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£20,000 now outstanding

Council crack down on rent arrears

IAN McCLURE Staff Reporter

NEW Ross U.D.C. has instituted legal proceedings to recover possession of houses from council tenants as part of a crack down on rent arrears which in some cases have run to in excess of £1,000. Details of a report circulated to council members, and obtained by this newspaper, reveal that the total bill for rent arrears now amounts to £20,000, with 12% of council tenants having run into debt. In one case arrears have been allowed to mount by £1,010 since January 1 of this year to a total of £1,951. In two other cases the amounts owed ring in at over £1,400, while in other instances it ranges between £25 and £900. A concerted effort has been made by the council over the past number of months to reduce the level of rent and other arrears. All tenants in arrears have been written to and some have made arrangements to clear their arrears over a specified period. In some cases however, it has been necessary for the council to threaten legal action. In three cases, even after Notices to Quit were served, arrears have still not been paid. Possession has now been demanded and refused and the council's solicitor has been instructed to institute court proceedings for recovery of possession of the dwellings. Details of the report have alarmed councillors with Cllr. John Anglim being particularly critical of the council's failure to nip the problem in the bud. `People that owe that type of money in rent are people with social problems and the whole rigours of the law are not going to solve their financial problems,' he stated. `As well as managing its affairs more prudently the council has to have a heart, this should not have been allowed to happen, it should have been nipped in the bud,' he added. It was totally unfair to an individual that they allowed to get to a situation where the owe almost £2,000 in rent, he said, adding that such an individual would not be in position to meet this amount. In all, the council has 347 tenants on its books together with 100 tenant purchasers. `If we had that level of arrears in any business we would be looking for peoples' resignations,' said Cllr. Anglim, who added that he was `horrified' by the content of the rent arrears report. He was particularly disappointed that council officials had not been more expedient in meeting those going two to three weeks in arrears to determine if they had financial difficulties, and in putting them in contact with credit management services if this proved to be the case. He pointed to the fact that he had made this suggestion during his tenure as chairman from 1996 to 1997, adding that such policy was designed to serve as an early warning system to the council regarding rent arrears. Cllr. Anglim was also disappointed that the report on rent arrears was the first to be presented to the council in twelve months, and that the policy of having such a report prepared every three months had fallen down. Assistant County Manager, John Hutchinson stated that current efforts by the council were ensuring that rents are paid and that the position on rent arrears has not deteriorated. Procedures which the council had to adopt were laborious in some instances, he said. It was not easy to monitor and pursue matters but they are being purused, he added. The council meanwhile, have decided to hold fire on the issue until January in the hope that that the next rent arrears report will show a marked improvement on the current position.

St. Mogue's bridge 110-year gap to claim football crown

PEOPLE from the parish of Templetown who had never been to O'Kennedy Park, New Ross, before, were there on Sunday to see their local heroes, Fethard St. Mogue's, bridge a 110-year gap by winning their first-ever Co. Wexford senior football championship at the first attempt. Amongst the first-timers who saw the seasiders thwart Gusserane, their next-door neighbours, by a margin of three points, 1-9 to 1-6, was Mrs. Josie Waters, Lambstown, a Ramsgrange woman whose sons, Greg and Jody, played major roles in fashioning Fethard's fabulous historic victory. The celebrations which began with a climb of the perimiter fence after John Sinnott from the Martin's Club sounded the long whistle continued in John Hanton's Hillside Bar and climaxed in the chock-a-block street of Fethard as the all-conquering heroes arrived to a tumultuous welcome from their adoring fans who came from many parts of the county and outside it. Earlier, at Saltmills bridge, which is the landmark dividing the two parishes, team captain, Georgie Foley walked across the bridge with the cup, a symbolic gesture for a first-time crossing. In the background was a poster in the Gusserane colours which had the words: `this is the end of the road for Fethard'.

(Our picture shows Minister Hugh Byrne and his son Jim) It is not, cracked Minister of State, Hugh Byrne, the end of the road for Fethard, but the beginning of the road. The Minister was one of several speakers, including Fr. Joe. McGrath and John Hanton, who lavished praise on the new champions, praise which was savoured by the attendance as the men who will become folk-heroes were hero-worshipped. There was consternation when the team captain, Georgie Foley, announced that training was to recommence on Tuesday night - in Hotel Naomh Seosamh, he was quick to add to lusty cheers. But it will be back to serious business on Friday night in preparation for Sunday week's Leinster Club championship meeting with Athlone in Athlone.

Praise for traffic control

THE gardai came in for high praise at a meeting of Wexford Co. Council this week for their effective security and traffic control at the National Ploughing Championships in Ferns. Enniscorthy TD John Browne complimented them on a job well done and Cllr. Rory Murphy of Bunclody said they never shirked from their duty not even on the particularly wet day of the competition. Cllr. John T. Browne paid tribute to council member Séamus Whelan on the major part he played in the ploughing championships while Cllr. Whelan in turn publicly congratulated the two sons and a daughter of Cllr. Jimmy Curtis who won awards in different classes. The Assistant Co. Engineer John Hutchinson paid tribute to the council's engineering and roads staff who put a huge effort into the event.

New F.G. councillor

An Enniscorthy farmer has been co-opted to Wexford Co. Council to fill the vacancy created by the untimely death of Blackwater man, John Walsh. Paddy Kavanagh (43) took his late party colleague's seat on Monday after his co-option was unanimously approved by the Council. The Cooladine resident was proposed by Cllr. Deirdre Bolger who remarked that he had a lot to catch up on in a short space of time.

Will oppose nuclear waste proposal near Fishguard

WEXFORD Co. Council has vowed to lend its strong support to a campaign against a fresh nuclear threat across the water in Wales. At a meeting on Monday afternoon, councillors said they were very concerned about a proposal to build a nuclear waste facility in an old military depot in Trecwn near Fishguard. A company called Omega Pacific has applied for planning permission to store low and interemediate level nuclear waste in caverns excavated into the sides of the valley at the former top secret military facility. Pembrokeshire Council which is twinned with Wexford Co. Council has sought the support of local councillors in opposing the proposal which was described in a Welsh newspaper as `a bolt from the blue'. Cllr. Jimmy Curtis said he would be urging the council to co-operate fully with representatives in Pembrokeshire on the issue. His colleagues unanimously agreed that they should object strongly to the nuclear waste proposal in a location which is regarded as one of Wales' most scenic areas. John Pierce, the County Secretary said the chairman of Pembrokeshire Council would be inviting Wexford councillors over to Wales for further discussions on the matter in the next few weeks.

No intention of buying Riverside Hotel

Pettitt boss slams unfounded rumours

WEXFORD business man Des Pettitt has slammed rumour-mongers who have spread stories that he intends purchasing the Riverside Hotel in Enniscorthy. He has also described as `unfair' a persistent rumour that he is about to sell the Gorey branch of his supermarket chain to an English company. In a statement this week Mr. Pettitt declares categorically that he `has not, did not consider and is not considering nor has he ever expressed an interest in owning the Riverside Hotel in Enniscorthy'. He said that rumours to this effect, which have been in circulation for some weeks, are `unfair to the Neville and Pettit families who have known and respected each other for many years'. Mr. Pettitt stated that he tried to ignore the rumours for some time but has since spoken to Séamus Neville and both agreed that it would be unfair to their respective staffs not to publicly refute the claims. In the statement he also denies the rumour about Pettitts supermarket in Gorey. `Nothing could be further from the truth. There may be companies out there who would like to buy us out, or indeed there may be some unfair enough to try deliberately to damage what is one of our premier branches,' he said. Mr. Pettitt noted that when he has expanded his business in the past he has always carried out his affairs in an `open and above board' manner. At present the company are in the middle of a major extension at their Athy supermarket branch. Staff were told of the plans for this extension as soon as plans were agreed over a year ago and copies of the plan were placed in prominent places in the store. Similarly, he said, on the same day as the deal for Wexford's Talbot Hotel was signed they issued a release with the details. `Pettitt's staff need have no fear and if anyone thinks that they no something in relation to the business that nobody else knows let them come and ask me before they set out spreading incorrect information,' he said. `Yes, I am vexed. Like many people in business I accept the odd rumour here and there over time, but this current series has been on the rounds for over two months and the time has come to call stop.'

Blood bank in town

BLOOD donors from the New Ross district are reminded that the mobile unit of the Blood Transfusion Service Board will be based at The Old Rectory Hotel in Rosbercon from Tuesday, October 20 to Friday, October 23. Blood donations can be made on Tuesday, October 20, Wednesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 22 from 3 p.m. to 4.45 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.. Donations can be made on Friday, October 23 between 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m., and from 2.30 p.m. to 4.45 p.m..

London dance for Ross exiles

THE London New Ross and District Association wishes to advise Rossonians living in London that it will host a dance at the Winchester Tavern Hall, 206 Archway Road, N6 on Saturday, October 24. The venue can be reached via Archway or Highgate underground station. Music on the night will be provided by `Mick and The Moonshiners' with dancing from 9 p.m. to 12.30 a.m.. Tickets cost £2 and are available on the door.

Gold pin for blood donor Billy

Congratulations are extended to Billy Cullen, `Bosheen Bungalows' who was recently presented with a gold pin by the Blood Transfusion Service Board. Billy was presented with the award on reaching the milestone of donating 50 units of blood to the Board.

Parents committee look back on another good year at their A.G.M.

THE events of another successful year at Ramsgrange Community School were reviewed last week when the school's Parents' Council held it A.G.M. at the establishment. The meeting was largely attended with many parents of first year students present. The attendance also included school principal, Liam Fardy, and vice-principal, Marie Diskin. Addressing those present, the chairman of the Parents' Council, Billy Drought reported that the organisation had conducted two successful fundraising events during the year. The America Tea Party proved yet again to be an enjoyable social night, while the Easter raffle was also well supported, he said, adding proceeds from the two events had placed the council in a strong financial position. He revealed that it planned to make a substantial donation to the school in the near future to coincide with the 21st anniversary of its foundation. Mr. Drought pointed out that fundraising carried out by the committee represented a very small portion of its work, and commented that it should not deter anyone from joining the committee. Staff at the school were commended on the brilliant results that were achieved in both Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations this year, and were also complimented for the success achieved in Post Leaving Certificate courses. Mr. Drought thanked all parents for supporting the school, while also thanking those who has sponsored prizes throughout the year. Further thanks was extended to the Tweedy family for the use of the Hotel Naomh Seosamh during the year. Isobel Tubritt was commended for her work as secretary of the Parents' Council, while Dymphna Molloy was praised for her good work as treasurer, and for preparing the financial report presented to the meeting. School Principal, Liam Fardy was delighted to report that all of last year's Leaving Certificate class had either gone on to third level education, or had taken up apprenticeships. He also outlined the many different projects that had been carried out during the school year including the re-carpeting and painting of much of the school building. He also highlighted the fact that the toilets had been re-tiled and re-fitted. More new lockers were also purchased during the year and each child at the school now had a locker of their own, he said. Ms Diskin, who is also chairperson of the committee formed to spearhead the school's 21st birthday celebrations, outlined the many different events planned to mark the occasion. They begin on Friday, October 23 in the school and conclude on Saturday, October 24 with a Gala Ball in the Rhu Glenn Country Club. She urged all parents and students and past-pupils to take part in this unique event. A new committee comprising seventeen people was elected for the coming year with those concerned representing nine different areas serviced by the school. Those concerned are, Claire Hogan, Dymphna Molloy, and Theresa Molloy representing Duncannon, Catherine Shannon, Ellie Foley, Isobel Tubritt, Mary Keating, and Avril Murphy representing Arthurstown, Ballyhack, and Fethard, Elizabeth Whitty, John Waters and Margaret Waters representing Campile, Joan Cooley, Marian McDonald, and Mary Ryan representing Ramsgrange; and Mary Cooney, Chrissie Harpur, and Billy Drought representing Ballycullane, Wellingtonbridge, and Shielbaggan. The meeting also scheduled Friday, December 4 as the date for this year's fundraising American Tea Party which will be held in the Hotel Naomh Seosamh.

