Latest news with #Codd
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Mysterious Wexford hole threatens to swallow up entire meeting – ‘It's nothing short of a mantrap'
The hole, located near Clongeen in the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD), was first brought to the attention of Wexford County Council (WCC) six months ago and, in the intervening months, has increased in size and birthed a smaller, less dangerous hole. Describing the hole's presence as emblematic of the issues WCC has with repairing rural roads, Councillor Jim Codd brought the executive's attention to the hole at the June meeting of the council. "I was brought out to see it again last night,' said Cllr Codd. 'It is now three feet deep and two feet wide. And to think some doubted such a hole ever existed.' The latter was a barbed comment in the direction of Cllr Ger Carthy who had previously questioned whether the hole was situated in the middle, or to the side, of the road. 'It wasn't in the road, though, it was to the side of it,' answered Cllr Carthy, 'this is fake news.' "This is certainly not fake news,' continued Cllr Codd. 'This hole has now become two holes, and this is quite serious for children, wildlife, livestock travelling that road, it's nothing short of a mantrap. Someone could be lost in it. We put cones there previously and now the grass is growing up through them.' With the chamber threatening to descend into chaos and some members perhaps wishing a hole would appear to swallow them up, director of services Eamonn Hore entered into the spirit of things. "I'd love to say I've looked into this,' he joked. 'But I might have a look at it later as it's on my way home.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish Independent
11-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Calls to remove man from Wexford town centre ‘making dreadful claims' about Asian retailers
Fearing that visitors to the county will be confronted by 'a mob in the middle of the town', Councillor Jim Codd has called upon Wexford County Council (WCC) to ensure anyone expressing racist sentiments is moved away from public areas. 'This man is making dreadful claims about shopkeepers in the area who are of an Asian background. They're rate payers, while this individual and the people he draws to him have time to stand around and hurl abuse all day,' said Cllr Codd at the June meeting of WCC. 'Could this be addressed prior to the Fleadh? This is not the Wexford we want on display.' Referencing a story which appeared in the Wexford People last month, chief executive Eddie Taaffe said that, as far as he was aware, a complaint about the individual in question had been made to local gardaí. In that story it was reported that Wexford gardaí confronted a man who has been displaying placards along the Main Street. Among the subjects broached on the signs were 'Chinese nail shops' which the man claimed are putting indigenous operations out of business and are breaching employment law. And Cllr Codd reiterated his belief that such messaging had no place in Co Wexford. 'We're at a very dangerous impasse if an individual is allowed to whip up a mob in the middle of the town while law-abiding shopkeepers go about their business.' Referencing WCC's policy on advertising in public places, the Aontú councillor said the council's energies would be better spent elsewhere. 'These are dangerous times, I know we're not An Garda Siochána but we have such energy to take down sandwich boards while ugly protests like this continue.'
Irish Independent
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
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.'
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford's ‘secret garden' may be getting an extension as council called upon to purchase adjoining lands
Wexford People Today at 21:00 One of Co Wexford's best kept secrets may be getting an extension after calls were made to purchase some of its adjoining lands. Located in the middle of Rosslare Harbour, Kirwan's Garden (also known as The Secret Garden) has been developed and maintained by the local environmental group who have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag for their work there. The small woodland and park area, which features a pond, a hobbit house, and picnic benches, faces out onto approximately two-and-a-half acres of unused land; and at the May meeting of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) cathaoirleach Jim Codd asked whether that land could be purchased so that the garden could be extended. 'I have visited The Secret Garden and it's an absolute credit to the group, it's the most fantastic woodland, you could only feel better in yourself after walking through it,' said Councillor Codd. 'I know Wexford County Council (WCC) has assisted the group down there previously, but I understand there's a couple of acres at the back of it – it's Office of Public Works (OPW) land. "Could we write to the OPW and try to secure it? Community groups like this must be supported. To have a forest like that in the middle of a built up area is simply fantastic.' Environmental engineer Rory O'Mahony also visited the garden recently and remarked that the OPW did not appear to be 'particular interested' in the land in question. Director of services with the RMD, Lynda Lacey, offered some further hope as she promised that she would 'investigate and see what potential there is to purchase' the land in question. Separately the Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane Environment Group (RHKEG) has made a submission to the RMD asking that it purchase the land on its behalf. 'We are very conscious of the impact of climate change and the need to do our part in rewilding and giving back to nature,' wrote chairman of the RHKEG, Micheál Delaney. 'Our area is becoming more residential and industrial and we should be planning on developing biodiversity corridors where we can. An opportunity now exists and we strongly recommend that it be given fair consideration. 'There is a two-and-a-half acre site owned and currently unused by the OPW in the customs compound that borders our wetland/ biodiversity pond area. This is part of an overall 17 acre site. We understand that this entire facility will be moved to the port area within the coming years and that the land will become available for future development. "The two-and-a-half acres that border the gardens could help to develop an extensive woodland area of native trees and shrubs with added opportunity for restoration and protection of biodiversity. It will support the idea of a biodiversity corridor that allows nature to live and thrive amongst us. This is an opportunity for us to do something really beneficial for future generations. To have a seven-acre Village Park and Gardens within the confines of an expanding Rosslare Harbour and Kilrane would be wonderful.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man shot by Broward deputy after hitting 2 officers faces several felony charges
The man who punched a Broward Sheriff's Office deputy in the face before a second deputy shot him Sunday is facing felony charges, according to authorities. Joshua Gullatt, 22, was identified Monday as the man who BSO officers shot the day before on the 4000 block of Southwest 26th Street. Gullatt faces a slew of charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. READ MORE: BSO deputy shot man after he punched another officer in the face, officials say Around 12:20 p.m., BSO spokesman Carey Codd said deputies went to 4017 Southwest 26th Street in West Park to respond to a call of a 'disturbance involving a weapon.' When they arrived, Gullatt punched one of the deputies and knocked him to the ground. Another deputy tried to subdue Gullatt with a Taser stun gun, Codd added. Gullatt then hit that deputy and ran into a bedroom, arming himself with a 'deadly weapon,' according to the sheriff's office, which did not specify the weapon. Codd said that's when one of the deputies opened fire and shot Gullatt. BSO deputies provided first aid before paramedics took him to the hospital. As of Monday evening, he remained in the hospital and his condition was not immediately. There's also no available information on his legal representation. Paramedics also took the deputy who was hit to the ground to the hospital, where Codd noted he was treated for his injuries and released. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting by the deputies. BSO's Internal Affairs Unit is also conducting an administrative review of the shooting, according to Codd. The sheriff's Office Homicide and Crime Scene detectives are investigating the circumstances that led to deputies being called to the scene. The deputy who fired his weapon is on administrative assignment pending the investigation, Codd said.
