wexford
thechronicle
December 14, 2021 t: 0539102441, www.thechronicle.ie
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December 14, 2021
wexford
thechronicle
December 14, 2021 t: 0539102441, www.thechronicle.ie
FREE
20,000 copies
Why we should all shop local this year Comment
AS we count down the days, hours and minutes to Christmas, we at Wexford Chronicle would like to make one appeal before the festivities get into full swing. Shop here at home in County Wicklow. Local retailers play a massive part in making Christmas such a special time so they really deserve our support given that
many of them have been closed for the majority of this year. For every €1 you spend with a local independent business, between 50c-70c circulates back into the locality, while shopping online or out of town sees only 5c trickle back. Local businesses not only keep the economy humming, but they also add to the quality of life in our community in other ways. Seeing local businesses thrive
also gives you the feeling that you’re living in a vibrant community, a desirable place to live, work and raise a family. Local businesses are owned and operated by local people, while even the chain stores are managed and run by people who live in our community. They work here, coach the local sports teams, eat in local restaurants and live just down the street – so when you buy in local shops, you’re supporting
your neighbours. Customer service of the kind you thought had disappeared can still be found in the smallest of local businesses. And while all the indications are that the country is beginning to re-emerge after the worst of the pandemic, we must remember one thing - we are more than just an economy. We are a society of vibrant people, and we deserve each others’ support.
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Tracy and Yen Ferdy visit Santa at Kio Ora Farm Gorey
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Councillor views ‘not SF policy’
SINN Féin has said the views of its Wexford councillor, who encouraged parents to attend a protest against the extension of mask wearing for children in primary school, are not party policy. Primary school teacher Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin urged people to attend a protest against the extension of mask wearing for primary school children recently. Writing in a Facebook post, which was deleted following queries from the Irish Independent to the Sinn Féin press office, the councillor said masks had been “bluntly imposed” on schools overnight. Mr Ó Súilleabháin added that he would not be able to attend the protest, which was taking place outside a supermarket in Gorey, Co Wexford, but it had his “full support”. The Gorey Guardian reported gardaí were called to the protest, which saw a group of about 50 people taking to Gorey Main Street and Shopping Centre over the space of a few hours. “The views of this councillor are not reflective of the party’s position,” said a Sinn Féin spokesperson.
December 14, 2021
Don’t be a turkey — Tributes trust the thermometer pour in for
‘gentle’ Dylan after shock death
Chef Gareth Mullins recommends using a thermometer for safe cooking this Christmas. AS we get closer to the big day, new research has emerged showing ownership of meat thermometers is increasing — but over threequarters of people (78%) are not aware of the correct temperature to which turkey should be cooked to. To help Ireland cook their turkeys the right way this festive season, safefood is launching its ‘Trust the Meat Thermometer’ campaign to encourage people to use a meat thermometer when cooking turkey, poultry or
any meat product that needs to be cooked all the way through. Gareth Mullins, chef and safefood’s campaign ambassador, explains more about cooking Christmas dinner, heating up leftovers and preventing food waste. Take your turkey out of the oven and pop the thermometer in the thickest part between the leg and breast, he says. When it reaches 75 degrees Celsius it’s cooked and ready to eat. For poultry, like
turkey and chicken and other meats that need to be cooked through, it is important they are cooked until piping hot, with no pink meat and juices running clear. And when it comes to leftovers, Gareth says any food standing at room temperature for more than two hours is high risk and has the potential to make you, your family and friends sick. Otherwise, foods like veg, potatoes, stuffing and meat can all be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Last call for female businesses
The call is now open for ambitious female entrepreneurs from Wexford, who are looking to take their business to the next level, to apply for the latest cycle of Going for Growth, the award-winning business development initiative. Going for Growth is a sixmonth part-time programme, supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, which assists ambitious female entrepreneurs to achieve their growth aspirations. There is no charge to those selected to participate. This is the 14th year of Going for Growth and more than 800 female entrepreneurs have so far taken part in the programme. Nine in ten participants on the 13th Going for Growth programme reported that they pivoted their businesses to adapt to prevailing circumstances, and an overwhelming 98% said that their participation in the programme brought about practical change within their business. Past participants from Wexford include Mary B Walsh of Ire Wel Pallets, Ireland’s leading timber packaging supplier which is based in Gorey.
