A Little Library Book Bag for all children

By Dan Walsh

All children starting school this September are invited to visit their library, pick up a My Little Library Book Bag, in Irish or English, and join the library if they are not already members. Book bags are available at the library throughout the summer. All families are welcome to join the library too, if they aren’t already members. Co. Wexford has five branch libraries located in the towns of Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Wexford.

Pictured at the launch of the Little Library Book Bag in Gorey Library were (left to right); Sinead Carey, Library Assistant, Hazel Percival, Senior Executive Librarian, and Jan Doran, Senior Library Assistant.

My Little Library was independently evaluated with the results showing extremely positive feedback from children and their families and from library staff and early years educators and parents reported that the book bag supported their children’s transition to primary school and gave them a new reason to visit and join the library.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman and Minister Heather Humphreys launched My Little Library Book Bag 2024, in June, which provides every child starting school with free books and invites them to join their local library.

Cllr. Pip Breen, An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council said; “The My Little Library Bag initiative is a wonderful programme offered to all children in Co Wexford starting primary school. Children get to collect a free book, and a library card wallet to keep, from their local library, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross or Wexford town and the children can join their library along with their families, and choose their own books to borrow, all for free, this will be the start of a lifelong love of reading for the children of Co. Wexford.”

For more information and to collect your Little Library Book Bag do please call to your local library or contact Wexford County Council Library Service by phone at 053 9196561 or by email at libraryheadquarters@wexfordcoco.ie

Two summer racing days at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

There is a two-day summer midweek feast of jump racing at Bettyville Park, Wexford, on Wednesday and Thursday where ground conditions are ‘good’ and the entries are large.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, the card consists of seven steeplechases and the first race is off at 2.28pm.

Thursday is an evening card of eight races – seven hurdles and an INH Flat Race at the end – and the first race is off at 4.25pm.

Hopes are high on both occasions for a large crowd, especially family groups can expect a warm sporting welcome.

Celebration of Wexford and French culture

Pictured at the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association event at Wexford Arts Centre were (left to right); Catherine McPartlin, Treasurer; Cllr Jim Codd, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District; Lorcan Kinsella, President Wexford Chamber of Commerce; Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council; Melanie O’Reilly, Honorary Consul and secretary of Wexford Normandy Cultural Association; His Excellency, Vincent Guérand; Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor; Maura Bell, Wexford Normandy Cultural Association, and Eamonn Murphy, Director, Wexford Enterprise Association/Tradebridge. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre

The Wexford Normandy Cultural Association held a special event in Wexford Arts Centre this evening with the dual purpose of welcoming the new Honorary Consul for Wexford and saying farewell to His Excellency, Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland who will be leaving at the end of his posting.

Monsieur Guérend spoke fondly of his visits to Wexford (“this must be 10 or 12 visits now”, he said) and embraced the close association and friendship between Wexford and France and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome always accorded to him and the staff at the French Embassy.

Monsieur Guerend congratulated the Secretary of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association, Melanie O’Reilly, on her appointment as Honorary Consul of France in South East Ireland and based in Wexford.

The announcement was made by the Ambassador at Bastille Day celebrations at the Ambassador’s residence in Dublin, but today’s event was the inauguration of Ms. O’Reilly in her new representative role, and she was made a presentation in her adopted Wexford.

Honorary Consul MELANIE O’REILLY and H.E. Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland exchange credentials at Wexford Normandy Cultural Association event. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Ms. O’Reilly is the fourth Honorary Consul in Ireland and it is a fitting tribute to Melanie and to the importance of the links between France and the South East of Ireland. Toutes nos félicitations Melanie!

A fluent French speaker, Ms. O’Reilly was thrilled to receive the accolade of Honorary Consul, she thanked the Ambassador and the French Embassy and said she looked forward to carrying out her duties and consolidating the friendship between France and Ireland.  

Leo Coy, Chair of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association paid tribute to the Ambassador whom, he said; “Really liked Wexford and its Norman connections and visited us many times, during his time in Ireland.”

Ms. Maura Bell acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed the Ambassador and his staff and invited guests and detailed the background to the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association. Cllr Jim Codd made a special presentation to Monsieur Guérend- a large bowl of delicious Wexford strawberries!

The attendance included Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Jim Codd, Deputies Brendan Howlin, Verona Murphy and Johnny Mythen, Senator Malcolm Byrne, Lorcan Kinsella, President Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Maree Lyng, Chair of Wexford Rotary Club, Eamonn Murphy, Director Wexford Enterprise Association/Tradebridge and officials of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association.

