Colin Bowe lands a superb five-timer

LEON CULLEN from Piercestown rode his third career winner at Fairwood, Tinahely, this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood, Tinahely

Kiltealy’s Colin Bowe, the 13-time national champion point-to-point handler, had a remarkable Sunday afternoon, saddling five winners – three at Umma House, Westmeath, and a double at the Shillelagh & District fixture at Fairwood, Tinahely.

Bowe’s double at Tinahely were both ridden by Barry O’Neill, who enjoyed a treble in the autumnal sunshine. Eight lengths was the verdict on Talladega in the maiden race for five-year-old mares and two lengths favoured Dark Til Daylight in the maiden race for five -year-old geldings. Both winners carried the familiar black with a green cap colours of Milestone Bloodstock Ltd.

Barry O’Neill’s treble was achieved on My Life Be Like in the three-runner Open Lightweight Race winning by 10 lengths for Fermanagh handler David Christie.

Denis Murphy got off to a winning start to the new season with Right Jack, ridden by Shane Cotter, who scored by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds.

Piercestown rider Leon Cullen rode his third winner aboard I’m Over It in the colours of Marie Robinson and handled by Robert Tector at Coolbawn, Rathnure. Seven lengths the verdict.

Colin Bowe’s treble at Umma House were two in the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours and recorded a first treble for Oulart rider Bertie Finn.

First up was Sunset Carousel by six  lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings; then it was the turn of Captain’s Song by a neck in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and the treble success was completed with Supreme Walk in the colours of Tomas Frisby by five lengths in the maiden race for six-year-old plus geldings.

The other Wexford winner at the Westmeath track was Redacresmiriam in the colours of Caitriona Goff, trained by Michael Goff at Clondaw, Enniscorthy, and ridden by their son, Harry. Winning verdict two lengths.

The Island Hunt point-to-point races take place next Saturday, October 24th, at Peppards Castle, Kilmuckridge. First race at 1pm.

Paul Bell first solo exhibition

PAUL BELL showing his first solo exhibition at Big Barn Art and Antiques. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Famous for his melodic vocals on the Wexford musical classics ‘Dancing at the Crossroads’ and ‘The Purple and Gold’, a first solo exhibition from Paul Bell opened today (Saturday) at the Big Barn Art and Antiques studio at Cornerstown, Mayglass, coinciding with the Wexford Festival Opera.

“It’s called Immersion and Suspension, which are the titles of the two main series I’m showing, Wexford town native Paul Bell told WexfordLocal.com.

“I lived in London for over 30 years and spent most of that time writing and recording my own songs. I was lucky enough to have some success along the way, including songs like “Dancing at the Crossroads” and “The Purple and Gold”.

“I always painted as a hobby and some were even used for my record sleeves, but apart from those I never showed my paintings to anybody. It was only when I came back to Ireland a few years ago, encouraged by my sister Maura, that I took up painting seriously.

The Immersion and Suspension exhibition is my first step on this journey,” said Paul who issued an invitation to the public; “Would love to see you at the Big Barn Art and Antiques, Y35 VH05.

Opening Saturday, October 17th and continuing 18th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st, 12–5pm. All are welcome.

New ‘points’ season opens at Tinahely

Racing at Fairwood, Tinahely (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

The new point-to-point season gets under way at Fairwood, Tinahely, on Sunday, with Shillelagh & District Hunt hosting the fixture. The first of six races starts at 1pm.

Seventy-six entries were received, in line with early-season expectations and the recent prolonged dry spell. The four-year-old maiden drew 22 of them, with Colin Bowe (six entries) and Denis Murphy (four) dominating the field.

The going report is “Good. Good to Yielding” and parts of the hilly track is watered to ensure safe ground.

Always a popular track with owners and handlers and the supporters the organisers are hoping for a good-sized attendance and Sunday’s forecast is for “dry conditions, with maximum temperatures coming in at around 13 degrees!

Festival Opera ‘Volunteer of the Year’

Laura Nolan, who has been awarded the 2026 Ecclesiastical/Wexford Festival Opera Volunteer of the Year Award and David Lane Managing Director at Ecclesiastical Ireland. (Pic; Mark Stedman)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Festival Opera proudly announces Laura Nolan, who has been volunteering with the Festival for 37 years, as the 2026 Ecclesiastical/Wexford Festival Opera Volunteer of the Year.

Laura was chosen through a public vote by fellow volunteers, board and staff of the Festival.

Laura is currently the Head of the programmes team. The team covers all Opera Festival events both in the National Opera House and at other venues, including the Community Opera, Lunchtime Recitals and more.

The announcement was officially made by Artistic Director, Rosetta Cucchi and David Lane, Managing Director Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland from the stage of The National Opera House on the night of the first public dress rehearsal, Iris, which opened the 75th Wexford Festival Opera. It was attended by an audience of Festival volunteers.