Community rallies to support of injured man

Wheelchair bound Brendan gets car

THE great community spirit which exists in New Ross has helped to provide a young Rosbercon man who is confined to a wheelchair with a specially modified car which has restored much of his independence. Twenty-seven year old Brendan O'Connor took possession of the brand new Mitsubishi Carisma last Friday thanks to the fundraising efforts of those behind an appeal fund launched in his name. The total of £8,500 collected to date also helped to cover Brendan's car insurance. Envelopes and details of the appeal fund were circulated to businesses throughout the town early last month explaining the reasons behind it and how people could assist. The appeal had been running in the Rosbercon area for some time previous and was extended across the river into town in an attempt to raise the funds required to purchase the car to allow Brendan pursue a third level education course. He was seriously injured in September of last year when he fell from a roof in New Ross on which he was working. After months of care in the National Rehabilitation Centre he was able to return to his family and his native Rosbercon, but unfortunately he is confined to a wheelchair. The committee behind the appeal fund have been working together since early summer and previously drew down full tax and VRT reductions on the purchase of the new car for Brendan. Brendan is presently pursuing a third level business studies course at Waterford Institute of Technology with his new car set to be of great assistance to him in commuting to and from college. Practically the full amount which the appeal fund has raised to date has now been spent, and those behind it are confident that further funds can be raised over the coming months to provide Brendan with additional funding to help with his third level education. They have already set their sights on purchasing a home computer and the necessary software which will assist him with his studies. Those concerned wish to thank all who contributed to the recent fundraising drive, and assure those concerned that Brendan is extremely grateful to all who subscribed to the appeal fund. Donations may still be made to the Brendan O'Connor Appeal Fund, c/o Richard McElwee, Ballyknock, New Ross (chairman); or Fr. Anthony O'Connor, Millbanks, Rosbercon, New Ross (secretary/treasurer). Alternatively donations may be made directly to The Brendan O'Connor Appeal Fund at Bank of Ireland, The Quay, New Ross, a/c 37862771.

Paintings exhibition

THE product of five years work will be there for all to see this Friday when Little Michael Street's Kay Dolan opens an exhibition of her watercolour paintings at New Ross Library. The exhibition comprises thirty paintings with many depicting flowers and views of New Ross. They range in price from £40 to £140. The official opening takes place at 7 p.m.. The exhibition will continue to run until Friday, October 23 and can be viewed during normal library opening hours.

Writers Group

THE New Ross Writers Group is set to resume activities after its summer break with a meeting scheduled to take place at Michael Street Boy's N.S. this Thursday evening between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.. The group which formed last April has a core group of eight members with new members welcome to join. Those interested should telephone Chris Hutchinson at (051) 420104 for further details and information. The group is presently planning to organise a fun night of readings and recitals to coincide with Halloween. All material being prepared for the event will attempt to tie in with the traditional elements of the occasion.

TOP STUDENTS

Two students from Good Counsel College, New Ross, who achieved eight As and B in the Junior Cert this year and received a special presentation at a function in the College. David Nolan, Poulpeasty and James Cheevers, Arthurstown are pictured with Fr. John Henneberry, College Principal

A salute to the Fethard men of 1998

I SALUTE you the Fethard men of '98 having been a player along with so many others over a number of years when the best we could hope for was a junior medal. The present team have won junior, intermediate, and now the real icing on the cake - a Wexford senior football title. To beat a team of Gusserane's experience and calibre in the process only reinforces the opinion that this is the best Fethard football team of all time. I salute the team, their families, and all who have been involved with them up to and including this present magnificent victory. If I may be allowed on a great team occasion to make exceptions of Lorcan, John, and Paul Barden, sons of Mickie and Peggy. I can still hear Mikie saying; `Fethard will win if they get the breaks'. Thank-you Mickie we got some on Sunday. Arise people of the parish of Templetown and one and all salute the Fethard men of 1998. Tom Neville, Main Street, Fethard-on-Sea.

Hotel New Ross sold for over £800,000

A DUBLIN business couple have paid in excess of £800,000 to become the new owners of the Hotel New Ross, local auctioneer, Ann Carton, P.N. O'Gorman Auctioneers, has confirmed. The purchasers opened bidding for the two-star Bord Fáilte registered hotel at £650,000 when it went to auction. The prominent North Street property was subsequently withdrawn at £670,000 and sold immediately afterwards. Interest in the property which incorporates 15 en-suite bedrooms as well as the `Colosseum' nightclub was strong with investors from Dublin and Cork joining locals in expressing an interest in it. It is understood that the new proprietors intend to carry on the existing trade at the hotel, and that they plan to invest in its development early next year. The full scale of their plans however are not clear. The property is the third of its kind to go on the market in New Ross. Katie Pat's on The Quay will be auctioned this Thursday by Wexford auctioneer, Adrian Haythornthwaite, while Crosbie's Bar on North Street will be auctioned on Thursday, October 29 by Michael O'Leary, Wexford.

Disappointment as Ross gained only six extra points

`Were the tidy judges wearing dark glasses?'

IAN McCLURE New Ross

THE FACT that New Ross gained only six extra points in this year's Tidy Towns competition, despite a spirited clean-up drive has caused Cllr. Denis North to question whether or not the adjudicators were wearing dark glasses on the day they inspected the town. Speaking at Monday's meeting of New Ross U.D.C. he expressed surprise that the huge volume of work undertaken to present the town in the best possible light did not yield a larger return in the number of points gained. He pointed to the fact that the town was adjudicated three days prior to the arrival of the Tour de France, stating that he had never seen it looking so well. `With the number of points we were awarded we may all have stayed at home and told the lads on the Tour to go the other way,' he commented. `Do these people wear dark glasses when they come in to adjudicate our town, because something is up,' he continued. `What do we have to do?,' asked Cllr. Victor Furness, pointing out that the town had never looked better on the day of adjudication. As a member of the Tidy Towns committee he stated that the organisation were delighted to gain extra points, but that they were disappointed with their overall rating. Cllr. John Anglim complimented the members of the Tidy Towns committee for their great work during the year, and stated that it was disappointing that their efforts had only been rewarded by an increase of six points on the 1997 result. The fact that the adjudicator's report made a number of suggestions as to how the appearance of the town might be improved was highlighted by Cllr. Frances Ryan who felt that the council should use them as the base for devising a new clean-up work programme. She stated that the council should take note of suggestions that it consider the judicious cutting of trees to again open up some river views on the approach road from Enniscorthy, and that the condition of the former Post Office at lower Irishtown also be addressed. She felt that the council could also play a part in encouraging large-scale industrial and commercial premises on the ring road to avail more of screening, as suggested in the report. Cllr. Sinéad Cashin remarked that the people of the town should not be disheartened by the adjudicator's report, and commented that it only represented the view and opinion of one committee. `If anyone goes around the town they will see that it has improved and that it is getting better,' she said, commending the local Tidy Towns committee and those who played their part in the clean-up drive. Cllr. Eoin Minihan also complimented the work of the committee and stated that the flower baskets erected on the quay looked particularly striking. He stated that he too was surprised that only six extra points were gained in the competition considering that the approach roads had been cleaned, and that many of the business premises along the route of the Tour de France had been repainted. He felt that many points were lost because of the number of derelict buildings in town, and stated that urban renewal was required to help tackle this problem. Securing such a scheme for the town would greatly help to boost its marks in the competition, he said. Senator Jim Walsh informed the meeting that he had spoken to the chairman of the Tidy Towns Association, Colm Caulfield, about the organisation's plans for the year ahead. He suggested that a meeting be arranged at which Mr. Caulfield could outline the Association's plans for the year ahead to the council. The meeting would also give the council an opportunity to add to the plans and would lead to a more cohesive approach to achieving greater success in the national tidy towns competition, he said. Sen. Walsh added that all community organisations in town should also be encouraged to become involved in helping to implement the plan, and to throw their full weight behind the effort to achieve improved tidy town success.

Musical Society change plans

NEW Ross Musical Society has decided to change course with its plans for this year's production and will now stage `The Sound of Music' instead of `Showboat'. The decision to change shows was taken as it was not possible to cast all parts for `Showboat' which requires a larger number of performers that most other musicals. The Society first staged `The Sound of Music' in 1998 and its return after ten years is set to be warmly welcomed when it opens at St. Michael's Theatre on February 22 next. Auditions will take place at St. Michael's Theatre on Thursday, October 22 at 8 p.m. with all welcome to attend. A special welcome is extended to new members. A special invitation is extended to young people to participate in the show given that it has many parts available for children. It is hoped that the opportunity of becoming part of the famous `Von Trappe Family' will appeal to those concerned. Rehearsals will be conducted at New Ross CBS Primary School this Thursday at 8 p.m. and thereafter on Mondays and Thursdays at the same time. The show will be produced by Tony Finnegan, with Lorreto O'Keeffe acting as assistant producer. Waterford's Kevin O'Carroll is taking up duty as musical director, while Anne Marie Cooney will take charge as choreographer. The Society meanwhile wishes to remind supporters that its fundraising fashion show will take place at The Brandon House Hotel this Wednesday night at 8.30 p.m.. Tickets cost £4 each and are available on the door, and from committee members.

Sad death of Pat Dempsey

THE death occurred at Wexford General Hospital on Thursday of Mr. Patrick (Pat) Dempsey, Mountain Ego, Whitechurch, New Ross, a member of a very well-known and highly-respected family. Aged 80, he had been ill only for a short time. A progressive farmer, he was also keenly interested in bee-keeping. Politically, he was a supporter of Fine Gael, having been a member of the local branch of the party. One of a family of thirteen, seven boys and six girls, he is survived by his wife, Jo.; his son, Jim; his daughters, Josephine, Julia and Frances; his sisters, Sister Lila, Poor Clares, Florida; Sr. Alice, John of God, Australia; Sr. Katie, John of God Convent, Wexford, and by Julia, London, as well as by his brothers, Michael and Myles. There was a large and representative attendance at the funeral which took place to Ballykelly cemetery on Saturday. Sympathy is extended to his wife, family and other relatives in their bereavement. /*(To go with pictures)*/

Battle of Ross marked by street procession

NEW ROSS was alive on Sunday as over 600 pikemen joined forces to stage the largest street procession to take place in the district as part of the 1798 bicentenary celebrations. Organised by The Three Bullet Gate Pikemen the event traced the history of the Battle of Ross taking in ten of the most significant sites and locations in relation to the conflict which claimed the lives of 3,000 people. The fact that historically informative plaques have been erected at each of the locations was acknowledged by the marchers who brought their pikes to salute at each one. The procession over the 2.8 mile route came to an end at The Three Bullet Gate where two of the ten plaques were officially unveiled. The entire event took over three hours to complete. The procession was set on its way from the ring field on Corbett Hill by Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, Hugh Byrne. It was led by a colour party from the 10th Battalion New Ross F.C.A. followed by members of the New Ross and District Pipe Band, and the New Ross Confraternity Brass Band. The party of marching pikemen were led by The Three Bullet Gate Pikemen who in turn were led by Joe Cullen. Templenacrow man, and 1798 senator, Bill Murray led the contingent of marching pikemen from other parts of the county who were joined by pikemen from Wicklow and Carlow. The first of three wreath laying ceremonies was conducted at The Bosheen considering that this location was the closest point to Nunnery Lane where a number of those who lost their lives in the Battle of Ross are buried. The ceremony was performed by Frankie Sheehan and Aine O'Connor. The procession proceeded to Irishtown, The Bullawn, Church Lane, Mary Street, Brogue Lane, Charles Street, and to the Quay where a second wreath laying ceremony was conducted at the river Barrow in memory of those whose bodies were thrown into the river after the Battle of Ross. This ceremony was conducted by Senator Jim Walsh, representing New Ross U.D.C., Cllr. Eoin Minihan representing the New Ross Comoradh '98 Committee, and Bill Murray, on behalf of the county Wexford pikemen.. The procession then continued to Marsh Lane, Robert Street and Michael Street before arriving at the Three Bullet Gate where a large number of spectators had gathered. Campile based historian, and New Ross native, Danny Brennan acted as M.C. at the plaque unveiling ceremony conducted there. The principal speakers included Sen. Walsh who praised The Three Bullet Gate Pikemen for organising the event which, he said, had helped to put New Ross well and truly on the Comoradh '98 map. He also praised New Ross Historical Society for the part it played in the project to erect the ten 1798 plaques in town. Sen. Walsh also took the opportunity to highlight the fact that the council is behind the plans to provide the new 1798 wall of shirts commemorative commission which is to be installed on the approach road from Wexford. Comoradh '98 co-ordinator, Bernard Browne also praised The Three Bullet Pikemen for their initiative, and referred to the ten 1798 plaques in town as a valuable contribution towards remembering the events of the Battle of Ross. Historian, Nicky Furlong provided the large attendance with a brief outline of the history of the battle which took place on June 5, 1798. A third wreath laying ceremony was conducted at the new monument installed at The Three Bullet Gate by Soutkknock resident, Robbie Dunphy who at 98 years of age has the distinction of being the oldest resident in town. He was joined in performing the function by Sean Doyle from Rosbercon who is best known having organised the 1798 military tatoo at Barret's Park in 1948. Mrs. Peter Hanlon, from Robert Street, was also invited to jointly perform the wreath laying ceremony. She however, was unable to attend the function and was represented by Ms. Terry Bennett, Neville Street. The Three Bullet Gate Pikemen wish to extend their thanks to the traders and publicans in New Ross who kindly provided them with sponsorship towards the cost of staging Sunday's event. Thanks is also extended to all those who helped with its organisation both prior to the event, and on the day.