TRIBUTES have been paid to the young Wexford man (23), who tragically died after being kicked by a horse. Dylan Boggan (pictured), from Mayglass, had been working with the animal at a stables near Fethard on Sea when it kicked out at him, causing him injuries that would prove fatal. Emergency services were called to the scene and the Coast Guard Rescue 117 helicopter was dispatched. Paramedics from the National Ambulance Service worked on the young man alongside local doctors, eventually moving him to the helicopter and transferring him to Cork University Hospital, at which point he was handed into the care of doctors there. Sadly, they were unable to save young Dylan and his family was given the devastating news. A former student at Bridgetown Vocational College, Dylan was said to have been a quiet, gentle and caring young man who had a great love for animals, the great outdoors and country living. Teacher at the college, Aontú councillor Jim Codd, formed a friendship with the young man during his time at the school and was struggling to come
to terms with the devastating news. “He was a real gentle, quiet going chap and he absolutely loved the countryside,” he said. “Nobody would have a bad word to say about that young man. He was a lover of nature and a real kind, honourable, gentle and decent young man who was loved by all who knew him.” Killinick Pony Club shared their sadness at the death of a former club member. “The Committee, instructors, past members, and present members of the Killinick Pony Club are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former club member, Dylan Boggan.” “We express our deepest sympathy to Dylan’s family at this very sad time. Dylan was a member for a number of years, representing the club at national level. He was a kind and caring young man, who will be dearly missed.” He is survived by his heartbroken parents Sabrina and David and his younger brothers Aaron and Jordon and sister Eva. His funeral was held on Friday, December 3rd in St David’s Church, Mulrankin, with burial afterwards in Mayglass Cemetery.
Tragedy as man dies in fall from hotel
THE man who fell some three storeys to his death from the perimeter of the Clayton Whites Hotel, where he was staying, to the rear yard of a Main Street commercial premises, was aged in his early twenties and was from Waterford. He had reportedly been staying in the hotel for two or three days and was reported missing on Saturday night, November 25th. Mobile phones and personal items
belonging to the deceased were located in the room. The discovery of the man’s body, which had lain undisturbed overnight, was made by staff and emergency services were called to gain access to the rear of the North Main Street commercial unit. Gardaí said they are treating the incident as “a tragedy” and no foul play is suspected and nobody is being sought in connection with the man’s death.
December 14, 2021
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December 14, 2021
Gardai highlight deaths Switch to an electric car for in road safety campaign that 22-reg DO not drink and drive over the festive period — is the warning from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Siochana as this year’s Christmas and New Year road safety appeal was launched. The focus of this year’s campaign is on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, with research over the last five years showing 83 fatalities and 709 serious injuries over the Christmas and New Year period. This equates to an average of 17 people dead and 142 are seriously injured each year at this time. The statistics also show that almost seven out of 10 deaths were male, while almost two-thirds of serious injuries were male. The time period 4pm to 8pm was highlighted as the highest risk for fatalities on the roads. “While the majority of drivers don’t drink and drive there are still some who persist in this dangerous behaviour,” Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton said. “To anyone who thinks it’s okay to drive after drinking
Leah Quish (9) at the launch of Round Up for Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin Hospital. Pic: Andres Poveda
alcohol, I say you need to understand that if you commit a drink-driving offence you will face disqualification from driving for a minimum of three months. “Think about how a driving ban would impact your daily life. You will no longer be able to drive to work, drive to the gym or drop the kids off to
school.” Deputy Commissioner, Ann Marie McMahon, An Garda Siochana said that 4,453 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and 3,333 have been arrested for drug driving this year to date. “This Christmas and New Year, we are appealing to motorists to drive safely and under no circumstances drive
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. “One hundred and twenty people have lost their lives on the roads this year and members of An Garda Síochána have had to deliver this devastating news to their families. “We don’t want to have to deliver this news to your family this Christmas,” she added.
MOTORISTS considering trading in their car for a fancy 22-reg have been urged to seriously consider making the change to an electric vehicle (EV). According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), private cars, running on petrol and diesel, account for around a fifth of Ireland’s total energy use and the related carbon dioxide emissions. EVs are fast becoming the preferred choice for many families and businesses, who want to play their part in urgent national climate action. Declan Meally, Director of Business at SEAI said: “When buying a car some people feel an EV is too expensive until they do the maths on exactly how much they will save in running costs and we urge all consumers to take this into consideration.” Electric cars are more affordable to run with a 74% reduction in annual energy costs and new buyers can
benefit from incentives such as grants and lower VRT rates that reduce the purchase price as well discounts on tolls. Michael Coughlan, from Windsor Bray Motors, has seen an increase in the number of people wanting to find out more about electric vehicles, he added: “Due to increased coverage in the media customers are more curious about EVs and are coming into the showroom to find out more about the car and discuss any concerns they might have. “Once we get them to do a test drive, they don’t want to leave the car.” And Noel Griffin, who lives in County Wicklow, has been driving an EV for two years and he said: “The transition to electric has been seamless. I also like a comfortable car and inside my EV is very comfortable on a long trip.” For more information and to book a test drive with your local dealership visit: www.drivingelectric.ie.