David Lane, Managing Director Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland said: “Volunteers play such an important role in making Wexford Festival Opera what it is, and Laura’s commitment over more than 35 years is really something to celebrate. Giving that amount of time to the Festival, while always being there to help audiences and fellow volunteers, is a fantastic achievement.”

Ecclesiastical Insurance, a specialist insurer of the Arts, has supported Wexford Festival Opera’s volunteer programme for 13 years.

Cllr McDonald questions Gorey traffic management

By Dan Walsh

Gorey Cllr Darragh McDonald has urged Wexford County Council to deny Uisce Éireann road opening licences unless proper traffic management can be guaranteed, after motorists around Gorey faces major disruption.

CLLR DARRAGH McDONALD

Cllr McDonald said: “Uisce Éireann are currently carrying out works on two major roads into Gorey, with temporary traffic lights taking over ten minutes to change, even during rush hour. This is simply not acceptable.

“Everyone recognises the need for investment in infrastructure, and nobody is suggesting that essential works shouldn’t take place. However, there has to be a reasonable expectation that disruption to the public will be properly managed and minimised where possible.

“If Uisce Éireann cannot adequately resource these works and put effective traffic management arrangements in place, then Wexford County Council should be refusing them permission to open the road until they can.

“What we are seeing at the moment is lazy and ineffective traffic management, with ordinary people paying the price through unnecessary delays on their daily commutes, school runs and journeys to work.

“If a private developer was causing this level of disruption, the Council would rightly be demanding immediate improvements. I see absolutely no reason why a public body should be held to a different standard.

“We cannot have a situation where major routes into Gorey are effectively brought to a standstill because nobody has taken responsibility for ensuring traffic can move efficiently.

“The message needs to be simple: if you want permission to open our roads, you must demonstrate that you can manage the traffic properly. If you can’t, the licence shouldn’t be granted,” concluded Cllr McDonald.

Happy 75th Wexford Festival Opera

Fireworks over Wexford Harbour marks the the beginning of the 75th Wexford Festival Opera. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Quay

The 75th Wexford Festival Opera opened last night (Thursday) before a packed Wexford Quay, as the traditional fireworks display lit up the sky over the harbour to launch an internationally renowned musical celebration featuring 75 events over the next 17 days.

Mayor of Wexford CLLR VICKY BARRON (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

This year’s festival is special “and promises an unforgettable celebration of 75 years of extraordinary.” So runs the festival motto!

Sparking from the stage the Mayor of Wexford Cllr Vicky Barron said; “The festival belongs to the people of Wexford, and generations of Wexford people wherever they are. 75 years of extraordinary achievement. Happy 75th Wexford Festival Opera.”

AUDIO ADDITION; Mayor of Wexford Cllr Vicky Barron speaking at the opening of Wexford Festival Opera 2026 on Wexford Quay.

Master of ceremonies, the inimitable Maurice McCarthy, introduced special guest Anna Murphy, co-winner of Traitors 2026, who was honoured to officially launch the 75th Wexford Festival Opera.

AUDIO ADDITION; Anna Murphy speaking from the stage as she officially opened Wexford Festival Opera 2026.

Chair of Wexford Festival Opera, Paul Cleary, addressed the crowds and mainly paid tribute to the background volunteers and performers who make the festival what it is. There was a special recognition for the boys and girls of Scoil Mhuire Loch Garman who performed on stage.

There was an amazing onstage performance from the Ivy Sisters featuring Sharon Clancy, Jilly Cox and Aileen Donohoe and Rachel Grace also performed.

On a still night, the fireworks were visible for miles, set to classic tunes that lifted the spirits of the crowd, made up mostly of young families!

3-day book festival takes over Wexford town!

By Dan Walsh

Wexford town is set for a weekend of books and literary events as the annual Wexford Book Fair expands into the first Wexford Book Festival running this weekend (Friday to Sunday, October 16th to 18th) culminating in the 55th annual Wexford Book Fair at the Talbot Hotel on Sunday.

“We want Wexford to become a town of books for the weekend,” said festival organiser Wally O’Neill of Red Books. “The Book Fair has been running for fifty-five years now, making it the longest running Book Fair in Ireland. Expanding it into a festival seemed like the perfect way to celebrate that.”

The weekend will feature three book launches, with Margaret Hawkins, Gordon D’Arcy and Phil Hughes all launching books during the festival.

On Friday, Kinfolk will host Ireland’s first ever book rave, while Outspoken Spokenword Open-Mic will take place next door in Red Books Underground, following the launch of Margaret Hawkins “The Blood Cure”.

On Saturday, Eclectic Avenue will host a paperback book market as the festival continues across the town. There will be a pop-up Gaeltacht in Red Books Underground and the South-East launch of “Birdlife” by Gordon D’Arcy. Phil Hughes will be launching “The Rebel and the Seeress” in Red Books on Thursday.

