Cloughbawn tributes to PP of 21 years

By Dan Walsh

Tributes have been paid to Very Rev. Richard (Dick) Hayes, Cullenstown, Duncormick, former parish priest of Cloughbawn for almost 21 years – 1992 to 2013- who has passed away. He was aged 87 years.

FR. RICHARD (Dick) HAYES PP.

Paying tribute on social media the parishioners of St. Clement’s Church, Cloughbawn, stated; “Many parishioners have fond memories of Fr Hayes, as he shared the joy of their wedding day, christening of our children, helped their families through difficult times, or supported and gave them strength to cope at the time they lost a close relative, and he was always very compassionate and giving of his time to people. May his soul rest in Eternal Peace.”

Born in 1939 at Cullenstown, Duncormick, he attended Danescastle National School, moved to St. Peter’s College, Wexford, and was ordained at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth on June 21st 1964.

His first assignment was assistant to the parish priest at Templetown in 1964 and he ministered in Poulfur from 1966. Then in 1979 he spent a years’ missionary work at East Geelong in the Diocese of Melbourne in Australia.

On his return from Australia Fr Hayes was appointed curate at Barntown in February 1980 and became parish priest of Cloughbawn in November 1992, where he remained for 21 years until his retirement in 2013.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Fr Richard (Dick) Hayes, Cullenstown, Duncormick, Co. Wexford. Former parish priest of Cloughbawn. Predeceased by his brothers Peter and Nick and sister Mary. Sadly missed by his loving brother Walter, sister-in-law Joan, nephew, nieces, his many friends, former parishioners, Bishop Ger and clergy of the diocese.

May He Rest In Peace

Reposing in Ryan’s Funeral Home Wellingtonbridge (Y35 RP21) on Monday, February 9th from 4pm to 8pm.

Removal on Tuesday, February 10th to The Church of Mary Immaculate & St Joseph Carrig-on-Bannow arriving for Funeral Mass at 12 noon, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Kilmore Quay RNLI receives over €10,000

Rathangan Vintage Club, 20Dips in December, Kilmore SCOPE with Kilmore Quay RNLI crew members. (Pic;RNLI/Elaine Walsh).

By Elaine Walsh

Today at Kilmore Quay RNLI station, Rathangan Vintage Club, 20 Dips in December, and Kilmore SCOPE together presented €10,438 raised for the RNLI over Christmas.

Throughout the month of December, thirty-two hardy swimmers taking part in 20 Dips in December braved the cold water throughout the month to complete the twenty swims challenge.

The challenge culminated in a final dip on New Year’s Eve at the Little Beach in Kilmore Quay attended by close to one hundred “dippers”. The participants raised €5,000 in aid of the RNLI.

Rathangan Vintage Club selected Kilmore Quay RNLI as their chosen charity for their Annual Light Up Run in memory of the late Michael Roche, a Kilmore Quay RNLI crewman until his untimely passing in 2025.

The vehicle run lit up the roads around Kilmore Quay, bringing Christmas cheer along the route on a dark winters evening. The Club donated €3,925 to the RNLI.

Kilmore SCOPE also selected Kilmore Quay RNLI as their chosen charity for Christmas fundraising events organised throughout December 2025 that included a raffle, a Christmas Memory Tree and a Christmas Social Evening at the AOH Hall in Bridgetown, also in memory of Michael raising €1,519.60 in aid of the RNLI.

Speaking at the station today Michael’s father Declan, also a volunteer with Kilmore Quay RNLI, said; “We are extremely grateful as a family and as part of the RNLI for all the tremendous support we have received, and the incredible amount raised in aid of the RNLI.”

Coxswain Aidan Bates said; “We would not exist without the fantastic support of the fundraisers we have throughout the local community who run events throughout the year on our behalf, along with our own fundraising committee who do Trojan work on our behalf. Without this support we could not provide the service we do year-round. We are so lucky to have such a supportive community and very grateful for it.”

No show local politicians’ anger Enniscorthy flood victims

Residents of Island Road watch their belongings destroyed by last week’s flooding. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at IFA Centre, Enniscorthy

A speaker at a public meeting held in the IFA Centre on Saturday evening expressed concern about the absence of councillors – “It is disgraceful that councillors are not here” – as flood victims, local residents, and business owners advocated for an expedited agreement on a flood relief plan for Enniscorthy, along with the immediate implementation of interim flood mitigation measures.

Around 50 people attended the meeting to seek urgent solutions after recent flooding along Island Road, the quays, and The Promenade caused major damage and financial loss for residents and businesses unable to obtain insurance due to ongoing issues.

Helen Lyons said all deputies and councillors were invited, but only Senator Cathal Byrne, who is a member of the Oireachtas Infrastructure Committee, and Cllr Jackser Owens (Independent) attended. Cllr Owens will raise the issue at Monday’s Wexford County Council meeting to call for immediate action.

Cllr Owens was critical of the absence of his fellow public representatives and drew a round of applause when he quipped; “There are more cups of tea than politicians here tonight!”

The meeting had active audience participation with many suggestions, but residents at risk of flooding feel ignored by absent politicians and authorities, despite public consultations.