Refreshments were provided and Wexford Arts Centre was the perfect venue for the pleasant ceremony.

Enjoy swimming at Booley Bay

By Dan Walsh

The DO NOT SWIM notices erected at Booley Bay Beach, near Duncannon, four days ago has been lifted.

Wexford County Council this morning, in a statement, said; “The results of the repeat bathing water samples at Booley Bay fall within acceptable standards. Following consultation with the HSE, Wexford County Council is now lifting the bathing prohibition with immediate effect.”

Last Thursday, a DO NOT SWIM warning notice was posted at Booley Bay Beach in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.

More information on bathing water quality can be obtained on http://www.beaches.ie

New South Wicklow North Wexford constituency selection convention

By Dan Walsh

The newly formed South Wicklow North Wexford Fine Gael Constituency will hold its first ever General Election Selection Convention tomorrow night (Monday) at 7.30pm in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey.

The South Wicklow North Wexford Constituency was formed following the Electoral Commission Review Report of 2023. With a population of over 85,000, this 3-seater Constituency currently has no sitting TDs and the upcoming election will be the first opportunity to elect representatives from the area.

With the retirement of veteran TD Deputy Paul Kehoe, and South Wicklow never having returned a Dáil Deputy, a new generation of candidates will be put forward to contest the upcoming General Election, which must happen before March 2025.

Two people have been nominated to the Selection Convention as candidate(s) for the Fine Gael Party in the upcoming Election: Brian Brennan and Cllr Peter Stapleton

CANDIDATE PROFILES

BRIAN BRENNAN

BRIAN BRENNAN is a Gorey-based businessman and hotelier who previously owned and ran the Brennan Hotel Group which owned the Arklow Bay Hotel. Brian has founded and supports six orphanages in Sri Lanka.

He is heavily involved through his family in local sports in Arklow and Gorey including: Arklow Rocks Parnell’s, Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney, Arklow Rugby and Naomh Eanna GAA, Gorey Rangers Football and Gorey RFC. Brian previously was a title sponsor of the Wicklow GAA Senior, U21 and Minor Teams.

His priorities include sustainable long-term development of Arklow and Gorey, developing and supporting local businesses and ensuring agriculture remains at the heart of the local economy

TAOISEACH and FINE GAEL LEADER SIMON HARRIS TD with CLLR PETER STAPLETON.

CLLR PETER STAPLETON was elected to Wicklow County Council in June 2024, as a first-time councillor. Peter lives in Tinahely and has deep roots to the area through Duffy’s of Hacketstown, a business founded by his great-grandfather. Though no longer in operation the importance of business and agriculture to all in the region was instilled in him from a young age and both remain core policy areas of his.

Peter graduated from UCD with first-class honours in Business and Law, before training as a chartered accountant and working in finance in Dublin and London. He returned to Ireland to manage his family’s landscaping business.

Peter is a keen sportsman and plays for Tinahely GAA where he also acts as Club Treasurer. He has hit the ground running as a councillor, calling on the council to tackle vacancy and dereliction, while lobbying for more funding for roads and footpaths in rural areas.

His priorities include helping local business and agriculture, developing and improving housing and infrastructure, reducing taxation and supporting towns and villages and reinvigorating local communities.

Body of man (40’s) discovered in Gorey

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

The Garda Press Office has confirmed to WexfordLocal.com that Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a body in Gorey earlier today (Sunday).

GOREY GARDA STATION (File Pic)

The body of a man (in his 40’s) was discovered shortly before mid-day at a residence in the Clonattin area of the town.

The Office of the State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course, the results of which will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
The scene remains preserved for technical examination. No further information is available at this time.

Gap Arts Festival 2024 launched

At the launch of the Gap Arts Festival 2024 in Gorey Civic Offices were; (left to right); Cllr Nicky Boland, Garrett Keogh. Festival Director, a character from the festival and Cllr Joe Sullivan.

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Offices

The 14th annual Gap Arts Festival takes place in Ballythomas, Gorey, on the weekend, August 8th-11th and the official launch took place in Gorey Civic Offices last Tuesday with Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and other elected members and Garrett Keogh, Director and other members of the Gap Festival Committee in attendance.

“Thanks to great audience support this year this theatrical festival will be extended to three nights”, said Garrett Keogh, who added; “This festival has adapted spaces indoors and out, bringing professional performances and art to this community place in the in the hills of north Wexford at Ballythomas.”

