trio.
The event is to honour the life and work of an Enniscorthy native, Eileen Grey who is considered a pioneer of the Modernist movement, her remarkable work in Architecture and design has cemented her as one of the most influential figures of her time
This brilliant event includes a short talk on the amazing Eileen Grey, and the modernist movement France in the 1920’s and 30’s. Followed by a concert by Melanie O’Reilly’s Swing Jazz Trio. Inspired by the Paris Jazz Age, Melanie and her Swing trio will celebrate the music of one of the most exciting periods when jazz reigned in clubs and cabarets in Paris and symbolised the decade’s spirit of liberation. Frequented by musicians, authors, avant-garde artists and socialites, it was in this jazz quarter where Eileen Grey had her successful design studio.
This concert is offered in partnership with the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association Tickets: €25 for Adults, €20 for Seniors/Students To book call 053 9234699 or email info@enniscorthycastle.ie
Deepest sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Kate Wibbe, (23), from Carne, Co. Wexford, who lost her life in a three-vehicle road traffic collision involving a truck, a van and a car, that occurred on the N25 at Barntown, near Wexford town, on Tuesday morning, at approximately 6.30am.
She was on her way to work in PepsiCo in Cork when the fatal collision occurred. Her body was taken to University Hospital Waterford for a postmortem examination.
Kate graduated from UCC last year with a Bachelor of Law Degree. During her time at the college, she worked as a radio host at UCC 98.3FM and played for the UCC Women’s Soccer team and was also a member of the LGFA Junior Team at Bishopstown GAA in Cork.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Kate Wibbe, St. Awaries, Carne, Wexford, August 13th, 2024, sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Fiona, Christian and brother Daniel, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.
Reposing in her home on Friday from 1pm. We will come together to celebrate Kate’s life on Saturday 17th at 1pm in her home, in Carne (Y35 E2P3) burial afterwards in Our Lady’s Island Cemetery.
Meanwhile, members of the public who may have witnessed the accident are asked to contact Gardaí with information.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time of the incident, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
At the launch of music and book collection donated to Wexford Library recently were; (left to right); Eileen Morrissey (County Librarian), John Roche, John O’Byrne, Bill Considine, Marty Murphy, Marty O’Connor, Caroline Barry (Local Studies Librarian), Gráinne Doran (Archivist).
By Dan Walsh
During Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, family and friends of the late Séamus MacMathúna gathered in Wexford Library to view the exhibition of his collection of music books, tutor books and Irish tune books donated to Wexford County Council Library Service and Archives.
Originally from Coolree, Co. Wexford, Jimmy Mac as he was fondly known as, was a long-time resident of Croke Avenue, Wexford. He was not only a gifted piper but a lifelong master conversationalist and musical tutor to many students.
He was a founder member of Na Píobairí Uilleann and attended several conventions of pipers with such notable performers as Leo Rowsome, Dan O’Dowd, Micheál Rea and SéamusEnnis.
The exhibition features a rare edition of ‘Ancient Irish Music’ (1967) collected by P.W. Joyce presented to Séamus MacMathúnain 2016by Na Píobairí Uilleann for his dedication to the organisation. Another notable part of the exhibition is a hand-written ‘Tin Whistle Tutor Book’ prepared by Séamus MacMathúna for his students.
County Librarian of Wexford County Council, Eileen Morrissey said; “This is a fascinating exhibition which emphasises the legacy left behind by one of Wexford’s most talented musicians, who was always happy to share his extensive knowledge.”
This compact exhibition of a selection from his book collection will remain in Wexford Town Library until the end of August. Wexford library also plans to make the extended collection of books available for reference to musicians shortly.
The presentation to Naomh Éanna GAA Club Chairman, Tony Molloy (centre right), and fellow club members, was made at the Texaco Service Station, Camolin. Pictured with them were Texaco dealers, Glen and Conor Carton (back left) and Valero Area Sales Manager, Damien Burke (centre left).
By Dan Walsh
Gorey-based Naomh Éanna GAA Club has been chosen winners of the Wexford County award in this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative and €5,000 has been presented to the club to help fund the development of its facilities.
Congratulating the winners on what he termed “the invaluable contribution that sports clubs make to the heart of community life in Ireland”, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited praised the unstinting work of club officials and volunteers, stating that “since its inception, in excess of €500,000 has been distributed to a variety of more than 100 sports clubs under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative”.
Overseeing the judging process was Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, former Irish rugby international and well-known broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan, who told WexfordLocal.com; “As adjudicator, the most heartening aspect of the Texaco Support for Sport initiative is the benefit it brings to Irish sports clubs by providing rare access to funds which are not linked to the popularity, membership size or success of any given club.”
Describing the North Wexford club as “a very worthy winner”, he went on to add: “Naomh Éanna GAA is doing great work in its community and everyone involved is hugely proud of this club. The funding will improve facilities and help attract, and keep, more people in the Gorey area playing the game they love. Well done, Naomh Éanna.”