In search of a moose's head and the town's perfect couple

A SEARCH greater than that for the Holy Grail has now been mounted in New Ross to find none other than a moose's head along with the town's most perfect couple. Every attic, household, and drinking tavern the town over is to be turned upside down during the coming weeks as hard nosed detectives knuckle down to work. So short is the race against time in which the New Ross Drama Workshop finds itself competing to unearth the moose's head that it has disposed of a proviso that said head be delivered on a silver platter. It is required as a prop for the outfit's forthcoming `Fawlty Towers' production at St. Michael's Theatre and nothing but the real thing, or a deer's head if worse comes to all, will do. The show which includes the one act plays `The Germans' and `Communications Problems' opens at St. Michael's Theatre for a four night run next Wednesday night. Tickets are certain to be in big demand if the Workshop's last `Fawlty Towers' production is anything to go by, and the fact that virtually the same cast is involved guarantees yet another show to remember. It is being produced and directed by Margaret Rossiter who is also taking on the role of `Sybil' with Eithne Forde, who was originally cast as the domineering hotel proprietor, having pulled out of the show to tend to the joys and demands of motherhood (belated congrats on parenthood to Eithne and Mick). Campile's Tom Sutton promises another spellbinding performance as the madcap `Bazil Fawlty' as does Milo Walsh as `Manuel' having been simply outstanding the last time out. Kate Foran, or Kate O'Keeffe as she is now known (more belated congratulations) returns as `Pollie', while Sean Miley takes on the role of `Major'. Other welcome additions to the cast of twenty players include Patti Flemming as `Miss Tibbs' and Anto Rogers as `Mrs. Richardson'. Paul Walsh is reported to be consulting father and brother for expert advice having landed the part of the doctor, while Anne Kelly is set to make light of her role as the nurse given that she is a nurse by profession. Tickets to the show cost £5 (£3 concession for students and O.A.P.'s) and are presently available from the box office at St. Michael's Theatre, telephone (051) 421255. Getting back to the moose's head (or alternatively the deer's head), those in a position to loan such to the Workshop should contact its props manager, Jenny Nutall at (051) 421383. Safe keeping is assured. ^Perfect couple And now to the search for New Ross's most perfect couple. `Does your partner wear a vest ?' are the words bellowing from posters billed around town advertising that the search is soon to commence at Donal Whelan's pub in Ballyanne. It is being conducted by the New Ross Chernobyl Children's Project who brought no small measure of entertainment to the same venue earlier this year with its fundraising `Miss Thorny Rose' drag-queen competition. The Perfect Couple Contest promises to be an even bigger hit and those intent on enjoying the fun are well advised to face the reality that right now is the time to secure a spectator's position at the popular watering hole. It is guaranteed to be packed to the rafters when the competition begins this Friday with Donal himself doing the honours as M.C.. Three heats will take place in all continuing on Friday, October 23, and Friday, November 6. Six couples will compete each night and the competition is based on the popular `Mr. & Mrs' television programme. One party to the couple will don ear-plugs and will sit behind a screen while their partner will be required to answer ten questions about them. The `other half' will subsequently be brought on stage to confirm whether or not each answer is correct with points awarded for each correct answer. Sounds simple doesn't it. It is if you ignore the fact that not all questions will be run of the mill, and those hoping to amass the most number of points to win first prize of a weekend away for two will really need to have their homework done. This however, should not deter couples from trying their hand at success. Those interested in participating in the contest should register their entry with Donal Whelan or any member of the New Ross Chernobyl Children's Project. All proceeds from the fun event will go towards the cost of bringing 40 Chernobyl children to New Ross for a four week summer holiday during 1999. A fundraising raffle will also take place during each heat of the competition. ^Fashion Show It may not be the catwalks of Milan but the Brandon House Hotel will be the next best thing this Wednesday night as New Ross Musical Society stages its annual fundraising fashion show. The event is a must for dedicated followers of fashion who will be able to keep ahead of the rest by viewing the latest styles for evening wear, dress wear, and casual and day wear. The event is now established as one of the social highlights of the year with tickets priced at a value for money £4. They are available from any member of the Musical Society committee, and on the door. ^Self Defence Those interested in learning self defence can avail of expert tuition in the subject on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 at the Youth Centre in New Ross. The venue is set to accommodate a self defence seminar between 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. each day which will be conducted by Tullogher's James Doherty. James, who has been practising martial arts for the past 14 years, explains that the seminar will deal with the subjects of self defence, grappling, trapping, and knife fighting both armed and unarmed. He is already well known for his expertise as a self defence and martial arts instructor having run the Southern All Style Karate Association at the Youth Centre for the past six months. It meets every Tuesday night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and now has almost twenty members. James explains that the forthcoming seminar is designed to open people's mind to the fact that they may at some stage be required to defend themselves from attack. It is aimed at providing participants with expert tuition as to how best to protect themselves in such circumstances. The cost of attending the seminar is £30 for one day or £50 for the two days. Discounts are available to groups and those booking in advance. Further information is available by contacting James at (086) 8209914. ^Table Quiz Local general knowledge experts, Ultan O'Brien, Padraig Feeney, Tony Feeney, and Joseph Furlong have laid down their marker for success in this year's New Ross Pantomime Table Quiz League by taking pole position with 136 points following the second round of the competition. The quartet lead the field of twelve competing pubs ahead of the Theatre Tavern and James Ryan's `A' team who are snapping at their heels in joint second place with 135 points. So elated was the Theatre Tavern team of Jim Meggs, John Roche, Richie Kirwan and John Dolan to take the lead at one point in round two that they are reported to have performed a ceremonial dance. Gods knows what is planned if they emerge as overall winners. The Rag and the Ross Inn lie joint third with 121 points. Following behind is Crosbie's bar with 116 points, The Three Bullet Gate with 115 points, The Mariners' Inn `B' team with 114 points, James Ryan's `B' team with 111 points, the Parish Pump with 104 points, McCann's Bar and Lounge with 99 points, and Corcoran's with 50 points. The next round of the competition takes place in James Ryan's pub in Mary Street this Wednesday night at 8 p.m.. A fundraising raffle will also take place on the night. The winners of this year's quiz league will be presented with a prize of £150. The runners-up will receive £75, while the team finishing third will collect £50. The competition is once again being sponsored by Heineken.

Ramsgrange students tell Minister of lost opportunity

A MISSED opportunity to market Ireland at the recently held Expo '98 fair in Lisbon was brought to the attention of Minister Hugh Byrne last week by none other than a group of students from Ramsgrange Community School. Seven fourth year students who travelled to Portugal last month to present a project as part of the prestigious Europroject conference which coincided with Expo '98 made their case to Minister Byrne when he visited the school to view their work. The theme of the project, namely `The Oceans' was linked to that of Expo '98. Ramsgrange Community School presented a project which focused on the sea as the birth of civilisation and as a means of communication. It was researched and compiled by David Curtis from Wellingtonbridge, Keith Donnelly from Duncannon, Charlene O'Hanlon from Campile, Geraldine Delaney from Ramsgrange, Paula Barry from The Hook, Mary Claire Neville from Fethard, and Mairead Larkin from Ballycullane. Those involved studied the influences of people who came to Ireland by sea on Irish culture and civilisation from the earliest times, beginning with the first hunters and gatherers in 7000 BC, and continuing up to the Norman invasion. They also visited many historical sights in New Ross while researching their project, and constructed models of Hook Head lighthouse together with a scale model of the dolmens at Newgrange. During their week long stay in Portugal the students spent two days at Expo '98, accompanied by school vice-principal, Marie Diskin, maths and science teacher, Mary Carragher, and arts and Irish teacher, Colm Conshaola. Speaking to Minister Byrne during his visit to the school, the students stated that they had been disappointed to discover that there was no Irish pavilion at the Expo. They informed him that they were particularly disappointed to find that they were the only Euroconference students attending Expo '98 without an opportunity to visit a pavilion hosted by their country. Responding, Minister Byrne explained that he had represented the Taoiseach at Expo '98. He felt that it was a mistake that an Irish pavilion was not provided at the event, and expressed his view that the high cost of doing so would have been well recouped. Minister Byrne took the opportunity to congratulate the students and teachers who travelled to Portugal on the high standard of their work. He was pleased to see that they focused their project on their own area. He stated that he was proud of the students and of the enormous amount of work they put into making their Europroject such a great success. Continuing, Minister Byrne acknowledged the high standards of the school. He commented that he had watched it go from strength to strength over the years, before wishing students and staff continued success for the future.

Dive treasure hunt a great success

Big boost for Hook Head as top diving site

IAN McCLURE Staff Reporter

A HUGE step towards promoting Hook Head as the foremost dive site on the south-east coast was taken last weekend thanks to a novel treasure hunt organised by The Hook Tourist Development Association. The underwater event, which took place in conjunction with the Irish Underwater Council and The Hook Sub Aqua Club, proved to be a resounding success attracting over 40 qualified divers from counties Wexford, Dublin, Kilkenny, and Cork. Generous sponsorship provided by Anglo Irish Banks ensured that a tidy £1,000 in prize money was up for grabs, with first prize accounting for £700 of this amount. The Dublin based Aquatec Divers emerged as the winning team having used a specific time period to recover the most number of brass discs from where they had been hidden on the sea bed. All technical aspects of organising the treasure dive were undertaken by The Hook Sub Aqua Club, with club member, Sean Murray having completed the arduous task of devising a dive that was both exciting and safe. This task was completed much to the satisfaction of all those who took part in the treasure dive. The winning team were presented with their prize at the `Scubaduba Dinner Dance' held at the Hotel Naomh Seosamh in Fethard-on-Sea on Sunday night. A survey undertaken by The Hook Tourist Development Association during the weekend revealed that 97% of the participating divers rated Hook Head as their favourite site for diving on the east/south-east coast. A decision has now been taken to organise the treasure dive as an annual event, with an equal percentage of those surveyed expressing an interest in attending such an event if it was to be organised again next year. Support services during the course of the weekend were provided by The Hook Sub Aqua Club and the Fethard branch of the R.N.L.I. who took charge of all safety aspects. A host of fringe events also took place around the treasure dive with The Hookless Village Leisure Centre hosting a two-day snorkelling course for youngsters. It was run by National Snorkelling Officer, Siobhan Brennan. A photographic exhibition was also mounted by the Irish Underwater Council which featured a number of photographs of the sea bed around Hook Head. H.T.D.A. Marketing Executive, Patricia Harrington described the treasure dive weekend as a great success, stating that it had given tremendous profile to Hook Head amongst the diving communities in Ireland. She added that its success had also ensured that the H.T.D.A. achieved its goal of promoting Hook Head as the best dive site on the east/south-east coast. The event was also the first to be promoted by the organisation with the aim of attracting visitors to the area during the off-peak tourist season.

Introducing a new dance to Ross area

IF YOU are the type of person who fancies being able to swing your body through no less than 200 different dance moves which are sure to impress all at any function then the word `Jiveire' is one worth remembering. `Jiveire' is the name of a new dance being introduced to the New Ross district by Foulksmills couple Tom O'Neill and his partner, Cheryl Whitton. It is based on American rock n' roll which was introduced to France by the G.I.'s and adapted by the French. The dance developed in the U.K. during the 1980's where it was influenced by Latin-American, ballroom, and disco dancing. It can be danced to a wide range of music from the latest disco tunes through to jazz, swing, country and western music, traditional music, and the big band sound from any band from the 1950's right through to the present day. Both Tom and Cheryl learned and enjoyed the dance for five years in England, and on moving to Foulksmills last April decided to introduce it to the people of Wexford. They are now hosting `Jiveire' classes at the Horse and Hound Inn in Ballinaboola each Sunday night from 8 p.m., with a good number of people having already expressed an interest in learning the dance. The cost per class is £4 and booking is not required. There is no set course and different moves are taught each week which can be put together in many different styles. Those interested in attending the classes do not need to bring a dancing partner, although it hoped that the classes wil attract a near to equal number of men and women. Further information about the classes and `Jiveire' as a dance are available by contacting either Tom or Cheryl at (051) 562312, or by simply turning up at any of the Sunday dance classes held at the Horse and Hound Inn.

