Iarnród Éireann’s Health & Safety Awards

At Iarnród Éireann’s 2025 Health & Safety Awards (left to right); Director of Health and Safety Kay Doyle, Aidan O’Sullivan and Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine. (Pic; Iarnród Éireann).

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann celebrated the outstanding achievements of colleagues across the organisation at the 2025 Health & Safety Awards, held recently in Portlaoise.

Aidan O’Sullivan, a port operative for Iarnród Rosslare Europort, was amongst the winners highlighted at the event. Aidan was recognised as the “Shared Services Safety Individual of the Year”.

“Recognition in any form is very humbling, but when it comes from your colleagues and peers for promoting safety, it’s even more rewarding,” said O’Sullivan.

Also receiving a Health and Safety award in the category of Shared Services Safety Representative of the Year was Danny Ennis, Duty Supervisor at Rosslare Europort. Danny was nominated and selected as the Shared Services Safety Rep of 2025 for his active role in promoting safety and assisting with all safety-related tasks as part of his duties at the busy gateway to European trade. 

Kay Doyle, Director of Health and Safety for Iarnród Éireann said of the recognition; “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all persons nominated and recognised as part of the Iarnród Éireann Health and Safety Awards. Our first core value is Always Safe, and these individuals have gone beyond the standard to be safety leaders. “We as a railway are committed to ensuring a safe place of work for our staff and contractors whilst ensuring the safe transport of our customers, and the achievement of these individuals make that Safe Journey, Every Journey a reality.”

Councillors failed fuel protesters

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL Headquarters at Carricklawn, Wexford. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at April meeting of Wexford County Council

A large number of fuel protesters from Rosslare district attended in the public gallery at last Monday’s Wexford County Council meeting held at County Hall, but two emergency motions supporting them failed to be put to a vote.

Cllr Jim Codd strongly criticised the government’s “heavy-handed” response to the protests, which he said; “have been driven by ordinary workers and families struggling with rising costs.”

However, it must be said that Cllr Codd expressed admiration for the Rosslare protesters who did so peacefully, were courteous to passing motorists and emergency vehicles at all times and called off the four day protest quietly and without resistence on Sunday.

Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien said the current government has mishandled the cost-of-living crisis and other issues like housing and healthcare. She said the people have spoken and they have no confidence in this government.

Cllr Oliver Walsh showed sympathy for the protesters but called the motions “populist” and criticised the Council for prioritising national over local issues.

Cllr Walsh voiced concern about protesters’ blockade tactics, especially self-appointed wardens preventing people from their daily activities.

Cllr Codd proposed a motion condemning the government’s actions, expressed frustration that the protest had been ignored by the government, who only wanted to engage with official groups like the IFA and Irish Road Hauliers Association, despite the protest being about broader concerns.

Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien also introduced a motion to hold the government accountable, calling for a vote of no confidence in the coalition.

CLLR JIM CODD (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Amendments were subsequently proposed to both motions, and proceedings were temporarily paused. It was clarified that, in the event of an emergency motion—which may be called on short notice—a majority of 18 votes is required for amendments to be considered acceptable.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan restarted the meeting, leading to a roll-call amid some confusion in the chamber. County Secretary Michael Drea had a busy session quoting the rulebook. Some called for an ‘in-committee’ vote, but the Cathaoirleach was adamant and all names were recorded.

Cllr Codd’s motion failed – 17 (for), 13 (against) and one abstention. Cllr O’Brien’s motion failed by just one vote – 16 in favour and 15 against. Neither motion reached 18 votes, so they were not adopted.

History rules in film documentary

By Dan Walsh

The premiere of a documentary entitled ‘The Bantry Commons Case’ will be screened in conjunction with the Uí Cinnsealaigh Historical Society in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 7.30pm.

John Cooney and Tony Asple founded Blackstairs Media Productions to produce documentaries, believing the Bantry Commons case required more than a five-minute video.

As a result, they chose to create an in-depth documentary on the topic. Filming began last summer with location shoots in the Blackstairs/White Mountain area, alongside research gathering. Fellow student in Maynooth, Nuala Dundon was integral to the research and joins them in the documentary.

