13 minute read
News
Killegney Early Years Graduation
23rd June 2021
Advertisement
Left: Dylan and his parents. Above: Leon and his parents. Above right: Caoimhe and her parents. Below: Barry, Paige, Beth and Caoimhe enjoying their graduation cake.
Killegney Early Years graduation class, 23rd June 2021, with teachers, and proprietor Orlagh Doyle.
Cuan Aingeal vigil provides solace
Wexford Mayor at the time, Leonard Kelly, addresses the attend Cuan Aingeal Remembrance Gard Ferrybank, Wexford, on 13th June.
A candlelight vigil was held at the Cuan Aingeal Garden of Remembrance, Ferrybank, Wexford, on 13th June to commemorate the third anniversary of its opening. Lord Mayor at the time, Leonard Kelly, attended and spoke at the poignant event. Publicising the event beforehand, organiser Bernadette O’Leary said, “We're having the candlelit vigil for all the young people and children who have passed away tragically. And in addition a lot of us haven't seen one another since the pandemic began, so hopefully we will be able to meet up again.” “So many people in Wexford have lost a child or young person, and after the year we've all had it'll be good to get together and remember all our loved ones who went too soon,” Bernadette said. Bernadette has also revealed that there are plans to add a further tribute alongside the existing monument. “We're hoping to eventually have a garden of remembrance sign, a memorial sign to honour those who we've lost,” she said. Bernadette is also hopeful the Cuan Aingeal support group meetings will resume in September but said in the interim the vigil has provided solace for all of its members. n
Leonard Kelly with organisers Bernadette O’Leary and Lorraine Smyth.
Left: Garry Breslin, Bernadette O’Leary (o Remembrance Garden vigil on 13th June. Below left: Some of the attendees at the v Below right: Musician Stephen Murphy ad
dees at the Candlelight Vigil at the den,
rganiser) and Jonathen Breslin at the Cuan Aingeal
vigil. dds his voice to the remembrance day vigil.
Standing up for local fishers
Sinn Féin TD for Wexford Johnny Mythen (pictured) has raised key issues facing the fishing community with the government. Deputy Mythen said: “In the Dáil I took the opportunity to raise some of the many issues facing our fishing and coastal communities in Co. Wexford with the government. “One of the main issues I raised was about the recent EU Commission’s decision that fishers must weigh their catch at the pier. We must be under no illusion that this is going to cripple many of those in the fishing industry in Co. Wexford. “It is entirely impractical to ask them to invest in the infrastructure to weigh at the pier. It is also very costly in terms of manpower, time, and energy, and may have unintended consequences for food safety and quality. “This ruling comes after there was already deep outrage in the fishing and coastal communities at the outcome of the Brexit EU/UK Trade Agreement, that took even more fish quota away from our Irish fishers. But that outrage has deepened as the fears around sustainability worsen, and the lack of consultation continues.
“When I talk to fishers and other small coastal businesses in my own area of Wexford, they feel completely unheard and disregarded. “Talk of a decommissioning scheme is not the answer either. Irish fishers such as those in Wexford are proud and family tradition is a big part of the industry. Measures must be put in place to ensure that Irish fishing can be sustained and allowed to grow again. “One industry that I’m very worried about the sustainability and viability of is the scallop fishers in Co. Wexford, which affects the livelihood of around 120 families. The UK authorities confirmed on 1st April that import requirements for direct landings of LBMs, including scallops, are also being delayed until 1 October 2021. The government must intervene with priority to address this, and the fishers involved need to be kept consulted on and up to date on all work that is ongoing on their behalf. “I also raised the issue of offshore wind energy generation, and the potential impact on our fishing and coastal communities in terms of extra journey time, disturbance of routes and associated costs.