NEWS SPECIAL New Ross Swimming Club celebrates the 21st anniversary of its foundation later this month with one page alone not enough to review its many successes since 1977. Reporter, Ian McClure takes a broad look at the history of the club which is now established as the finest in the country.

Swimming club enjoying 21 years of success ^ ^

SCRAPBOOKS always make for an interesting read but none more so than one which has been carefully put together by Southknock's Peggy O'Connor over the past twenty-one years. It includes a cutting of every single newspaper article written about New Ross Swimming Club with even the first published notice of plans to form the organisation being among them. The packed scrapbook while representing a labour of love also traces the history of the club which has prospered from humble beginnings to become the most successful swimming outfit in the country. Pedigree swimmers In the 21 years since the club first dipped its feet in the waters of competition it has succeeded in producing a large number of pedigree swimmers who have helped to put it lengths ahead of all others. It is not only home to the National Swimming Coach, Ger Doyle but has also been the source for producing at least half the members of each Irish swimming team to have competed at international level over the past three to four years. Its swimmers have won a myriad of national and world cup titles while also setting countless Irish records, the majority of which have remained unbroken for the past decade. Its crowing glory came in 1996 when Adrian O'Connor made the Irish team for the Atlanta Olympics. His younger brother, Hugh is already showing signs that he has what it takes to emulate the club's success at this level. He excelled in the 1993 Youth Olympics collecting a gold medal in the 100 metres backstroke, and a bronze medal in the 200 metres backstroke events. With 100 members the club now fields four swimming squads and is heavily involved in the sport at all levels from grass roots to the stage of international competition. So busy is the club in competition that it was not practical for it to celebrate its 21st birthday when the landmark was achieved in May. The champagne has been put on ice until Thursday, October 29 when a celebratory black-tie dinner dance will be hosted at the Brandon House Hotel. `The club has come on leaps and bounds in 21 years if you consider that we would have looked up to so many different coaches and clubs, it has now come full circle and we are the club that they are looking up to,' comments Ger Doyle. He has been involved from the outset, having come to New Ross in 1977 to provide a demo-swim as a member of Wexford Swimming Club. It was performed at the request of the staff at the Kennedy Memorial Swimming Pool who had expressed an interest in forming a local swimming club. `I had no aspiration of moving up here at the time, I was just a kid in the Wexford Club,' says Ger, who found himself in New Ross two years later having taken up the position as lifeguard at the pool. He replaced Terry Cullimore who, together with John Donoghue, Victor Hennessy, Jim Frizelle, June Butler and Susan Synnott (nee Shannon) had succeeded in getting New Ross Swimming Club off the ground. When John Donoghue left in 1980 Ger teamed up with Ballybeg's David Bradley as one of two coaches at the club. David, who had been a swimmer, and who was by this stage an experienced coach took charge of the club's `A' squad while Ger cut his teeth with the `B' squad. The club was fortunate to have a strong A, B, and C squad at this time with a number of its swimmers beginning to give the first indication that they had what was required to make a name for themselves in the sport. Its two tier policy of teaching swimming and of promoting and establishing itself as a force in the field of competition began to pay dividends in 1978 when it entered its very first team in the national Community Games. Silver medal Southknock's Paula O'Connor shone in the event winning a silver medal in the U.10 freestyle event. A year later her sister, Niamh won a bronze medal in the U.8 category, and proceeded to collect her first gold medal in 1980 when she outclassed her rivals in the category for U.8 freestyle swimmers. With this success the club began to come of age, and it was subsequently decided to affiliate to the Provincial Organisation for Leinster Swimmers (Pools). The organisation was unique in that it excluded all Dublin swimming clubs, giving swimmers from all other counties in Leinster the opportunity to compete on equal terms. Although new and raw competitors at this level the club's young swimmers quickly found their feet and within five years established an identity as the club to beat. The O'Connor family from Southknock and the Fitzgibbon family from Dowsley's Barn had by this stage established themselves as the leading force in the club, and so began the tradition of local families being attracted to the sport. The talent displayed by Grainne, Paula, and Niamh O'Connor caught the attention of the national swimming coach, and while the three sisters were predominately based in New Ross they swam under the banner of the Dublin based Kings Hospital Swimming Club. This resulted in them being entered into more serious competitions with their rise through the sport also providing an opportunity for the New Ross club to blood its other rising swimmers at a higher level. Joining the three girls in competition was their brother, Adrian, together with Joe Kavanagh from Charleton Hill, John John Kennedy from Pondfields, John Ryan from Pondfields, and David Dowling from Mountross. The club however, was still growing and Ger fondly remembers its participation in its first ever major swimming event - the 1981 Cormorant Gala in Dublin. The competition was held in January and the weather was not the best. That however, did not deter Peggy O'Connor and Jimmy Fitzgibbon from driving two car loads of local swimmers to the competition. `When it finished we swore we would never go back to it again, it was way above our ability; three years later we swore we would never go back the competition was that low, in that time we had improved no end,' Ger recalls. The following year marked David Bradley's departure from the club and so began Ger Doyle's tenure as club coach. `From there on things improved, it is not down to me, even though people have said it is. It was a natural progression, you just did what you had to do, if you made a mistake one year you tried not to make the same mistake the next year,' Ger explains. Water safety By now the club was also making a name for itself in the National Water Safety Championship at both senior and junior level, with Brian Fitzgibbon having joined the backroom team where he took up responsibility for the club's junior swimmers.

21 years of success ^

A strong emphasis on ensuring that there was a fun element to the club was maintained with social activities conducted around a training regime which differed greatly to that of other clubs. `Our policy has always been quality rather than quantity, the Dublin clubs do 10 to 15 hours training, we do 6 to 8. We have always been a believer that the fun element can not go out of it, the day the fun stops is the day to call it a day,' says Ger. The turning point for the club came when Adrian and Niamh O'Connor reached junior category. They dominated the sport at this age, and in one year they recorded a clean sweep of every junior title between them. Together with John John Kennedy they scored enough of the points awarded for competition success to rate the club as the third best in the country at a time when top clubs such as Kings Hospital in Dublin was achieving its top ranking with 60 swimmers. Niamh, who was now back swimming with the New Ross Club, established herself as its biggest star, and the fact that her international swimming career actually started in 1983 when she was just 10 years of age is simply remarkable. An administrative blunder prevented her from competing in the 1988 Junior European Championships having qualified for the event. The following year both herself and Adrian were selected for the Swimming World Cup event representing another breakthrough for the club. The pinnacle of Niamh's swimming career came in 1991 at the Swimming World Cup in Sheffield when she missed a world record in the 50 metres backstroke event by a mere .4 of a second. Today's crop of swimmers are still nowhere near to beating many of the records she set. Her record for 100 metres backstroke was only recently beaten by Michelle de Bruin by 100th of a second. Such was the level of success Niamh recorded by the time she quit the sport in 1994 that she achieved the ranking of 16th best swimmer in the world. Top swimmers Adrian, while he lived in the shadows of his sister's success, is presently one of the club's top swimmers together with younger brother Hugh, and Wexford man Paul McCarthy who swims with the outfit. He swam his first international in 1986 when he competed in the British Age Group Championships and was desperately unlucky not to land a medal at the 1989 European Swimming Championship. He qualified as the second fastest swimmer for the final of 100 metres backstroke event but was disqualified on a technicality Even harder to swallow was the fact that he recorded a faster time than the gold medal winner of that event when he competed in the medley relay the following day. He has been capped numerous times, has won dozens of World Cup titles, and has set over 40 Irish records in his career to date. He has dominated the 1,500 metres and 200 metres backstroke disciplines at national level with no one having swam faster than him for ten years. O'Connor family There is no denying that the O'Connor family in particular have been responsible for catapulting New Ross Swimming Club to the height at which it now stands within the sport. `Operating from a small town you depend on talent to be successful, you can not produce talent, it is something that is inbuilt,' states Ger Doyle. `We have been lucky in that the O'Connors have been very talented, over the years their success has given the club the opportunity of exposure to big competitions, coming from success at a high level brings others to a high level,' he added. The club structure has remained the same since its foundation, except for the fact that the number of swimming squads has now increased from three to four. The `D' squad gives youngsters an opportunity to join the club and to determine whether or not they like the sport as well as being part of the club set-up. From there they are given the incentive to progress to the `C' squad and to compete in `B' grade competitions. The club's `B' squad is the club's second stream of swimmers who compete at Leinster and national level. Its `A' squad naturally includes its elite swimmers who compete at both national and international level. Ger points out that the club is open to anyone interested in swimming, stressing that the emphasis is placed on fun. It has established close working relationships with other swimming clubs in the south-east and friendly swimming galas are organised on a regular basis. The club works closely with Cardigan Swimming Club in Wales with the clubs taking turns at organising annual galas around which a programme of social events are also staged. Much of the club's success is owing to its strong voluntary committee who ensures that it is kept afloat. It is headed by Knockmullen's Mary Harnedy and has over the years staged and introduced a number of events, including swimming with `Nessy', the club's inflatable dragon. Many of its members have been involved with the club for a long number of years, none more so than Peggy O'Connor who this year took up the position as club secretary for a record 20th year. The club's 21st birthday dinner-dance promises to be a great night out on October 29, and those interested in obtaining tickets should contact New Ross Swimming Pool, or any member of the club committee which also comprises Rita Miskella as vice-chairperson, Olivia Keane as treasurer, Helen Bradley as P.R.O., Peggy Hill and Pat Purcell as child liaison officers, and Una Flynn, Betty Merrigan, Bob Quinn, Eithne Tubrid, Bridie Thornton, Mary Murphy, Maureen O'Hanlon, and Susan Synnott as committee members.

