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Irish Independent
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Wexford County Council agrees to meet public to discuss controversial safe routes to school schemes
In addition, the works will lead to the widening of footpaths, narrowing of roads, and tightening of junctions in the two villages. However, those living in The Ballagh and Kiltealy have voiced their discontent regarding the schemes with many accusing the organisation behind The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative (An Taisce) of not engaging with the public prior to finalising its plans. In the Ballagh, a public meeting saw 64 per cent of those in attendance reject the proposed scheme in their village, while in Kiltealy there have been 92 submissions made by members of the public raising concerns about the layout of the scheme and how it will affect residents. With the council under increasing pressure to liaise with the public, director or roads Eamonn Hore has announced that two information evenings will be arranged in the villages between August 5-15. In a letter issued to all relevant stakeholders, Mr Hore said that 'following these meetings a decision will be made to proceed with the Safe Routes to School plans or not to proceed with the plans. Wexford County Council would like to see all representatives of the village who have an interest in Safe Routes to Schools, including parents, residents and business owners attend at these meetings. We all aim to keep the children safe.' Mr Hore also drew attention to the fact that the delivery plan and audits for the schemes were presented to each school's board of management on February 19 (Ballaghkeene) and March 4 (Kiltealy) and that the latter also included a walkability audit carried out in the village with students and the Green Schools Travel Officer. The decision to meet with the public comes after local councillors chose to go 'in committee' to discuss the schemes at two district meetings last week. On Tuesday morning last, at the July meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD), cathaoirleach Councillor Barbara Anne Murphy proposed that the media be asked to leave so that councillors could discuss the Kiltealy safe routes scheme privately. Cllr Jackser Owens objected to this proposal and the matter was put to a vote with Cllrs Aidan Browne, Pat Kehoe, and Trish Byrne voting to go in committee, and Cllr Owens, and John O'Rourke voting to hold the discussion with members of the media present. As a result the subsequent discussion was held privately. Later that day, at the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District (GKMD) councillors held a private meeting with members of the community from The Ballagh prior to their public meeting. The media was not invited to attend the private meeting. However, at the county council meeting a day prior, some discussion on the schemes took place under the full glare of the assembled press. ADVERTISEMENT Councillor Paddy Kavanagh was the first to raise the topic, contending that neither he, nor the people he represents, had been consulted regarding the Ballaghkeene scheme. 'I have no objection to the SRTS, it's a fabulous initiative, it's putting in ramps and safety features into villages where it's long overdue,' he said. 'This is something which would have constantly been raised about The Ballagh in the past. But if An Taisce is coming to a village to alter that village permanently, it should consult with those living locally. 'Its engineers met with the school, the principal, the parish priest, the parents association, and the board of management; they also consulted with some of the businesses which were directly affected, and those people were of the opinion that these engineers were going to come back to them. But they never came back. "On the day we voted on this at our last district meeting in Gorey, there wasn't even a map for the elected representatives to consult. It would have been so much easier for those engineers if they'd had a public meeting with the people of the parish who are going to be affected by these works for years and years to come. 'I am not for or against this, but I would like to see some safety measures going in for the schoolchildren and to slow the traffic going through the village. But the local people have to have their say.' Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy meanwhile, believed a public information event was the only way to counteract a lot of what she described as 'misinformation and disinformation' which had been circulated in Kiltealy. 'People need to know what's actually proposed and what the options are and the difference it would make to the village,' she said. 'There's an organised 'no' campaign in Kiltealy which is difficult to overcome. People feel intimidated by it.' While events later in the week would suggest Mr Hore agreed that there was a need for a public information event, he remained of the opinion that the relevant bodies had received due warning of the proposed plans. 'On April 9 an email was sent to the councillors with all the relevant documentation, including every single plan, the drawings, all the proposed works, and the locations of the pedestrian crossings,' he said. 'On June 16 there was a meeting with the post office, the local shop, and the landowners, and on June 17 there was a report made to the GKMD with the active travel team in attendance.' Insisting he had not received any detailed maps in April, Cllr Kavanagh felt that an effort had been to made to slip the scheme by unnoticed. 'Any maps I have seen since (at the local meetings) were all on A4 sheets, something major like this should be put on the wall in a hall, and be big enough for people to see it properly,' he said. 'It seems like An Taisce was trying to keep the plans closely under wraps and have it on view for a minute amount of time. That's a sad indictment of the way the councillors have been used.'