A new documentary, ‘Croghan’s Gold’ about the Wicklow Gold Rush of 1795, commissioned by The Gap Arts Festival and financially supported by the Wind Farm Community Fund will be screened each night before the Dublin Theatre Company’s new play ‘Madeira’, featuring Geraldine Plunkett who played Mary Moran in Glenroe, The Clinic, and so much more, features in this year’s play.

The weekend will also feature photographic exhibitions, late night family movie under the stars, local history, talks, music etc. For more information contact http://www.GapArtsFestival.com

Free seed packets of peas, beans and spinach!

Pictured at the launch in Gorey Library were (left to right); Sinead Carey, Library Assistant; Mary Kearney, Executive Librarian; Meaghan Keenan, Gorey Library; Hazel Percival, Senior Executive Librarian; Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council; Willie Masterson, Gorey Tidy Towns; Claire McCreegh, Edible Towns/Wexford Environmental Network) and Philip Knight, Gorey Municipal District Manager.

By Dan Walsh

LEAF (Literacy and Food Education), a new seed growing initiative to support people in County Wexford grow their own food, was launched in Gorey Library on Friday by An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr. Pip Breen. LEAF has issued an invitation to collect free seed packs at your local library to grow your own food.

Speaking at the launch, An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen said; “I was delighted to meet local growers from Gorey Tidy Towns, the Edible Towns and the Wexford Environmental Network here in the library this morning to launch LEAF. This campaign that supports you to grow your own food, and gives you resources and online supports to do so, is an example of another timely initiative from your local library. I encourage as many people as possible to register to take part, to pick up your packet of seeds, sow them and watch nature happen.”

This LEAF literacy and food education programme is a partnership between GIY, (Grow it Yourself), Wexford Libraries and Libraries Ireland and to take part you are invited to register with the LEAF programme at http://www.libraryleaf.ie and call to your local library at Wexford, New Ross, Gorey, Enniscorthy or Bunclody to collect your free seed packet of peas, beans and spinach.

LEAF is funded under the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP Strand 2) is a pilot programme with GIY (Grow it Yourself Waterford). It is supported by Libraries Ireland and Government of Ireland.

Gorey on first night of the Festival

A view from the stage showing the vast attendance in Gorey’s Main Street tonight for the opening session of the Gorey Market House Festival. (Pic; Joseph Dixon).

By Dan Walsh at the Gorey Market House Festival

Gorey’s Main Street was normal today, then a giant stage was hastily erected, musical instruments were sound checked and around half past seven local performer Aoife Doyle got the crowd in celebration mood on the opening night of the 3-day Gorey Market House Festival.

By the time the headline act, Paddy Casey, took to the stage the crowd had grown exponentially and the festival was well and truly rocking and rolling and everybody was having a fabulous time at an event that is described as “three days of family friendly music, crafts and events throughout the town with something for everyone.”

The Gorey Market House Festival has always been about the community and the organisers are delighted to announce the return of The Family Fun Day in Gorey Town Park tomorrow, (Saturday) from 1pm, The Annual Busking Competition in association with Making Music is also happening tomorrow and entry forms are available from Making Music and Loch Garman Arms. More music on the big stage tomorrow evening.

Sunday kicks off with an Arts and Crafts Market on Gorey Main Street from 10am and The Superhero Fun Run in Gorey Town Park is timed 11am. Of course, more music on the street stage on Sunday and happening till late, so Gorey is the perfect place to spend the weekend.

BREAKING NEWS; Ferns ‘Boil Water Notice’ has been lifted

By Dan Walsh

The Boil Water Notice issued on June 28th to protect the health of customers due to the detection of cryptosporidium in the Ferns Public Water Supply has been lifted with immediate effect.

In a statement issued to WexfordLocal.com this evening Uisce Éireann said it wished to notify customers that the Boil Water Notice has been lifted following satisfactory sampling results.

“This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive (HSE). The estimated 1,723 customers impacted by the Boil Water Notice to the Ferns Public Water Supply, can now resume normal use of the public water supply,” said a spokesperson who added; “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the impact of the notice on homes and thanks the community for their support while we worked to lift the notice. Our primary focus remains the protection of public health. We worked to lift the notice as quickly as it was safe to do so. We would like to thank customers again for their co-operation and patience while we worked to resolve the issues impacting the treatment plant.”

Uisce Éireann expressed its gratitude to the media, elected representatives and members of the public for sharing their updates and keeping the public informed.

The Uisce Éireann Customer Contact Centre, open 24/7 on freephone 1800 278 278, is available to answer queries in relation to the lifting of this notice.