USE
YOUR
SCROLL
BARS
TO BROWSE
THE STORIES
ON THIS PAGE |
RETURN TO HOME PAGE
GARDA INJURES FOOT
 A
well-known Wexford garda was taken to Loughlinstown Hospital this week
after being seriously injured during a search at the scene of an arms search
in County Wicklow.
On Monday, Detective Garda David Lynch who is attached to Wexford Garda
Station was assisting with a search at the scene of an arms discovery in
Ballinaclash near Rathdrum.
During the search in a field near the spot where a barrell containing
guns and ammunition were discovered over the weekend, he sustained a serious
injury to his foot in an accident with a strimmer.
He was rushed to St. Colmcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin
where he underwent emergency surgery on Monday night. He was expected to
undergo a further operation later this week.
Gardai from Wexford were drafted in to assist with the search after
a digger operator working on site clearance for a house in Ballinaclash
unearthed a barrell in the ground.
The barrell which was handed over to the gardai was found to contain
a shotgun, a rifle, holsters, knives and bullets.
Wicklow gardai who have ruled out any subversive element to the find
conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area on Monday with the
help of outside gardai.
Det. Garda Lynch who is expected to be out of action for some time
as a result of the injury is well-known in Wexford having served in the
area for many years.
A longstanding member of Wexford Light Opera Society, he is transport
co-ordinator for Wexford Festival Opera and had been looking forward to
this year's event.
Firemen free young girl from lock
WEXFORD Fire Brigade performed the most delicate and difficult job ever
when they freed a young 4-year-olds hand from a lock last week. The local
fire service heroes sprang into action at 12 midnight last Wednesday after
receiving an S.O.S. call from Wexford General Hospital. A worried doctor
in the casualty unit asked the fire brigade to bring along their cutting
equipment to free the hand of a four year old from a complicated lock.
The child had stuck her finger into a doorknob with a push button lock
and her tiny digit had become wedged tight in the mechanical device. The
firemen raced to the hospital, dressed in their full fire fighting gear,
and within minutes the firement were on the job and used their cutting
equipment and engineering skills to dismantle the lock.
Gardai urge people to be cautious
Schoolboy beats off abductor
ANNE MARIE O'CONNOR Staff Reporter
A 10-year-old boy used a hurley to beat off a man who attempted to abduct
him as he made his way to school at Wexford CBS primary last week. The
young boy, who is in 4th class, was still shaken this week and has had
a number of nightmares about the incident which happened at approximately
8.35 a.m. on Wednesday morning last. Meanwhile, parents throughout the
town have been warned to keep a vigilant eye on their children as Gardai
make inquiries into the worrying case. According to the mother of the young
boy involved in the incident, he left for school, which is just around
the corner from his home, at 8.35 a.m. As he made his way past the Brothers
residence opposite Bride Street Church a red Ford Fiesta car pulled up
beside him, and a man got out and grabbed him by the shoulder. The youngster
struggled and used his hurley, which he brought with him for gym class,
to strike the man across the back. At this point the man staggered and
the boy broke free and ran quickly to his school where he informed his
teacher about the incident. He described the his attacker as a man with
a `scrappy beard' and short black hair. He was dressed completely in black.
School principal Brother O'Shea informed the Gardai about the incident,
and has since issued notices to all parents warning them to ensure that
their children do not walk to school alone. The note advised pupils to
walk to school in groups of two or three and to be wary of suspicious cars.
The attempted abduction has worried many parents throughout the town, and
Gardai have warned people to be `cautious at all times'. This week the
Gardai said that they are making a lot of enquiries into the matter. A
rumour that a similar type attack took place outside of another school
could not be confirmed by the Gardai this week.
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.'
HISTORIC BAPTISM
Bishop Brendan Comiskey christens baby Jenna Marie Elizabeth Kearney
watched by her parents Marie and John Kearney from Belvedere at the opening
of Clonard's new church on Sunday
Pierce's to move from Distillery Road site
WELL known Wexford firm, Pierce Engineering, has this week confirmed plans
to move their operations from their existing site on Distillery Road. The
firm, who have denied in the past any plans to move, issued a statement
on Monday saying that for a number of years they have been concerned about
the difficulties of operating from their existing site. Poor layout and
excessively high maintenance costs have caused the main concerns for the
firm which is now 160 years old. However, Pierces have stated that until
now the cost of moving has been prohibitive. With property prices escalating
and prime development space in Wexford town at a premium, a move at this
time could prove lucrative for Pierces. `There may be an opportunity, now,
to move our operations to a new site with a purpose built factory on the
industrial estate. And because of the potential of our existing site this
could now be achieved at no significant cost,' the statement read. The
company are also enthusiastically looking at the change. `We believe this
is a great opportunity for Pierces Engineering and we are enthusiastic
about it. We are confident that such a move should safeguard the long term
viability of Pierces and indeed give an opportunity to expand the business
in Wexford,' they said this week. The company are currently in discussions
with staff over the proposed move.
Well-known Wexford man Paddy Kelly is surrounded by his family
and friends at a surprise 50th birthday party in the Pike Bar on Saturday
night
Overtook line of cars
A young Malaysian man now living in Wexford was convicted at Gorey District
Court last week of careless driving near Camolin earlier this month. Wee
Cheong Nico Liew (26), 17 South Main Street, Wexford, pleaded guilty to
committing the offence at Ballydaniel, Camolin, on October 2. Garda Joseph
Brennan gave evidence of patrolling the Gorey-Camolin road in an umarked
car on that date, when he saw the defendant overtake a line of cars as
he was approaching a bend. Liew also crossed a continuous white line during
the manoeuvre. Defending solicitor McCartan O'Gorman said his client has
been working in the food business in Wexford for six months. He was never
in trouble before and co-operated fully with the Gardai. Liew was fined
£100. The conviction is to be endorsed on his licence.
