Horrendous road surface conditions at Esmonde Road. Repairs are prevented by intimidation. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
A section of the road surface on Esmonde Road at Killagoley, Enniscorthy, remains severely damaged following flooding seven or eight weeks ago, and the matter was raised at today’s Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting.
The meeting was shocked to learn thatroad workers assigned to repairs faced physical threats and abuse. Cone signs vanished, and intimidation was reported.
Work crews were withdrawn from the location due to safety concerns.
Despite its worsening condition, the road is still open to traffic.
The Council is investigating and may pursue legal action.
Rosslare Harbour RNLI has come to the assistance of a lone sailor who alerted the Irish Coast Guard that his yacht was in difficulty off the Kilmuckridge coast.
Arriving on scene it was discovered that the yacht had developed engine trouble and, fortunately, the crew were able to fix the problem, and the yacht was able to continue to its destination.
Weather conditions were calm with good visibility at the time.
Speaking following the call out, Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jamie Ryan complimented all involved: “We would like to commend the sailor for contacting the Coast Guard when they knew they were in difficulty and for having all the necessary safety and communication equipment on board,” he stated.
Wexford’s Mental Health Working Group has welcomed the commitment by Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mary Butler TD to advance the development of a new 10-bed Specialised Community Mental Health Unit for County Wexford.
Chairperson, Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien said the Group had previously engaged with HSE regional representatives to review the current level of services available in the county.
CLLR AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
“From the outset, it was clear that County Wexford does not have the level of mental health supports available in other counties of comparable size. The absence of a dedicated crisis unit has been felt across families in our county for decades. We have consistently advocated on behalf of our community and strongly demonstrated the urgent need for a specialised crisis unit in Wexford,” stated Cllr O’Brien.
Cllr O’Brien noted that, through collaboration with FDYS, Wexford Mental Health Association and the Public Participation Network (PPN), the Group has been systematically identifying key gaps within existing services.
“Some of the issues highlighted through our engagement process have been deeply concerning. The provision of a 10-bed crisis unit represents the minimum level of service required to begin addressing the longstanding deficits in mental health care in our county,” she added.
The group has written to the Minister seeking clarification on several key matters, including the proposed timeline for the project.
“While we very much welcome this announcement, it is essential that progress now follows without delay. Our county has waited decades for access to an adequate, life-saving crisis facility. It is imperative that this project is delivered efficiently and to the highest standard,” concluded Cllr O’Brien.
Local winner Lady Jukebox (Brian Lawless) and Matthew Flynn O’Conner celebrate at Ballycrystal. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal
Cork rider Shane Cotter enjoyed his first success at the Cheltenham Festival and his good run of luck continued today (Sunday) at The Island Hunt fixture at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, winning the four-year-old maiden race on Ferocimo for his retaining stables, Denis Murphy, Ballyboy, The Ballagh.
There was a local victory in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares when Lady Jukebox triumphed by two and a half lengths for Matthew Flynn O’Connor. Brian Lawless the successful rider.
Sean Doyle saddled the first and second home in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings – Baz And Stokes (Ross Sugrue) and Riseandcall (Cormac Byrne – separated by one and a half lengths.
Ross Sugrue rode a double when partnering What Path, who made the long journey from North Kerry for Michael Mangan to take the Open Race and will be aimed at a cross country race at the Punchestown Festival in April.
Tipperary owner/trainer Sam Curling has an excellent strike rate at Ballycrystal and he saddled Deplama to win the Winner of One Race ridden by Nicole Lockhead Anderson.
The last race was won by Maison De Balzac ridden by Rob James for Colin Bowe. Bowe was in Ballynoe, Co. Cork, where he recorded a double on the day when the Barry O’Neill ridden newcomer Jurys Verdict scored by three and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds.
There was also point-to-point action today at Durrow, Co. Laois, where all six winners had Wexford connections. There was a double for Paul Martin Pierce, Blackhall Stud, Killurin, with Colegram in the five-year-old plus mares’ maiden and Sworn Duty in the Winner of One race.
Both of Pierce’s winners were ridden by Meath rider Joey Dunne, who recorded a treble on the day. His third win came aboard Eamonn Doyle’s Mossy Fen King by four lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke won the first two races for Ballymitty handler Garrett Murphy and the Turbine Syndicate. Sadnhbh’s A Singer in the mares’ four-old-maiden by two and a half lengths and Living in Luxury by one length in the four-year-old geldings maiden race continuing a fairytale season for Garrett Murphy and his team.
Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick teamed up with trainer Tom Dreaper on Rock On Richie in the concluding maiden race at Durrow and romped home by 28 lengths!
Ballindaggin Cormac Byrne was amongst the winners at Kirkistown, Co.Down, yesterday (Saturday) riding City Chief to ‘a head’ victory in the Open Race confined to novice riders.