NZ Herald
21-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Super Rugby Pacific: Blues CEO Andrew Hore to stand down
Blues chief executive Andrew Hore will step down in September to take up an opportunity in the commercial business sector. Hore has been Blues CEO since 2019, guiding them through the Covid-19 pandemic before steering them to glory, capturing the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific championship, ending a 21-year title drought.
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Sinn Féin TD advised to ‘chill the beans' as debate over Wexford's involvement in Norman celebrations continues – ‘we will not bow the knee in 2027'
Describing the celebrations, many of which will take place in Co Wexford, as 'scraping the barrel of colonialism, imperialism and English royalism', Deputy Ó Snodaigh has now accused members of WCC of smearing him as 'anti-Norman'. Responding to a discussion in Wexford County Hall during a council meeting, the deputy said he was 'highly amused' by the 'outrage' his comments had caused and hoped director of services, Eamonn Hore, had calmed down after reading them. Now Mr Hore has moved to defend Wexford's involvement in the 2027 celebrations and his own position on the event.. 'I was both surprised and amused to read Deputy Ó Snodaigh's most recent polemic on the European Year of the Normans,' said Mr Hore. 'And surprised to see the deputy enquiring if I had a chance to recover. Well, the deputy's concern continues to bring a smile to my face every time I reflect on this. And I have calmed down.' Mr Hore's surprise extended to the deputy's take on the European Year of the Normans and its place in the Wexford calendar. "Clearly, he has not checked it out properly and still does not get it. As posted on the Embassy of France in Ireland's Facebook page last week, it is 'an opportunity to revisit this common cultural, architectural and gastronomic heritage, through several major public events'. Hardly the reconquest of Ireland or the re-introduction of the penal laws.' Noting that Deputy Ó Snodaigh latest discourse on the subject referenced 'apartheid', 'pioneering landlords of yore', and 'a public relations exercise by a right wing regional coalition government', Mr Hore noted that this followed on from earlier invocations of Cromwell, the Famine Queen (Victoria), and 'scraping the barrel of colonialism'. "This is pretty sensationalist and over the top stuff, no matter which way you look at it,' said the WCC official. Happy to concede that the Sinn Féin deputy's comments on his own Norman heritage were 'reasonable and on point', Mr Hore, however, was less complimentary on the assumed lack of detail and preparation which has gone into the European Year of the Normans celebrations in Co Wexford. 'Deputy O' Snodaigh said in a radio interview with Seán Moncrieff that Minister Browne 'leapt in both feet first', that it is not properly planned, that this is being done in a haphazard way, that there is no real purpose to it, that the title is cobbled together, that it is only to promote Normandy, that William the Conqueror is being specifically celebrated, that this is not related to Ireland, that no thought has been put into it. "All incorrect deputy if you care to examine in more detail. 'Simply put for Wexford, this is a continuation of WCC's initiatives in developing the Norman Way, commencing back in 2016; the New Ross Municipal District's (NRMD) successful application to develop the Norman Centre in New Ross; the development of the New Ross High Hill Norman Gardens; the tourist trail around the magnificent St. Mary's Church; and the wall murals project highlighting aspects of New Ross town's Norman past and heritage. "This is allied with the magnificent work and interpretation of Norman Wexford that is Ferns Castle, the home of Diarmuid MacMurrough, King of Leinster. MacMurrough was 'legally' tried in Ferns in 2019 as part of the Norman 850th anniversary events. The overwhelming verdict of the trial was not guilty. We will be calling for a re-trial in 2027. Perhaps Deputy O 'Snodaigh would like to function as a Brehon for the re-trial.' In addition to these events, Mr Hore also noted the work of the Ros Tapestries, the visit of the French Ambassador to New Ross in 2022, and the 'history, culture, agriculture, stories, legends, recently discovered medieval documents, festivals, fun and architecture' which will all form the basis of Wexford's involvement in the 2027 celebrations. Taking umbrage with Deputy Ó Snodaigh's suggestion that many in Wexford would voice their dissent at the county's participation in the event, Mr Hore said recent history proved otherwise. 'Here in Wexford fully one third of all surnames are Norman, the highest percentage in the country,' he said. 'The Wexford heraldic crest includes Norman references and also pays homage to our great rebel past, you will not go far in Wexford without encountering a pike. Many of us wear pike pins. 'The crest of New Ross features William Marshal's bridge, and a stag and hound – all references to our Norman past. The GAA crest of the Bannow Ballymitty club features a Norman Knight on horseback fully armoured. The crest of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) features the Norman heritage building of Johnstown Castle – as does the crest of St. Martin's GAA Club. The RMD crest includes the words – Vor a Gooude O' Aul, our ancient Norman-related Yola language which, when translated, means 'For the Good of All' and that is what we are endeavouring to do with this compelling and exciting project. 'As Davy Fitzgerald once said 'chill the beans'. I think the deputy should chill the beans. If you throw down a gauntlet to Wexford people, we will gladly accept the challenge. We have been acknowledging our Norman heritage for many years in the correct way – I do not think any of us have converted to royalism yet and we will not bow the knee in 2027."