Attempted to steal £620 bracelet
Two refugees convicted of `calculated crimes'
TWO Romanian asylum seekers who committed two calculated crimes in Wexford
last month were ordered to leave the area and to only return with the express
consent of Gardai when they appeared before Wexford District Court last
week. They were also sentenced to two months imprisonment, which was suspended
on the condition they enter into bonds of £100 each to keep the peace
for two years. Maria Kostas (30) and Saina Sona Toie (25), whose addresses
were given as The Hostel, Youghal, Co Cork, both pleaded guilty through
an interpreter to stealing £70 cash from the Drinagh Stores on September
18 and attempting to steal a gold bracelet worth £620 from Hynes
Jewellers on the same date. Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was
given by Garda Gerard Kealy, who noted neither defendant made any reply
to the charges. Garda Kealy gave evidence that both women called to the
Drinagh Stores (a shop and service station) on the day in question and
confused the shop assistant by tendering a £100 note. They then alleged
they had been short-changed. One of the defendants then distracted the
other shop assistant and £70 cash was taken from where it was resting
under a poor box on the counter during the confusion. The women were arrested
a week later at a checkpoint, Gda Kealy reported. He recognised them because
he had seen a video of the robbery that had been captured by the shop's
security cameras. In relation to the incident in the jewellers, Gda Kealy
said the women went into the shop that same day and asked the shop assistant
to take down a tray of bracelets for them. As they looked through it, they
asked for another tray. When the shop assistant turned away from them,
one of them tried to conceal a bracelet valued at £620 under her
sleeve. She was spotted doing so by the shop assistant, who demanded it
back and then called Gardai. Defending solicitor Sean Lowney said the incident
with the £100 note at the Service Station was difficult for the Romanians
because of their lack of english. Gda Kealy said he felt the £100
note was deliberately used to cause confusion so they could commit the
crime. Mr Lowney said his clients are now living in Tallaght, and was not
aware of any previous convictions. Garda Kealy said the women have not
come to the attention of the Gardai since, under the names they gave. Judge
Donnchadh O'Buachalla said the crimes were committed in full knowledge
of their seriousness. He realised that convictions would make things difficult
for the woman as they are asylum seekers, but had to convict them on both
counts because of the calculated nature of their crimes. The women were
fined £50 each in respect of the theft at Drinagh, which was paid
from the bail money they had been released on from Wexford Garda Station.
The two-month sentence was suspended on condition they keep the peace for
two years and not return to Wexford during that time without the agreement
of the member in charge at Wexford Garda Station.
Fight broke out in pub in Baldwinstown
A FIGHT in a Baldwinstown pub last year was eventually resolved
with a simple handshake, Wexford District Court heard last week. Four men
appeared before the court to answer charges arising from the incident in
Annie's Bar, Baldwinstown, on October 27 last. All were bound to the peace
for one year after Judge Donnchadh O' Buachalla heard there is no longer
any bad blood between them. Patrick Leacy, 6 St Catherine's Park, Murrintown,
was charged with assaulting Colm Curran, the co-owner of Annie's Bar. Sean
Clancy, Greenlake, Murrintown, was charged with assaulting John Lambert.
P.J. Leacy, Shelmalier Common, Murrintown, was charged with obstructing
Garda John Buggy in the course of his duty, all in Annie's Bar on the day
in question. The three men also faces charges of being drunk and disorderly,
drunk and a danger to themselves and others, and of indulging in behaviour
likely to lead to a breach of the peace. Colm Curran, whose address was
given as c/o Annie's Bar, was charged with assaulting Patrick Leacy. Garda
John Buggy gave evidence of receiving a report of a row in the pub on the
night in question. He went there and saw Colm Curran and Patrick Leacy
fighting. P.J. Leacy and Sean Clancy were also involved. Gda Buggy saw
Curran receive a blow to the face which caused him a bloody nose. He managed
to stop the fight and told Curran to have his nose looked at in a private
room in the bar. The other three men were very drunk and he asked them
to leave the premises. He said the incident occurred at approximately 10.10
p.m. after Leacy, Leacy and Clancy had been drinking all day. The fight
began when Curran attempted to remove them from the premises. He added
that the pub has since been sold, the men have all shaken hands and the
matter has been resolved. The men were bound to the peace on their own
bonds of £100 each.
Farmer's nephew says he will take over care of farm
Cruelty to animals case back in court
THE ONGOING case of an elderly Duncormick farmer charged with causing cruelty
to animals earlier this year returned to Wexford District Court last week,
when the farmer's nephew sought permission to take charge of the land and
animals. Gerard Roche (68), Johnstown, Duncormick, is charged with causing
cruelty to a number of cattle in January and March of this year. Previous
sittings of the court heard how he was unable to look after them properly
due to ill health. In court last week, his nephew Mr Rory Conroy said it
his intention to go to live on the farm and take charge of it himself.
Nobody there Department of Agriculture official Mr Cecil Alexander gave
evidence of visiting the farm again on the Monday before the hearing. There
was nobody else there. He pointed out that the defendant had been instructed
at a previous sitting to sell off the cattle, but there were still 90 to
100 animals there, the same as a couple of weeks previously. The only difference
he spotted was the acquisition of about 100 round bales of straw, which
he said is only suitable for bedding purposes as it offers no real nutritional
value. About 12 bales had been put out in a field, but the binding twine
had not been removed and the bales were really only being pushed around
by the cattle. He said other stock is kept on two out-farms. 46 bulls are
kept on one of them and the defendant had been specifically instructed
to sell these, but they were still there. 38 store cattle were kept on
the other farm, so there was a total of 170 to 180 animals altogether.