Milennium Meeting was well attended

No shortage of plans for 2000

IAN McCLURE New Ross

COMMUNITY organisations throughout the New Ross district were given an opportunity to outline what they would like to see achieved by the year 2000 when they attended a special meeting held at the Brandon House Hotel last Thursday night. The `Millennium Meeting', as it was billed, was hosted by New Ross District Fine Gael so as to present party politicians with a clear picture of the course they should be taking to help promote local development. Over 100 people The meeting was attended by over 100 people with a speaker from each of the many organisations represented afforded a five minute platform to make their case. Politicians in attendance included Deputy Ivan Yates, Deputy Michael Darcy, Cllr. John T. Browne, Cllr. Larry O'Brien, and Cllr. Victor Furness. A number of projects which are considered to be vitally important from the point of bringing long-term benefits to New Ross were outlined to those concerned by Paul O'Gorman in his capacity as chairman of New Ross Chamber of Commerce. It was the opinion of the organisation that the main focus of attention in relation to service and infrastructure requirements for the town should be placed on a number of specific projects, he said. Included was the provision of a second crossing of the river Barrow, with the Chamber expressing a preference for a downriver tunnel as this would cause least disruption to port activities. Mr. O'Gorman explained that a sewage treatment plant was considered to be vital from a planning point of view, emphasising that it is probable that any future industry would require such a plant. The organisation also called for a service road to IDA and County Council lands at Butlersland, and believes that this would open up the industrial estate and hopefully make it easier to attract new industries to town. Attention was also given to the fact that recreational/tourism activities are becoming more important and that this presented an opportunity to create new job opportunities. The Chamber underlined the value of providing a marina to the north of O'Hanrahan Bridge which would attract Irish and foreign visitors to town. The point that 650,000 tourists annually travel through New Ross from Rosslare was highlighted by Mr. O'Gorman as he made a case for assistance towards the establishment of a municipal or private camping park which would help to keep tourists in town for one or two nights. Others aspects of the Chamber's presentation focused on its desire to establish a marketing fund which would be employed to promote the town as a tourist location or as a good place to do business. Ongoing funding The importance of securing ongoing funding for St. Michael's Theatre to ensure that it continues to attract an increasing number of professional companies was outlined by Louise Hennessy of behalf of Feachtas Ealaion. Politicians were advised of the organisation's plans to expand performance dates to include the summer months thereby offering entertainment to tourists, while in turn providing a valuable financial spin-off for the local economy. Politicians were also advised of plans by the organisation to achieve charitable status. It is hoped that such status will place it in a better position to attract major sponsors. Capt. Luke Foley advised the meeting of the service provided by the Barrow Search and Rescue organisation. Outlining the importance of the service he made a case for the provision of funds to help improve equipment and to ensure that ongoing training is provided. The need to improve home security, to improve the road surface at Ballyanne, and to introduce traffic calming measures coming from Ballinabanogue was underlined by Anne Kilbride, President of the Ballyanne I.C.A. Guild. Better facilities The introduction of better facilities for further adult education as a necessity, she said. The guild supported proposals that women working in the home who have been out of the labour force for a number of years, and who wish to return to work, be allowed to enter mainstream FAS training, community employment, and back to education schemes. Details of a proposed development project at Fethard Harbour were outlined by Michael Roche, chairman of the Fethard Harbour Dock Development Committee. He explained that the purpose of the project is to extend the existing harbour at Fethard to accommodate launching, docking and landing at all stages of the tide, and to provide shore services such as toilets and showers, catering, storage, maintenance and off road car parking. He revealed that preliminary plans and specifications have been drawn up with estimated costings ringing in at £986,350 exclusive of VAT. The estimated incomes when the scheme is up and running are expected to amount to £32,000 per annum. Jack Rowe of the Tintern/Saltmills Development Committee outlined the organisation's proposals to provide a woodland nature trail at Tintern. The proposal has been put together with the objective of bringing the unspoilt beauty of the area to the attention of visitors as well as to those living in south-west Wexford. Details of another proposal to have an archaeological evaluation of the walled garden at Tintern Abbey carried out were also brought to the attention of politicians in attendance. Other community organisations who outlined development proposals to the meeting, or who made a case for funding, included the New Ross No Name Club, New Ross Boat Club, The Hook Sub Aqua Club, New Ross St. Vincent de Paul, Victim Support New Ross, St. Michael's Boxing Club, Bannow Bay Coastal Zone Management Group, and the New Ross and District Sea Angling Club. Further presentations were made by representatives from the New Ross and District Sea Angling Club, New Ross Tidy Towns, County Wexford Fruit Growers Association, Campile Tidy Towns, New Ross Civil Defence, Wexford Soft Fruit Growers, I.C.M.S.A., Wexford Fruit Producers, I.F.A., Clonroche Community Development Association, County Wexford Community Workshop (New Ross), and MEAS. Both Deputy Yates and Deputy Darcy professed themselves to be delighted with the attendance at the meeting, and were complimentary of the fact that many of the organisations in attendance had gone to the bother of preparing written submissions. Support assured Deputy Yates stated that it was important to recognise that an army of voluntary workers were busy throughout the New Ross district, before assuring those concerned of both his support and that of his party colleagues on the issues they raised. Thanks was also extended to Joe Kilbride, Denis Kennedy, John Hayes, Pat Dillon, and Ray Lawlor for their part in organising the meeting.

Retrial jury unable to agree verdict

Sex assault trial fails second time

THE wheels of justice sometimes run an uncertain course as shown by the retrial of a sexual assault case at Wexford Circuit Court in which a second jury failed to reach a verdict. The original trial of a 56 years old man charged with three counts of sexual assault on a young woman when she was 12 and 14 years old took place in July. After listening to two days of evidence from both sides, the jury found it impossible to reach a majority decision and the Director of Public Prosecutions ordered a re-trial. All details Last week, a new jury of nine men and three women drawn from the Co. Wexford community was selected and asked to adjudicate on the charges which allegedly happened in 1992 and 1994. The State's evidence and the defence position was presented in detail once again and the jury was sent into a private room at the back of the court to consider the evidence and bring in a verdict. But the jury members were unable to come up with the majority 10-2 verdict required for a conviction or an acquittal and Judge Pat McCartan had to discharge them. It is uncertain at this stage whether the DPP will make arrangments for another re-trial as he is legally entitled to do, but it is unlikely that the charges will be brought before a court again. Cruel experience While the case demonstrates the essential justice of the jury system in requiring a majority of 12 `ordinary' people to decide whether a peer should be found guilty or not, those centrally involved may be wondering about the cruelty of it all. Watching the girl who is now 18, crying her way through embarrassing evidence and blunt cross-examination in front of a roomful of uniformed and non-uniformed strangers for the second time, one had to wonder whether the experience was ultimately more damaging than beneficial for her. During the first trial, the court had to go into a short recess to allow her to compose herself when she became too upset to carry on. The alleged incidents happened when she was a schoolgirl and the defendant who has daughters of his own, was a neighbour in the same locality. Her mother had gone to Dublin with the defendant's wife and had arranged for the defendant, a family friend to drive her to school. Tried to stop him During the two-mile journey he kept putting his hand up her skirt, she said. She kept trying to stop him and push him away. While she was staying in his house that evening, waiting for her mother to come home, she said she was watching television when the defendant came and put his hand down her trousers and put his finger up her vagina. Sobbing The third alleged incident took place two years later when she was a passenger in the defendant's car. He kept putting his hand up her skirt, she said. The court, understandably, requires detailed evidence and the girl, looking pale and drained, sobbed as she was questioned about the alleged incidents by prosecution and defence counsel. She was accompanied in court by members of her family, her boyfriend and a representative of Victim Support and was comforted by him after she left the stand. Looked lost She sat in the courtroom, looking lost and uncomprehending as the details of her life and her childhood were discussed. Two of her former friends, both females, who also frequented the defendant's home as children, gave evidence on his behalf, saying that he had never touched them inappropriately. Her discomfort seemed to reach a peak when one of them said she, the alleged victim, was always trying to cause disagreements between a group of them, including the defendant's daughters, who were neighbours and friends in the area, `so we didn't put much pass on what she said'. As the case started, the families took up seats on different sides of the room and the tension in the courtroom was palpable. Family support For all of them there must have been a nightmarish sense of deja vous. Most people would shiver at the prospect of ever finding themselves in such a scenario. They had to endure it twice, without the satisfaction of a definitive conclusion. The defendant, dressed in a suit and tie, was accompanied by family members, including his wife and children, three of whom, two daughers and a son, gave evidence in the defence case. He looked flushed and nervous but was composed in the witness box as he repeated his denial that nothing had happened, that he had not sexually assaulted the girl in any way. For the second time, he sat in the box as John Peart toughly cross-examined him on behalf of the prosecution, telling him `you had the opportunity to molest that young girl and you took it'. `I did not' the defendant replied. Tense wait When all the evidence had been presented and the jury retired to consider their verdict, the families and friends of both the accused and the alleged victim sat outside for hours on different sides of the balcony, waiting patiently, smoking cigarettes. Now and again, a few of those accompanying the alleged victim could be seen quietly crying. When the news was broken that the jury had failed to reach a verdict yet again, the general reaction appeared to be one of numbness. Following hushed conversations with solicitors and barristers, all the parties trudged out and left to pick up the pieces of their lives.

New Ross Chamber organise customer care programme

MEMBERS of New Ross Chamber of Commerce were this week given a valuable insight into how best to cater for their customers when they attended customer care programmes hosted by the organisation. Training on the subject was provided by Veronica Kelly. B.A. (Hons) M.A., with the course content providing participants with advice on front line customer care skills. They were also trained on the subjects of handling difficult customers, and of dealing with customer complaints. The event also looked at how best to improve customer care, managing customer care, and the subject of customer body language. The two hour programme was hosted at The Brandon House Hotel last Monday night week, and again at the Hotel New Ross last Thursday night. The event was sponsored by H. Murphy & Co. Ltd., Cash & Carry, Woodbine Road, New Ross.

Respond employment project deadline

INDIVIDUALS from New Ross interested in applying to participate on the Respond Community Employment Project are reminded that this Friday is the deadline for receipt of applications. Positions are available for those interested in working as secretaries, child care assistants, youth workers, and maintenance workers. Application forms can be obtained from Seamus O'Brien, Respond, Old Mercy Convent, Irishtown, New Ross, telephone (051) 425227. All interested applicants should meet the criteria for Community Employment Scheme participation.

First of three offerings in Music for Pleasure series

THE FIRST of three concerts scheduled as part of the ten week Music for Pleasure course takes place at St. Michael's Theatre this Thursday night featuring the very best of traditional Irish music. Taking centre stage will be fiddle player, Matt Cranitch, accordionist, Donal Murphy, and guitarist, Tommmy O'Sullivan, with the concert scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m.. Matt Cranitch and Donal Murphy have proved themselves to be one of the finest and most electrifying Sliabh Luachra-style box and fiddle duos around. Tommy O'Sullivan's guitar playing and personalised singing style helps to complete a dynamic mix of exciting traditional music with a unique and characteristic sound. The Music for Pleasure course is now in its fourth week with lectures on musicals, music from the 29th centry, and traditional Irish music having already taken place. The remaining events on the programme provide individuals with an opportunity to learn about opera, country and western music, classical music, and jazz. A classical concert with all be staged by pianist, Finghin Collins on October 29, while a jazz concert featuring the Miles Drennan Jazz Quartet will bring the course to a close on Thursday, November 26. Those who did not subscribe to the course at the outset are advised that it is not too late to do so. Each of the remaining events is self contained. One evening lecture costs £5 (£3 concession), and admission to the concerts is £6 (£4). Further information is available by contacting Kay Dolan, telephone (051) 425377.

ROSS MAN FINED £320

Fines totalling £320 were imposed on Declan Whelan, Lacken, New Ross when his case was heard at Thomastown District Court last Monday week. The defendant was fined £200 for driving without tax at Coolnamara on April 6 last. A further fine of £120 was imposed for having no certificate of road worthiness.

£100 tax fine

A New Ross man was fined £100 at Wexford District Court last week for having no tax on his vehicle at Barntown earlier this year. Joe Delaney, 21 Barrow View Heights, New Ross, committed the offence on July 17. The court heard the tax disc displayed had expired last January. There were no previous convictions. Delaney was given two months to pay the fine and faces five days in prison by default.

Speeding fines

Patricia Condon, Kilree Lane, Bagenalstown was fined £60 for speeding when her case was heard at Thomastown District Court last Monday week. Garda David Galvin gave evidence of detecting the defendant travelling at 59mph in a 40mph zone at Cloghabrody, Thomastown on March 24 last. ^ Denise Walsh, 27 Burrin Street, Carlow was fined £50 for speeding. The court heard that the defendant had been detected travelling at a speed of 46mph in a 30mph zone at Main Street, Ballyhale on June 7 last.

Car tax fine

A Thomastown woman who drove a car without tax because she could not afford to pay the amount involved was fined £50 when her case was heard at Thomastown District Court last Monday week. Before the court was Kay Lawrence, Carrick Mourne, Thomastown, who was charged with committing the offence at The Quay, Thomastown on April 2 last. The defendant told the court that her husband was out of work at the time and that she could not afford to tax the vehicle, and that she had let the tax run.

Over 5,000 new brochures distributed

Hook group embark on major promtion

THE Hook Tourist Development Association is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to market the area as a tourist location for home and foreign visitors. 5,000 copies of its promotional brochure were printed and distributed at the recently held National Ploughing Championships in Ferns, with discussion already underway as how best to improve the publication before next year's tourist season. The Association has also met with Dara Ward from the County Wexford Tourism organisation and is taking stock of a suggestion from him that its members also join that organisation. It is proposed that the membership fee to both organisations be combined and that members of the H.T.D.A. be invited to sign up as members of both organisations at a rate below that of the joint membership cost. The benefits of being members of both organisations have been outlined to members of the H.T.D.A., and it is generally felt that the joint membership proposal is a good one. Signing up as members of both organisations will give H.T.D.A. members an opportunity to have the service they provide included in a new marketing brochure to be produced by County Wexford Tourism. They will also be able to avail of discount travel on Stena for promotions and workshops taking place overseas. In addition to being able to avail of the services of a marketing executive, they will also have their business promoted at shows, workshops, and trade fairs taking place throughout the country. The H.T.D.A. has now appointed its own marketing executive. The position is being funded by FAS for a three month period which may be extended if the provision of such a person proves to be of benefit to the organisation. The Association has also taken note of the fact that there is a lot of unregistered accommodation providers operating in The Hook area which they feel could be registered with assistance and encouragement from the appropriate bodies.

