WexfordLocal.com

422/1 treble for Paul Nolan at Wexford races

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan was the local hero at yesterday evenings successful eight-race meeting at Wexford where he emerged as top trainer with an amazing 422/1 treble ridden by three different jockeys.

Nolan got off the mark in the Botanica International Rated Hurdle with Sageborough (10/1) well ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, Taghmon, who had one and a quarter length to spare at the finish line.

Afterwards, Nolan said, “He won his maiden hurdle here (at Wexford) and he was actually running a respectable race in Cheltenham when he fell two from home.

“Sean (O’Keeffe) was pleased with him. Coming down the hill it looked like he was going to be in trouble a bit, but he jumped the last well and got on top, so we’re delighted.”

Nolan was two up when Kiltealy Park (6/1), who began his career at Colin Bowe’s stables, won at Wexford for the third time providing young Cork conditional jockey Alan O’Sullivan with only his second professional winner with the first coming 24 hours earlier at Ballinrobe. He beat the Paul Townend/Willie Mullins charge by ‘a neck’.

“It was ideal today in a four-runner race to lob around and get her confidence back. It’s great to win something that didn’t look likely,” said a delighted Nolan, who added; “It looked all over and I would have been happy with second, but she galloped well to the line. We’ll see where we go from here.”

Nolan’s treble success came in the bumper where He’s My Hero (9/2) scraped home by half a length in a driving finish under Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick in the colours of the Twelve County Syndicate.

Incidentally, it was a Wexford one, two, three in this contest with He’s My Hero (Jack Hendrick/Paul Nolan) chased home by Weaponized (Barry Stone/Sean Doyle) and Prince Malinas (Luke Murphy/Leonard Whitmore).

Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell was also in winning form. He saddled Kilt with Shane O’Callaghan up in the second division of the handicap hurdle to win by two lengths.

The next fixture at Bettyville Park takes place in the afternoon on Tuesday, June 30^th and should be another good day at the Wexford races.

Burst water main impacts on Taghmon

By Dan Walsh

Alternative water supplies are being provided for Uisce Éireann customers in Taghmon, whose supply has been impacted by a burst water main on Wednesday evening.

Repairs on the burst main are expected to be completed by approximately 2pm tomorrow (Thursday).

Alternative water supplies in the forms of IBCs have been deployed to the residential areas of the village while a water tanker is also available at the Taghmon Camross GAA Club grounds.

Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann Water Network Operations Manager, thanked impacted customers for their understanding while repairs to the burst main are ongoing.
“We acknowledge the impact of unplanned outages for our customers, particularly in warm weather,” said Mr Lyng, who added; “We have made alternative supplies available for impacted customers, and we thank affected homes and businesses for their understanding while we work to restore normal supply.”
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.

Motorcyclist (19) dies following crash

By Dan Walsh

A 19-year-old motorcyclist who was seriously injured in a road traffic collision on Tuesday was pronounced deceased at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday).

The fatal road traffic collision took place on the R742 at Ballinvunnia, Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford on Tuesday around 3.30 pm involved a car and a motorcycle.

The driver of the motorcycle, a young man, (19), was transferred to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

The young man was pronounced deceased during the early hours of today (Wednesday, May 27^th).

No other injuries were reported at the time.

Gardai are appealing for assistance with their investigations.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dash cam footage and were travelling on the R742 at Ballinvunnia, Kilmuckridge, between 3 pm and 3.30 pm on Tuesday are asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on (053) 942 1222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing.

Farm accident at Wellingtonbridge

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 20s suffered crush injuries in a farm accident at Clonmines, near Wellingtonbridge on Tuesday afternoon.

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) and County Fire Service rushed to the scene where a young agricultural contractor was trapped underneath a piece of farm machinery.

The NAS Air Ambulance arrived as a precaution, however, when he was freed, it was decided to transfer him via ambulance to Wexford General Hospital, where his injuries were described as ‘serious but non-life threatening’.