Mr Alexander said some animals are still untagged, and he saw no evidence
of de-horning having taken place. He did not think cattle should be kept
on the farm over the winter months, as the grass is beginning to rapidly
run out. The lie of the land on the farm means that all water drains into
the yard, which would be impossible to keep in a proper condition. Even
if it was properly cleaned, it would just take one heavy shower of rain
for it to become as bad as ever. Up to £30,000 of investment would
be needed to bring it up to the right standard. Under cross-examination
from defending solicitor Cormac Dunleavy, Mr Alexander accepted it is very
difficult to sell cattle at the moment. He also agreed the cattle on the
farm are currently in an acceptable condition. Mr Conroy gave evidence
the 46 bulls in question have been sold to an exporter and are currently
awaiting collection. The exporter was normally very reliable in coming
to collect animals, but had postponed picking up the bulls a number of
times and Mr Conroy did not know the reason why. Difficult market He said
advertisements have been placed in five local newspapers for ten to 12
weeks in an attempt to sell other stock. It is a difficult market at the
moment however, and all they have managed to sell is a few cows and calves
about a month ago. He took another phone call the day before the court
from a man who wanted to look at the animals, but that was all the interest
the ads had generated. He said all weanlings on the farm have been tagged
and de-horned since the last court appearance and all animals are in good
condition. The situation on the farm deteriorated last year when his uncle
became ill, but he now intended moving onto the farm and taking control.
600 bales of hay had been bought for feeding purposes if they are still
unable to dispose of all the stock, and 200 bales of straw for bedding
were also purchased. These were being kept in the seller's shed until needed.
It was his intention to keep just 50 to 60 animals, and he felt the farm
could accommodate these. Mr Alexander again expressed concern that the
farm is unacceptable for wintering cattle, but Mr Conroy said he intends
being there constantly and doing all necessary work. Mr Alexander asked
if he realised how much work is involved in tending so many cattle, and
said he does not even think there is a working tractor on the farm. A bit
rusty Mr Conroy replied he is `a bit rusty' since he has not farmed for
eight or nine years, but was confident he would be able to look after the
animals properly if allowed. He said no animal has suffered since he went
onto the farm, and no animal would be allowed suffer in future. Judge Donnchadh
O' Buachalla said he still had concerns for the welfare of the animals.
He accepted the defendant is in poor health, but said penalties would still
have to be imposed. He also accepted the situation might be difficult if
the defendant is not in a position to give clear instructions as to what
he wants to do with the farm and animals. The case was adjourned to November
4 to see what further steps can be taken on the farm. The judge indicated
it will be finalised on that date.
Kilmore driver gets two year ban
A KILMORE man, who refused to give a blood or urine sample when suspected
of drunken driving, was disqualified from driving for two years when he
appeared before Wexford District Court last week. Dominic Sinnott (24),
Kilmore Village, refused to give the sample at Wexford General Hospital
on January 1 last. The court heard that Garda Folan went to the scene of
a minor traffic accident in Drinagh North at 2.15 a.m. on the date in question.
The defendant was taken to the hospital as a result of the accident. While
there, he was asked to provide a sample but refused to do so. Sinnott had
a previous conviction for driving without insurance or a driving licence,
dating from 1995. He had been on probation for two years following that
offence. Defending solicitor Sean Lowney said his client was injured in
the accident and became confused. At the time, he told the Garda that he
was drunk. He has a provisional licence and works as a fisherman. Sinnott
was disqualified from driving for two years and fined £150. The conviction
is to be endorsed on his licence. He was also ordered to pay £140
witness expenses. A charge of dangerous driving at Drinagh North on the
same date was withdrawn.
Tagoat man injured in motorbike accident fined £150
A YOUNG Tagoat man who was seriously injured in a motorbike accident last
January was fined £150 at Wexford District Court last week for driving
without insurance. Garda John McCarthy gave evidence of asking Patrick
Murphy, Ballygarvey, Tagoat, to produce his driving licence and insurance
within ten days when he went to the scene of the accident at Kilrane on
January 25 last. Murphy failed to do so. Garda McCarthy added that the
bike was not taxed at the time either. Defending solicitor Jimmy O' Connor
said his client has since taken out a provisional driving licence. He could
not insure the bike until his 25th birthday, and could not tax it without
insurance. He suffered horrific injuries in the crash and could not come
to court because he was in hospital undergoing further surgery. Mr O' Connor
pointed out that the driver of the car involved in the accident had already
been convicted of careless driving. His client had no previous convictions
and has an income of £70 per week. Judge Donnchadh O' Buachalla said
that having considered all circumstances, he would fine Murphy only on
the count of having no insurance and take all other matters into consideration.
Murphy was fined £150 and given four months to pay. He faces five
days in prison by default. The conviction is to be endorsed on his licence.
Indecent exposure charge adjourned
THE CASE of a Castlebridge man charged with indecently exposing himself
earlier this year was adjourned when it came before Wexford District Court
last week. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with
indecently exposing himself and masturbating in a public place at Ardcolm,
Castlebridge, on February 1 last. The court heard the man is currently
undergoing treatment for his problems. The case was adjourned to February
3 next.
Summonses struck out
A MOTORIST had summonses for no tax or no valid tax disc displayed struck
out at Wexford District Court last week when solicitor Sean Lowney said
all back tax has now been paid with no loss of revenue to the State. Laura
Way, Ballymore, Killinick, was accused of committing the offences at the
New Line Road on June 20 last. She had no previous convictions.
Community service order
A TAGHMON man was ordered at Wexford District Court last week to complete
230 hours of Community Service in lieu of four months in prison. Tom Murphy,
Mulmintra, Taghmon, stood convicted of having no insurance at Mulmintra
on April 20 last. The conviction is to be endorsed on his licence.
First woman to be become
Co. Registrar
A NEW County Registrar has been appointed in Wexford to fill the vacancy
created by the death earlier this year of Maurice Phelan who held the position
for many years. The new registrar is Enniscorthy solicitor Marie Garahy
who has the distinction of being the first woman to achieve the position
in Wexford although there are several women registrars around the country.
A native of Co. Carlow, she qualified as a solicitor in 1986 and started
practising in the same year in partnership with her husband, John Garahy
who is a well-known Enniscorthy solicitor. When contacted abour her appointment
this week, she said she had not yet received official notification but
she understood that it was true. When she takes up duty she will be responsible
for the administration of the Circuit Court, the Probate Office, Land Registry
and the Sherriff's Office which are all based at the County Hall in Wexford.
Ms. Garahy who has three children, Ruth, Shane and Ciara, said she was
already looking forward to the challenge of the new job. Registrars are
appointed by the Minister for Justice.