The score was originally composed by Seána Redmond, with additional music and traditional arrangements contributed by Mary Kate and Paula Ní Mhurchú from Courtnacuddy, as well as Tony Asple, Martin Codd, and Joe White. The production also benefitted from the voluntary participation of local amateur actors.

Background to the Bantry Commons Case. The battle for commonage rights took place in the Bantry Commons, in the barony of Bantry, Co. Wexford. It ran from the Confederate Wars (1641–53) to 1844, when the local prominent landlord, Thomas Kavanagh, Borris House, Co. Carlow, lost his exclusive commonage rights to the people of the barony, after a court case taken by a tenant farmer, Mr Prendergast, of the adjoining parish of Ballindoney in the townland of Templeludigan.

The tenants were supported by Fr. Thomas Furlong of Killegney. Furlong was parish priest of Killegney from 1816 until his death in 1852. He was prominent in Daniel O’Connell’s Catholic Association in the fight for Catholic Emancipation, took an active role in the anti Tithe campaign in the 1830s and again O’Connell’s Repeal movement in the 1840s. Such were Furlong’s efforts in the Bantry Commons case he was given the title ‘The King of Bantry’ by the local inhabitants.

The little-known Bantry Commons legal cases, referred to locally as the White Mountain legal cases, of the 1840s are significant as they capture the complexities of the issue of tenant rights, the growing in confidence of the tenant voice and the question of landownership in pre-Famine Ireland. The backdrop to this story is the widespread agrarian unrest among tenants, their economic hardship and the legal system that both protected and oppressed them.

Better access to Ringwood Forest Trail

At the official opening of the Ringwood Forest Trail, near Enniscorthy town, were (L-R): Landowner Phonsey Keogh, Peter O’Connor (Wexford Walking Trails), Tom Bermingham (Wexford Local Development), Georgina Gaul (Wexford Local Development), Dervla Tierney (Wexford Local Development), Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Aidan Browne, Claire Lawless (Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager), Brian Kehoe (Wexford Local Development).

By Dan Walsh

The resurfacing of Ringwood Lane at St. John’s on the Kilcarbery road near Enniscorthy has been finished, enhancing access to the poplar Ringwood Forest Trail.

The project was administered by Georgina Gaul, Rural Recreation Officer at Wexford Local Development, and supported by Wexford County Council’s Enniscorthy Municipal District which provided €4,500 towards the cost, demonstrating a strong partnership approach and a real team effort at local level.

The works carried out at Ringwood Lane form part of a series of planned steps aimed at linking key pieces of outdoor recreational infrastructure, offering users greater opportunity, improved connectivity, and enhanced access across the wider area.

Outdoor recreation plays a vital role in supporting health and wellbeing, and projects such as this improved accessibility for everyone to enjoy time outdoors in a beautiful, unspoilt natural environment.

Crucially, the Ringwood project would not have been possible without the ongoing support of local landowners, Mary Keogh and Phonsey Keogh of St John’s, who kindly gave permission for their lane to be used as access to the trail.

Wexford Local Development collaborated with the Enniscorthy Community Alliance on a successful application to the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht for grant aid through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

Josh Berry scores a double

By Dan Walsh

Three point-to-point fixtures nationally yesterday (Sunday), plenty of Wexford participation at all three venues, and Tomhaggard rider Josh Berry scored a double at Rathcannon, Co. Limerick, both wins for Wexford stables.

Berry got off the mark on Double Annie in the Laura Scallan colours and trained by Mark Scallan who came home 20 lengths clear in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.

JOSH BERRY double success.

Berry’s second success of the afternoon came in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings on Shane Roche’s newcomer Ballyteige. The winning distance was 12 lengths.

At the Tattersalls meeting champions Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe shared success with newcomer Down Jones Road in division two of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Adamstown handler Susan O’Gorman was also successful at the Meath venue saddling Annie Mulligan with Ferns rider James Murray up winning the maiden race for five-year-olds plus mares’ maiden race. One and a half lengths the verdict.

