Senseless vandalism at ancient burial ground

Aontú Cllr Jim Codd is “simply horrified” at criminal damage to the ancient Monachán Graveyard at Taghmon and Gardaí are appealing for information that would assist their investigation into the matter. (Pic; Cllr Jim Codd).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Gardaí are seeking assistance with their investigation into damage to several headstones and a stone wall at Monachán Graveyard in Taghmon between 20 April and 27 July 2026.

The vandalism of at least 15 graves in the centuries-old cemetery has attracted national media coverage.

At some point in recent weeks, vandals are alleged to have broken and smashed the surrounds of graves, knocked over and broken headstones and pulled down a cast iron cross from a wall at Monachán Graveyard.

Locals were enraged by the discovery, blasting it as “disrespectful” and “absolutely disgusting” and branding those responsible as “the lowest of the low”.

In a social media post, local Aontú Cllr Jim Codd said; “This is not the actions of children. Two men would be busy with a sledgehammer to complete this attack on our Christian burial grounds.”

He said he was “simply horrified” by the attack.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious or unusual activity in the area during this time period to come forward.

Gardaí are also seeking road users, residents and businesses who may have relevant CCTV, dashcam or other video footage from the area to make that footage available to the investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing.

Crowds at weekend Wexford races

Pictured at Ladies Day at Wexford Racecourse (left to right); Patrick Kickham Lennon, Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort; Julie Caulfield, Westgate Design; Tina Hemlock ‘Best Hat’ competition winner; Cathy Kelly, ‘Best Dressed’ winner; Fiona Gainfort, master of ceremonies; Ursula Sinnott, Managing Director Wexford Racecourse; and Keith Jordan, Westgate Design. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

The largest attendance this season enjoyed competitive racing in summer conditions on Ladies Day at Wexford races this Friday evening.

Racing again tomorrow, Saturday with two hurdle races, four steeplechases and an INH Flat Race – a seven-race card and the first race is off at 2.15pm.

Tomorrow’s weather is forecast as dry, breezy with temperatures in the low 20s and judging by good bookings another large crowd is expected

The McGuinness family, Stephen, Harry and Tom, were delighted with the success of Esticky End at Wexford races. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Owner Stephen McGuinness and his son, Tom, who trains on the beach at Rosslare Strand, celebrated their first success together when Esticky End (16/1) won a handicap hurdle by a neck at Wexford on July 23rd. The pair returned to the same track today and secured another fine victory.

Jumping well throughout Esticky End (6/1), ridden by Patrick O’Brien scored by five lengths and winning two on the bounce was celebrated by the McGuinness family.

Speaking after the race, trainer Tom McGuinness said; “You’d wonder did he want to do it at times because he has refused to race several times. He planted at the start last year in Thurles and stayed in the stalls at Dundalk and Gowran. He got suspended for one of his days in Thurles.

“There have been plenty of times he’s been out of love with the game, and we’ve just tried to coax him back into it,” added Tom.

Father and son, Willie and Patrick Mullins combined to win the bumper with Get It Girl (4/1) by two lengths and Philip Rothwell, Tinahely Stables, maintained a good run of success when Rosenborg (9/1) scored a maiden hurdle victory under Ross Sugrue.

Gordon Elliott saddled a winner – Tropical Twist (17/2) with Jack Kennedy up – and Eoin Griffin from Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny, teamed up with champion owner John P. McManus to win the feature Neville Hotels Handicap Hurdle with the Peter Smithers’ ridden Splashing Out (6/1) who lead all the way and had six lengths to spare at the finish.

Local entrepreneur Fiona Gainfort, Chairperson of Wexford Rape Crisis fundraising committee, acted as master of ceremonies for the Ladies Day activities.

The winner of the ‘Best Dressed’ category was Cathy Kelly, Castledermot and the ‘Best Hat’ prize went to Tina Hemlock, Kinsale, Co. Cork.

Sponsors were Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort at Ballymoney, Gorey, Julie Caulfield, Westgate Design, Wexford and Roseland House of Flowers, Murrintown village.

Wexford hosts 1926 Census exhibition

Pictured at the official opening of the 1926 Census exhibition entitled The Story of Us at Wexford County Council were (left to right); Karen Downey, 1926 Census Programme Manager, National Archives of Ireland; Zoe Reid, Keeper of Manuscripts and Public Services, National Archives of Ireland; Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, who launched the exhibition; Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive Wexford County Council; Grainne Doran, County Archivist, Wexford County Council; and Eileen Morrissey, County Librarian, Wexford County Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Headquarters

The Story of Us, a touring exhibition exploring the 1926 Census, was officially opened to the public last night by Wexford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Lisa McDonald at a ceremony in the council’s Carricklawn headquarters.