The Advertiser
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
AFLW star backs league's growth in face of huge losses
Melbourne premiership star Kate Hore is adamant ongoing investment in the AFLW will be worth it in the long run, insisting the elite women's competition will only improve in future years. The AFL has reportedly told clubs the women's competition is losing $50 million a year as it approaches its 10th season, which starts next month. League officials have made improving on-field performances the top priority for the AFLW, which is also facing declining crowds and television audiences. AFLW players are pushing for an expanded season, in which every team plays each of its opponents once, by 2031. But a review by league officials has reportedly showed that would come at a $200 million loss. Hore, a seven-year AFLW veteran, urged league officials and sponsors to have faith in the competition, which she believes is growing its on-field product each year. "I'm super confident that the AFLW is an amazing competition already and we're only 10 seasons in, so I think we just need to keep investing, both as players and then more broadly as well, into the game," Hore said. "I compare myself as a player in my first season in 2018 and if I was that same player now I certainly wouldn't be getting a game. "The standard and the investment from players is only growing, and the competition's only going to keep growing as the investment comes." Hore, a three-time All-Australian and a premiership player in 2022, said the continuing influx of young players who have developed through talent pathways will lift the AFLW's standard. "They've been playing the game since they were five years old. "I compare it to myself, I played from five until 10 (years of age) and then didn't play for 10 years. "It's a pretty long time where I didn't get to develop my skills. "These girls are coming through the pathways now ... it makes me really, really excited for the future." Hore on Wednesday helped Melbourne launch a new sponsorship with Swedish automotive manufacturer Polestar, who will partner with the Demons' women's team this season. "This partnership just shows that there's so many businesses and organisations that really want to help grow the game and support us girls," Hore said. "Sponsorships like this show that there's real investment from organisations and businesses out there, which we really love." Melbourne premiership star Kate Hore is adamant ongoing investment in the AFLW will be worth it in the long run, insisting the elite women's competition will only improve in future years. The AFL has reportedly told clubs the women's competition is losing $50 million a year as it approaches its 10th season, which starts next month. League officials have made improving on-field performances the top priority for the AFLW, which is also facing declining crowds and television audiences. AFLW players are pushing for an expanded season, in which every team plays each of its opponents once, by 2031. But a review by league officials has reportedly showed that would come at a $200 million loss. Hore, a seven-year AFLW veteran, urged league officials and sponsors to have faith in the competition, which she believes is growing its on-field product each year. "I'm super confident that the AFLW is an amazing competition already and we're only 10 seasons in, so I think we just need to keep investing, both as players and then more broadly as well, into the game," Hore said. "I compare myself as a player in my first season in 2018 and if I was that same player now I certainly wouldn't be getting a game. "The standard and the investment from players is only growing, and the competition's only going to keep growing as the investment comes." Hore, a three-time All-Australian and a premiership player in 2022, said the continuing influx of young players who have developed through talent pathways will lift the AFLW's standard. "They've been playing the game since they were five years old. "I compare it to myself, I played from five until 10 (years of age) and then didn't play for 10 years. "It's a pretty long time where I didn't get to develop my skills. "These girls are coming through the pathways now ... it makes me really, really excited for the future." Hore on Wednesday helped Melbourne launch a new sponsorship with Swedish automotive manufacturer Polestar, who will partner with the Demons' women's team this season. "This partnership just shows that there's so many businesses and organisations that really want to help grow the game and support us girls," Hore said. "Sponsorships like this show that there's real investment from organisations and businesses out there, which we really love." Melbourne premiership star Kate Hore is adamant ongoing investment in the AFLW will be worth it in the long run, insisting the elite women's competition will only improve