“I absolutely believe in a movement to renewable energy, but I also believe in the principle of a Just Transition. I would have concerns around the management of the impact of this essential infrastructure on small businesses who make their living from our waters, like fishers and small charter boat industry. They must be included in all conversations, and any potential harms mitigated in our moves to a greener world. “We want and need sustainable fishing communities and the way to achieve this is a consistent and meaningful engagement with fishing and coastal communities,” deputy Mythen concluded. n
An amble around Gorey
Gorey top left: Tommy Kinsella and Jim Clinch relaxing. Top right: Getting the Loch Garman Arms ready for opening was Tommy Donohoe painter and decorator putting on the final touches. Above left: Enjoying a coffee were Joe Heavin, Kerry O’Connor and Ceceline Smyth. Above right: At the Hungry Bear cafe were Elliott and Christian Polley. Below left: Watching the world go by were Mick Redmond and Murrough McGivern on Gorey’s main street. Below right: Enjoying a cuppa after the shopping at the Book Cafe were Karen Dwyer and Rita Doran.
BIKE STANDS
Wexford County Council is progressing work to install approximately 50 bike stands at 13 beach/ coast locations around the Wexford coast.
Not for the first time, WexBUG (Wexford Bicycle Users Group) has made a generous donation of bicycles to the Rosslare Direct Provision Centre. Pictured on 10th June 2021 with the most recent delivery are WexBUG members L-R: Phil Skelton (WexBUG Chairperson), Kevin Cronin (committee member), Ciarán FitzGerald (WexBUG Vice-Chairperson), Ruth O’Connor (Secretary).
Cycling & Walking Officer to be appointed
Wexford Co. Council is keen to promote a multi-disciplinary team approach to the development and delivery of projects under the Active Travel programme. As part of this programme Wexford Co. Council is employing a Cycling & Walking Officer who will be responsible for communication and promotion of cycling and walking programmes throughout the county. The duties will include: Work with the Senior Engineer in Roads Department, the Road Safety Officer and the Sports Officer of Wexford County Council to develop and agree annual programme of cycling and walking promotion and safety within the County. Work with the NTA in identifying and delivering on high quality cycling and walking infrastructure in the County. Work with all other sections of Wexford County Council to co-ordinate and promote cycling and walking throughout the County. Identify new opportunities for the local expansion of Wexford County Council cycling and walking initiatives and help identify and generate new funding streams for both new and existing initiatives. Act as an ambassador for Wexford County Council cycling and walking programmes and represent the organisation on appropriate occasions. Manage and coordinate on and off-road cycle training activities, preferred cycling routes, signage and promotion. Develop contacts with individuals, schools, businesses and other interest groups in the promotion of Wexford County Council’s Cycling Programme and National Cycling Programmes, including Cycling Week, Bike to Work Scheme and any other similar initiatives. Ongoing liaison with schools, and other interest groups in programme introduction and development. Liaise with event organisers at festivals and events to promote and increase awareness of the various cycling and walking programmes. Explore opportunities for promotion of cycling and walking within the county including development of dedicated cycle and walking paths. Build cycle and walking tourism links to develop Wexford as an attraction for new and existing visitors. Develop cycling and walking through a multi-stranded approach encompassing safety, legislation, enforcement, training, infrastructure and promotion. Carry out regular audits of cycling and walking facilities to feed into annual programme of works for upgrade, repair, enhancement and new works. Develop cycling and walking plans for the main urban centres. Develop cycling and walking strategy on a countywide basis. Liaise with Special Projects Section of Wexford County Council on all Greenway developments. Develop links from Greenways to Urban areas to encourage greater usage. Develop a safe route to schools programme to include improved cycling and walking infrastructure. Any other duties that might be assigned from time to time. n
Murrintown is a ‘sound town’
Murrintown was the Cadbury and Today FM ‘Sound Town’ winner for the month of May following a huge effort from the committee in the community centre to work really hard to fundraise and develop the local area. Murrintown is a small village located 8km outside Wexford Town. In the village there is a pub, post office, takeaway, school, church, community creche and a community centre. The community centre is the hub of the village. Throughout 2020 and 2021 the committee in the community centre have continued to work hard to fundraise and develop, including: Opened community playground and playing field which is free for local clubs and schools to use. Secured funding to develop a community garden and walking track. Completed two big fundraising events. Hosted an online Christmas event. Lit up the village for the first time in
Christmas 2020. Created plans to develop the community centre to include a digital hub and coffee hut. Opened its doors to the local creche so they could operate their afterschool in a socially distanced manner. All this work has been completed by volunteers in the community who never ask for anything for their time. Commenting on the announcement of Murrintown winning the Sound Town award, Today FM’s Alison Curtis said: “When you look at 2020 and how it kept us all apart, it is communities like Murrintown that are reinforcing Ireland’s positive and unwavering reaction to this pandemic. We are a nation that tends to look after each other and that is truly evident in the way Murrintown have come together to support the town via volunteering. Their actions will inspire others to do the same and we are so thrilled to present Murrintown with the May 2021 Sound Town award.”