At Dromahane, Co. Cork, newcomer Mifa D’Airy won the four-year-old mares’ maiden race by 16 lengths for the Monbeg Partnership and handler Sean Doyle. Jamie Scallan riding his 101st career winner in the process.

The maiden race for four-year-old geldings concluded in a Wexford 1,2 – with only a head separating them! Newcomer Chanson Du Jury won for Jonathan Fogarty and the Cleariestown-based Gaynestown Stud partnership with Finian Maguire in the saddle, holding off Mick Goff’s All In Focus (Matt Gahan up) in the closest finish of the day.

Rob James also added a winner from the Kiltealy -based Gearoid O’Loughlin stables when C’est Le Capri took the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.  

Racing took place at Loughanmore, Co. Antrim, on Easter Monday where Barry Stone won the mares’ Winner of Two race on Colegram for the Blackhall Stables Partnership, Killurin, and handler Paul Martin Pierce.

€270,000 for Wexford heritage buildings

ST. MICHAEL’S THEATRE, New Ross, to receieve €90,000 funding.

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has signed off on €270,000 for protection of three Wexford heritage buildings under his Department’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2026.

€90,000 will be awarded for works at Saunderscourt Gate Lodges, West Gate Lodge, at Galbally East, Crossabeg.

These include conservation and restoration works of west gate lodge as part of ongoing programme of work to restore the 18th century Palladian entrance ensemble.

€90,000 awarded for works at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Laurence O’Toole. Rathangan, Duncormick.

The funding will cover roof works and associated repair works to stone masonry and lead flashings, plus new rainwater goods and internal repair.

€90,000 for repairs to St. Michael’s Theatre, South Street, New Ross. These include roof works, works to existing rainwater goods and all associated works.

The funding will be administered by Wexford County Council.

Chaos pending at Rosslare Europort

ROSSLARE EUROPORT (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Europort will experience capacity issues from tomorrow (Sunday) and significant delays are expected once the port reopens.

Protesters have set up a blockade at Kilrane, which is approximately a mile from Rosslare Europort This is in place since early Thursday morning.

Only passenger traffic is currently being permitted to pass through.

For a period yesterday accompanied pharmaceutical freight was permitted through, but that has now stopped also since yesterday afternoon.

There is currently about a mile of a tail back of trucks.

Iarnróid Éireann announced today: “We expect challenges soon, as two ships will arrive tomorrow or early Monday. Once unloaded, we will have no additional capacity.

“We will then have to turn ships back to wait on anchor out from the port or advise to go to an alternative port.

“Once the blockades are lifted, it will take some time to get the port cleared before we can take any more freight in and the port may need to put restrictions on capacity during this time,” stated Iarnród Éireann. 

Wexford double for Nolan and Staples

EOIN STAPLES and JAMES NOLAN braved the elements at Wexford races this afternoon to share double success. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan and Duncormick jockey Eoin Staples joined forces for a double success at Wexford races today where the ground for the horses was ‘yielding’ but for the punters it was unpleasant with wind, rain and incredible cold conditions.

Le Moulin Rouge (/1 fav.) started the winning double for Nolan/Staples by three lengths in the maiden hurdle. James Nolan, assistant trainer to his brother Paul, was in Aintree said afterwards; “He is a lovely horse and there was no plan beyond today. We’ll see what’s for him. We might be restricted to going left-handed, as he prefers to go that way.”

The Nolan/Staples double was completed in the following race – a handicap hurdle – when Sean Mc (13/2) scored by two lengths. Afterwards, James Nolan said; “I’m delighted for the lads, Dominic Delaney and his family. They are fantastic owners and loyal people. They’ve had horses with us for years and have been a bit unlucky.

“They are Kilkenny people and I’m thrilled for them. It’s their first winner since 2007. He’ll go for something similar now in three or four weeks’ time.”

Top jockey Jack Kennedy, who rode two winners at Aintree on Thursday and returns there again on Saturday to ride in the Aintree Grand National, made the headlines when his foot dropped out of the irons turning into the straight aboard Dunleer Crystal and he clung on dearly for a number of strides before regaining his composure and finished third. The drama is an international attraction on social media.

