WexfordLocal.com

Distance double for Robert Tector

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely

Rathnure handler Robert Tector enjoyed a day to remember when he saddled a double this afternoon and narrowly missed out on a three timer.

**ROBERT TECTOR trained a double today.**

Tector was in Tinahely today and saddled Doubleosue to win the opening race – a maiden for five-year-old mares – while Phantom of Delight was winning a similar event at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork -250 kilometres away!

Afterwards, Tector described Doubleosue as “a lovely mare and straight forward” and is likely to go to the sales now! This was a true family success as Doublkeosue, making her track debut was bred by the handler’s father Neil Tector.

Tector was unlucky not to make it a treble when newcomer Gentle Ocean was beaten into second position in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings by Dream On Mick trained by Kieran Roche at Adamstown for popular Carnew publican Michael Kenny. The winning rider was James Murray, Ferns, having his first winner of the season and his fifth career success.

Tomhaggard rider Jamie Scallan rode Tector’s Doubelosue to a two and a half lengths victory and recorded a double on Gale Force Jet for handler Sean Doyle with a two lengths success in the Open Lightweight Race.

The Winners of One race for Novice Riders was won by Lord Desart trained in Tipperary by Sam Curling and ridden by Daniel Hyde in the family colours of Mrs T.P. Hyde. Cormac Doyle’s Mint Approved (Donal O’Connor up) filled second place.

Locals Larry O’Hara, Sean Osborne and James Walsh were half a length out of luck with Dontcall in the maiden race for six-year-old mares beaten by Westmeath raider Mini Getaway ridden by James Costello for Suzanne and Martin Lynch.

And the final race for maiden six-year-olds and upwards geldings went to Always Scoring trained by Cian Hughes Newcastle, County Dublin, and ridden by Pa King. Two lengths the verdict.

The meeting was cancelled last Sunday due to the track being unsuitable for racing. Following an early morning preliminary inspection today, the event proceeded as scheduled. Attendance was strong, and commendation is due to the Shillelagh & District Hunt for organising and conducting the fixture in a safe and efficient manner.

Next Sunday the Ballinagore Harriers race at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, with a 12.30pm start. Entries close on Tuesday.

Talk Nights in Askamore -Night 2

By Dan Walsh

The popular four-week series of Talk Nights in Askamore Community Centre on Tuesdays starting at 7.30pm moves to Night 2 on Tuesday, January 13th.

Niamh Redmond has suffered from MS since 2015 and experienced progression for the first five years, however, it was stabilised in 2019 after a stem cell intervention and she has now regained some control of her life, and is secretary of local friends of people with MS.

She will be one of the speakers on Tuesday night when there will be a panel discussion on MS.

In the second section of the night there will be a guest appearance from former Wexford Camogie star Ursula Jacob. Ursula who is now best known for her punditry work on RTE Sunday Game will share her analysis of how she coped with the internet trolling a couple years ago.
Admission on the night will be €10 or for all nights €25.
Night 1 was last Tuesday night, and it was an enormous success when Farmers Journal political correspondent Pat O’Toole interviewed three local TDs.
They were very honoured with an address from Dr Susan Brannick from Aware, who gave a very insightful presentation on mental health.

For more information phone 085 2156848.

Noel in the 2025 Special Honours List

**British Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Paul Johnson presents the British Empire Medal to Noel Franklin at the British Embassy, Dublin,**

By Dan Walsh

A Wexford man has been recognised in the 2025 Special Honours List for his work as Chairman of the Wexford Royal British Legion branch.

Noel Franklin from Bree, Enniscorthy, was honoured with the British Empire Medal for services to the Royal British Legion in the Republic of Ireland.

The presentation was made by the British Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Paul Johnson, at a function held in the British Embassy in Dublin.

“It was a proud moment for me, my family, my street and town, said Noel who thanked the Foreign and Commonwealth Office “who are the people involved in making this happen,” he added.

“My brother and three members of our branch attended with me at the Ambassador’s residence and we were all treated the best,” concluded Noel who has given a lifetime of dedicated service to the Royal British Legion in Wexford.

2025 marked the 100^th anniversary of the founding of Wexford branch of the Royal British Legion in honour of Major Willie Redmond (1861-1917).

Wexford; a view from a bicycle!

**Famed TV personality and French maître d’ Fred Sirieix will journey through Wexford. Here he reaches Hook Lighthouse.**

By Dan Walsh

Famed TV personality and French maître d’ Fred Sirieix will journey through Wexford, uncovering the county’s rich heritage, thriving food culture, and coastal beauty in an upcoming episode of Tour de Fred Ireland: Part Deux, airing on ITV1 this Saturday, January 10^th at 12.30pm.