Cllr McDonald noted that only a century—about four generations—has passed since the 1926 Census was compiled. She emphasised how its records of families, places, trades and local history continue to connect us with the past.

Zoe Reid, Keeper of Manuscripts at the National Archives, Ireland, told the meeting that the 1926 Census recorded a population of 2,971,992 people in the Irish Free State on April 18th, 1926.

This represented a decrease of 5.3% (approximately 168,000 people) from the 1911 census for the same twenty-six counties.

51% of the population were male; 29% of the population were female; 31.2% of the population were children under 16 years of age; and 18.3% of the population spoke Irish.

51.4% were agricultural workers; 14.2% were producers, makers and repairers; 9.8% domestic service; 6.5% commercial, finance and insurance; 5% transport and communications; 4.2% professionals; 3% other gainful occupations; 2.8% public administration and defence; 2% clerks and typists; 0.44% fishing; and 0/2% mining.

County Archivist Grainne Doran acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed everybody to County Hall with a special welcome for Dote O’Neill from Ballindaggin, aged 103 years who was present, and recalled the life story of Iris Dungan, aged 106 years and living at Monart, Enniscorthy, but sadly unable to attend in person.

The Story of Us exhibition is a travelling exhibition presented by the National Archives of Ireland and Wexford County Council and on display in Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, until August 21st. Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (Monday – Friday) Please note that all events take place in Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, and are free to attend,

 

Ladies Day at Wexford Racecourse

By Dan Walsh

Racing returns to Wexford Racecourse for two-days this weekend with Ladies Day taking place on Friday evening and an afternoon fixture planned for Saturday.

The weather is forecast as dry, breezy with temperatures in the low 20s for both days.

Six hurdle races and an INH Flat Race makes up the seven-race card for Friday evening. The first race is off at 4.45pm.

As stated, Friday is Ladies Day and promises a brilliant evening of racing, style and fun!

Local entrepreneur Fiona Gainfort will be master of ceremonies for the Ladies Day activities and this year’s worthy cause is Wexford Rape Crisis Centre.

Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort at Ballymoney, Gorey, is the main sponsor while Westgate Design and Julie Caulfield, Wexford, is also sponsoring.

I’m told that the “Best Dressed and Best Hat competitions are going to be amazing, we can’t wait to see all the style on show. Fantastic prizes for our winners and lovely goodie bags for our finalists too!”

Racing returns on day-two, Saturday with two hurdle races, four steeplechases and an INH Flat Race – a seven-race card and the action get underway at 2.15pm.

Watty’s Well and the Brooklyn bench

A trickle of water defys the driest July in history at the newly renovated Watty’s Well on the Blackstoops riverside trail at Enniscorthy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy is building a pleasant reputation for improvements to its riverside walking trails further advancing its recreational facilities.

A new amenity point has now been completed along The Banks, on the northern section of the Slaney Riverside Trail at Blackstoops.

Enniscorthy Municipal District’s outdoor staff have completed stonework and planting at Watty’s Well, adding character and visual appeal to the riverside setting.

The route also features the well-known Brooklyn bench, which has cultural significance as the setting for a key reflective scene involving Eilis Lacey in Brooklyn, the film adaptation of Enniscorthy author Colm Tóibín’s best-selling novel.

Together, Watty’s Well and the Brooklyn bench form a distinctive rest point along the trail.

These additions support ongoing efforts to improve public amenities, encourage outdoor activity, and enhance the overall attractiveness of the River Slaney riverside trail.

Tragedy during Taghmon ladies’ football final

AOIBHEANN CLARKE

By Dan Walsh

Tributes have been paid to 16-year-old Aoibheann Clarke, who died after collapsing during a ladies’ football final in Taghmon last evening.

Aoibheann was playing for Taghmon Camross GAA, LGFA and Camogie club in the Girls Minor Division 6 Shield final in Taghmon.

The game had entered injury time when she collapsed on the pitch.

She received emergency assistance at the scene before being taken by ambulance to hospital, where she died.

In a statement, Taghmon Camross Club said it is “heartbroken by the tragic loss of a cherished member of our Minor team, Aoibheann.