But Kennedy left the track with a smile on his face when he partnered the JP McManus owned/ Gordon Elliott trained Agameoftwohalves (5/2) to victory in the novice hurdle.

In other news Cleariestown jockey Conor Stone-Walsh, (19), was successful on Will The Wise (9/1) for the Gavin Cromwell stables in the Topham Chase at Aintree run over the famous National fences. The talented teenager won his first race at the Cheltenham Festival last month on Final Orders and the partnership will be reunited in the Aintree Grand National (off at 4pm, Saturday). Final Orders is well priced at 22/1.

Four other Wexford jockeys will ride in the world’s greatest steeplechase; JJ Slevin, Banbridge (40/1), Sean O’Keeffe is on Lucky Watson (33/1), Jordan Gainford, Three Card Brag (50/1) and veteran Sean Flanagan, Gorgeous Tom (22/1). All have chances and good luck to all five jockeys.

At Wexford races today, Ursula Sinnott presented Eddie Scally with an award recognising his six years as Manager of Wexford Racecourse. Also pictured: Michael Murphy, Chairman and Donie O’Brien, Director. (Pic WexfordLocal.com)

Eddie Scally was honoured for his six years as Manager at Wexford races. Chairman Michael Murphy praised his contributions and improvements, while Managing Director Ursula Sinnott presented him with a gift and wished him well. Mr. Scally expressed gratitude for his time at the track.

County Wexford Chamber urges end to fuel protest

The M11 Tinnock Roundabout, north lane, Gorey, this evening.

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber has called for an urgent deescalation of the fuel protests currently causing disruption across the country, warning that the impact is being felt acutely by Wexford businesses, including those with significant logistics and supply chain operations. 

County Wexford is a strategically important logistics county, home to many businesses operating large-scale distribution, transport and manufacturing activities. With Rosslare Europort playing a critical role in regional and national trade, continued disruption to fuel supply and transport networks is putting business operations at risk and creating uncertainty for employers and workers alike. 

Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber, said: “County Wexford has a strong logistics base, with many businesses relying on the efficient movement of goods through road networks and Rosslare Europort. We are already hearing from members whose logistics operations are effectively stalled, with knock-on impacts for production, exports and employment. 

“Fuel price pressures are a real and ongoing challenge for businesses, but the problem is being compounded locally by the blockage of national transport routes and disruption to fuel distribution. Prolonged disruption risks damaging business confidence, supply chains, connectivity for shipping line customers and County Wexford’s reputation as a reliable place to do business.” 

PAULA ROCHE, CEO County Wexford Chamber.

Ms Roche added that while the right to protest is respected, businesses need certainty. “In a county where logistics, agri-food, manufacturing and export-led companies are central to the local economy, disruption of this scale has a significant impact.” 

The concerns raised in County Wexford reflect the picture emerging nationwide, with Chambers Ireland, the national body representing Chambers of Commerce across the country, also urging an immediate end to the disruption. 

Chambers Ireland has warned that prolonged disruption to transport networks and fuel depots has seen companies reporting supply delays, reduced consumer activity and difficulties for staff commuting to and from work. 

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said; “Our economy relies on the efficient movement of people and goods, and any prolonged impact to this freedom risks undermining business confidence. 

“Constructive engagement offers the best path forward. We need to see a shift away from disruption and towards solutions that protect both livelihoods and economic stability.” 

County Wexford Chamber echoed this call, stressing that an immediate move towards dialogue and engagement is essential to protect jobs, trade and economic activity across the county. 

All good for Friday’s Wexford races

By Dan Walsh

Wexford racecourse is in excellent condition for Friday’s fixture which consists of seven races – four over hurdles and three steeplechases- and the first race is off at 3.45pm.

GOING: Good to Yielding, Yielding in places. Following 2mm of rain overnight. Possibility of 4-6mm (approx) of rain prior to racing. Racing five yards off innermost Hurdle racing line and four yards in from outermost Chase racing line.

This all-National Hunt fixture is the second of 14 allocated to Bettyville Park, Wexford, and the organisers are hopeful of a good attendance.