There were calls for a new flood defence measures to be in place; a call for flood defences to be omitted from planning in the interest of public safety and security; change the planning system where flood relief is a priority; that the government would indemnify property against flood damage; and there was a suggestion that Island Road houses be demolished – give people new homes somewhere else – and turn the area into a carpark!   

The home of Susan Byrne’s mother, Betty, on Island Road was one of those flooded. She posed an interesting question; “I would like to know when they are going to start, because Island Road is Phase 3 and Phase 1 hasn’t even started, hasn’t even gone for planning and, like, how long more is it going to take.”

Enniscorthy-born architect Kevin Tyrrell then joined the top table providing statistics and an outline of where the issue is at present.

He pointed out that Phase 1 is ‘Bridgeworks’ and this phase will include the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, and the construction of the new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. He said there are no plans for barriers or dredging of the water channels etc.

Phase 2 is ‘The Flood Relief’ Works’ and this phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for Enniscorthy town and this includes an update on ecological and project baseline data and preparation of planning documents and submission for planning approval. THERE IS NO MENTION OF ISLAND ROAD so far!

The matter will be raised at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council and the Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting on Tuesday week.

Good racing at Ballinaboola

Barry O’Neill, Colin Bowe and Pat Nolan in family celebration mode after Galatrona won at Ballinaboola today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Ballinaboola Races

The Wexford Hunt point-to-point survived an early morning precautionary inspection and went ahead in pleasant conditions at Ballinaboola, New Ross, this afternoon.

The opening race was for four-year-old maidens run over two and a half miles where Mister Boum from Ellen Doyle’s Baltimore Stables, near Enniscorthy was impressive when winning by four lengths ridden by Brian Dunleavy. “They went a sensible gallop and he’s for sale now,” said James Doyle afterwards.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill struck winning form in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares with Galatrona scoring by seven lengths.

It was a memorable day for 17 years old novice rider Caitlin Grant from Mullinavat who registered her first winner on the family-owned David O’Brien trained Occupational Force. Caitlin rides out at the Colin Bowe stables at Kiltealy.

The maiden race for five-year-old geldings produced a 16 lengths success for Grande J, trained by Nicky Stokes at Fethard, Co. Tipperary, and ridden by Finian Maguire.

There was another Tipperary winner of the maiden race for six-year-old geldings when the Sam Curling trained Kildare D’Irelande ridden by David Doyle took the honours by 12 lengths in the four-runner contest.

Only two contested the Winners Race Unlimited with Hearts And Spades from Ian McCarthy’s yard at Kildangan, Co. Kildare, coming home 10 lengths ahead of Sean Doyle’s Gale Force Jet ridden by Jamie Scallan.

It was a good day’s racing. While access was trickly everything ran smoothly. One fence per circuit was closed and track was riding heavy to soft in places in drying conditions and the fixture was run off safely and efficiently.

There were two Wexford winners at Punchestown on Sunday. Colin Bowe saddled Dedudefromhouston in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus who won by eight lengths with Barry O’Neill in the saddle.

Brian Lawless, who trains at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, enjoyed a 12 lengths success on newcomer County Prospect in the Abbie O’Connor colours in the maden race for four-year-olds. Lawless also took the mount.

Ballymitty handler Gary Murphy is enjoying his best ever season and he was in the winner’s enclosure at Scarteen this afternoon when newcomer Catchem Black in the Turbine Syndicate colours won the maiden race for four-year-olds by an impressive 16 lengths with Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke riding.

Ballinaboola races ‘good to go’

By Dan Walsh

There was a precautionary inspection on Saturday morning at Ballinaboola, near New Ross, ahead of the rescheduled point-to-point. Racing will go ahead.

The Wexford Hunt point-to-point fixture was originally scheduled for Sunday, February 1st, but was called off after the track was found unfit for racing and the fixture has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, February 7th.

The card has 76 entries. First race at 1pm. 

The going at Ballinaboola was described as ‘heavy, soft in places’, when inspected on Friday afternoon, with IHRB Course Inspector Andrew Doyle, noting that one fence will have to be omitted.
“The second-last fence will be removed tomorrow, resulting in ten fences in the two and a half mile maiden, and 12 fences in the three-mile maidens,” he said.
“The forecast this evening is for a few mms of rain tonight, and it is to be dry thereafter. If we get that forecast, we should be good to go,” concluded Mr. Doyle.

Wexford Sport Active Plan 2025-2030

Pictured at the launch of Sport Active Wexford’s Strategic Plan 2025 –2030 at County Hall were; Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Mary Van Lieshout, Director Participation Ethics Integrity and Research, Sport Ireland, Fran Ronan, Lead of Local Sports Partnership and Cllr. Garry Laffan, Chairperson of Sports Active Wexford’s Steering Committee. (Pic; Mary Browne)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has launched Sport Active Wexford’s Strategic Plan 2025 –2030, entitled “A Roadmap to Excellence and Innovation” at County Hall, Wexford County Council, by Cllr Garry Laffan, Chairperson of the Sports Active Wexford’s Steering Committee in the presence of Colleen Devine, Director of Participation with Sport Ireland, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, the Steering Committee, local Councillors, District Managers, tutors and community partners.