in future years. The AFL has reportedly told clubs the women's competition is losing $50 million a year as it approaches its 10th season, which starts next month. League officials have made improving on-field performances the top priority for the AFLW, which is also facing declining crowds and television audiences. AFLW players are pushing for an expanded season, in which every team plays each of its opponents once, by 2031. But a review by league officials has reportedly showed that would come at a $200 million loss. Hore, a seven-year AFLW veteran, urged league officials and sponsors to have faith in the competition, which she believes is growing its on-field product each year. "I'm super confident that the AFLW is an amazing competition already and we're only 10 seasons in, so I think we just need to keep investing, both as players and then more broadly as well, into the game," Hore said. "I compare myself as a player in my first season in 2018 and if I was that same player now I certainly wouldn't be getting a game. "The standard and the investment from players is only growing, and the competition's only going to keep growing as the investment comes." Hore, a three-time All-Australian and a premiership player in 2022, said the continuing influx of young players who have developed through talent pathways will lift the AFLW's standard. "They've been playing the game since they were five years old. "I compare it to myself, I played from five until 10 (years of age) and then didn't play for 10 years. "It's a pretty long time where I didn't get to develop my skills. "These girls are coming through the pathways now ... it makes me really, really excited for the future." Hore on Wednesday helped Melbourne launch a new sponsorship with Swedish automotive manufacturer Polestar, who will partner with the Demons' women's team this season. "This partnership just shows that there's so many businesses and organisations that really want to help grow the game and support us girls," Hore said. "Sponsorships like this show that there's real investment from organisations and businesses out there, which we really love."
West Australian
09-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
AFLW stars urge officials to take short term pain for long term gain in the face of massive losses
Melbourne premiership star Kate Hore is adamant ongoing investment in the AFLW will be worth it in the long run, insisting the elite women's competition will only improve in future years. The AFL has reportedly told clubs the women's competition is losing $50 million a year as it approaches its 10th season, which starts next month. League officials have made improving on-field performances the top priority for the AFLW, which is also facing declining crowds and television audiences. AFLW players are pushing for an expanded season, in which every team plays each of its opponents once, by 2031. But a review by league officials has reportedly showed that would come at a $200 million loss. Hore, a seven-year AFLW veteran, urged league officials and sponsors to have faith in the competition, which she believes is growing its on-field product each year. 'I'm super confident that the AFLW is an amazing competition already and we're only 10 seasons in, so I think we just need to keep investing, both as players and then more broadly as well, into the game,' Hore said. 'I compare myself as a player in my first season in 2018 and if I was that same player now I certainly wouldn't be getting a game. 'The standard and the investment from players is only growing, and the competition's only going to keep growing as the investment comes.' Hore, a three-time All-Australian and a premiership player in 2022, said the continuing influx of young players who have developed through talent pathways will lift the AFLW's standard. 'The skill levels are going to continue to grow and I've really seen that in our new girls and our draftees this year,' she said. 'They've been playing the game since they were five years old. 'I compare it to myself, I played from five until 10 (years of age) and then didn't play for 10 years. 'It's a pretty long time where I didn't get to develop my skills. 'These girls are coming through the pathways now ... it makes me really, really excited for the future.' Hore on Wednesday helped Melbourne launch a new sponsorship with Swedish automotive manufacturer Polestar, who will partner with the Demons' women's team this season. 'This partnership just shows that there's so many businesses and organisations that really want to help grow the game and support us girls,' Hore said. 'It's an investment really and the competition's growing. We're celebrating our 10th season but only nine years in, so the competition is going to continue to grow. 'Sponsorships like this show that there's real investment from organisations and businesses out there, which we really love.'
