A late Wexford publican, musical mentor, and gifted artist among those honoured at annual Rosslare Civic Awards
The first of these was the late Murt McGarry of Kilmore Quay. Although he passed away in 2006 at the age of 45, Murt's work as an artist is still remembered and celebrated across the county. His nascent talent first became apparent when he won the national Texaco Art competition while still a schoolboy and he was later commissioned by Wexford County Council to do the drawings at the National Heritage Park and create the artist's impression of the council's new waterfront development in New Ross.
Murt was a keen tin whistle and bodhrán player and attended the Fleadh Cheoil every year. He spent six years researching and illustrating his book on Irish history, Strangers at Home, which his father Liam later published posthumously.
Paying tribute to Murt, Councillor Jim Codd, the cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD), said, 'Murt was self-taught and had a natural talent, and he had a great love of history, heritage and nature and culture.'
Another beloved member of the community who has since passed was honoured next. The late John Sammy Sinnott of Duncormick, who passed in 2022 at the age of 92, was described by Cllr Codd as more than just a publican, but 'a counsellor, someone who was always there if you needed help'.
'He valued us as a people, he knew our ancestors, our ways, everybody was welcomed and cared for under his thatched roof,' continued Cllr Codd. 'Sinnott's was an institution, a men's shed before the term became popular, it was there people went to get the news in older times. And Sammy was the keeper of our oral history; people came from all over to immerse themselves in the rich culture of south Wexford, and no less than the Rolling Stones manager, Chesney Milligan, once served behind the bar.'
Mick Berry accepted the award on behalf of the Sinnott family.
The late Dick Lambert, who passed away in 2008, was then honoured for his 'outstanding contribution to culture and heritage'. He was the author of three books chronicling the history of Rathangan, books which Wexford County Council is now preparing to have reprinted for a new audience.
The tidy towns committee in Carrig-on-Bannow was next to receive a civic award for its work in 'developing its local community' and 'enhancing the environment' in south Wexford. Commending the group for the strides it has taken in promoting biodiversity and sustainability in the area, Cllr Codd noted how inclusive the tidy towns committee is and how it has 'rejuvenated' the village and 'fostered a culture of tidiness'.
'The group ensures the village always looks its best all year-round, and also it is blessed to have two wonderful employment scheme members who are dedicated and motivated in their work,' he added.
Established in 1974, Corach Ramblers are now based in Duncormick and boast some of the finest facilities in the county. However, the club had some nomadic years before finally settling in its current home.
ADVERTISEMENT
Learn more
'They initially played their home matches in Wellingtonbridge, with local publican John Ryan providing a pitch, he also sponsored the team with a new football,' recounted Cllr Codd.
That ball remains in the possession of the club and is joined by committee members who have been there since the outset, including Jimmy McWhitty and Willie Wallace. Those two men were heavily involved in the fundraiser in 1998 which led to the club purchasing five acres of land in Duncormick four years later where it established its new home.
"There have been a lot very good people involved in the club over the years, but Willie Wallace, Breda Walsh, Toddy and Clodagh Barry, all of whom have given many years working with the club, should get a special mention,' said Cllr Codd. 'Corach Ramblers now has a huge membership with teams competing in underage and adult leagues; it's a hub of activity and a place where lifelong friendships are made.'
The last recipient on the night was Áine Kennedy who was recognised for her outstanding contribution to arts and culture in the RMD. A familiar face to all those with even a passing interest in traditional Irish music, Áine became director of the Danescastle Music Group following the retirement of Ms Martha Torpey and now works with over 200 children as they take the first steps towards Fleadh Cheoils and Scór na nÓgs of the future.
'We are so lucky to have the most dedicated director in all of the land,' said Cllr Codd. 'Áine always gives 100 per cent to the children of Carrig on Bannow and surrounding areas that come to learn music in Danescastle. She prepares them for various competitions and events around the county and country and when the group is asked to play at different events, Áine is the person that sends the texts, organises who is going, and generally ends up bringing half the children in her own car."