Exhibition
`Icons is the title of an exhibition of black and white prints by Paul
Woulfe which will open this Friday night at the Sky and the Ground in South
Main Street.
Move to end right turn onto bridge at Ferrycarrig
Motorists may soon be unable to turn right onto Ferrycarrig Bridge in the
direction of Enniscorthy if the gardai give the go-ahead to a plan under
consideration by the Co. Council. At a meeting of the Council on Monday,
Cllr. Padge Reck proposed that the right turn at Ferrycarrig Bridge be
closed to make the junction safer. He said there was a grass verge on the
left hand side of the junction which could be turned into a slip road for
those turning left. The proposal was well-received by the members and engineering
staff and it was agreed that it would be put into effect if the gardai
gave their approval.
Councillor had harsh words for motor rally
THE organisers of the recent motor rally in Ballindaggin came in for harsh
words from Cllr. Rory Murphy at a meeting of Wexford Co. Council this week.
Cllr. Murphy accused them of tying the gates of farmers' fields from 10
o' clock in the morning until 6 in the evening and said it was `a criminal
act'. The County Engineer, Phil Callery, commented that rallies had postive
and negative aspects. They were good for tourism but they were disruptive
and could be dangerous. Cllr. Larry O'Brien thought the brief discussion
was `over the top'. The rally organisers had tied red ribbons on the gates
for safety. A car could be passing by as fast as 150 miles an hour and
people should know how dangerous that could be, he said.
Rathangan evening of great music
Musicians are crawling out of the woodwork down Rathangan way to raise
much needed funds for a new organ in the parish church. On Thursday, October
22, there will be an evening of music and song in Rathangan Church followed
by a session afterwards in the Temple Bar. The evening has been organised
not only to raise money but to inaugurate the new church organ and celebrate
the talent and achievements of the parish. Those participating include
Eanna McKenna, who will give an organ recital; Rathangan National School
who have been in rehearsal with Rosaleen Moloy for a number of months;
school principal Seán Roche who is a tenor, and past pupil Maureen
Codd on flute; Rathangan Folk Group led by Siobhan Murphy; Michael Boyce
his family and friends and Cór na Bhfear agus a cáirde. Concert
tickets are £4 which include free entry to the session. Children
and the unwaged get half price concessions. Those who don't make the concert
can still pay the £3 cover charge and attend the session. Tickets
are available from Rathangan National School, The Temple Bar, Duncormick
Post Office, Cleariestown P.O., Bridgetown P.O., the Credit Union Office;
Rosaleen Molloy, Statia Redmond, Nick Furlong, William Considine and from
the Selskar Bookshop.
Foreigner on drunk and damage charges
AN Albanian man who faces charges arising from incidents in Wexford last
month was remanded on continuing bail when he came before the local District
Court last week. Afrim Doma (25), 38 Melrose Court, Wexford, is accused
of damaging a teak door, property of White's Hotel, in Harper's Bar, Main
Street, on September 29 and with being drunk and a danger to himself and
others in George's Street on the same date. When asked how he was pleading,
Doma said his english was not very good. It was hoped that an interpreter
who was in court to assist in an unrelated case involving two Romanians
might be able to assist, but he was unable to do so. Doma said he has been
in Ireland for almost two years and is not working. Free legal aid was
granted and solicitor Fiona Kent was assigned. Doma was remanded on continuing
bail to November 4.
Youths charged with break-in at `The People'
TWO Wexford youths who broke into `The People' newspaper offices last year
and stole cash and cheques there appeared before Wexford District Court
last week. John Paul Maguire (19), 77 Talbot Green, and Jason Byrne (18),
5 Kennedy Park, are charged with breaking into the North Main Street offices
between 5.30 p.m. on October 10 and 9 a.m. on October 11 last year, and
with stealing a small quantity of cash and four cheques. Maguire is also
charged with handling £500 cash at Georges Street on October 10,
knowing or believing it to be stolen property. Byrne faces further charges
arising from uttering a cheque at the Ulster Bank, Wexford, on the same
date when pretending to be an employee of the newspaper, and from obtaining
goods and cash from Dunnes Stores, Redmond Square, on October 11. A probation
report on Byrne was handed into court. Having read it, Judge Donnchadh
O' Buachalla said he would adjourn the case to December 4 on condition
Byrne attend for regular drug screening in the meantime. He reminded Byrne
that he has already been warned that his minimum punishment will be a suspended
sentence, and advised to co-operate with all the officials concerned in
the case. In the case of Maguire, the court heard he has now paid back
his share of the cash that was not recovered. He had previous convictions
for breach of the peace and criminal damage. Probation Officer Phil Lyons
pointed out that Maguire has been on probation since February, and has
an ongoing problem with drink and cannabis. He is now living in Dublin
and seems to be getting things together. His solicitor, Ms Catherine Stack,
said the offences before the court took place before her client attended
for drug counselling. He feels the counselling made a big difference to
him. He is now in regular employment for the first time and wants to do
everything possible to hold onto that. He was remanded on continuing bail
to October 1999, with liberty to re-enter the case at any time being granted.
Paid for causing damage to door
THE CASE of a Wexford man who damaged a door belonging to another almost
five years ago was finally resolved when it came before the local District
Court last week. Charles Carty, 60 Lower John Street, was charged with
the criminal damage of a glass door belonging to Mr Martin Ryan at 31 Lower
Bride Street in November 1993. The court heard a warrant was issued for
Carty's arrest in January 1994 after he left the jurisdiction. He was arrested
last week on foot of the warrant. When the charge was read to him, he replied
'Guilty. I paid it. I reimbursed Mr Ryan in full'. Defending solicitor
Sean Lowney said Carty moved to England shortly after the incident occurred.
He paid the compensation to Mr Ryan before he left, and has now returned
to live in Wexford permanently. The probation act was applied.