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December 14, 2021
70% of adults won’t miss the bar after Covid WHILE so many of us believed we missed hanging out at the bar over the pandemic, it turns out that 70% of Irish adults said they would like pubs and restaurants to continue to offer QR code table ordering technology when Covid-19 restrictions are fully lifted. Almost half of restaurant and takeaway owners have adopted new technologies since the start of the pandemic, according to new research by Irish food ordering software developer Flipdish. And 44% of those businesses invested over €1,500 to keep within the rules. Technology was instrumental for survival during the pandemic as many businesses pivoted online. And the research reveals that consumers are more in favour of restaurants and bars continuing to use such technologies after the pandemic. “After a turbulent few months, the future of the sector is bright and the technology that Flipdish offers will allow restaurant owners to thrive in
a post pandemic world,” said James McCarthy, co-founder of Flipdish. “We are thrilled to see restaurant and takeaway owners implementing QR code table ordering technology which will help combat staff shortages and increase operational efficiency and consumer convenience,” he added. The most popular technology adaptations were website ordering (64%), QR code table ordering technology (57%) and the use of aggregator websites (29%). 79% of restaurant owners will continue to use technology adaptations as they come out the other side of the pandemic. Surprisingly, only 1% of adults aged 18-24 would prefer to order drinks at the bar over Christmas, compared with 9% of those aged 25-34. The most likely age group to order from the bar this Christmas are those aged 35-44 (16%). However, 15% of adults will not go out to socialise at all over the Christmas period.
Rape Crisis Centre has help in 200 languages Survivors of sexual violence who do not speak English as their first language but live in Ireland are now able to seek support and guidance through a multilingual helpline phone service through the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC). The interpretation service is available in over 200 languages including Polish, Lithuanian, Arabic, Farsi and Brazilian Portuguese and will enable people to speak with a counsellor in their native language. While multilingual support was previously available for victims availing of face-to-face counselling and therapy at the centre, it was not on offer to people who called the helpline. Helpline interpreters will come from the UK-based Language Line interpreting company. Callers seeking the help of an interpreter must state the language they speak when they call. They will then be placed on hold while the operator finds an interpreter to facilitate the session. More information on: https://www.drcc.ie or call 1 800 77 8888.
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Có-mhaoinithe ag an European Aontas Eorpach Union Investing inby your Co-funded thefuture European Social Fund European Union
A number of programmes are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union
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Hynes denies collapse
Businessman Alan Hynes has denied before the High Court he was the cause of the demise of three companies at the centre of a liquidator’s efforts to recover assets and impose penalties over the running of the firms. Mr Hynes gave evidence in the continuing action by liquidator Myles Kirby against him, his cousin Frank, Frank’s wife Martina, Alan’s UKbased brother-in-law Dr Adrian O’Reilly and a company called Tuskar Investment Group (TIG) which is owned by Dr O’Reilly. The three Hyneses deny a number of claims, including trying to defeat creditors. Dr O’Reilly, who has denied any wrongdoing in writing, is not participating in the trial. Mr Kirby is liquidator of Tuskar Property Holdings (TPH), of which Alan was a director until 2009 when it became wholly owned by Dr O’Reilly. Mr Kirby is also liquidator of Hynes Jewellers Wexford Ltd (HJW) and JW Fashions Ltd (JWF). Mr Hynes has disputed claims he was the “cause of the demise and I believe the opposite to be true”. The case continues.