The programme follows Fred as he explores some of Wexford’s most iconic locations by bicycle, offering viewers a personal and inspiring look at the county as a must-visit destination.

Visit Wexford, the official tourism marketing body for the county, worked with the production to highlight key attractions and local businesses that reflect Wexford’s unique character and visitor appeal.

Those to be featured include the Irish National Heritage Park, the walled gardens of Johnstown Castle Estate, Hook Lighthouse; and the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross. Fred also harvested oysters with Tommy Hickey and sampled the famed Wexford strawberries with Cyril Wheelock, founder of The Village at Wheelocks in Enniscorthy.

Robert Millar, Chair of Visit Wexford and Area General Manager of the Talbot Collection Hotels, said; “I know every place Fred visited. I’ve walked the gardens of Johnstown Castle more times than I can count, and the view from Hook Lighthouse still stops me in my tracks. The locations featured are just a small taste of Wexford’s many treasures — but it’s the people behind them who make the real difference. Passionate and welcoming, they go above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences.

“It’s that special combination of authenticity, warmth and beauty that makes Wexford such an appealing destination, and it’s incredibly easy to get here. We’re just 90 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport and right on the doorstep of Rosslare Europort, with frequent ferry crossings from Pembroke and Fishguard.

“This episode airs at a perfect time for summer holiday planning, and I’m thrilled that audiences across Ireland and Britain will get to see what makes this county so special. We can’t wait to welcome them in 2026,” concluded Mr Millar.

The five-part series is supported by Tourism Ireland’s International Programming Ireland Fund and Irish Ferries and covers Wexford, Waterford and Cork.

Racing goes ahead at Tinahely

By Dan Walsh

LATEST NEWS; Racimg goes ahead following a precautionary inspection at 7.30am on Saturday morning at Tinahely ahead of the rescheduled fixture that is due to take place later that day.

The Shillelagh & District point-to-point races at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, have been rescheduled to Saturday. The first race is at 12.30pm, with a total of 79 entries for the six race card.

The 48-hour preliminary inspection shows that the track is fit for racing. Going is ‘soft, yielding to soft in places’. 5-7mm of rain expected Thursday into Friday.

The fixture was planned for last Sunday, but low temperatures and freezing ground conditions made the track unfit for racing and the meeting was cancelled.

Racing goes ahead on Saturday and the original entries stand. A good day’s racing is planned, and the organisers are hoping to welcome a good Saturday crowd.

As Gaeilge poetry book launch in Gorey

Ar an 22 de mhí Eanáir ag 7in, seolfaidh an scríbhneoir, amhránaí traidisiúnta agus ceoltóir Éire Ní Fhaoláin a dara leabhar filíochta ‘Puisín Beag an Diabhail’.

Is cnuasach filíochta é ‘Puisín Beag an Diabhail’ a bhfuil naoi ndánta Gaeilge ann, a ghlacann inspioráid ón nádúr, mar aon leis an mbéaloideas a bhaineann leis an gcat dubh agus le huimhir a naoi.

Leag Éire dearadh an leabhair agus na léaráidí amach le cabhair óna deartháir cruthaitheach Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin agus foilseofar an leabhar mar chuid de theach foilsitheoireachta a teaghlaigh; fóġṁar – fómhar.

Translation; Local Irish language writer, traditional Irish singer and musician Éire Ní Fhaoláin will launch her second poetry book ‘Puisín Beag an Diabhail’ in Gorey Library on Thursday 22nd January at 7pm.

‘Puisín Beag an Diabhail’ is a collection of nine Irish language poems inspired by the natural world as well as the folklore surrounding the black cat and the number nine. The poetry book will be launched by bilingual poet Ben MacCaoilte.

The book design and illustrations are all Éire’s own work with the help of her creative brother Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin and the poetry book is printed in Ireland under her family publishing press; fóġṁar – fómhar – harvest.

Elected Wexford women seeking gender parity

At the launch of Wexford Women Together (left to right); Cllrs Lisa McDonald, Vicky Barron, Aoife Rose O’Brien, Barbara Anne Murphy (Chairperson of Wexford Women Together), Bridín Murphy, Patricia Byrne, Catherine Walsh, and Mary Farrell.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Women Together, previously known as the Women’s Coalition, has been launched to acknowledge the notable milestone of eight female councillors currently serving on Wexford County Council.