“At this incredibly difficult time, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who responded so quickly and compassionately to the emergency.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to the spectators who assisted, the first responders, the ambulance service, Garda and the fire crew for their professionalism, care and support.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with our player’s family, friends, teammates, coaches and all who knew and loved her. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy as they grieve this devastating loss.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

It’s Gap Arts Festival weekend

At the official launch of the Gap Arts Festival 2026 at Gorey Library were (left to right); Cllr Nicky Boland, Cllr Donal Kenny, Arty the Bear (Olivia Fortune), Mary Fleming, Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, who performed the official launch, Anita McLoughlin, Gorey-Kilmuckridge District Manager, Sean Browne, Joy Redmond, Majella McGovern, Cllr Joe Sullivan and Liz Hore, Director of Services. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Library

The 16th annual Gap Arts Festival at Ballythomas, Gorey, runs from Thursday to Saturday, August 6th to 8th inclusive and this year’s extensive programme of events was officially launched by Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council at a ceremony in Gorey Library.

The official opening is on Thursday with a photographic exhibition by Gap Camera Club in The Barn at The Gap Pub at 6.30pm which, incidentally, is running for the month.

On Friday at 6pm there is a showcase presentation of Lover, a new play by Joy Redmond read by Tara Quirke and directed by Garrett Keogh. Some sexual references in there so it is unsuitable for under 16’s!

Film and Theatre in Ballythomas School at 8pm and the late-night family movie is Under The Stars from the Jungle Book (1967 Disney) in the Community Field, Ballythomas.

Saturday from 11.30am to 1pm features talks at The Gap; Plant Medicine with Nikki Darrell and Titania’s Palace with Garrett Keogh and that’s in Ballythomas School.

1-4pm is the Drop-In Family Fun Day with face painting, music, a dog show, craft market and more. Theatre and film in Ballythomas School at 8pm.

The Gap Festival will conclude on Saturday night from 6pm with live rock music featuring GAPHEAD, Frankie Fingers, Ashley’s Country Stomp, Robin James Hurt and more playing in The Gap Pub Yard.

Some events are free and some have a charge, but all the details and full programme of events is available on www.GapArtsFestival.com

Booking is available on Eventbrite.ie and the festival is funded through Wexford County Council’s Arts Office Small Arts Festival Grant Scheme 2026 and Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Development Association.

Appeal for witnesses to Castlebridge crash

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí in Wexford are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision involving a car and a pedestrian at Castlebridge shortly before midnight on Saturday.

The collision occurred at approximately 11.51pm on the R741, near Keating Insulation outside Castlebridge village.

The pedestrian, in his 20’s was taken to Wexford General Hospital for treatment. It is understood that his injuries are “non-life threatening.”

Gardaí are asking anyone who travelled on the R741 between Castlebridge and Wexford Town from 11.30pm to midnight, and who may have witnessed the collision or seen the pedestrian beforehand, to come forward.

Road users who were travelling in the area at the time and who may have camera footage, including dash cam recordings, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on (053) 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Kilmore Quay Lifeboat Open Day  

By Dan Walsh 

The annual Kilmore Quay Lifeboat Open Day and fundraiser takes place on Sunday, August 2nd from noon until 5pm at the marina in Kilmore Quay.

The lifeboat will be on display with stalls, games, entertainment and refreshments available at the marina promising lots of family fun throughout the afternoon.

Enniscorthy star leaves TV show

CYCLONE (real name Lystus Ebosele) from Enniscorthy starred in the BBC programme ‘Gladiators‘. (Pic; BBC/Radio Times).

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy native Lystus Ebosele, 24, joined the popular BBC television programme Gladiators as Cyclone in January 2025 but will not return for the 2026 series.

The Sun reports exclusively that she will not appear in the upcoming fourth series, while she maintains that she quit before BBC bosses could axe her.

“I have not been axed, I have left on my own accord,” she said, and added; “I’m so sorry to all the families that have come to filming expecting me to be there and have found out about my absence on arrival to the arena with no explanation.

“It’s not fair to the fans of the show, how things have transpired. It was the correct decision and one I don’t regret at all, she concluded.

Cyclone, whose real name is Lystus Ebosele, is a 5ft 10in Irish powerlifter born in Enniscorthy to Nigerian parents. She won the junior 84kg+ world title in 2023.

Lystus, the sister of Republic of Ireland footballer Festy Ebosele, quickly won over audiences and became an international television celebrity. Festy began his career with Moyne Rangers in their native Enniscorthy.

Last year she posted: “Secret’s finally out, I am so excited to finally be able to share this with you all, I’m joining Gladiators as Cyclone!”