Fined £160 for number of motoring offences

FINES totalling £160 were imposed on a Thomastown man when he appeared before Thomastown District Court last Monday week to answer a number of charges against him. Pat O'Reilly, Newhouse, Thomastown was fined £60 for having no stoplamps on a vehilce, £60 for using a vehicle and trailer without an indicator fitted and maintained, and £40 for having no rear identification mark at Main Street, Gowran on January 14 last. The defendant told the court that he had the horse box he had been drawing on the occasion overhauled by Thomastown gardai about three months before the date the offences were committed. He could not understand why the lights were not working. He stated that he put them on and that they were working when he left home that day. He added that he put the side lights on and assumed then that all the lights were working. On hearing the case Judge William Harnett advised the defendant that he should never assume anything in the circumstances. He then ruled as stated.

Carless driving charge dismissed

A CHARGE of careless driving against a Newbawn motorist was dismissed at Wexford District Court last week after the prosecution failed to prove its case. Michael Leacy, Ballyclemmock, Newbawn, was charged with driving carelessly at Trinity Street on April 24. In his evidence Garda Robert Aylward told the court that on the date in question he was called to the scene of a road traffic accident at Trinity Street at 8.30 p.m. He said there were two vehicles involved, a motorcycle driven by the defendant and a tractor and trailor, which was in the centre of the road attempting to turn right into a site. He said that the motorcyulce and cyclist were found 42 feet away from the tractor. It has just rained bu there were no skid marks. He added that the motorcyclist was not serious injured, but did complain about a leg injury. Solicitor for the defendant, Cormac Dunleavy at this point called for a dismissal as the prosecution had not established a case. When informed that it appeared the motorcyclist had been attempting to overtake the tractor and trailer, Judge O Buachalla said there was no evidence of this and dismissed the case.

Real treat in store for Ross music fans

MUSIC fans are in for a real treat next Wednesday night with St. Mary's Church in New Ross set to play host to a performance by the National Chamber Choir. The concert has been organised to raise funds towards the cost of repairing the church spire with work on this project now nearing completion. It began during the summer and focused on re-pointing and repairing sections of the structure's masonry which had become seriously decayed. A £9,000 loan was taken out to facilitate the work with a series of fundraisers and a generous donation from the whist drives held at the Y.M.C.A. Hall having already helped to reduce the amount borrowed by £2,500. The forthcoming concert promises to be a sell-out success with the choir, which is made up of seventeen professional singers, well known for its talent and first class performances. Since its foundation in 1991 it has broadcast regularly on RTE FM3, appeared on RTE television, while also performing with the Irish National Symphony Orchestra, the RTE Concert Orchestra, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and the Baroque Orchestra of Ireland. The choir spends a large percentage of its time involved in music education in primary and secondary schools throughout the country, and is choir-in-residence at Dublin City University. Last year it released its first CD `The National Chamber Choir at the National Gallery' with the collection of sacred and secular music proving to be a big seller. The choir will be conducted by Colin Mawby and David Brophy for its New Ross performance. It will also be joined by pianist, Fergal Caulfield. It programme will include music by Schubert, Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Kevin O'Connell, Monteverdi, and Colin Mawby. It should also be of interest to Leaving Certificate students as it will include part of Queen's `Bohemian Rhapsody' which is on this year's music syllabus. Tickets to the concert cost £6 for adults, and £3 for students, and are available from Connie Tantrum, telephone (051) 421766.

Ross artists all set for Festival exhibition

ARTISTS from the New Ross district will be very much to the fore in exhibiting displays of their work as part of the fringe activities for this year's Wexford Festival Opera. Duncannon based artist, Ruby Chapman is set to return to the Talbot Hotel after five years with another first class exhibition of her work which opens on Friday, running until November 1. Her exhibition stand in the hotel foyer will feature miniature oil and watercolour paintings of various scenes from county Wexford and surrounding counties. They range in price from £12 to in excess of £200 and are sure to be snapped up by enthusiastic buyers, especially those who are now well familiar with Ruby's work having inspected it at the festival each year for the past 14 years. Her art work was previously accommodated at the Y.M.C.A. Centre and at White's Hotel. This year's exhibition also features Ruby's Homeleith collection of hand painted and silver jewellery. A display of larger oil paintings will be mounted at Esther Roche's shop at South Main Street. Clonroche artist, John Edwin Foley will present an exhibition of 25 of his recent paintings at St. Helen's Golf Club from this Friday until November 1. The mixture of pastel and mostly oil paintings depict scenes as well as landscpaes from Italy and Britanny, and range in price from £100 to £300. The Neptune Restaurant in Ballyhack is meanwhile accommodating an exhibition of paintings by Heather Marshall. It was officially opened by the President of Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Ann Small on Sunday and will continue to run until November 1.

Peace concert at Duiske Abbey for Omagh victims

THE people of Graignamanagh will be invited to play their part in raising funds for the Omagh bomb disaster fund next Wednesday by attending a fundraising peace concert at Duiske Abbey. The evening of music and song commences at 8 p.m. featuring the Band of the Curragh Command, and guest soloist, Peter Prendergast. Captain Mark Armstrong will serve as musical director on the night. Tickets cost £5 each and will be available on the door. All are welcome to attend.

Available for letting

The Scout Hall at Marsh Lane is now available for letting to clubs and groups. Details of letting charges and availability can be had by telephoning (051) 422843, or (051) 421827.

Currency information brochure now available

TRADERS in New Ross are advised that an information brochure on how to prepare for the introduction of the single European currency is presently available from the New Ross Chamber of Commerce. Titled, `Is your retail business ready for the Euro ?', the brochure is designed to provide traders with up to date information on economic and monetary union and the changeover to the single European currency to be known as the Euro. Those interested in obtaining a copy should contact New Ross Chamber of Commerce, Park House, The Quay, New Ross, telephone (051) 425077. The organisation's e-mail address is; newrosschambertinet.ie.

Plaques will trace Battle of Ross in unique project

IAN McCLURE Staff Reporter

THOSE interested in tracing the history of the Battle of Ross as it took place around town on June 5, 1798 can now do so thanks to an innovative project undertaken by New Ross U.D.C. in conjunction with the local historical society. Both organisations have joined forces to install ten plaques around town which take in the most significant sites and locations in relation to the events of the battle which claimed over 3,000 lives. A map guiding tourists and other interested individuals from one plaque to the next has been specially designed as part of the project which is unique to Wexford. Each plaque contains a map along with a brief historical account of the events which unfolded at the location at which it is installed, with the full collection providing those following the guide map with a fantastic insight into the battle. It is hoped that the project will boost tourism in terms of catering for the many people who specifically visit town seeking information on the battle which was a landmark event in the overall history of the 1798 rebellion. It is also envisaged that historical societies from other counties will take note that the plaques are in place and that they will arrange visits to the town in the circumstances. Efforts will also be made to market the tour of the battle ground as another of New Ross's tourist attractions, and to have it included as part of existing tourist packages taking in other attractions in the immediate area. The plaques, which cost £4,000 to provide, have replaced those erected in the 1950's with the original project having been spearheaded by Bord Failte in association with the late Cllr. Andy Minihan, and former town engineer, Harry Finnegan. The new plaques were specially made in Waterford and it is envisaged that they will serve their purpose for the next fifty years having been constructed from very durable material. A proposal to replace the former plaques with a more modern and informative version to coincide with the bicentenary of the rebellion was first mooted by Cllr. Eoin Minihan earlier this year, with the proposal well received by New Ross U.D.C.. The narrative for each of the new plaques was researched and written by New Ross Historical Society members, Jim Sutton from Southknock, and Jim Doyle form Creywell. The tour starts at The Three Bullet Gate where the information contained on the plaque located there reveals that the insurgent army under Bagenal Harvey, Cornelius Grogan, John Henry Colclough, John Kelly, and Thomas Cloney, advanced from Carrigbyrne and camped at Corbet Hill. It explains that a plan to reduce the town was prepared, and that the defenders of the town, under Generals Johnson and Eustace had heavily defended this area in anticipation of the main rebel attack. A second plaque installed at the same location relays that Matthew Furlong was shot under a flag of truce when approaching the forward lines of defence at about 4 a.m. on the day of the battle. A major insurgent assault, led by the Bantry men under John Kelly and Thomas Cloney quickly followed and after fierce fighting the defenders retreated and the attackers poured into town, it adds. Lord Mountjoy was killed at this location at an early stage, and the position served as the insurgents' command post throughout the battle. The map then takes tour followers to Priory Street. The plaque at this location informs that the general plan for reducing the town included an attack on the Priory Gate. This attack was carried out by a division from Froth and Bargy under John Boxwell, and after a bitter struggle the defenders were driven back into the town towards the Main Guard. The fourth plaque is installed at the site of the cavalry barracks at Michael Street. It explains that the advance guard of insurgents poured down Michael Street and attacked and captured the Cavalry Barracks. John Kelly of Killane, leader of the Bantry division and regarded as the most able field commander in the insurgent army, was seriously wounded in this engagement and took no further part in the battle. The insurgents advanced down Barrack Lane towards the Main Guard at The Tholsel. The fifth plaque is located at the junction of Mary Street and Bewley Street. The insurgents advancing down Bewley Street came under heavy fire from the defences drawn up along the Chapel Lane/Upper Mary Street line. Artillery positioned near St. Mary's Church, and commanded by Col. Bloomfield caused heavy casualties. During the battle a rebel hospital near this location was burned together with its patients. The tour continues to Chapel Lane and plaque number six which points out that determined assaults by the insurgents through this laneway were met with heavy fire from artillery mounted at the top entrance, resulting in numerous casualties. Valuable assistance was given to the defenders near this point by William Dowsley who kept up a constant fire from his house on the insurgents attacking the Main Guard through Bakehouse Lane. The seventh plaque is mounted at Irishtown, and explains that the insurgents' plan of attack included an assault of Maiden Gate, at the top of Bullawn, and Bunion Gate, at the top of Mary Street. It adds that the defences for these points were mainly forward in the Irishtown area and were manned by the Clare Militia under Col. Vandeleur. These positions were attacked early in the battle by a Forth and Bargy division under John Henry Colclough, but without success. Towards the end of the battle, a sortie by a party of insurgents under Thomas Cloney was repulsed through the Bosheen area. Plaque number eight takes tour followers to The Tholsel with this building having been the Main Guard or central defence point of the garrison. It is revealed that the building was manned by the Donegal Militia. Mounted swivel guns commanded this crossroads and repulsed with great slaughter the brave and determined attacks of the insurgents down Mary Street and South Street. It was one of only two points of defence not taken by the insurgents. The tour continues to where the ninth plaque is located at O'Hanrahan Bridge. The bridge in place in 1798 was a keypoint in the battle for insurgents and defenders alike. The garrison's reserves were drawn up on the quays. By mid-morning the insurgents had driven the garrison across the bridge leaving most of the town in their hands. The tenth plaque, which completes the tour of the battle ground, is also located at the bridge. It announces that General Johnson became aware that the insurgents had left the bridge undefended at about 11 a.m. on the day of the battle. He rallied his troops and led them back over the bridge and after many hours of fierce fighting re-took the town.