Cllr Laffan welcomed everybody to the launch and stated; “Our Strategy is built on insights and learning gathered through our previous work and collaboration with our steering committee, stakeholders, and partners.

“It outlines our approach to ensuring people in County Wexford can access opportunities to engage in physical activity at all levels. A great deal of change has occurred since our inception in 2008, reflecting shifts in national and local policy, the priorities of our key partners, and our growth in knowledge and understanding of how we can work and evolve as a partnership to support the people of County Wexford.”

Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council gave his full support to the strategy. “I am delighted to support the Sports Active Strategy 2025-2030. The strong, mutually beneficial partnership between Wexford County Council and Sports Active Wexford enables the tailored delivery of opportunities for every resident of County Wexford to engage in sport or physical activity. This inclusive approach ensures that participation is possible for people of all ages, backgrounds, economic circumstances, and abilities.”

Water supply returns to Bridgetown

By Dan Walsh

Water supply is returning to normal levels for Uisce Éireann customers in Bridgetown after the successful repair of a burst water main.

Uisce Éireann quickly crews located and repaired the burst main and water is now returning to impacted customers.

However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.  Customers are also being asked to be mindful of their water usage and to allow supply to catch up with demand.

Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked affected customers for their understanding while these repair works were being carried out. 

“Uisce Éireann acknowledges the disruption that can be caused by an unplanned outage such as this one and we wish to thank customers in the area for their patience while these repairs were underway,” said Mr Lyng.

Burst water main in Bridgetown

By Dan Walsh

BRIDGETOWN (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Uisce Éireann crews are tackling a major burst in Bridgetown to restore water to customers affected today (Thursday).  

The unplanned outage may cause supply disruptions to customers and businesses in Bridgetown, Kilmore and Tomhaggard. 

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.  

“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.” 

Repairs are expected to be completed by 5pm today. Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.  

To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the burst and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted. 

Gorey poet recalls childhood trauma

By Dan Walsh

REGINA REDMOND

Regina Redmond from Gorey follows the publication of her first book of poetry Buried Deep is the Child with Warrior Woman Truth Teller which be officially launched by Colm O’Gorman, founder of One in Four and former executive director of Amnesty International Ireland in Gorey Library tonight (Thursday).

The event will be hosted by Hot Press writer Jackie Hayden who lives in the south of the county. He will introduce several guests who will recite a selection of poems from Warrior Woman Truth Teller.

Already confirmed are Regina Redmond herself, her daughter Orla, Clare Williams (Manager, Wexford Rape Crisis Centre), poet and filmmaker Odhran Somers, Carol Boland of Boland Press, and close friend and confidante Anita Carroll. 

Music will be provided by Aileen Mythen (former singer with the acclaimed Remedy Club) and Ian Doyle (highly regarded singer-songwriter who recently performed as The Man Whom).

Several poems from Warrior Woman Truth Teller have already been recorded by Regina as part of a separate project, with atmospheric music added by local musicians.

Regina has also expanded her artistic activities to take in painting, and some of her visual works are included in Warrior Woman Truth Teller.

“Buried Deep is the Child was subtitled A Healing Journey, and the title reflects how my writing has helped me deal with trauma suffered during my childhood,” Regina told WexfordLocal.com, and she added; “Warrior Woman Truth Teller shows me having become stronger and much more confident about facing my future. I think of my poems as shedding light on the path I’ve taken from deep darkness into the full light of recovery.

“Writing has a therapeutic value for me and publishing them has been enormously liberating. I have also recorded some of these poems for the BandCamp and YouTube platforms, and, since the healing power of music has long been established, adding music is a logical and valuable step for me as I continue onward on my exploratory journey with Warrior Woman Truth Teller,” she concluded.

Warrior Woman Truth Teller is published by Carol Boland of Boland Press and, like Buried Deep is the Child, is expected to resonate deeply with those who love poetry that comes straight from the heart. Her work has also attracted a very positive and appreciative response from others who have suffered childhood trauma.

Bree debaters in the semi-final

Bree Macra Novice Debating team of Mark Waters, Sarah Byrne and Eddie Casey are heading for the National Semi-Finals in Cork.

By Dan Walsh

The National Quarter-Finals of the Macra Na Feirme Novice Debating Competitionwere held on Saturday evening in Bree Community Centre, where teams from across the country gathered to compete for a place in the National Semi-Finals.

The local Bree Macra team of Eddie Casey, Mark Waters, and Sarah Byrne, faced strong opposition from Angela Harney, Ciaran McDermot and Katie Doyle of Naas Macra. The teams debated the motion “That stay-at-home parents should be paid a salary.”

Bree Macra took on the role of proposing the motion and delivered a well-structured and compelling argument throughout the contest.

Their confident performance and effective defence of the motion earned them well-deserved victory on the night.

In addition to the team victory, Sarah Byrne was honoured by the judges with the award for Best Debater, recognising her exceptional delivery and engagement during the debate.

The Bree team advances to the National Semi-Finals in Cork on February 7th.