Áine is also chairperson of Wexford Scór and secretary of Leinster Scór Secretary, she is also a member of the Rackard League Committee and combines all these voluntary roles with her full-time job as principal of Danescastle National School
"She is an extraordinary principal and gives so much of her time to the children of our parish,' said Cllr Codd. 'We are truly blessed to have Aine as a dedicated principal and musical director.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
What time and TV channel is Callum Walsh v Elias Espadas on today?
Cork boxer Callum Walsh is hoping to edge ever closer to a World title fight as he takes on Elias Espadas in California tonight. Backed by UFC boss Dana White, Walsh now boasts a 13-0 professional record and is now endging closer to a world title fight. It has been an interesting career trajectory for the talented Rebel, with his coaching team preaching patience when it comes to title opportunities despite the hype surrounding Walsh. The 24-year-old headlined a 3Arena bout last year and has made no secret of wanting to bring big-time boxing back to his hometown at some point. But Walsh, who is based stateside, returns to action tonight in California. Here is everything you need to know about the bout. The fight takes place at Chumash Casino in California. The main card starts at 3 a.m. Irish time, with Walsh set to the main event a couple of hours later. UFC Fight Pass will show the card. Monthly passes are €9.99 or €89.99 for the year. Callum Walsh 1/16 Draw 25/1 Elias Espadas 8/1
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
RTE star Donal Skehan has teased fans with a release date for his latest TV project.
AN RTE star has teased fans with a release date for his latest TV project. The popular Irish chef is renowned for his easy recipe cookbooks and food shows - and there's plenty more to come. 2 Donal Skehan teased a brand new project with fans 2 Donal is set to released a new cookbook and TV show To the delight of his fans, Donal revealed that he had a series of major projects coming up over the next few months. Taking to The 37-year-old wrote: "Happy Saturday! We've just finished filming 30 brand new recipes from the new book." The culinary star went on to share that his new cooking programme Real Time Recipes was coming to autumn ". READ MORE IN RTE He gushed: "It's been full on but it's shaping up to be the best yet can't wait for you to see it." Donal told how it had been a busy few weeks but he was delighted to have some quality time with his wife and kids. The dad-of-two added: "I'll be doing some gardening , planting, cooking and there may be some needlework! Hope you have a lovely weekend and enjoy these beautiful summer days!" In the accompanying picture, Donal looked happy-as-ever as he sat on Howth pier holding his son Oliver. Most read in News TV Oliver had a big grin on his face a he snuggled into his dad while his brother, Noah, leaned on Donal's leg. Their family dog, Max, even stood for the photo with the trio. Arthur Gourounlian left confused at Donal's Irish slang And fans all flocked to the comment section to gush over the star's announcement. Anna wrote: "Excited for the new show, have a great day!" Lola said: "Wow this is a beautiful family photo." 'LOVELY' Eric added: "Another cookbook to add to the collection." While Rosemary remarked: "Lovely place to be on such a lovely day." And Cheryl gushed: "So much cuteness, looking forward to show."
RTÉ News
5 hours ago
- RTÉ News
British Conservative Party leader says BBC 'should not show' Kneecap at Glastonbury
British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said she thinks the BBC "should not be showing" Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury Festival next week. In a social media post on X, which was accompanied by an article from The Times that claimed the BBC had not banned the group, Ms Badenoch wrote: "The BBC should not be showing Kneecap propaganda. "One Kneecap band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act. "As a publicly funded platform, the BBC should not be rewarding extremism." On Wednesday, Mr Ó hAnnaidh was accompanied to Westminster Magistrates' Court by his two other band members, JJ Ó Dochartaigh, whose stage name is DJ Próvaí, and Naoise Ó Cairealláin, whose stage name is Móglaí Bap. Mr Ó hAnnaidh is alleged to have displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town in north London on 21 November last year. He was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on 20 August. Following the hearing, the rapper said: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday. "If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We'll be at Wembley in September." In November, Kneecap won its discrimination case over a decision made by Ms Badenoch to refuse them funding. A BBC spokesperson said: "As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. "Whilst the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines. Decisions about our output will be made in the lead up to the festival." During their sold-out gig at Fairview Park in Dublin on Thursday, DJ Próvaí thanked fans who turned out to support them during their bandmate's court case. Formed in 2017, the Belfast trio are known for their provocative lyrics in both Irish and English. Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and 3Cag.