December 14, 2021
Restaurant takes on HSE over Covid vaccine pass
THE owners of an Italian restaurant have started a GoFundMe page, which they claim will be used to pay a legal challenge against the HSE’s vaccine passes. Under current guidelines, the EU Digital Covid Certificate or the HSE Vaccination Card can both be used as evidence of vaccination when entering a pub, restaurant or café. Establishments are expected to comply with these guidelines and verify customers’ vaccine certificates against a valid form of identification upon arrival. However, a Wexford restaurant owner is crowdfunding to take a legal challenge against the vaccine pass guidelines. Luigi Perri, owner of The Forge Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria in Castlebridge, announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page that he has had several visits from HSE inspectors and outlined his intention to fight against the vaccine pass in court. “I can go to court and maybe with this dictatorship, I can lose,” he said.
Owners of The Forge Restaurant in Castlebridge, Luigi and Lucia Perri, who have started a fundraiser to fund a court battle with the HSE. “But I will never lose my dignity. One last thing, I wanted to say to the people who referred us to the HSE, that in my opinion, they must kneel down and ask God for forgiveness. If they don’t, they will rot in Hell.
“In the first period I felt like giving up due to difficulties with finances in setting up a restaurant but I soldiered on by sacrificing my own salary,” he said. “We have worked tirelessly as a family to get where we are now and refuse to be dictated to about who we can and cannot allow into our restaurant. We refuse to discriminate against people and to comply with an unjust law. “The State did not even carry out a Data Impact Protection Assessment to show that this law was necessary and now we are being ordered to check a patron’s vaccination status.” Elsewhere on the restaurant’s page, they state that their vaccine stance has resulted in a loss of “90% of customers”, but “we have had a large majority of new customers who appreciate our Italian cuisine and our way of thinking”. Mr Perri says that he has had several visits from HSE inspectors and has outlined his intention to fight against the vaccine pass in court.
Their soul is not clean.” He later launched a fundraiser to help cover his legal fees, setting a target of €100,000. In a statement published on the restaurant’s social media account, it was alleged that
Mr Perri, who took over the restaurant with his wife Lucia and family in 2015, had been served with a Direction Order from HSE Compliance Officers to comply with vaccine pass legislation.
Library welcomes Civil War ancestors
Wexford man held in Liverpool over online ‘sting’
WEXFORD Libraries held a ‘Wexford War of Independence and Civil War Digitisation Day’ at its main library in Mallin Street, Wexford recently. Members of the public were invited to bring photographs, postcards, letters, diaries, medals or other memorabilia in relation to this turbulent time in our history. Staff from Wexford Library were on hand to record the story of whom they belonged to and why they are important. Historians and experts were on hand to discuss the significance of these treasures for people and their families. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, BarbaraAnne Murphy said: “It is a chance for us to engage with families whose ancestors were directly involved in events which led to the formation of our state and to the rich history of county Wexford.” To find out more about your local library’s events, go to: www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries
A 40-year-old Wexford man was arrested by Merseyside Police in Liverpool on suspicion of grooming a child online. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was the target of a “sting” operation by an anonymous group aimed at tracking down online predators. The man, believed to be involved in sport in County Wexford, was confronted outside a pub on Ranelagh Street in Liverpool City Centre by members of a UKbased group, who claim they undertake to “secretly tackle online predators” by setting up stings online, purporting to be young girls and luring alleged predators into meetings, at which point they confront them with evidence and hand them over to the authorities. In a Facebook live video, the group confronted the Wexford man outside the pub, while revellers milled around. The man appears to concede that he had been messaging what he believed to be a 12-year-old girl for some time. The representatives from the
group read extracts from the online chat to the man, alleging that he had sent explicit photos from his account to the child’s account, while requesting explicit pictures in return. “It’s ridiculous, it was stupid and there’s no excuse,” the man said when confronted. “I’ve no excuse. It shouldn’t have happened.” In a statement, Merseyside Police said that: “We can confirm that officers have arrested a man on suspicion of grooming following a report in Liverpool City Centre on Monday, November 29. “Officers attended an incident on Ranelagh Street and arrested a 40-year-old man from County Wexford in Ireland on suspicion of grooming a girl under 13. He has been released pending further enquiries.” While gardai are aware of the video of the man being confronted by the group in Liverpool circulating online the garda press office stated: “As this incident occurred outside our jurisdiction we are not in a position to comment.”
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December 14, 2021
wexfordinpictures John Carmody, Luck, Ollie and Briged Wall visiting Santa At Kai Ora Farm Gorey
Mary Theresa McKeown, Amy Meyler, Donnagh Kehoe and Maria Dowling at Bunclody Christmas Market
Will Mullins and Abeigale Taylor at the Ballymurn Christmas Fair
Three of the residents of Resilience Residential Care Home Lemongrove, Enniscorthy with Minister Anne Rabbitt TD cut the tape at a ceremony opening the house
Siobhan and Aisling O Mahoney at the Ballymurn Christmas Fair
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December 14, 2021
opinion&comment
Barra: The Tempest or just a storm in an RTÉ cup?