Charged with arson^ at community centre
A WEXFORD youth charged with committing arson in Clonard Community Centre
last year was granted bail when he appeared before Wexford District Court
last week. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age,
is charged with committing arson in the gents' toilets of the Community
Centre on October 17 last year and with setting fire to clothing in a manner
that created a risk of death or serious harm to another, also in the toilets
of the Community Centre on the same date. Garda Mortimer Ambrose gave evidence
of arrest, charge and caution. He noted the defendant made no reply to
the charges. Bail was fixed at £100 in the defendant's own bond and
he was remanded to appear before the court again on October 21. Free legal
aid was granted and solicitor Jimmy Murphy was assigned.
Blackwater men on rape charges
TWO YOUNG men from the Blackwater area who face a number of charges of
rape and sexual assault appeared before Wexford District Court last week.
The men, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are both in their early
twenties. The younger man faces five charges of alleged rape of the same
female between September 1, 1994 and November 30, 1995. The other man is
charged with five counts of sexual assault of the same female in a field,
a lane and a bedroom between September 1, 1995 and November 30, 1996. Evidence
of arrest, charge and caution was given by Garda Mairead Crowley. Garda
Crowley reported that the man charged with rape had nothing to say in reply
to the charges. The other man claimed after each of the charges were read
to him that he did not do it. The defendants were remanded on bail of £300
each to the November 4 court, on condition they sign on at Blackwater Garda
Station each Tuesday and Thursday in daylight hours. Free legal aid was
granted and solicitor Catherine Stack was assigned.
Woman stole book from supermarket
A Wellingtonbridge woman who stole the book `The Horse Whisperer'
from the Crazy Prices Supermarket in Wexford two years ago was given the
benefit of the Probation Act when she appeared before the local District
Court last week. Carol O' Brien (37), Ballylannon, Wellingtonbridge, stole
the book, value £5.99, on June 14, 1996. Evidence of arrest, charge
and caution was given by Garda Malone, who reported that O' Brien had nothing
to say when the charge was read to her. Garda Malone said the defendant
was very ill at the time of the offence and does not remember much about
it. The book has been recovered and returned to the supermarket. O' Brien
is still suffering badly and is in poor health, he said. She had no previous
convictions. Judge Donnchadh O' Buachalla told O' Brien he appreciated
it was a difficult situation for her, and in the circumstances he would
apply the Probation Act.
Charges against Priory Court residents dismissed
Littering charges are struck out
A NUMBER of charges brought by Wexford County Council relating to alleged
littering in Priory Court were struck out when they came before Wexford
District Court last week. Judge Donnchadh O' Buachalla ruled there was
no evidence to prove the defendants were responsible for throwing the litter
onto the ground around a skip in the apartment complex, where it was later
found. In one of the cases, a case of mistaken identity regarding the defendant
was successfully proven by the defence. All charges brought arose from
litter found on March 20 last. Mr Peadar MacDonald, an Environmental Officer
with Wexford County Council, gave evidence of receiving a number of complaints
about litter in Priory Court and deciding to take action. Mr Billy Byrne,
Waste Disposal Supervisor, said he found a large amount of rubbish thrown
around a skip which had been provided there. There was a magazine addressed
to Mr Joe Forde, Irish Leisure Consultants, Forth Mountain among the rubbish
and so notice was served to this address for Mr Forde to answer a charge
of littering. Mr Joe Forde Snr., of Forth Mountain appeared in court, saying
he was the one who received notice to come to court. Irish Leisure Consultants
was a company set up by his son, also called Joe, who still sometimes received
mail at that address. He knew nothing about the magazine or how it came
to be on the ground in Priory Court. Judge O' Buachalla told the prosecution
they had `no case at all' in relation to Mr Forde. Two residents of Priory
Court, Ms Caroline Daly and Ms Deirdre O'Gorman, were also called to answer
accusations of littering. Mr Byrne said an envelope addressed to Ms Daly
and two addressed to Ms O' Gorman were among the rubbish found. Solicitor
Sean Lowney, appearing for Ms Daly, said there was a problem with litter
collection in Priory Court at the time. Neville Contractors were responsible
for the development at the time and had provided a skip for residents to
dump their rubbish in. It regularly overflowed and it was possible that
either the rubbish had fallen off the skip or somebody took out some bags
of rubbish in order to deposit their own in it. Ms Daly said she regularly
phoned Nevilles when the skip was full, asking them to arrange to have
it emptied. She never dumped rubbish on the ground, and always used a friend's
bin in another part of town if the skip was full. She did not know how
the envelope addressed to her came to be on the ground. Ms O' Gorman said
her story was similar to Ms Daly's. She never dumped rubbish on the ground
either. Judge O' Buachalla struck out both cases, saying he found the residents
had acted very responsibly in regularly seeking to have the skip emptied
and they could not be held responsible for the refuse collection problems
experienced there.
Killurin man on illegal dumping charge
WEXFORD District Court heard evidence last week in the case of a Killurin
man charged with illegal dumping earlier this year. Denis Lowther, Blackhall
Lane, Blackhall, Killurin, is charged with illegal dumping on land owned
by Coillte at Hempfield, Killurin, last March. Mr Billy Byrne, Waste Disposal
Supervisor with Wexford County Council, gave evidence of receiving complaints
about illegal dumping there and going to inspect the area on March 8 last.
He found a large volume of rubbish dumped there, which included a telephone
bill addressed to Mr Lowther. Mr Byrne said the total amount of rubbish
he found was 'about two tractor loads'. He suspected people other than
Mr Lowther would also be involved. He pointed out the illegal dumping occurred
very close to a public road and less than 100 yards from a GAA pitch. Mr
Lowther was not present when the case was called. The court heard he appeared
on a previous day and pleaded not guilty before the case was adjourned
to allow him to seek legal advice. The case was further adjourned to November
4.
Charged with defrauding CBS
A WOMAN charged with defrauding the Christian Brothers school of thousands
of pounds while employed there between 1989 and 1998 was remanded on bail
of £10,000 when she appeared before the local District Court last
week. Margaret Thomas (46), 8 Newtown Court, Wexford, faces a total of
60 charges relating to alleged incidents between those dates, which include
theft, forging cheques, uttering forged cheques, and falsely claiming wage
cheques. Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given by Detective
Garda Sean O' Leary, who reported that Ms Thomas replied 'no' to each of
the charges. Free legal aid was granted when the court heard the defendant
now lives on disability benefit. Solicitor Sean Lowney was assigned. Thomas
was remanded on bail of £10,000 in her own bond to appear before
the court again on October 21.