Each monthly winning town will be shortlisted for a chance to win €10,000, when the overall 2021 Sound Town winner is announced at the end of the year. For further details on Today FM and Cadbury Ireland’s Sound Town initiative and how you can enter your town, tune into Weekend Breakfast with Alison Curtis, every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 11am, or go to www.todayfm.com. And while on the subject of Murrintown, best wishes to Sue Corish with her new takeaway coffee unit there. n
Pics: John McElroy
L-R: Bishop Denis Brennan, Bishop-Elect Ger Nash and Archbishop Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland.
Message for the new Bishop of Ferns
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has congratulated Bishop-elect Ger Nash on his appointment to the Diocese of Ferns. Archbishop Eamon said, “I want to offer my prayerful congratulations and good wishes to Father Ger Nash, whom Pope Francis has appointed as the new Bishop of Ferns. I am sure that Bishop-elect Nash’s gifts and experience in pastoral planning, Catholic education and youth ministry, as well as his insights into diocesan planning and administration, will greatly serve his new ministry and enhance our discussions at the table of the Irish Bishop’s Conference. As President of the Conference I look forward to welcoming Bishop-elect Nash together with my brother bishops, especially at this time of renewal for the Church in Ireland as we prepare to embark on a Synodal journey over the next five years. “This is also a very special day for the Diocese of Ferns. I wish to thank and pay tribute to Bishop Denis Brennan on his well-deserved retirement. Since 2006, Bishop Denis has made a generous contribution to the work of the Bishops’ Conference. Always guided by values of the Gospel, Bishop Denis’ sharp insights and wisdom have benefited greatly the work of our Conference. As a relative newcomer to the Bishops’ Conference, I was particularly impressed by his contributions during our last ad limina visit when we travelled as bishops to Rome to meet with Pope Francis. He has generously helped to develop our thinking and practice in the critical areas of communications, child safeguarding, priesthood and vocations, emigrants, migrants and prisoners overseas. He persevered in promoting the establishment of a National Vocations Outreach for the Church in Ireland. I pray God’s blessings on Bishop Denis and wish him good health as bishop emeritus.” See more on this story on page 24.
Wreath Laying at The Paupers Graveyard
Annual Wreath Laying at The Paupers Graveyard in Coolcots, Wexford, 18th June, L-R: Angela Laffan, Wexford Borough District Manager, then Mayor of Wexford Cllr. Leonard Kelly and Helen Corish Wilde, Wexford Memorial Trust.
Enjoying the good weather at Enniscorthy Golf Club on 17th June were: B. Coffey, C. Mernagh, C. Ceaser.
The new Mayor of Wexford
Cllr. Garry Laffan is the new Mayor of Wexford. Pictured with the members of Wexford Borough Council in back row L-R: Cllr. Davy Hynes, Cllr. George Lawlor, Cllr. Maura Bell, Kevin Sheil (Town Sergeant), Cllr. Leonard Kelly, Cllr. Tom Forde and Cllr John Hegarty. Front row L-R: Tony Larkin (Wexford County Council), Mayor Garry Laffan, Angela Laffan (Wexford Borough District Manager).
Happy birthday Natasha
Natasha Fortune celebrated her 40th birthday in Enniscorthy on 26th June. Pictured L-R: Teresa, Anthony, Natasha and Bernie Fortune.
Katie Codd serving food at The Tin Roof, Clohass, Enniscorthy (on the road to the Clonroche). Pic: Shop Enniscorthy.
Cllr Pat Barden – new Chair of New Ross Municipal District. Cllr Pip Breen – new Chair of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District.
Take these chains!
Above: Cllr Anthony Connick was elected the new Vice-Chairman of Wexford County Council on 28th June. He is pictured with his family in the Wexford County Council Chambers.
Below: New Chairperson of Wexford County Council Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy receives the chain of office from outgoing Chairman Cllr Ger Carthy.