Next Sunday’s point-to-point is the Bree Hunt races at Monksgrange, Rathnure. First race at 2pm. Entries close on Tuesday.
An entry of 105 has been received for the Island Hunt point-to-point races at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy tomorrow (Sunday). The first race is at 1pm.
CORMAC BYRNE winner today at Kirkistown.
The going is described as “yielding, soft in places” and the forecast is for a dry day up to the time of racing.
The track has a good covering of grass, is well laid out and a good attendance is expected.
Young Ballindaggin rider Cormac Byrne was amongst the winners at Kirkistown, Co. Down, today (Saturday) riding City Chief to ‘a head’ victory in the Open Race confined to novice riders.
SEAMUS O’FLAHERTY and CLLR JIM CODD have concerns about the fishing industry and the challenges it faces. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Kilmore Quay
The fishing industry faces challenges from unpredictable weather, reduced EU quotas, and the existence of different quotas for boats using the same fishing grounds.
I visited Kimore Quay today, where there are 23 trawlers and 25 lobster boats. Add the shoreline facilities and fishing supports around 500 jobs and contributes an estimated €35 million to the local economy each year.
Seamus O’Flaherty, part owner of OF Fishing located on the Quay gave an example of quota differences for Area 7a (Irish Sea) for Sole; Belgium 279 tonnes, UK 96 tonnes, Holland 88 tonnes and Ireland 69 tonnes.
Fishers who break the quota rules can find themselves facing criminal charges. Armed Gardaí have conducted raids and searches, taken away computers and other data in searches of offices in Kilmore Quay. “The laws are impossible to comply with, and skippers and trawler owners are regularly before the Central Criminal Court,” stated Mr. O’Flaherty
Recently, an EU fishery patrol boat with Irish, Finnish, and Latvian crew boarded a local vessel from Kilmore Quay about 50 nautical miles off the south coast. They measured cod ends and confiscated them. It is likely that a criminal case will be taken against the skipper.
Then there are problems out a sea. Different boats using the same fishing grounds are subject to different quotas depending on their country of origin.
Cllr Jim Codd, who has been an advocate for the local fishers said you can’t catch Black Sole but if they come up in the nets you can’t throw them back, you must land them and register them and possibly face criminal charges.
Rising fuel prices due to the Middle East war are making it more costly for the fishing industry to deliver fish nationwide.
Cllr Codd noted Kimore Quay’s historic role as a fishing village and urged the government and EU to review the quota system for fairer treatment of Ireland.
There is mourning in the Rosslare Harbour district and further afield at news of the death of Ron O’Rourke.
Ron was many things over the course of his life. A seafarer who understood the rhythms and realities of the water.
A skilled boat builder and carpenter whose work quite literally took shape in timber and craft. He built a few boats in recent years.
And a musician, bringing people together in the way that only music can. His party piece was the lifeboat song, ‘Home From The Sea’.
But beyond all of that, he was, first and foremost, a gentleman. The kind of person whose presence was quietly felt, whose knowledge was generously shared, and whose company was genuinely valued by those lucky enough to know him.
Sincere condolences to Ron’s family and friends. Fair winds, following seas and Steady As She Goes to a dear shipmate, Ron.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Ron O’Rourke, Tuskamore Terrace, Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford, March 17th 2026, beloved husband of the late Mary, and loving father of Alan, Eamonn, Brian and Siobhan; brother of the late Molly, Berna and Angela, sadly missed by his family, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
May He Rest In Peace.
Reposing Mulligans Funeral Home, The Faythe, Wexford, on Friday from 3pm until 6pm. Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church Rosslare Harbour on Saturday at 12noon. Burial afterwards in St. Aidan’s Cemetery Kilrane.
The death has occurred of William (Willie) Willoughby, Charlotte Row, Gorey, who is admired for his contribution to the community and was a well-known local historian.
President of the North Wexford Historical Society, Willie was best known for his walking tours of Gorey and his history lectures on Courtown and Gorey’s famous Market House.
He was instrumental in the foundation of Gorey Rugby Club in 1968 and served as President in 1974-’75 seasons.
Willie was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gorey Awards in 2025.
Over 100 members of the Willoughby families held a gathering in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, in September 2010. They travelled from as far away as Prague, Germany, the UK and Northern Ireland.
Willie said he can trace the family’s history back to the 1600s. They originally came to Ireland as stone masons and arrived from Lincolnshire in the 1640s.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of William (Willie) Willoughby, The Lodge, Charlotte Row, Gorey, Wexford
Died peacefully on March 17th 2026 in the loving care of the staff at Gorey District Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved partner of Phil and loving father of Carol, Trevor, Ruth and Brian, cherished brother of Gladys, Olive and the late Daphne. Will be very sadly missed by his partner, sons daughters, sisters, grandchildren Jack, Luke, Zoe, Georgina, Cloe, partners Michelle and Eddie, brothers-in-law Harry and David, nephew John, nieces Julie and Helen, extended family, relatives and many friends.