Told court he signed statement of admission to get released

Bunclody man jailed for act of `buggery'

A MIDDLE-AGED Bunclody man was sentenced to two years in prison after he was found guilty by a jury at Wexford Circuit Court of buggering a young man. Forty-eight years old John Murphy, a bachelor, of Drumderry, Bunclody, denied committing an act of buggery with a person in Co. Wexford in July 1995 and said he had signed a statement of admission because he wanted to be released from garda custody. He told the jury in a re-trial before Judge Pat McCartan that the portion of the statement which contained a confession did not come from him but had been dictated by a garda sergeant. Guilty verdict After deliberating for less than three hours, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict and Judge McCartan imposed a two year prison sentence. He refused an application for leave to appeal. Judge McCartan said the defendant had been saved a longer term in prison by Garda John Mullins who gave evidence that the defendant was highly thought of in his local area. He said there had been a suspicion for many years as to the defendant's homosexual behaviour but he was never a threat and was never brought to garda attention. He would not particularly like to see him go to prison because he believed he was never a threat as a paedophile. There was a lot of drink involved in this particular incident which is why the defendant took advantage of the young man. The victim's father told the court that he was at home on the evening of July 3 when his son burst into the sitting room. He had taken off his clothes in the kitchen and was wearing only his undergarments. He was very upset and crying and he noticed blood spots on his vest and on his back. He gave him a bath and calmed him down, gave him some supper and sent him to bed. Under cross-examination by Denis Vaughan Buckley, SC, for the defence, he said that his son had never come home in that kind of condition before. Dr. Edward Fitzgerald gave evidence that on July 3 or thereabouts, the young man attended the surgery with his father. He examined the private parts of his body and also carried out an internal examination. He was very fearful and very anxious. The doctor said it was his opinion that he had been involved in a sexual act, namely anal penetration. Under cross-examination by Mr. Vaughan Buckley he agreed that he couldn't rule out that the symptoms were not caused by haemorrhoids. He suspected anal intercourse had taken place but he couldn't state it positively. Dr. Maureen Smith of the Forensic Scient Laboratory in Dublin said she examined items of clothing, swabs and blood samples from both the victim and the defendant.She did not find semen on the swabs taken from the victim. Garda Fergal O'Connell of Bunclody Garda Station gave evidence of going to the defendant's home with Sergeant Pat Leahy and Garda John Mullins on the morning of July 12 for the purpose of arresting him and bringing him to Gorey Garda Station. The defendant denied interfering with the young man but had difficulty recalling where he was on the date in question. 12 hours in custody He was in custody for nearly twelve hours and was questioned continually while being allowed breaks to eat and talk to his solicitor, Peter Creane who spoke to him on the `phone and also called in person to the station. Garda O'Connell took notes during the interviews and the defendant signed one set of notes in which he denied that anything had taken place. Garda 0'Connell told the court that the following a break of approximately an hour, the defendant indicated that he wanted to talk to the Bunclody gardai. He made a statement at 8.01p.m. in which he said it happened in the wood on July 3. It was about 5.30 p.m. The victim went down to the wood and he followed him. He masturbated himself and they had sex. He didn't want to go into the details. There was no force involved. After this, he went to the home of a friend for dinner. This never happened with he young man before. He was sorry that he ever met him. Garda O'Connell said the statement was read out to the defendant and he signed it. He was released immediately afterwards at 8.15p.m. Under cross-examination by Mr. Vaughan Buckley, the garda agreed that the defendant would have had to be officially released at 8.20 p.m.. He agreed that there was no forensic evidence linking the accused to the crime and that he had denied any involvement during nearly eight hours of questioning. `Lo and behold' said Mr. Vaughan Buckley, `in the last 20 minutes, you say he dictated this statement to you, admitting the crime'. Garda O'Connell said the defendant had made the statement. Mr. Vaughan Buckley asked why the word `before' in the sentence `this never happened with Mr. X before' looked as if it had been inserted afterwards. Garda O'Connell said he wrote the sentence and as he started the next sentence he realised he had left that word out and went back to put it in. He denied a suggestion from defence counsel that the gardai had told the accused that if he made a statement, it would go no further. Sergeant Pat Leahy told the court that Det. Gardai McCall and Collins informed him at about 6.50 p.m. that the defendant wished to speak to the gardai from Bunclody. Because he had been under questioning for nearly four hours which is legally the longest time a person can be interviewed, he decided to give him a break for an hour. Was cautioned He was taken to the interview room at 8.01 and cautioned before making the statement of admission. Under cross-examination by Mr. Vaughan Buckley, Sergeant Leahy agreed that up to this point, the gardai were investigating a complaint that the crime had taken place in a public toilet. He denied that he was dictating what would go in the statement. He was there for the taking of the statement but he didn't sign it. In his own defence, the accused recalled being arrested and brought to Gorey garda station. He was interviewed by five gardai in all. He was exhausted by the time the eight hours was over expecially with the verbal abuse he received from Sergeant Leahy, he said. He was very upset over that. He did not say he wanted to speak to the Bunclody gardai. In relation to the signed statement, he said Garda O'Connell was taking notes and Sergeant Leahy was doing the dictating. He did not say it happened in the wood. Sergeant Leahy said that. He did not say he had sex with the victim. Sergeant Leahy was doing the talking most of the time, he said. He said he was told that if he signed the statement he would be released. Sergeant Leahy told him they wanted it for their files, there would be nothing further about it and it wouldn't go to court. He heard nothing about it for nearly a year and a half when he received a summons and then it was nearly another year before he got a book of evidence. He told the court that he knew the victim and had last met him in June of 1995. Under cross-examination by John Peart, SC, the defendant agreed that the allegation put to him by the gardai was that he had sex with the young man in a public toilet. Mr. Peart put it to him that the first the gardai heard about it happening in a wood was in the statement he made. And if they had wanted to fix the statement they would have said it happened in the toilet. `Did you tell them it happened in the woods' asked Mr. Peart. `No', replied the defendant. `You had to tell them it happened in the wood' said Mr. Peart. He agreed that he had consulted with his solicitor during the day and further agreed that he knew he didn't have to sign anything if he didn't want to. `Yet you were read over a very serious confession made by you and you signed it' said Mr. Peart. Under pressure `I signed it, yes, when I was asked. I signed it to be released'. `I was confused. I was under a lot of pressure. I signed it to get out'. After the jury returned a guilty verdict, Judge McCartan suggested it might be a case for a Victim Impact Report. Garda Mullins told the court that the defendant had no previous convictions and came from a talented family background. He was a piper in the local band. The defendant's brother, Brendan Murphy, a member of the Garda Siochana said he only became aware of the problem when his brother received a summons. Their parents were still alive and had been made aware of the case. Although he no longer lived in Bunclody, he said he believed his brother was now a changed character. He became withdrawn following the investigation and had experienced sleeping problems. He believed his brother had a drinking problem at the time. Summing up, Judge McCartan said there was clear evidence the young man had been very severely traumatised by the incident.The charity and christianity shown by Garda Mullins had saved the defendant a considerable term in prison, he said, but to prison, he had to go. Judge McCartan said he had to take into account the young man, his father and the people of Bunclody who would be outraged if any other decision was handed down. He said his anger was very much tempered by what was said on behalf of the defendant by Garda Mullins and his brother. However, the court must take a very serious view of people who abuse young and vulnerable members of the community and breach the trust of adult members of society. The first trial earlier this year was halted by Judge Olive Buttimer after a witness in the case said things to the jury which were not in his statement in the Book of Evidence.

Dangerous driving causing death charge reduced by jury

Court hears how woman was killed while helping accident victim

A man accused of dangerous driving causing death had his charge reduced to careless driving by a Jury following a Criminal Trial before Judge Pat McCartan on Thursday and Friday last at Wexford Circuit court. Roy McCarthy, Cushinstown, Foulksmills, appeared before the court on a charge of dangerous driving at Assaly Little, Killinick, on February 28, 1997, causing the death of Patricia Hayes, 4 Rathlannon Drive, Piercestown, Wexford. Ms Deirdre Murphy, B.L. instructed by State Solicitor, Mr. Jack McEvoy, appeared for the DPP, while Mr. Vaughan Buckley, S.C., and Mr. Colman Coady, B.L. instructed by Ms Fiona Reynolds, Solicitor, appeared for the defendant. Detective Garda Dermot McDonagh attached to the Mapping Technical Bureau in Dublin gave evidence to the court of surveying the scene of the accident. He told the court that the width of the road was 44' 2'' with a generous hard shoulder on one side and a slightly less hard shoulder on the Texaco garage side of the road. He informed the court that approaching motorists from the Rosslare side would have a comprehensive view of the area of roadway from the old entrance to Killinick village, which would be about 250 yards, with a limited view further back, adding that it's a very good road and very wide. Anthony Whelan in evidence told of driving from Rosslare Harbour on the night in question. As he approached Killinick village he saw a yellow flashing light, and as he went into the shop, he saw a tractor and loader parked in the forecourt. Whelan told the court he saw the tractor and loader pull out and on hearing a noise he looked over, seeing that the loader had unhooked. As a result the driver of the tractor got out and flagged down a car approaching from Wexford. As the driver of the tractor ran into the shop he heard the screech of tyres and a bang. He said that when he went to the car he recognised the driver as been Dympna Maguire of Rosslare Harbour and she appeared to be unconscious. He drove from the scene to drop a Ms Atkins home and flashed oncoming cars. When he arrived back at the scene he saw the red car which he had flashed at crashed into the loaders, adding that he had earlier met the car four hundred to five hundred yards from the scene and flashed his lights for it to slow down. Replying to Vaughan Buckley, S.C. the witness said there was some room for cars to get by, while every effort was been made to warn oncoming vehicles. David Redmond of Tacumshane told of been in the Supermarket on the night in question. He was putting petrol into a car at the time, and on looking up, he saw a tractor on one side of the road, and a trailer across the road. He saw Dympna Maguire's car strike the trailer around the back axle. The witness said he went to the assistance of Dympna Maguire and Patricia Hayes also arrived with both attending to Ms Maguire. Patricia Hayes had a light and was trying to flag down oncoming traffic. As soon as Patricia Hayes arrived he took his eye off approaching traffic before the next thing he realised that he had been driven under the low loader. William Kehoe from Foulksmills told of being in the area at about 9.30p.m. As he approached Killinick he saw a tractor and low loader across the road. The tractor and trailer was pulling out of the forecourt and as he got closer he saw that it had unhooked. As a result, Kehoe told the court, that he passed the vehicle out before parking the car, leaving his flasher warning lights on. The driver tried to hook the trailer to the tractor but was unsuccessful and went into the supermarket looking for a rope or chain. Having started to warn oncoming traffic, some of which passed by before he went to look at the draw bar after which he heard a loud bang. Following this he went to the car and saw a woman whose face was covered in blood after which he got the tractor driver to ring for an ambulance and the gardai on his mobile phone. The witness said that having heard a second noise the next thing he noticed was that he was spinning around and went to the forecourt. He said that the drawing bar of the trailer was stuck into the ground and the driver could not get it out. Patricia Whelan of St. Brendan's Estate, Rosslare Harbour, said she was in the car of Anthony Whelan at the supermarket in Killinick on the night. She had seen the driver of the tractor in the shop before seeing him drive out onto the road, before appearing to turn for Rosslare, after which she heard a bang. She saw a man standing beside the tractor before seeing the car crash into the trailer. She added that as Anthony Whelan drove towards Rosslare he flashed his lights but she did not remember the car involved in the accident passing by. Mary Doran told of being a passenger in John Kehoe's car. She noticed a tractor with a hazard light which they passed before parking on the hard shoulder. Having remained in the car she saw a car approaching from Rosslare and she flashed the lights, while the hazard warning lights were also on. The car crashed into the trailer and a second car came along shortly after, striking some people while also crashing into the trailer. Michael Beaver said he was driving from Wexford town towards Rosslare Harbour. As he approached Killinick a car in front was indicating to turn right, at which stage he went to pass on the left side, before noticing a trailer across the road, which led him to brake, swerving to the right to get by. He told the court of noticing a car in the trailer while also seeing another car coming from the Rosslare Harbour direction. He flashed his lights but the second car did not stop and struck the people who were attending the first car. On seeing the impact he went immediately to the supermarket to see if the ambulance and gardai had been called. He estimated the car had been travelling a 50mph to 60mph. Paul Ennis of Duncannon told of driving away from the service station when he heard a loud bang before realising a car had struck the trailer. Shortly after he saw a second car strike the trailer and two people flying over the trailer. Jennifer Scahill told of been a passenger in a second car driven by Kerry McCormack. Before they approached the Danby Lodge she had lit cigarettes for herself and Kerry after which she handed Kerry her cigarette before putting the packet back into Kerry's bag. As she looked around she could see lights of car at an angle. Kerry was slowing down at the time. She saw the back lights of a car before saying it to Kerry who swerved to try and avoid it, adding that she possibly have been distracted, by giving her the cigarette. Replying to Vaughan Buckley, S.C. she said that about five hundred yards back she saw the flashing lights of a car which she thought only flashed once. Michelle Fortune told the court that on the night she was sitting in a car parked in the forecourt. She did not hear the first collision before she saw Patricia Hayes going out of the shop, after which she heard a bang. As a result she saw two people going into the air. On going to Dympna Maguire who was still in the car, she saw another person lying under the trailer, while another person was lying across the road, on the opposite side of the trailer. Liam Murphy from Hayestown, Taghmon, a Plant Hire Contractor, told the court of being the owner of the tractor involved in the accident. He used the tractor and low loader to move machinery on site. He said he knew the brakes on the back axle of low loader were not working, but the front were working, and there were good brakes on the tractor. On the evening in question he directed Roy McCarthy to go to Rosslare Harbour but did not see him leave, but he was doing this on his directions. He said that on a number of occasion previously Mr. McCarthy had driven the vehicle without any problem. The witness said he was unaware of there being any problem with the hitch on the tractor. Garda Peter Ryan told the court the trailer had rear lights but no side markings. He noted that two cars had crashed into the side of the trailer, while he saw a man trapped under the trailer who had to be freed by the fire brigade. Having gone over to a car he saw Dympna Maguire with a badly bleeding face who was being attended to by a nurse from the Intensive Care Unit of Wexford General Hospital, while Miss Hayes had been taken to hospital by ambulance. When he later went to interview Dympna Maguire she made a statement saying she did not remember anything about the accident, adding, that Kerry McCormack had pleaded guilty to careless driving in the District Court and had been fined £80. Garda Tony Coakley said when he arrived at the scene he saw Patricia Hayes on the side of the road unconscious, while David Redmond was trapped under the low loader. He was conscious and able to give his name. He also spoke to William Kehoe who was sitting in the forecourt in a state of shock and appeared badly shaken. Sergt Daniel F. McCarthy, Public Service Vehicle Inspector, told the court the brakes and steering of the tractor were sound. However he said that the space between the hitch and the stopper leading to slackening made the connection very dangerous, while the mechanical components of the low loader were totally defective. He said there were no brakes on the low loader and no side markings and found it very dangerous. With no brakes on the low loader and being towed along it would put severe stress on the tractor and also severe stress on the draw bar leading it to snap. Sergt. McCarthy told the court that the overall combination was in a dangerous condition because of the parts outlined. He also examined the cars which had severe damage but appeared in good condition. Sergt. Kevin Foran told of the defendant going to Rosslare Garda Station with a prepared statement. The defendant in a statement said he was travelling to Rosslare Harbour to move a digger on site. The low loader was on loan from Peter McLoughlin and the tractor was owned by Liam Murphy. He hitched up the low loader at Barntown, checked the brakes, and there were only brakes on the front axle of the low loader which were working. As regard the piece of black rubber it was used to stop the draw bar from jumping up and down. Having stopped in Killinick he drove out and was half way across the road when the low loader came off the hitch. At the time the tractor was facing towards Rosslare and there was an orange flashing light on the cab. Having got out out of the tractor another man came along who stayed on the road as he went into the shop to look for a chain or rope. On going back he saw a girl in a car with blood on her face after which he went to the tractor to contact an ambulance and the gardai. He then saw a girl from the shop with a light after which another car came along and sent the people flying. The Jury following an absence of two hours returned a unanimous verdict of careless driving. Sergt. Foran told the court he found the accused to have always been a forthright and honest young man. The Hayes family, he said, found it very hard, difficult and most stressful with all the court cases, and found the court system very hard to understand. The defendant he said had no previous convictions of any kind and never came to the notice of Gardai before, and was now in new employment driving a digger. Sergt. Foran said that Ms McCormack had pleaded guilty to careless driving in the District Court, was fined £80, but was not disqualified from driving. Judge McCartan said the young girl out of a sense of duty and charity went onto the road to help and met an inappropriate death. However he had to measure out a number of factors in dealing with the case. Another person who was a participant was dealt with in another court and fined a miniscule sum and dealt with in another way. The Judge said he could not ignore what had happened to the other person while also having to consider the defendant as being a very young man. The young man, he said, was subject to directions from a very irresponsible employer. It was grossly irresponsible of the employer to ask him to take the vehicle out onto the road. It was an appalling judgement on anyones part. It was inevitable something was going to happened and unfortunately it happened on a busy junction leading to an unbelievably sad tragedy. Judge McCartan said that while he was compelled to have regard to the facts his hands were tied in so many areas. He fined the defendant £350 on the reduced charge of careless driving, giving him two months to pay, while also endorsing his driving licence.