R
TÉ’s newsroom loves a good storm. They have all their r e g i o n a l correspondents out, looking at empty streets or wind-blown beaches and trying, like Dickens’s Fat Boy, to make our flesh creep. The station was derided for its hysterical coverage of Storm Lorenzo, two years ago, when its reporters across the land spent 24 hours warning that Armageddon was approaching and the next 24 telling us that, really, nothing much had happened. That experience didn’t chasten the storm petrels of Montrose. They have been in rehearsal with every small weather event since and they put the whole show on the road for Storm Barra. It was a costume drama, with
Michael Wolsey
intrepid reporters out in padded jackets, hats, scarves, gloves and, in one case, goggles. They predicted a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. But Storm Barra was not The Tempest, more Much Ado About Nothing. Yes, there was some flooding,
which was unpleasant for the people caught in it, and powercuts, which caused disruption in several areas. And there were, as always when the weather turns bad, sad stories of individual tragedies. But overall, Storm Barra brought nothing unpredictable for Ireland in December, just a couple of wet and windy days. Even the determined newshounds of RTE had difficulty trying to present it as anything more than a storm in a tea cup. Radio had a reporter on Dun Laoghaire pier whose main revelation was that a rainbow had been seen in the sky over Dublin. Biblical legend has it that a rainbow was shown to Noah as a sign that the Great Flood was over. Even RTE would not go so far as to make that comparison. Its man in Dun Laoghaire confined himself to the cryptic
observation that in one direction he could see dark clouds over Bray and, in the other, blue skies above Malahide - a contrast that could as easily be observed in June as in December. The BBC was much less excited about Storm Barra, confining it to a minor slot on most of its bulletins. But it delivered a discussion in which a dubious link was made between Barra and the wider problems of global warming and climate change. It is tempting to conflate the issues but the link cannot be proven. No matter how bad the weather may be, records nearly always reveal a time when it was worse. And in many cases that time was long before Arctic ice had shown the slightest sign of melting or any problem had been detected with the rain forests. Carbon emissions may have
encouraged Storms Barra and Lorenzo. But were they also to blame for Hurricane Charlie that crashed like a wrecking ball through much of the country in 1986, bringing death and destruction? Maybe they were. But what about Hurricane Debbie, in 1961, which ripped up trees, knocked down walls and killed 18 people in Ireland? Nobody had even heard of global warming back then. Nor is it likely that the burning of fossil fuels contributed to Ireland’s most infamous storm on the Night of the Big Wind. That cyclone, which came blasting in on January 6, 1839, left hundreds dead and thousands homeless. It blew down the chimney of Kilkenny’s new gas works and leveled all the buildings nearby. And it is hard to see how human activity can be blamed
for the savage weather in the 1740s. It was a period when unprecedented amounts of rain were accompanied by storms and extreme frosts. In Ireland it led to a famine that is estimated to have killed almost 40% of the population, a proportionately bigger disaster than the Great Famine a century later. Don’t get me wrong. I think we should stop polluting our planet with plastic. I think we should stop poisoning the atmosphere with carbon fumes. And I think we should reduce our reliance on fossil fuels which, other considerations apart, will eventually be used up. All these actions are very desirable but I am not sure that they will reverse the course of climate change, because the climate has always been changing. They certainly won’t bring an end to storms - or alarmist reporting from RTÉ.
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December 14, 2021
WILDLIFE
ninenottomiss
Mamma Mia!
TV of the week
with Justin Ivory
It’s December and officially winter and with it comes an influx of visitors from Scandinavia. Sporting spiky hairdos, heavy eye-makeup and some flashy outer-ware between them, these tourists could well be a raggle-taggle bunch of punks, goths and new romantics! So, who are they and why are they here? They are wild foragers and they are here to feast on our food. In this case they are wild foragers of the feathered and non-humankind, so have a perfect right to stuff themselves on mother nature’s larder. This mobile marauding club consists of a trio of members – Fieldfare, Redwing and Waxwing.
book of the week
HOROSCOPES
movie of the week
walk the line Virgin Media 1, Sunday December 12, 9.00pm
the pawnbroker’s reward Declan O’Rourke
the power of the dog Netflix
WALK The Line is described as a “brand new high octane musical game show format” that comes from Simon Cowell’s Syco company and Lifted Entertainment, the team behind both I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and Love Island. Oh God . . . anyway, hosted by Maya Jama, with judges Gary Barlow, Craig David, Dawn French and Alesha Dixon, in each episode, acts will perform to win the audience vote, but they will then be faced with a tough decision. They can Cash Out of the competition for £10,000 or Walk The Line and compete again against another batch of hopefuls.