Stormy start to marriage
YOU could say that Wexford man Frank Browne had a stormy start
to his recent marriage. For Frank, and his new bride Deirdre
Murphy from Ballyhaunis, were caught up in Hurricane George
while on their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. According to Frank,
Ireland has beautiful weather in comparison to this monster storm which
the happy couple found exciting at first but scary at times. Nevertheless
the pair had happy memories of their wedding day to think about as the
weather raged on. They were wed last month in Deirdres home town of Ballyhaunis.
Frank is originally from Kennedy Park and is the son of Peggy and
the late Pat Browne. However, he has been based in Mayo for quite
some time through his work as an air traffic controller at Knock airport,
where Deirdre is also employed by Ryan Air. On their wedding day they were
joined on the altar by bestman, Justin Browne and groomsman
Paud Browne along with bridesmaids Aisling Brady and Sinead
Nevin, who looked stunning in blue. The flowergirls were Natalie
Murphy and Aoife Sheil, and the pair were married by Cannon
Cooney in St. Patricks Church, Ballyhaunis. Their wedding reception was
held in the Belmont Hotel, Knock. We wish the happy couple all the best
in their future life together. We're sure married life won't be as stormy
as the honeymoon!
Get a pint and see a play
GOING for a pint takes on a whole new artistic dimension down in the Centenary
Stores next week as the festival takes hold. For the Stores is
making its debut as a theatre venue, and local group Plan B Productions
will stage Eoin Colfer's side splitting play `Counterparts' in
the Back Room. For five days only (starting Monday) you can sup your pint
and enjoy the comic antics of Declan Dempsey and Brian Kelly
as they make an hilarious road trip. Don't say you did nothing this Festival,
get down to the Stores to see `Counterparts'. By the way seating is limited,
so get there early.
Swim pool gala
THINGS are sure to go swimmingly out in Ferrybank Pool on October 24 and
25 as the annual Wexford Festival Gala gets underway. Participating
in the event this year are Wexford, Drogheda, Dublin, Kilkenny, Sundays
Well, Terenure, Portmarnock, New ROss, Clonmel and Glenalbyn swimming clubs.
The annual Fesival Gala is the main fundraiser for the Wexford club and
fingers are crossed that it will be well supported. It will commence each
morning at 10 o'clock following a warm up at 9 a.m. This is also a great
opportunity for spectators to view the talents of local swimmers. The standard
of entry is very hight this year and the races promise to be exciting with
some very close results.
First aid course
LEARN how to do the kiss of life with the Order of Malta who are about
to embark on an eight week first aid course. The course, which costs £35,
will be held in the Educational Centre at Wexford General Hospital starting
on Wednesday, October 21 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Fancy a makeover?
EVER been envious of those people who get head to toe makeovers on the
telly? Well, your chance to have your face, hair and wardrobe re-vamped!
On Wednesday, October 21, Barbara McMahon from Head 2 Toe will
select a lucky individual attending the `Face and Fashion' catwalk show
in the Talbot Hotel for a complete makeover. This is a fashion show with
a difference with some of Ireland's top models participating including
Lisa Cummins, Natasha and Amanda Byram and Sylvia
Myers from RTE's `Open House'. Tickets are £12.50 which includes
a cheese and wine reception. They are available from Jacqui Designer Fashions,
Lowneys Mall; White's Electrical and the Talbot Hotel.
`Mystic Knights' of the Heritage Park
FILM cameras rolled into the Irish National Heritage Park last week for
an action adventure series being filmed for Fox Television in the US. `Mystic
Knights of Tir na nOg' is the name of the 43 part series which is currently
being shot throughout Ireland. Actors, dressed in Celtic warrior gear,
got down to some serious battling last week in the Heritage Park, which
was the ideal backdrop for the series being shot by Ardmore Studios. According
to Park manager, Margaret Jeffares the studios wanted to re-enact
the Celtic experience and the crew at the Heritage Park were only too willing
to help out. `It was a wonderful marketing opportunity for the Park and
for Wexford,' she said adding that the series will be shown in this part
of the world on Sky early next year. Nearly 40 people were involved in
the scenes which were shot in the park last week and there was a great
buzz around the park. The Heritage Park has featured in a number of television
programmes in the past from Den TV to serious archeological documentaries.
The Stores turn the clock back 10 years
IT'S not often you'll find a publican taking a few pence off the price
of the pint. However, Centenary Stores punters were treated to drinks at
1988 prices by owners Michael and Adrienne Tierney
last Thursday night. This unexpected slump in prices occurred as the Stores
celebrated 10 years as one of the top pubs in Wexford. Believe it or not
it has been a decade since the Tierneys transformed Paddy Lee's
old drinking establishment into a popular bar/restaurant and subsequently,
a night club. Many of those who have been drinking there from day one,
Jimmy Leacy being the most prominent, turned out on Thursday night for
the bash. During the course of the evening revellers got into the party
mood thanks to DJ Ross Allen who played an 80's retro set including
everything from Spandau Ballet to Soft Cell. Meanwhile, the barmen fuelled
peoples excitement further by handing out a free round of tequila shots,
complete with salt and lemon. Ugghh, not for the faint hearted! It was
then into the Back Room, where everyone got free admission and a chance
to dance the night away. A brilliant night was had by all. Cheers to the
Stores, here's to the next decade, hic!