NEWS SPECIAL The Ballygarrett Pike group were just one of the many from all over the county who took part in Dublin's 1798 commemorations on Saturday. Reporter Colm Lambert was among them.

Proud day in Dublin as we march to the beat of '98

IT all began innocently enough. A simple phone call to Ballygarrett man Peter Carton seeking information about a play currently being rehearsed there, which turned out to be a new one written by Peter himself which deals with a North Wexford family's involvement in the 1798 rebellion. We began to talk about the summer-long series of commemorations and the fact that a march was coming up soon in Dublin. Next thing I knew, he invited me to march there with the Ballygarrett pike group. My experience of the commemorations had been limited to spectating and reporting up to that point, but I am as proud a Wexford man as any other and decided it was about time I took an active part in proceedings. That was how I came to find myself standing at the Realt na Mara GAA pitch at 10.30 on Saturday morning, clad in grandfather-collared white shirt, black waistcoat and peaked cap, just a matter of hours after stumbling in home from a beery Friday night. Half asleep and hungover...some would say it was the authentic 1798 pikeman experience. The pikemen and women numbered about 25 by the time the bus pulled away, and it had barely gotten through the gateway of the GAA complex before John Carty produced his tin whistle, Jim Garde got out the mouth organ, and the singing began. It continued all the way to Dublin, pausing only for cries of `hold on, we want to go for a pint!' as the bus whizzed by Jack White's Inn and The Beehive. Company Commander Danny Cooper sat alongside the novice pikeman for a while on the way up and explained the basic commands needed for marching. Nil ach cupla focail agam, but I quickly learned that `cle...cle...cle, deis, cle' was the most important bit and was confident I wouldn't make a show of my colleagues by running along hopelessly out of step. Danny then retired towards the rear of the bus to exercise his fine singing voice, having also revealed that the pike he would be carrying was built with an original 1798 pikehead that was found in a field near his home many years ago. The assembly point at Parnell Square was reached well before the allocated time of 2 p.m., and many Dublin heads turned as the 25 Ballygarrett pikepeople were joined by others from different groups on the search for food. `Are yiz in a play or a film or something or wha'?' bemused locals asked as we filed into Patrick Conway's pub on Parnell Street, the one that featured in the film `The Snapper', for the chips and a quick pint. `No, we're pikemen up for the march,' they were told. `Oh right,' they replied, still seeming none the wiser. Unfortunately, knowledge of the rebellion is not all it could be in the city. Back up to the square it was then to take up our position, which was alongside a jeep whose owner had obviously heard of the latest parking restrictions being enforced in Dublin. `On 1798 march...please don't clamp me!' read a notice in its window. The order to begin the march came shortly afterwards, and Sean Roche began to beat out the steps on his drum for the Ballygarrett folk to follow. I must admit to feeling a certain sense of pride as the procession snaked its way past the Garden of Remembrance and along the entire length of O' Connell Street and beyond. This was giving the Dubs an idea of what has been going on in Wexford all year long, and how much 1798 means to everybody from the Model County. Onlookers applauded, but not everybody was so charitable. The black-clad staunchly-Catholic old woman who can often be seen with her crucifix and rosary beads on O' Connell Street chose to express her disapproval of the rebellion with some decidedly un-Christian language. `The worst crowd of f****** ever to come out of the country' were the words she chose to describe the rebels who fought for freedom 200 years ago. `Cle, deis, cle' were the words that would not leave my brain as the march continued along College Green, Dame Street, Christchurch, Thomas Street, and St Catherine's Church and the South Quays before crossing the Liffey again at the Guinness brewery (where incidentally, I want my ashes to be scattered after my death!). It was only then that the full extent of the parade became clear to the marchers themselves, as we saw over 1,000 others all along both sides of the river as wreaths were laid in the Croppy Acre. The pause was appreciated by some more than others, as they took advantage of it to dash into nearby pubs to answer nature's call. Back up along the North Quays then and up O'Connell Street to the GPO, where the speeches were taking place. It was difficult to hear all that was being said, but the largest cheer came as RTE's lack of coverage of the event was condemned from the podium, and there was also support for the suggestion that the parade become an annual event at Vinegar Hill, in the manner of Dublin's 1916 commemorations. While standing at ease with pike in hand, a familiar voice sounded behind me. `Howaya Lambert,' said a journalistic colleague, Michael Foley from `The Sunday Tribune', in his dulcet North Cork tones. The significance, and irony, of a man from that part of the country standing among 1,000 pikemen as the sounds of 'Boolavogue' began to echo through the city's main street was unfortunately lost on him. The march resumed for the short distance back to Parnell Square before both the nearby Barry's Hotel and the Belvedere Hotel were bombarded by pikemen longing for tea and ham sandwiches. Veterans of dozens of marches were glad of the sustenance provided, including the members of the Ballindaggin Pipe Band. Seeing the line at the bar however, the Ballygarrett crew adjourned back across the road to the bar of Club na Muinteori, where the sing-song began again in earnest. Not to be outdone, Enniscorthy pikewoman Kay Doyle, another impostor among the teachers, also joined in the proceedings. It was off to the Stillorgan Park Hotel then for yet more food, which was followed by more singing in the bar from Danny Cooper, the fine voice of John Carty, and the man who claimed to be the only one from Courtown Harbour to march, Mick Byrne. A cultural exchange of sorts followed, as a group of visiting Germans interspersed `The Boys of Wexford' and `Kelly from Killane' with a selection of Teutonic drinking songs. It was closing time before the bus left (there's a surprise), and the songs and craic continued all the way back to Ballygarrett. As the men and women clamoured off the bus just after 1 a.m., some were already looking forward to marching in New Ross the following day. Having spent a day with a pike group, this reporter now appreciates why so many people have been so enthusiastic about marching all summer long, and is firmly of the opinion that all should not end just because 1998 is almost over. There is a strong case to be made for more frequent commemorations of the rebellion.

650 seat church will service growing community

Clonard celebrates the opening of new church

HILARY MURPHY Journalist

`GOD IS ALIVE and well and living in Clonard with a 20-year mortgage'! In this jovial comment at the consecration of Clonard's beautiful new church last Sunday, Parish Priest Fr. Denis Lennon aptly summed up what they had experienced in the herculean task of building the church over the past two years. The work involved for all concerned had been carried through with a virtual religious fervour, he said, while the chief challenge ahead was to clear the heavy debt incurred. The full 650-seat capacity of the splendid building was taken up for Sunday's ceremony which was led by Bishop Brendan Comiskey and attended by a large number of clergy. The historic occasion was attended also by Wexford's Mayor, Cllr. Paddy Nolan and Mr Brendan Howlin T.D. It was a time for savouring the satisfaction of a job well done and for expressing admiration and gratitude for the trojan input by so many and by certain individuals in particular. The one-and-a-half-hour service began with the building project's executive chairman, Michael Kelly, presenting the keys and plans of the building to the bishop. In doing so, he noted that this was the first church to be built in the diocese since 1970, and the first since Brendan Comiskey became Bishop of Ferns and to bear his name on the foundation stone. `This church,' said Michael Kelly, would not have been possible without the commitment and enormous effort of Clonard's greatest asset, its people. Today we have seen the fulfilment of an aspiration that has been in their hearts and minds for many years.' As part of the ceremony, two babies had the privilege of being baptised by the bishop at the church's new-style baptismal font. They were Emily Sinnott from McClure Meadows, and Jenna Kearney from Belvedere Grove. Baptismal vows were also renewed by everyone present and priests moved through the congregation to anoint some sick and elderly people with the chrism of the church. With the emphasis on community, eighteen representatives of the various categories in the parish were invited to the altar to receive a lighted candle from the bishop. These included marrieds, widows and widowers, sick and handicapped, young and elderly, confirmation and first communion candidates, ministers of the Word and Eucharist, teachers and general church helpers. There was also community representation in the offertory procession. Among the gifts brought to the altar was a Billy Colfer painting of the old church and the baptism register from the year it opened, 1974. Bishop Comiskey was joined in concelebrating Mass by Clonard's three priests, Fr. Lennon, Fr. Colm Murphy and Fr. Bobby Nolan as well as former Parish Priest, Fr. Lory Kehoe under whose stewardship the new church project was launched. The first reading was taken by Dick Conway and Fr. Kehoe read the Gospel. Solo singing by Lydia Fitzgerald, the parish choir, folk group and confraternity band greatly enhanced the joyful occasion. Catholic Boy Scouts in the charge of Stevie Martin proved a guard of honour. The much praised designer of the church, architect Maurice Fitzgerald, speaking at the end of Mass, singled out three individuals for their exceptional input into the building project - Seán McDonald, site foreman for contractor Jimmy Browne; his own partner Colm Redmond and church building chairman Dessie Robinson who, he said, was `an absolutely wonderful man to deal with'. Mr. Fitzgerald said his brief for the design of the church was to make it intimate; to ensure that the congregation would be close to the sanctuary at all times, and to make it a restful, meditative place with the focus of attention on the altar and tabernacle. Bringing the glorious occasion to a close, Fr. Lennon said the building project had represented a marvellous coming together of local talent working with the design team of Maurice Fitzgerald and Colm Redmond. `I have found it one of the greatest pleasures of my life,' he added.