The weekend will then culminate with the traditional Wexford Book Fair at the Talbot Hotel from 11am until 5pm on Sunday,

As well as the book dealers who have made the fair a fixture of Wexford life for more than half a century, Sunday will feature a celebration of independent publishing, talks on Wexford history and local poetry, and special events for children.

“The great thing about a book festival is that it can belong to everybody,” Mr O’Neill said. “You don’t have to be a serious collector or know anything about rare books. You can be looking for an antiquarian edition or simply bringing a young reader along to discover something new. Everyone is welcome.”

The expansion marks a new chapter for a Wexford tradition that has continued through economic booms and downturns, the rise of Amazon and the disruption of the pandemic.

“This is about building on those fifty-five years,” Mr O’Neill added. “The Book Fair remains at the heart of it. We’re just giving people another two days to celebrate books around Wexford.”

Government and Council can transform Enniscorthy

Autumnal Enniscorthy by the River Slaney. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at the reopening of the Captain Wafer Hall

Speaking at the reopening of Enniscorthy’s Captain Wafer Hall last Monday morning, Wexford County Council Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe praised the local community’s hard work and highlighted what can be achieved when proactive local government is backed by strong ministerial support.

Mr Taaffe said the Templeshanon project “represents just one piece of a much larger investment into Enniscorthy and the wider county.” He stated; “Wexford County Council working hand-in-hand with the Government, is actively reshaping Enniscorthy to ensure that it can sustainably grow to its full potential.”

“The availability of these Government funding streams is the lifeblood of Community Development, here (in Enniscorthy) and throughout the County,” said Mr. Taaffe, who added; “Current supports through the Departments and Local Authority include the Community Recognition Fund (availed of for the Captain Wafer Hall project), the National Civic Fora, the Local Enhancement Programme, the CLÁR programme, the Community Centre Investment Fund and others.

“Just look at our vibrant Enniscorthy town centre. Through the Governments Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, we recently welcomed a landmark €18.3 million allocation for Wexford, which includes €9 million specifically for Phase One of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Regeneration Programme, alongside funding to advance Templeshannon regeneration.

EDDIE TAAFFE, Chief Executive Wexford County Council.

“Construction is almost complete on a new Sports Hub building at the Enniscorthy Athletics Track.

“But a community needs more than just excellent facilities; it needs homes. Housing delivery remains our absolute number one priority; a focus and a plan clearly close to the Minister’s heart. We are incredibly proud to say that our housing team, in partnership with Minister James Browne and the Department of Housing and Local Government.

“Through schemes like the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, we have successfully launched and delivered much needed starter-homes at developments like Cnoc na Greine and Old Forge Road, here in Enniscorthy.

“A major proposed development featuring approximately 50 housing units, community facilities, a skatepark, sports facilities, and outdoor amphitheatre is due to go to Planning shortly for the Turret Rocks (Killagoley).

“Furthermore, through the transformative Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, the Government has backed five major infrastructure projects across the county.  This includes €20 million for the Milehouse to Moyne Link Road and €4 million for the Turret Rocks Link Road. This massive funding injection unblocks key constraints, directly fast-tracking thousands of new homes and paving the way for sustainable community growth.

In conclusion, Mr Taaffe said today’s individual result at the Enniscorthy Community Alliance (and the official reopening of the Captain Wafer Hall) is just one example of that strategic approach working, now and for the future.”   

Calls to reopen Blackwater Garda Station

Blackwater Garda Station which was closed following an arson attack last May. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Wexford County Council has the unanimous backing of elected members to call on the Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works “to prioritise and expediate the completion of refurbishment works at Blackwater Garda Station and facilitate its reopening without further delay.”

The motion, proposed by Cllr Oliver Walsh and seconded by Cllr Robbie Staples, was tabled at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Wexford. Cathaoirleach Cllr Lisa McDonald chaired the meeting.

Cllr Walsh said; “Following the malicious fire that caused significant damage to the station, the Blackwater area has been without a functioning Garda Station for almost six months.

“This prolonged closure is causing considerable concern among local residents and undermines confidence in the availability of local policing services,” added Cllr Walsh.

The motion read; “The Council believes that the people of Blackwater and the surrounding areas are entitled to the restoration of this important public service and urges that all necessary measures be taken to ensure the station is returned to operational use as a matter of urgency.”

There was unanimous support for the motion.

Extensive damage was caused to the interior of Blackwater Garda Station in an arson attack at approximately 2.50am on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026.

The place was unoccupied at the time. It has remained closed ever since.

Fireworks seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort have seized 1,123,200 fireworks.

The consignment was seized following routine profiling aimed at identifying restricted and prohibited products.

The fireworks were discovered in an accompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from France. Both the trailer and the fireworks were seized. 

The fireworks, branded Black Cat Bangers, have an estimated value of €2,246,400. 

One male, aged in his 50’s, was questioned in relation to the seizure. 

Investigations are ongoing. 

These routine operations are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.

If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.