DECLAN O’Rourke’s award-winning album, Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine, was released to critical acclaim in 2017. It illuminated an extraordinary series of eyewitness accounts, including the story of Pádraig and Cáit ua Buachalla. Four years on, in Declan’s meticulously researched literary debut, the story of the ua Buachalla family is woven into a powerful, multilayered work showing us the famine as it happened through the lens of a single town – Macroom, Co. Cork – and its environs.
SET in Montana, shot in New Zealandm, this brooding western of sorts focuses on masculinity in crisis. Think a far more intense Brokeback Mountain. Benedict Cumberbatch is excellent as a domineering rancher who responds with mocking cruelty when his brother brings home a new wife and her son, until the unexpected comes to pass. What you thought was merely a haunting movie and a masterpiece of character study, suddenly feels like a thriller, because The Power of the Dog ending comes with a plot twist that will leave you guessing . . . and Googling.
stream of the week
self help of the week
idea of the week
TaurusChange is inevitable. Believe you can prosper. It’s easier to finish old projects now. Generosity looks good on you. GeminiConnect with neighbors, friends and community groups. Contribute to a team effort. A goal may seem distant or blocked. CancerKeep your wits about you to handle a mess at work. Take charge for the results you want. The action is behind the scenes. LeoYour travels and studies could include traffic, obstacles or barriers to advancement. Keep calm and carry on.
Fieldfare (Photo Justin Ivory) The Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) is a large, colourful thrush, like our Mistle Thrush in size, shape and behavior. They particularly like to feed on Hawthorn berries.
Redwing (Photo Andreas Trepte www.phot-natur.net) The Redwing (Turdus iliacus) is also a member of the thrush family. Smaller than our Song Thrush, they have a very distinctive creamy stripe above the eye (supercilium) and orange-red flank/underwing markings. They roam across the countryside feeding in fields and hedgerows and only venture into gardens in the coldest of weather.
AriesTravel could interfere with personal routines, although new views inspire. Avoid expensive missteps. Consider long-term dreams and ambitions.
wrath of man Amazon Prime
hidden forces Anne Traynor
Just like you campaign www.blossomireland.ie
AFTER an ambush on one of its armoured cars, Los Angeles-based Fortico Securities hires a mysterious new employee, Patrick Hill (Jason Statham), who becomes known simply as “H.” As he learns the ropes from partner Bullet (Holt McCallany), H initially appears to be the quiet type, simply there to do a job and earn a living. But when he and Bullet become the targets of an attempted robbery, H’s formidable skills are revealed. Not only is he an expert marksman who’s equally adept at hand-to-hand combat, H is fearless, ruthless and lethal. Not the best of Guy Richie’s films but a decent caper all the same.
IF you’re looking for a sign, this is it. Hidden Forces is an accessible book that answers the questions we all have about the forces around us that affect us every day of our lives.If you want to learn about the universal forces that connect us all, this book is for you. If you’re interested in chakras and how to work with them to heal yourself, this book is for you. If you want to know how astrology and tarot can help you understand your ‘self’ and your life, this book is for you.Hidden Forces will take you out of dark places into the light of understanding.
‘Just Like You’ is a campaign developed by Blossom Ireland, with the goal of raising awareness around the intellectual disability (ID) community, highlighting the lack of accessibility for people with ID. Blossom Ireland has developed and implemented Ireland’s first fully-accessible e-learning platform for this group and have begun to employ graduates of programmes in the organisation. What has been discovered through the Blossom Ireland programmes is that with tailored supports for people with ID, there is no limit to what can be achieved.
album of the week
day out of the week
watch of the week
VirgoRely on trusted teammates. Do the homework behind a financial decision. Consider costs and consequences. Collaborate and adapt. LibraSupport your partner and be supported. Resolve a challenge, navigate a change or overcome an obstacle together. ScorpioSlow down to avoid missteps or accidents. Resist impulsive moves and clean up messes immediately. Focus on physical health and activities. Sagittarius-
Romantic ideals and fantasies may not match the current reality. Things don’t go as planned. Prioritize love. CapricornFamily comes first. Expect messes, chaos or disruption at your house. Don’t divulge secrets. Keep your objective in mind.
