Fleadh celebrations under way in Wexford

Uachtarán Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina, were special guests at the opening of Fleadh Cheroil na hÉireann on the Gig Rig on Wexford Quay this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at the opening ceremony of Fleadh 2024 in Wexford

Wexford is set to welcome an estimated 500,000 music lovers and 15,000 musicians to the welcoming South-East over the next 11 days and today (Sunday), President Michael D. Higgins opened the traditional music celebration of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 in Wexford town from the Wexford Credit Union Gig Rig on Wexford Quay.

The ceremony launched a week-long celebration of Irish music, dance, song, storytelling, and comhrá Gaeilge that will run from August 4th-11th inclusive, organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and hosted by the local Wexford Town Fleadh Executive Committee in association with Wexford County Council.

President Higgins and Ms. Sabina Higgins were warmly welcomed by the Fleadh Executive Committee and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, where he gave an address celebrating Wexford Town’s inaugural year hosting the world’s largest traditional music festival. He remarked that Wexford is known globally for its warm welcomes and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Memebers of the Ceoltóirí na Sláine pictured at the Official Opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford Town. today. (Pic; Andres Paveda).

“The Fleadh Cheoil holds a special place in the hearts of the Irish people, both at home and abroad. It is such a significant and special celebratory event in Ireland’s cultural calendar, the largest of its kind in the world, dedicated to celebrating our musical traditions, a time when we come together and welcome so many visitors from around the world who have come to celebrate our Irish music, song, dance and language, that vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish culture that has been woven over centuries,” said President Higgins.

Cathaoirleach of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe, said; “We’re delighted to welcome Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Wexford town. A tremendous amount of preparation, diligence and care has gone into creating what is set to be one of the biggest and best Fleadhs ever. We were honoured to host President Michael D. Higgins, who opened the event today at the Gig Rig. We look forward to welcoming over 500,000 visitors to the sunny South East over the next week. We know they will receive a warm welcome and enjoy all our great county has to offer.”

CEO of Fáilte Ireland Paul Kelly told the large attendance; “Fáilte Ireland and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann have a long history together and we’re so pleased to support this year’s festival in Wexford. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has developed a spectacular programme which celebrates our traditional music and culture in new and exciting ways that will give visitors the opportunity to experience the very best of what Wexford and Ireland’s Ancient East have to offer. Festivals are crucial to the tourism sector, and with an expected 500,000 domestic and international visitors this year, Fleadh Cheoil will significantly boost the local economy in the Wexford region.”

Other speakers from the stage included Cllr George Lawlor, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Ms. Attracta Ni Bhrádaigh, Uachtarán Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, An t-Uas. Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ard-Stiúrthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Mr. Joss O’Connor, Wexford Credit Union and Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Chairman of Fleadh Cheoil 2024 and Chief Executive of Wexford County Council. Mr. Pat Flanagan, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was master of ceremonies.

An Ecumenical Blessing was by performed by Bishop Ger Nash, Very Rev. Billy Swan, Administrator, Wexford Parish and The Reverend Canon Nicola Halford, Rector Enniscorthy Union of Parishes.

AUDIO ADDITION; Highlights from today’s opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 on Wexford Quay. Voices are MC Pat Flanagan and journalist/broadcaster Dan Walsh.

This year’s theme, ‘A Fleadh for All’, truly embodies the festival’s spirit of inclusivity and diversity. It’s a celebration that warmly welcomes everyone, from seasoned attendees to first-time visitors. The Fleadh will host a significant international audience and feature a diverse lineup of 15,000 musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers from various communities across Ireland, all brought together by their love of traditional Irish music, dance and culture.

Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Mayor of Wexford George Lawlor are pictured welcoming the President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina who attended the Opening Ceremony of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford Town. Pic; Andres Paveda).

With an exciting and varied programme that caters to all tastes, there’s something for everyone at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. Visitors to the town can experience the Fleadh’s acclaimed music and dance competitions, see performances from international and local acts, attend workshops and lectures, learn about the history, and enjoy all Wexford Town has to offer through guided tours. Wexford Town, nestled in Ireland’s Ancient East, provides more than just a picturesque backdrop for the celebrations. Attendees are encouraged to explore the wider county, with its sprawling coastline, bustling towns, and rich history.

The Irish diaspora stretches to 80 million people worldwide. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the largest event of its kind, serves as a melting pot of culture, of people coming together to celebrate traditional music and Irish heritage from across the world.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is kindly supported by Wexford County Council, Wexford Credit Union and Fáilte Ireland. RTÉ and TG4 will once again act as broadcast and live broadcasting partners, respectively.