Judge describes incident as `appalling situation'
Over 100 involved in vicious `free for all'
A VICIOUS `free for all' fight involving over 100 people which occurred
in Wexford last January was recalled at the local Disrict Court last week
when a number of youths faced charges arising from it. Patrick Kehoe, 22
Ferndale; Philip Murphy, 6 Devereux Villas; Nicholas Rossiter, 137 Belvedere
Grove and Michael Flood, 62 Ashfield Drive, all faced charges of assualt
and indulging in words or behaviour likely to lead to a breach of the peace
as a result of the incident. Obstruction Flood was also charged with obstructing
Garda Helen Madden in the course of her duty. Charges of assault and conduct
likely to lead to a breach of the peace being brought against Gavin and
Dean Roche of 141 Liam Mellows Park were adjourned to December 4. Sgt David
Carley said the incident constituted a serious breach of the Public Order
Act. About 40 people from Wexford attacked a group of about 70 from outside
the town. Two Gardai arrived at the scene within minutes. Patrick Kehoe,
who had no previous convictions, was jumping up and down on top of a car.
Nicholas Rossiter, also with no previous convictions, was the one who struck
the first blow in the incident. Bloody nose His victim suffered a bloody
nose, but was not seriously injured. Rossiter co-operated with Gardai at
all times. Michael Flood was involved in the initiation and continuation
of the fight, Sgt Carley said. He had no previous convictions and did not
co-operate with Gardai when first arrested. Philip Murphy was involved
in an assault which had `relatively serious consequences'. He was one of
a gang who were punching and kicking a person who was lying on the ground.
Their victim lost consciousness for a few minutes and was still suffering
some months later. Murphy had no previous convictions. Solicitor Catherine
Stack, appearing for Kehoe, Murphy and Rossiter, said the incident was
a general melee and free-for-all. A number of other charges are to also
come before the court, and the big problem the Gardai had was trying to
identify all the people involved in it. In the case of Kehoe, she said
he is only 17 and living in difficult circumstances. He was reared by his
aunts. Nicholas Rossiter is unemployed, she said, and had drink taken at
the time of the offence. He lives on disability benefit because he is blind
in one eye and losing his sight in the other. Ms Stack doubted he would
ever come before the court again. Serious She accepted Murphy was involved
in a serious incident, but pointed out he was not the only one. Mr Jimmy
Murphy, appearing for Flood, said his client became involved after seeing
his girlfriend being pushed. He is 20 years old, a labourer, and had never
been in trouble before. Sgt Carley doubted Flood's claim about his girlfriend,
and said he should have shown more restraint in any event. Mr Murphy replied
his client had drink taken at the time. Sgt Carley expressed his view that
the whole episode would have had far more serious consequences if the Gardai
had not arrived so quickly. Appalling Judge Donnchadh O Buachalla described
the fight as `an appalling situation'. He bound Rossiter to the peace for
12 months on his own bond of £100. He adjourned the cases of Kehoe
and Murphy to November 18 to allow the preparation of Probation Reports.
Flood was fined £80 and given two months to pay. He faces five days
in prison by default.
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.
Bound to peace for threatening Garda with knife
A YOUNG Wexford man, charged with a series of offences with included threatening
a member of the Gardai with an eight-inch knife, was bound to the peace
for two years at the local District Court last week when the Judge heard
he has now taken steps to get his life in order. Joseph Sinnott, whose
address was given as 1 Liam Mellows Park, faced a number of public order
charges dating from August 1997 and other charges from January 1997 which
included assaulting Garda John J. Synnott and threatening him with the
knife. In court last week, defending solicitor Sean Lowney said his client
has now been living in Dublin for some time. The situation arose from difficulties
with his parents, and he gave an undertaking some time ago not to live
with them in future. Probation Officer Phil Lyons said Sinnott is tackling
his drink problem. There has been no repeat of the incidents in the family
home, and his mother now says she would be happy for him to come home at
weekends if he telephoned first to arrange it. Judge Donnchadh O Buachalla
said he would bind Sinnott to keep the peace for two years on his own bond
of £100, bearing in mind the progress he has made. He added the condition
that Sinnott stay away from his parents unless he is invited to visit them.
Liberty to re-enter the case at any time in the two years was granted.
Remanded on litany of charges
THE BOOK of evidence was served at Wexford District Court last week
in the case of a local youth who faces a number of charges which includes
arson. Derek Hanrahan (18), whose address was given as Flat 2, High Street,
Wexford, is charged with entering a home at 52 Carriglawn as a trespasser
on June 28 last and stealing a radio worth £30 and a TV remote control
worth £25; with damaging the house by fire on the same date, causing
£10,796.53 damage; with entering Willam McCleane's shop at 53 Francis
Street as a trespasser on the night of July 7/8 and stealing cigarettes,
cigarette lighters, coca-cola, chocolate and batteries to a total value
of £598.95; and with causing £30 damage to a window property
of Mr McCleane on the same occasion. Hanrahan is also charged with entering
Doyle's Butchers Shop, Redmond Road, as a trespasser on the night of July
20/21 and therein stealing a £20 note and nine english £1 coins,
and with entering a house at Park, Wexford, as a trespasser on July 21
and stealing jewellery and other goods with a total value of £1700.
He was remanded in custody to appear before the court again on October
21.
Motoring case is adjourned
The case of a Wellingtonbridge man who faces summonses relating to a number
of alleged motoring offences was adjourned when it came before Wexford
District Court for the preparation of a Community Service Report. Martin
O' Brien, Ballylannon, Wellingtonbridge, is accused of having no insurance,
tax or valid tax disc displayed and no indicators on his motorbike at Newtown
Road on February 25 last, and with failing to produce a certificate of
insurance.
Took bus he was being given a lift home in
WEXFORD District Court heard last week how a young man who longs to be
a bus driver took control of a bus that was supposed to be bringing him
home from a disco earlier this year, brought it for a drive around Wexford,
and crashed it. Anthony Roberts (22), 21 Antelope Road, Wexford, was charged
with unlawfully taking possession of the bus at The Folly on March 14 last.