Waxwing (Photo Justin Ivory) Last, but not least, is the Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulous) who get their name from the bright red tips on some of their secondary feathers that is reminiscent of wax seals used on letters in bygone times. They have a fondness for red berries, particularly those of the Rowan tree, quite a few of which can be found in urban and suburban areas.
tears of hercules Rod Stewart
to be irish programme 2021 www.tobeIrish.ie
honey boy Netflix
WAIT, is this the same . . . yes, the very same Do ya think I’m sexy lad, Rod the Mod . . . but was he not crooning his way through the American Songbook last we heard from him? Indeed, and very successfully too. But now, on what is his 32nd studio album, he has decided to pick up the pen himself and write his own material, in what one reviewer described as “alternately baffling, absurd, sweet, and endearing” . . . A Herculean effort then? Quite. It would bring you tears. But you got to still love him.
MINISTER Colm Brophy (pictured with Colm Brophy, cellist Patrick Dexter and Delia Ioana Tudor (7)), has announced details of To Be Irish At Christmas 2021. The 16-day programme which runs from December 8-23 celebrates the special connections between the Irish at home and abroad in the run-up to Christmas despite the Covid pandemic. It will feature over 140 in-person, hybrid, and online events from all across the world. Its aim is to engage with our 70 million-strong diaspora and their family and friends.
THERE is so much to this story based actor Shia Laboeuf’s life. As a kid, he lived with his father on the road during the filming of Even Stevens and other roles. His dad was a war veteran who went to bikers’ AA meetings and who had a brief acting career himself. He was so full of anger that Laboeuf suffered from PTSD, but which he was able to perceive in a fascinating way. This is an incredible movie on emotionally abusive parent-child relationships. Starring Laboeuf as his father and Lucas Hedges as current-day Laboeuf.
AquariusShare the news and clear up any miscommunications immediately. A controversy could have a silver lining. Keep your tone polite and respectful. PiscesDon’t spend your income before you get it. Look for hidden opportunities in a chaotic situation. Monitor cash flow carefully to avoid shortfalls.
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December 14, 2021
wexfordcountycouncilround-up
By Dan Walsh
Support for homeless in own area In support of the homeless the Council will endeavour, now and in the future, to secure or provide emergency accommodation within the area where an individual or family have become homeless. Cllr Tom Forde told the meeting that asking that a homeless individual or family accept emergency accommodation outside of their area and away from their place of work or school can negatively impact their employment and the education of schoolchildren. The motion, seconded by Cllr Jim Codd, was carried. New Ross bridge set to close The famous O’Hanrahan Bridge over the River Barrow at New Ross may be closed to traffic for upwards of 18 months to facilitate improvement and maintenance works. Eamonn Hore, Director of Services, briefed members on the works and said that the project will be undertaken by Kildare County Council as the TII Regional Bridge Manager is assigned to the Kildare National Roads Office. The prestressed concrete bridge is named after Irish patriot Michael O’Hanrahan, who was executed by firing squad on May 4, 1916, at Kilmainham Jail. It is the seventh bridge to cross the River Barrow in the town and was officially opened on February 27th, 1967. It cost £380,000 and was built by Messrs O’Connell & Harney of Cork. Vacant Housing Officer Never a Council meeting passes without a robust discussion on housing, or the lack of it, and the November meeting of Wexford County Council was no different. Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin was successful in gaining the backing of the members to support his motion; “That Wexford County Council recognises that there are a substantial number of vacant properties in Co. Wexford, and to employ a full time Vacant Housing Officer for 2022 to endeavour to bring as many units as possible back into use to help with affordable housing options. Referendum on right to housing. Members of Wexford County Council have backed an amended motion put forward by Cllr Tom Forde calling on the government to recognise and vindicate the right of all persons to adequate housing by way of a referendum and to amend the constitution during the lifetime of this government! Some ‘government party’ members were clearly uncomfortable with the motion, but in the end, it was carried. There was some argument that such a provision was contained in the Housing for All document? “What if the government was to end in the morning,” was another suggestion, however, that being the case the motion would end its term. Healthy environment for children An undertaking that children and young people enjoy themselves “in a smoke and vape free environment” received the full support of members when raised by Cllr John Hegarty. The Fine Gael member proposed that Wexford County Council include in all Council playgrounds, parks and beaches, and areas designed for children and young people as part of the initial phase of the Health Committee ‘Not Around Us’ campaign. The idea is to establish places and spaces in Co. Wexford where children and young people “can enjoy themselves in a smoke and vape free environment.”