Now in its fourth year, the Texaco Support for Sport initiative – organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – sees a fund of €30,000 set aside annually for allocation in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis. Previous Wexford winners were Kilmore United FC (2021), Menapians Athletic Club (2022) and Aspire Gymnastics Academy, Kiltealy (2023).
Entries for the 2025 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open in the Autumn for all clubs, including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.
Tributes are pouring in following news of the sad passing of Nancy Byrne, Tomsilla Lower, Gorey, who is described as “A lifelong member and President of Gorey Little Theatre and one of the finest actresses ever to grace a stage in Wexford and beyond.”
On social media Gorey Little Theatre were saddened by Nancy’s death and recalled how she played so many memorable roles over the years in Gorey’s summer plays, festival plays, pantomimes and other productions. She won numerous best actress awards, (including Best Actress in Athlone for All-Ireland Drama), and she embodied every role she played to perfection.
NANCY BYRNE seen here when she was honoured with the role of Grand Marshal at Gorey St. Patrick’s Day Parade some years ago. (File Pic; Joe Dixon/WexfordLocal.com)
In later years she continued to support and encourage younger actors and actresses in their endeavours. She was also known for her written reflections of Gorey Little Theatre events which were very wittily scribed! She will be deeply missed by her many dear friends in Gorey Little Theatre. The curtain has closed but her wonderful legacy will live on in Gorey Little Theatre. “We are thinking of her daughters Michaela and Nicky and all her family at this sad time,” stated Gorey Little Theatre members and supporters.
Well-known and respected adjudicator Imelda McDonagh also paid a personal tribute. “I’m so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. A beautiful person who gave from her heart- in life and on stage. I was privileged to share the stage with her on several occasions, most notably in The Barrett’s of Wilmpole Street where she was absolutely magnificent, winning her the Best Actress award in Athlone. Sincere condolences to all of Nancy’s family.”
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Nancy Byrne (née Beeton) Fairy Lane, Tomsilla Lower, Gorey, Wexford / Arklow, Wicklow. Peacefully at her daughter Michaela’s home. Wife of the late Michael, adored mother of Michaela (Kennedy) and Nicky (Maher), dearest mother-in-law of Gerry and the late Paul, devoted grandmother of Michael and her late Little Princess Lauren and sister of the late Monica, Danny and Mena. She will be sadly missed by her sorrowing daughters, son-in-law, grandson, brothers-in-law John (Noblett) and Roy (Byrne), sister-in-law Barbara (Byrne), her nieces Tee and Deirdre and all her beloved nephews and nieces, her extended family, neighbours and many dear friends from The Gorey Little Theatre Group and beyond. May she rest in peace.
Reposing at Sweeney’s Funeral Home, Arklow from 11 o’clock on Wednesday morning with a service in celebration of Nancy’s life to follow at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to Courtown Cemetery, Riverchapel, Co Wexford.
Rosslare Harbour RNLI comes to the aid of a yacht’s crew. (Pic; RNLI/Rosslare Harbour)
By Dan Walsh
A crew from Rosslare Harbour RNLI, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter crew of Rescue 117 based in Waterford and a fishing boat crew came to the aid of two people onboard a yacht which was taking on water in heavy seas 20 miles south east of Rosslare Europort.
The all-weather lifeboat was launched at 9.15am this morning (Tuesday) at the request of the Irish Coast Guard. The seas were heavy in a Force 6 south easterly wind at the time.
The volunteer crew once on scene assessed the situation and due to the yacht’s crew being unable to make safe onward progress, a decision was made to attach a towline.
The yacht was then brought back safely to Rosslare Europort, arriving at 1.15pm. Both crew members were safe and well.
Speaking following the call out, Alan Murphy, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Launch Authority, said; “We would like to commend the sailors for raising the alarm when they knew they were in difficulty, that is always the right thing to do, and we wish them well. We also want to thank our colleagues in Rescue 117 and the crew of the fishing boat. This is another example of excellent co-operation with emergency service colleagues and other vessels at sea in the area. And of course, thanks to our volunteer crew members for effecting a successful service in difficult conditions. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal three-vehicle road traffic collision involving a truck, a van and a car, that occurred on the N25 at Barntown, near Wexford town, this morning, at approximately 6.30am.
The female driver of the car (aged in her 20’s) was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her body has been conveyed to University Hospital Waterford for post mortem examination.
The male driver of the van (aged in his 40’s) was conveyed to Wexford General Hospital for treatment for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time.
The scene is currently preserved for technical examination by Forensic Collision Investigators.
The road is currently closed and local diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time of the incident, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Gardaí say that a section of the N25 Wexford-New Ross road is expected to remain closed for several hours following a road traffic collision this morning.
The two-car collision happened at Larkin’s Cross, Barntown at around 6.30 am.
Motorists are being advised to take alternative routes, as emergency services deal with the incident.
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