For more information and to stay updated on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024, visit https://fleadhcheoil.ie/

President Higgins to launch Fleadh 2024

Wexford town is ready to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for the first time in its history. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Wexford

Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins will be in Wexford town on Sunday afternoon where he will officially launch Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 from the impressive Wexford Credit Union stage on Wexford Quay and get the festivities under way for a week-long celebration of Irish music, dance, song, storytelling and comhrá Gaeilge that will run until August 11th and will attract thousands of visitors to Co. Wexford.

Uachtarán Higgins and Ms. Sabina Higgins will arrive on stage at 4pm where an Ecumenical Blessing will be performed by Bishop Ger Nash, Very Rev. Billy Swan, Wexford town, and The Reverend Canon Nicola Halford, Rector Enniscorthy Union of Parishes. The opening musical presentation features the Blackwater Ceilí Band, 2018 All-Ireland champions from Clogher Valley, Co. Tyrone.

PRESIDENT MICHAEL D. HIGGINS will launch Feadh 2024 on Wexford Quay today (Sunday).

Speakers will include Mr. Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland, Cllr George Lawlor, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Ms. Attracta Ni Bhrádaigh, Uachtarán Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, An t-Uas. Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ard-Stiúrthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Mr. Joss O’Connor, Wexford Credit Union and Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Chairman of Fleadh Cheoil 2024 and Chief Executive of Wexford County Council.

Mr. Pat Flanagan, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will be master of ceremonies and will open proceedings at 3pm with the Opening Showcase Concert by Ceoltóirí na Sláine, a traditional music orchestra, formed in August 2023 by Barbara Walsh and Shelly O’Grady with 80 Wexford teenage musicians to celebrate Wexford’s winning bid to be host of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2024 and 2025.

Phil Murphy, Anne Mercipill, George O’Connor, Betty Connors, John Roche, Grace Murphy, Scott O’Reilly and Corra O’Donovan pictured at the launch of this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. (Pic; Andres Poveda).

There will be a Marching Band parade on Wexford Quay escorted by Wexford Pikemen and Women, commemorating 1798, Wexford’s Buí Bolg, members of New Ross & District Pipe Band, New Ross FCA Pipe Band, Gorey Pipe Band, Ballingeary, Cork, Arklow Pipe Band, Cullen (Cork), De la Salle Scout Pipe Band (Waterford), St. Joseph’s (Clondalkin) and individual pipers and drummers from Kilkenny, Carlow, Wicklow, Kerry and Limerick. As well as the native Irish participation in the massed band section, the organisers are delighted to be joined by pipers from other nations including Eamon Gaffney from the Queensland Irish Pipe Band, Monica Gomez from Uruguay, Etienne Baranger from France, and Fergus MacLeod from Scotland. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and hosted by the local Wexford Town Fleadh Executive Committee in association with Wexford County Council.

The legend of the Fleadh Paddy Berry

EXCLUSIVE by Dan Walsh

When I think of Fleadh Cheoil I think of my good friend over a long number of years, the legendary Paddy Berry, a traditional Irish singer born and raised in Duncormick and now living at Drinagh on the outskirts of Wexford town.

Paddy attended his first Fleadh in Swinford in 1969 and hasn’t missed one since and naturally, having spearheaded the Fleadh (with Niall Wall) the last time it came to Wexford in 1999 and 2000, he is enthusiastic about the big event in Wexford town.

He is not just a well-known performer of Wexford ballads but is also a songwriter and collector of folklore and songs over many decades. He has a number of published collections bearing his name Paddy Berry and many of them may be available during this week’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town. Try Red Books at St. Peter’s Square.

AUDIO ADDITION from WexfordLocal.com. Dan Walsh and Paddy Berry in conversation.

Council funding to restore Gorey Market House

GOREY MARKET HOUSE. Funding granted for refurbishment. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council is to benefit from funding of €7 million under THRIVE – Strand 2, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, awarded under Ireland’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programmes for the renovation, restoration and reuse of the Gorey Market House with the aim of revitalising and enhancing Gorey town centre.

This funding will be utilised to regenerate the oldest building in Gorey – “Gorey Market House”, which is associated with the foundation of Gorey Town in line with the Town Centre First approach. This cherished building was identified for regeneration and following extensive engagement with a diverse group of stakeholders and citizens, a co-created design for the regeneration of the building was developed.

Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council was delighted as Chair of the Market House multi-disciplinary team to secure this investment which with matching funding from the Council, will see a total of €9 million invested in the heart of Gorey. He went on to outline the works which will include “co-created design for Gorey Market House will be converted into a new community and cultural hub by opening three of the arches on Main Street, regenerating the existing building, an extension to facilitate accessibility to upper floors and the creation of new café to the rear. By opening the arches, it will provide access to the rear of the building creating a new market plaza for Gorey which will be utilised for markets, concerts and events.

Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr. Oliver Walsh stated this was one of the most significant investment projects secured by Wexford County Council to date and it would be an important flagship project for Gorey cementing its reputation as a key destination for business, retail and the arts for both local communities and visitors with an icon public realm development of the most historic building in Gorey.

Cllr Walsh added; “In addition to the recently completed Gorey Town Park, the Gorey Market House will complement future projects including the planned works for Esmonde Street and the St Walerans development for the town and he congratulated all involved in working collaboratively together for the delivery of the shared vision for Gorey.”

The regenerated Gorey Market House will be aligned to the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus and will be fully accessible, inclusive, sustainable and beautiful and will foster a sense of pride

Liz Hore, Director of Services thanked the elected members of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District for their support as the Gorey Market House was their number one priority project and for the people of North Wexford who were important partners in the project. “We placed great emphasis on community engagement to ensure the people of Gorey had a voice and we saw first-hand how much the Gorey Market House is loved. The THRIVE grant facilitates Wexford County Council as custodians of the Market House to preserve its past and revitalise the building by providing a transformational impact for its future.”

She paid tribute to Gorey Community Development group which is an umbrella organisation for a few groups in the area and its representatives. In addition, ODKM architects did a superb job in designing a truly innovative public realm space for the Gorey Market House, Playcity assisted with the citizen engagement, Dr. Yvonne Byrne and the internal multi-disciplinary team of Planning, Climate Action, Special projects capital development, Arts, Economic who all collaborated to get a top-class submission which has been recognised and supported by the Regional Assembly and.

Ms. Hore concluded; “The Department with the maximum grant award of €7 million. Wexford County Council will now focus on the delivery of the project which the people of North Wexford are looking forward to and which will be showcased at international level.”

11 Wexford communities share funds of €798.291

By Dan Walsh

Eleven community projects in Co. Wexford will share funding of €798,291 following an announcement by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and the Minister for Communities, Joe O’Brien. In total, €16.5 million is delivered to 185 community projects across the country.

The Wexford projects being funded today include:

MINISTER HEATHER HUMPHREYS, Department of Rural and Community Development, speaking at New Ross, October 2022. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

Enniscorthy Community and Childcare Centre Ltd Templeshannon Community Centre Upgrade 2025 €86,000.

Gorey Youth Needs (GYNG) Gorey Youth Needs Group (GYNG) Community Hub €55,000.

Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall Community Enterprise CLG Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall Renovation €92,500

Ramsgrange (Hookless Village) Senior Citizens Concern (Ramsgrange) Ramsgrange Day Care Centre Upgrade €70,000.

Fethard St. Mogues Community Group (Fethard) St. Mogue’s Church (Fethard) Development Project €54,000.

Cushinstown The Old School Community Group (Cushinstown) Cushinstown Old School Project €90,000.

Rosslare Harbour Rosslare Harbour Playground MUGA Redevelop Rosslare Harbour Community Playground MUGA €100,300.

Kilrane Kilrane Rosslare Harbour Community Centre Roof repairs of Kilrane Rosslare Harbour Community Centre: €50,000.

Barntown/Glynn Glynn Barntown GAA & Community Complex Glynn Barntown Walking Track – phase 1 €100,091.

Wexford Town FAB Child and Family Project FAB Community Hub Project €50,000.

Wexford Town Wexford Albion Schoolboys FC Wexford Albion Schoolboys FC Clubhouse Extension €50,400 .

Wexford Total €798,291.

Welcome for €8.7m Gorey project

GOREY MARKET HOUSE receives funding for refurbishment and reopening programme. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Joe Sulivan has welcomed the allocation of €7 million funding from the EU Thrive programme towards the regeneration of Gorey’s historical Market House. There is already €1.7 million ring fenced at Wexford County Council be invested in this project bringing the total outlay in funding to be €8.7 million.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com Cllr Sullivan said; “Feedback from the general public since this announcement was made would suggest that Wexford County Council have got the proposal for the redevelopment right as it pays due respect to community, commercial and cultural needs of the area while preserving the historical significance of the building and its place in the history of the Gorey town and district.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“While the present political and administrative incumbents will revel in the glory of delivering this exciting and transformative project for Gorey, the contribution of other officials and elected representatives is acknowledged as this facility to be delivered for the area has come about as a result of years of hard work and exchange of ideas amongst people who genuinely wanted what was best for the Market House and Gorey, continued Cllr Sullivan.