“At Rest”
Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey, on Friday March 20th from 5 pm. until 8 pm.
A Celebration of Willie’s life will take place at Murphy’s Funeral Home on Saturday, March 21st at 12 noon followed by the Cortege walking to Market House Main Street Gorey. Cremation will take place privately.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting and Gusserane
(Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Gusserane Community Action Group protested outside County Hall, Wexford, before the December meeting of Wexford County Council and representatives of the group are present in the public gallery at every meeting since watching the contentious issue of solar farm applications.
The group protested a planning application and renewable energy project, describing it as “a very extensive and intrusive sized energy development”—specifically, solar farms in the district.
The group told WexfordLocal.com that the size of this development is not in any way sympathetic to the small tight knit rural community of Gusserane and neighbours in Cushinstown and Newbawn and this rural community was never designed for a high-impact industrial energy complex!
They also alleged that “prime agricultural land is being taken to solar farm – this is not allowed in many countries -and land in the same area sold for agriculture at record breaking prices last year, “The implications of this will have a devastating effect on local farmers who lease land to produce crops and vegetables and rear livestock. Farmers and the associated agri-industries will be adversely affected by the imposition of this industrial energy compound.”
There are other worries too, like the high risk of pollution and habitat damage to the environment and the Terrerath and Owenduff rivers that flow towards Bannow and the destruction of hedgerows and biodiversity corridors used by pollinators, birds, and wildlife.
Addressing the issue at the December meeting, Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe said it was a national issue and needs to be addressed nationally.
At the March meeting of Wexford County Council a motion in the names of Cllrs Michael Sheehan, John Dwyer, Marty Murphy, Bridín Murphy, John Fleming and Pat Barden was put forward, but it received an unfavourable response from the chamber and was put to the meeting by Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan as an amendment that read; “The Council calls on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to immediately issue Solar Farm National Planning Guidelines as a matter of urgency.” The motion proposed by Cllr Oliver Walsh and seconded by Cllr Anthony Donohoe was carried 14 votes to 10.
Public protest in Gusserane (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Cllr Pat Barden argued strongly against the proposed solar farm activity in Gusserane and felt it was inappropriate to “use prime agricultural land for solar farms.”
“We are on a slippery slope here,” said Cllr Barden, who believed that if the solar farms go ahead, “the family farm is dead.”
Cllr John Dwyer drew attention to “the visual intrusion” it would cause.
Cllr Frank Staples said; “We can’t dictate to farmers what to do with their land” while Cllr Pip Breen pointed out that “tillage farmers are losing money” and need financial security.
Cllrs Anthony Donohoe and Robbie Staples supported “a business decision chosen by the local farmers.”
Meanwhile, anti-solar farm posts are common around the Gusserane district and the issue has some way to go, although a public consultation event will be part of the process.
SARAH KAVANAGH wins at her local track. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
Local jockey Sarah Kavanagh won the feature race at today’s St. Patrick’s Day races at Bettyville Park on the opening day of the 2026 season aboard Don’t Go Yet (5/1) in the Michael O’Murchadha Handicap Hurdle.
Owned and trained by Edward Cawley who made the trip from Meath Don’t Go Yet won by six and a half lengths to give the Ardcavan, Castlebridge native her eighth career winner in the two miles contest.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com after her victory, Sarah confirmed it was her second success at Wexford having previously scored on Feet Of A Dancer for Paul Nolan in June 2023.
Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell saddled Zam Bobbler (14/1) who was successful in the maiden hurdle ridden by Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard. Power Roche was stood down later in the day when his mount slipped up, however, it is just a medical precaution, and he will be back in action again soon.
Best display of the day was Yoradreamer (13/8 fav.) who came home 22 lengths ahead of the field in the beginners’ chase for the Cheltenham champions Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
Equally impressive was Minella Machine (4/5 fav) ridden by John Gleeson for Henry de Bromhead in the concluding ‘bumper’
Sarah Connell from Tallow, Co. Waterford, who has only two horses in training, won the mares’ maiden hurdle with Catchabird (7/4 fav.) ridden by five-pound claimer Aidan Kelly.
John McConnell also travelled from Meath to saddle Westoftignes (9/2) for Scottish owner John Fyffe in the novice handicap hurdle and it ended with a three and a half lengths victory under jockey Alex Harvey.
Cheltenham winning jockey Darragh O’Keeffe from Mallow won the handicap chase on Connemara Shore (13/2) for Robert Tyner’s Cork stables. It was the biggest field of the day – 16 runners – and the winning verdict was two- and three-quarter lengths.
It was a nice afternoon’s racing, very competitive, a good-sized holiday crowd and while it was a chill wind it remained dry throughout the seven race card and a fine start to the 2026 season.
Wexford has 14 fixtures this year, the highest number ever! Next day out is Friday, April 10th which is an evening meeting.
WexfordLocal.com 