Former Mayor of Wexford Thomas F Byrne`s family made a gesture to to the council by putting their father’s ‘Ring of the Chair’ more than 50 years later. Pictured: Back Row, Les Byrne Jr, Anthony O Flynn, and Sean Byrne, Mayor Garry Laffan, and Les Byrne Snr.
Road safety in housing estates Patience was on hold for Cllr Leonard Kelly’s motion calling on Wexford County Council working with each municipal district to conduct a complete road safety audit on all estates taken-incharge by the Council with particular emphasis on the condition of existing speed
ramps and assessment of the need for new ramps and the erection of appropriate signage such as ‘Slow Down Children at Play.’ Deferred from the September meeting, Cllr Kelly’s motion was agreed by all members at the November meeting of Wexford County
Council held in Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford. Cllr Kelly told the meeting he had received representations relating to reckless behaviour of some drivers within residential areas. “The safety of residents and their children should not
be dependent on makeshift signage or on discretionary funds being spent by individual councillors for things like speed ramps,” said Cllr Kelly, who added; “All safety upgrades need to be costed, budgeted and planned to give clarity to local residents.”
three town plants to address this issue into the future. Assessing the quality of the public water in each town continues and there is a confidence feeling that the Boil Water Notices may be lifted in the coming days as matters improve. While the public water supply in New Ross has been unaffected by the heavy rains, it was noted that the New Ross water treatment plant used UV to treat the raw water. There is good news. Irish Water has invested €100,000 on the Creagh Water Treatment Plant since August 2021 on a range of capital works and is also pleased to announce that it received approval in principle, subject to specifications and costings to acquire an additional treatment system to provide further resilience to the water treatment plant. The Creagh (Gorey) Water
Treatment Plant made national headlines following an incident last August when untreated water entered the public supply and fifty-two reported ill and a number required hospitalisation. Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin put forward a successful motion that “Wexford County Council acknowledges the need for clean drinking water in all areas of the county, and that we will work with Irish Water to ensure we have UV filtration systems in place in all districts.” Mr Hore confirmed; “We have asked for that.” Chief Executive Officer, Tom Enright, informed members that the Council’s investigation into the contamination incident at Creagh in August will conclude in the coming days and results will be presented to a Special Meeting of GoreyKilmuckridge Municipal District Council members. All members joined in acknowledging the efforts of Mr. Hore and his water team in managing the particularly challenging circumstances that prevailed, and they also paid tribute to the quality of the communications between Irish Water and the elected members and the public during this time.
Water woes in three big towns It has been a challenging time for dependants on the public water supply across Co. Wexford, with Boil Water Notices still in operation for Wexford town and Creagh (Gorey), while Enniscorthy has its Boil Water Notice lifted, and Eamonn Hore, Director of Services, informed members at the November meeting of Wexford County Council of the challenging conditions impacting on water supplies in the three towns. Recent unprecedented heavy rains caused significant run-off from adjoining lands on the rivers Bann, Slaney and Sow, leading to increased turbidity levels in the raw water entering the public water treatment plants serving Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford town. Due to turbidity levels, and despite the best efforts of staff, it has proved impossible to
guarantee the quality of the public water leaving these plants and, consequently, Wexford County Council, in partnership with Irish Water and the Health Service Executive, issued boiled water notices in the three towns. In the case of Wexford town, efforts to reduce the impact of the high turbidity levels included reduction in the volumes of water leaving the plant and entering the public water system, which in turn, created water outages throughout Wexford town. The Council has succeeded in restoring output levels and the supply is once more reaching all parts of the network, but the Boil Water Notice remains in place. Wexford County Council has requested Irish Water to install UV (ultraviolet) treatment of the raw water and each of the
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December 14, 2021
We take a look back at extracts from old newspapers to see what was in the news this month in years gone by
Irish Press 24/12/1937 Irish Press 22/12/1934
Freemans Jrn 26/12/1846
Sunday Press 10/12/1978
Irish Press 23/12/1936
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thechronicle.ie December 14, 2021