Arson attack at Blackwater Garda Station

**BLACKWATER GARDA STATION damaged in an arson attack overnight.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

BREAKING NEWS;

Gardaí attached to the Wexford Wicklow Serious Crime Unit arrested an adult male (aged in his 30s) today Thursday 28th May 2026 in relation to this investigation.

The adult male is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 in a Garda Station in the Eastern Region.

By Dan Walsh at Blackwater

Gardaí are investigating criminal damage by fire to Blackwater Garda Station where extensive damage has been caused to the interior of the building.

The incident occurred at approximately 2.50am this morning (Tuesday). The place was unoccupied at the time.

Local Cllr Oliver Walsh said he was “surprised, and very sad to see something like this happening” but added that he was relieved no gardaí were in the building at the time.

The Office of Public Works is working with An Garda Síochána to identify a location for a temporary garda station, but gardaí said that operations are being maintained in the Blackwater area.

The incident occurred at approximately 2.50am this morning (Tuesday).

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information in relation to this incident to come forward.

Road users who may have video footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in Blackwater, Co. Wexford between 2.30am and 3am on Tuesday 26th May 2026 are asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on (053) 923 3534, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Investigations are continuing.

Under starters orders at Wexford races

**Racing returns to Wexford on Wednesday. First race at 4.42pm.**

By Dan Walsh

Summer racing comes to Bettyville Park, Wexford, tomorrow evening (Wednesday) with the first of eight races under starters orders at 4.42pm.

There is a dry forecast and for the first time this season and pleasant summer conditions should attract large family groups and the loyal supporters who turn up hail, rain or snow! That’s a bit of an exaggeration, but ye all know what I mean?

The going is “good to yielding, good in places (watering).” The track is in excellent condition.

A big entry again and one race divided creating an eight-race card comprising of seven hurdle races and the final INH Flat Race. Top stables and local stables all competing for the prizemoney.

Wexford Mental Health Services Survey

By Dan Walsh

Chair of the Wexford Mental Health Services Working Group, Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien was joined by Chair of the LCDC, Cllr. Frank Staples to launch the Wexford Mental Health Services Survey.

Cllr. O’Brien said; “I am delighted to launch this survey on behalf of the Wexford Mental Health Services Working Group. The information gathered will bolster our knowledge base of the current state of mental health services, particularly crisis services, as seen through the eyes of the service users and their loved ones.”

She added; “There seems to be a disconnect between the official information that we are currently being given on mental health services and the experience of the service users that I have been contacted by. This survey will be a voice for those affected and their families that we can bring to the powers that be.”

Cllr. O’Brien concluded by thanking the Local Community Development Committee for funding to deliver the Wexford Mental Health Services Survey.

Speaking on behalf of the LCDC, Cllr. Staples said; “The LCDC was pleased to support this survey. I sincerely hope that anyone who has been affected directly or indirectly by mental health issues will take time to complete this survey so that we can identify the full needs for services in Co. Wexford.”

Previously the Wexford Mental Health Services Working Group had cautiously welcomed the announcement by Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler, that a new 10-bed community mental health unit in Co. Wexford was a ministerial priority under the Health Capital Plan 2026.

It remained insistent that the project be delivered “efficiently and to the highest standard.” The Working Group will use the survey results to help ensure that the facility responds to the needs of those in crisis and the expectations of the people of the county.

Asked how people could access this survey Cllr O’Brien replied that a link would be posted on Wexford County Council’s website www.wexfordcoco.ie in the “Latest News” section on the home page. Links will also be circulated through the Council’s social media pages. Hard copies of the survey will be available from the municipal district offices and local libraries.

The survey is open until June 19^th.

€230,500 for Rosslare Climate Action

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Ger Carthy has informed WexfordLocal.com of funding for the Rosslare Municipal District under the Community Climate Action Programme announced last week.

€65,275 goes to the Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour Community Centre for retrofit, attic insulation, windows and doors update, air to air heat pumps, solar PV panels. LED lighting upgrades and the installation of a bike rack!

€16,660 for St. Mary’s Day Centre for the creation a draft lobby and reduce heat loss when elderly visitors are being assisted into the building and to increase the biodiversity on the grounds by planting of native trees.