Cllr Sullivan added that “it is important to acknowledge the contribution by officials Annette O’Neill, Amanda Byrne, Michael Drea and Eddie Taaffe, along with former elected representatives Michael D’Arcy, Robert Ireton, John Hegarty, Willie Kavanagh, Diarmuid Devereux and Andrew Bolger who all played their part along the way.

Rescue 117 located woman in Bannow Bay

By Dan Walsh

RESCUE 117 (Pic; Irish Coast Guard)

Fethard RNLI Lifeboat and helicopter Rescue 117 were requested by the Coast Guard to launch at 4.25pm last Friday evening following a report that a woman was drifting on a paddle board in the direction of Bannow Bay.

FETHARD RNLI LIFEBOAT (Pic; RNLI/Mark Brennan)

Friends and family members raised the alarm from Baginbun Beach when they observed the person onboard the paddle board in difficulty. The lifeboat launched at Fethard Harbour and made its way towards Bannow. Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117 located the female and hovered over to pinpoint her location. The lifeboat crew quickly made their way to her location, brought her on board, and returned her to her family on Baginbun Beach.

There was a Force 4 offshore south-westerly wind and moderate sea conditions.

Speaking after the call out, Fethard RNLI Helm Mick Roche said; “The paddle boarder did everything right on the day. She worn a floatation device, stayed with her board when she got into difficulty and had told family and friends her plans. All of this led to a successful rescue.’

‘We would remind everyone visiting the coast in the fine weather that if you do get into difficulty or see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

John writes a new song for the Fleadh

JOHN DOYLE putting the final touches to his new song The Auld Wexford Rover at the John Street Studio’s Enniscorthy (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Monageer singer/songwriter John Doyle is a veteran of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann who won an All Ireland under 14 title playing the tin whistle in Mullingar in 1963 and while he is looking forward to the world’s largest music festival in Wexford town you won’t find his name amongst the competitors.

John is celebrating Fleadh 2024 with a new song that he composed some years ago, but decided to freshen it up in the recording studio of Ivan Levingston and it can be heard and enjoyed… starting here on WexfordLocal.com.

With catchy lyrics and a nice sing along melody the title is ‘The Auld Wexford Rover’. John will be performing his latest composition on the Fleadh Gig Rig with the Blackstairs Crew in Bank Holiday Monday at 3.40pm. Don’t miss it!

In the meantime, John has been telling WexfordLocal.com about his experiences of Fleadhanna, some history relating to the Ferns area of Co. Wexford, and, of course, it’s the place to hear ‘The Auld Wexford Rover’ for the first time!

Templetown Memorial Service next Sunday

By Dan Walsh

The Royal British Legion (Wexford Branch) are holding a Memorial Service at Templetown next Sunday, August 4th at 3pm recalling the sinking of two Allied Armed Trawlers off the Wexford coast in 1917. All are welcome to attend.

On Friday 20th April 1917 His Majesty’s Armed Trawler Loch Eye was sunk by a mine from the German submarine UC-33, 1¾ miles southwest of Hook Point near Dunmore off the Irish coast. Seven crew were lost with two unidentified seamen found later on the Wexford coast and interred at Templetown.

An identified seaman was found and returned to his family for burial. The UC-33 sank 35 ships including one Allied warship. On 26th September 1917 she was rammed by patrol boat PC61 in St George’s Channel and sank with only one survivor from a crew of 26.  

TEMPLETOWN PLAQUE Memorial Service takes place next Sunday at 3pm (Pic; Stephen Boland)

Also included are three Wexford men who perished in the Secord World War.

Walsh, Michael, 27 yrs. Gunner, 9th Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died in captivity as a Japanese POW, Changi, Singapore. 5th March 1943.

Guilfoyle, Maurice Francis. 22 yrs. Able Seaman RNR. HMS Adventure. Son of Charles and Mary Guilfoyle of Fethard, Co Wexford. Died with eight other crew members on 31st November 1939 when ship struck a mine near the Thames Estuary.

Guilfoyle, John Charles Seymour. 24 yrs. Leading Seaman RNR.HMS Zambesi. Son of Charles and Mary Guilfoyle of Fethard, Co Wexford. Lost overboard in a storm NE Faroe Islands on 16th January 1945.

Lest we Forget

Almost 10 million cigarettes seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort seized almost 9.9 million cigarettes with an estimated value of approximately €8.3 million, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of €6.5 million. 

The illicit cigarettes, branded ‘Superkings’ and ‘Winston’, were discovered on Tuesday night when Revenue officers stopped and examined an accompanied freight unit which had disembarked a ferry arriving from Dunkirk, France.

A man has been questioned in relation to these events and investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the sale and supply of illegal cigarettes and tobacco in the shadow economy. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.