He was also charged with having no driving licence or insurance and with
failing to produce a driving licence and certificate of insurance within
ten days. Sgt Michael Walsh gave evidence that Roberts got into the bus
after a disco on the night in question and managed to get it started with
a push-button mechanism. He took it for a spin around Wexford, but the
bus stalled after some time and he lost control of it. He crashed into
a wall, causing approximately £2,000 damage. Sgt Walsh pointed out
that he has since spoken to the bus owner, who told him the defendant's
uncle has agreed to pay for the damage caused. Defending solicitor Bill
O' Connor said his client has no previous convictions and fully co-operated
with Gardai at all times. He is unemployed, living at home, and has an
income of £70 per week. Judge Donnchadh O' Buachalla asked if there
was any explanation for the defendant's behaviour. Sgt Walsh said Roberts
is `infatuated with busses' and hopes to eventually get a job driving them.
His family is involved in the bus business. He said Roberts had a row with
his girlfriend on the night in question and it was possible he had consumed
a lot of drink, but there was no way of knowing this as he was not found
at the scene of the accident. Mr O' Connor described the incident as `an
infantile prank'. The Judge took a more serious view, saying it is a very
serious matter to drive around in a bus without insurance. Judge O' Buachalla
said he would adjourn the case to November 18 for the preparation of a
report on Roberts' suitability for Community Service. He recommended that
Roberts complete 220 hours of Community Service in lieu of two months in
prison if he is found suitable to do so.
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.
Sunshine and shades for the Festival
THAT was a lovely summer we had last Thursday wasn't it. The sunny, unseasonally
warm weather had everyone acting like it was the middle of June. There
it was, October 8 and large numbers of people were to be found swimming
in Curracloe where poor, demented holidaymakers were washed out of it in
August. If this welcome meteorological madness keeps up, the whole atmosphere
of Wexford Festival Opera is going to be altered beyond recognition. Instead
of wearing fur coats, the visiting buffs will be sporting sun glasses and
shorts and the Chief Executive, Jerome Hynes will have to think
up a whole new marketing strategy.
Priest and the little green man
AT the re-opening of the new church in Clonard on Sunday, Fr. Denis
Lennon had the congregation laughing when he remarked from the pulpit
that there was one thing he didn't like about the new building. He didn't
think much of the little green man depicted in a running position on the
exit sign. He would much prefer to see a sign showing a little man running
in to the church, and it would be even better if he had his hand in his
pocket!. The remark was a jokey reminder of the money that needs to be
raised to clear the debt on the new building.
Beanie mania is here
WATCH out - Beanie mania, the US-initiated consumer illness based on the
purchase of cute little bean-filled soft toys, has hit Wexford. The range
of appealing animal characters with individual names and authenticated
tags has turned into a lucrative collector's craze with certain species
commanding up to $5,000 on the Internet. It seems to prove that in today's
must-have world, if you tell somebody they can't have something, it just
increases their determination to get it. A text book case illustrating
the human vagaries of the supply and demand principle. Beanie
Babies made by US company, TY Toys operate on the basis that they are
made in certain numbers for a limited period before being `retired'and
once the production of a particular animal stops, its value is increased
as it becomes difficult to obtain. It all sounds a bit like trying to do
the weekly shopping in Russia where, if we are to believe everything we
read in the papers, today's glut often turns into tomorrow's shortage.
Among the most sought-after Beanie Babies are the bears, particularly the
retired and limited edition versions and so desperate are some people to
get one, that they are almost prepared to pay any price. `It's one of the
biggest things to hit the market in years' reveals Phil Roche, the manager
of Cards n' Things which has a large selection of Beanie Babies and is
expecting another consignment at the end of October. She thought it was
just another range of cute toys until people started coming in with desperate
looks in their eyes, asking for particular animals. Cards n' Things has
had 'phone enquiries from ordinary collectors all over Ireland and even
a few from England and hardly an American tourist in Wexford has passed
the shop without calling in to check out the selection. Wexford people
are now starting to join the craze, according to Phil with the adults even
more interested than the children.
Overgrown graveyard greets Ambassador
WHEN the British Ambassador to Ireland, Veronica Sutherland paid
a private visit to the old cemetery in St. Patrick's Square last week she
probably expected to see a carefully-tended piece of Wexford's history.
Ms. Sutherland, who was accompanied by her husband Alex, is a descendant
of the Kavanaghs who once owned Castle House and gardens at the
top of Parnell Street, a property now occupied by Wexford Farmers Co-op
and Chadwicks. Her great-great-great-grandfather is buried in the old graveyard
which is now closed to the public and she arranged a visit through the
Minister of State for the Marine, Hugh Byrne. Minister Byrne secured
the keys from Wexford Corporation, after Wexford Library had kindly given
Ms.Sutherland all the relevant info on her family's history. Hugh and his
advisor, Dick White accompanied the Sutherland couple to the cemetery
but when they got inside, the sight that met their eyes wasn't very impressive.
The place was covered in overgrown grass (about a foot high) and weeds
with the addition of a few beer cans and litter. There was also the unconfirmed
report of the odd discarded condom in the picture. The scene wasn't so
dreadful as to put the visitors off, but it left a little something to
be desired, especially in the bi-centenary year of 1798. John
Henry Colclough, a leader of the Insurgents in the '98 Rebellion is
buried there so it might be timely to have the graveyard tidied up before
the anniversary celebrations draw up to a close. What better way to honour
him in the bi-centenary year than to clean up his grave. Ms. Sutherland's
visit to the graveyard was an unofficial, private event which is just as
well, otherwise the cameras would have captured the weeds for posterity.
Prize for piglet names
DIARY readers may remember the tale about Pat Stafford of Tagoat
Community Council buying two Vietnamese pot bellied pigs during a Wexford
Area Partnership visit to Kiltimagh last June. Pat wanted to bring them
back on the bus but was outvoted by other community group representatives
and the pigs arrived at their new home in the Yola Farmstead by the normal
mode of transport for animals -a trailer. It has now transpired that Pat,
as usual, got a bargain. While the animals were being fed last week, it
was discovered that the two pigs had increased to six in number, with four
little ones also looking for food. The Yola Farmstead Folk Park is now
offering four twelve-month family tickets to readers who can come up with
the most appropriate names for the piglets. Suggestions to Name The
Piglets Competition, Wexford Diary, The People Newspapers, North Main
Street, Wexford. |