€72,105 for Murrintown Community Centre and Friends of Rathaspick Church for retrofit of community centre, cavity wall insulation, LED lighting upgrades, air to air heat pump, air to water heat pump and solar PV panels and other things.

€76,460 is earmarked for Clongeen Community Development Group and Foulksmills Tidy Towns’ Group for creation of a Community Climate Resilient Hub at Clongeen Community Centre, installation of solar PV panels, battery and changeover switch, install EV charger and the installation of solar PV panels and battery in the Foulksmills Tidy Towns cabin. Also upgrade the lighting on GAA pitch, upgrade to LED lighting, encourage Active Travel in the village, install bike racks at the National School, GAA grounds and Foulksmills Park.

N25 bridge closures over River Barrow

**ROSE FITZGERALD KENNEDY BRIDGE at New Ross where closures are happening in the coming weeks. It starts today.**

By Dan Walsh

All road users operating between counties Wexford, south Kilkenny and Waterford, and vice versa, need to be aware of upcoming lane and bridge closures on the N25 Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, south of New Ross, on the Wexford side of the River Barrow as repair works get underway at Pier 4 from today, May 25^th.

Daytime works on Monday and Tuesday will see both Lane 2s closed between 7.30am and 3.30pm.

The bridge will then fully close overnight on Wednesday and Thursday from 8pm until 4am, with diversions in place through New Ross.

No works are planned for Friday, May 29th, in a bid to reduce disruption ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend

Further lane restrictions will remain in place over the following two weeks, including eastbound and westbound Lane 2 closures during daytime hours. Finishing works are expected to continue until June 12^th. Road users are being advised to allow extra travel time and to follow all diversion routes in place.

Barry Stone enjoys his 80th victory

By Dan Walsh

It’s a long time since the 2025-’26 point-to-point season commenced last October and it ended this weekend where the highlight was doubles for Donnchadh Doyle and a double and the 80^th career winner for Cleariestown rider Barry Stone.

**BARRY STONE rode his 80th career victory today at Tattersalls.**

Stone’s double was at Tattersalls in Co. Meath where he got the winners flowing under Galant Jewel in the colours of Noeleen Kenny and trained at Craanford by Jimmy Kenny, who has enjoyed his best season to date. 13 lengths the verdict.

Half an hour later and Barry Stone was in the winners’ enclosure again following division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings aboard Donnchadh Doyle’s newcomer Naturalenegry who sailed home by two and a half lengths.

And Donnchadh Doyle’s Ballindaggin stables made it a double victory in division two when Rob James brought Bingo Bus home by 13 lengths.

Wexford stables also won both divisions of the five-year old geldings’ maiden. The father and son team, trainer and rider, James and John Walsh from Tinahely scored a five lengths success with Mr Caulfield in the colours of Martin J. Molloy to take division one, while Sean Doyle and Cormac Byrne produced George Dundee to victory by five and a half lengths in division two.

The Blackhall Partnership Stables and Paul Martin Pierce at Killurin supplied the winner of the maiden race for five-year-olds plus. Only ‘a head’ separated Sing Like Madonna from Seamus Osborne’s Buddy And Me for the father and son team, James and John Walsh, who won earlier with Mr Caulfield. Paul Pierce having his best ever season with 11 winners.

Michael Gahan and Michael Goff achieved ‘a short head’ victory with Craan Rose getting the better of Colin Bowe’s Wings In The Wing ridden by Shane O’Rourke in the mares’ maiden race for six-year-old geldings plus at Ballingarry on Sunday.

Ballingarry had a two-day fixture and yesterday (Saturday) experienced two Wexford winners. Wexford footballer and Kilmore owner/handler Thomas Byrne saddled Sam Smoke to victory in the maiden mares’ race for four-year-olds. Shane Cotter took the mount. Corkman Cotter wins his second under 21 riders’ title.

Ballindaggin rider Cormac Byrne had his 10^th career winner and the seventh this season on Gathering The Facts for the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle by four lengths in the Winner of One race confined to novice riders.

The National Point-to-Point Awards ceremony will take place in Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, on Saturday, June 13^th. Tickets are on sale.