Wexford Women Together has formulated a new strategy and action plan setting out their core goals and objectives to inspire and empower women in Wexford to take part in everyday community life- whether that is through local activism, civic engagement or putting a name on a ballot paper.

The primary aim is to boost women’s participation in politics, beginning with roles in local government.

Their mission is to empower women of all ages and ethnicities to participate at every level of community activity; inspire more women to become involved in politics and increase female representation in Wexford County Council while promoting the contribution of a dynamic female group in the Council.

Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Chairperson, stated; “The reality is that we need more women to get involved – to put themselves forward; if that is not you, perhaps you know someone who should be preparing to run in the local elections in 2029. I can tell you, it is very flattering to be asked to run, and your suggestion may take root and come to fruition in 2029.

“Wexford Women Together is about supporting each other – a group of elected women with diverse perspectives who can disagree, without fear of retaliation, and in the knowledge that we will support each other when the going gets tough. We will seek further funding for training for prospective female candidates.

“I feel that if we work together, we can increase the number of females elected to Wexford County Council. In 1928 there was one, in 1978 there were two, in 2004 there were four and now in 2025 there are eight women serving on Wexford County Council.

“If we can double that, we are 16 – just one short of half. That is where we need to get to – gender parity, and I challenge all that have an interest in this to work hard so we do achieve gender parity by the 2034 Local Elections.”

Talk Nights in Askamore

By Dan Walsh

The popular four-week series of Talk Nights get underway in Askamore Community Centre on Tuesday night (January 6^th) starting at 7.30pm.

On the opening night North Wexford/ South Wicklow Deputies Brian Brennan, Malcolm Byrne and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin make up the panel to share some insights into the toll of political life, what motivates them? and how they cope with the pressures involved.

Editor of The Farmer’s Journal, Pat O’Toole will chair the discussion. A native of Tombrack with more than 20 years media experience, Pat also holds a number of Macra National Titles in debating and public speaking.

In the second part of the evening Dr Susan Brannick, Clinical Director of Aware will give a presentation on Positive Mental Health and Healthy Living for the New Year.

Admission is €10 or €25 for all four nights with a cup of tea for all in attendance at half time. All are welcome.

Tributes to Ballyhogue’s football legend

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Nick Doyle, Raheenahoone, Ballyhogue, who was one of Ballyhogue GAA Club’s “greatest players” and led the team to success in the captain’s role on many occasions.

A native of Carrig, near Bree, Nick, who was affectionately known as ‘Mogue’ began his football career in the 1950s and played until 1967.

He won two county junior football titles with Ballyhogue in 1955 and in 1961 when he captained the winning team.

Nick was captain when Ballyhogue won the first of three county senior championship titles in 1962, ’63 and ’64.

His inter-county career was also noteworthy when he played several games with the Wexford senior football team in National League and championship games.

Nick was widely respected for his exceptional ability in aerial contests – commanding the high ball – and his consistent delivery of high-quality performances throughout his playing days.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Nick Doyle, Raheenahoone, Ballyhogue on January 1^st 2026 peacefully, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Beloved husband of Joey, dearly loved and loving father of Patricia, Maria, Nicholas, Also, PJ, Fintan, Martina, Suzanne and the late Pauline and much-loved brother of Eileen and Peg.

Sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, sisters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, his 23 grandchildren, sister-in-law Marie, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he Rest in Peace.

Reposing in Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy (Y21 H3K5) today (Friday) from 3 o’clock concluding at 7 o’ clock.

Funeral arriving to Church of St. John The Baptist, Galbally on Saturday morning for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Cancelled; Point-to-point races at Tinahely

**Over the fences at Fairwood Park, Tinahely.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

There will be no point-to-point action at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, tomorrow (Sunday).

The popular Tinahely track was found to be unfit for racing on this (Saturday) afternoon, and with an unfavourable weather forecast for Saturday night and Sunday morning, with a status yellow Low Temperature / Ice warning from Met Éireann, the decision was made to cancel the fixture.

Meanwhile the final fixture of 2025 took place at Dromahane, Co. Cork last Tuesday and two Wexford trained winners emerged.

Newcomer Golden Current had a 12 lengths victory in the hands of Barry Stone for Jonathan Fogarty, Gaynestown, Cleariestown, in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Gorey rider Luke Murphy who won his first point-to-point in the saddle eight years ago, registered his 80^th career success aboard Wilton Mills Trier for the Blackhall Stables of Paul Martin Pierce at Killurin in the five and six-year-old mares maiden race. It was Pierce’s 45^th winner as a handler and newcomer Wilton Mills Trier now heads for the sales.