WexfordLocal.com

Jamie Scallan wins at Cheltenham and Peppards Castle

By Dan Walsh at Peppards Castle races

Well-known Tomhaggard rider Jamie Scallan travelled to Cheltenham on Friday and rode Brandt (10/1) to a deserved victory in the amateur handicap chase for trainer Cian Collins.

Today (Saturday) he was in action at The Island Hunt point-to-point fixture at Peppards Castle, Kilmuckridge, and visited the winners’ enclosure again following an eight lengths success for Brideswell handler Seamus Neville on Boston Common in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill won the four-year-old maiden race with Morning Fog, bred by Mrs Sheelagh Hickey, defeating the Gary Murphy trained Coin Collector, ridden by Shane O’Rourke by one and a half lengths.

**GARY MURPHY makes a great start to the season.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

The O’Rourke/ Murphy team struck back in the auction maiden race for four-year-olds with a four lengths success for Secret Dispatch in the colours of Billy Bates. Kilmore.

Gary Murphy has made a great start to the season, and this was his 25^th winner in six season’s training while Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke celebrated his 75^th career success.

Harley Dunne saddled Brume D’Ete in the five and years old maiden race with Frankie Murphy in the saddle and they held off the Bowe/O’Neill challenge with Amaretto Sour by one and a half lengths.

Denis Murphy didn’t have far to travel from his stables at The Ballagh, but it was all worthwhile as Keppols Poet (Shane Cotter up) took the five-year-old geldings race by three and a half lengths.

The Open Lightweight race was confined to lady riders and Nicola Lockhead Anderson teamed up with Sean Doyle and the result was a ten and a half lengths victory for Between Waters, whose next engagement is likely a hunters’ chase at Fairyhouse.

It was a safe day’s racing. The ground rode well at ‘yielding’ and wind and rain cleared to give the good-sized crowd an afternoon of relative comfort.

Two day’s racing on the track at Wexford Racecourse tomorrow (Sunday) first race at 12.50pm and on Bank Holiday Monday, first race at 1pm.

Next point-to-point action in Co. Wexford is Sunday November 8^th with Wexford Hunt fixture at Knockmullen House, on the outskirts of New Ross.

Two days of Wexford Bank Holiday racing

**A memorable occasion at Wexford Racecourse. Paul Hillis (breeder) and Michael Murphy (Track Manager),** **celebrating the success of Corach Rambler in the 2023 Randox Aintree Grand National when the coveted trophy visited the home track as part of the ongoing celebrations.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford racecourse marks 75 years at Bettyville this weekend with a two-day meeting on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

The clocks change by an hour on Saturday night, setting the mood for two eagerly anticipated days of National Hunt racing.

They’re under starters orders for the first of eight races on Sunday at 12.50pm. The first two races are steeplechases, and all the top trainers have runners entered.

There is a total of 89 entries.

According to Horse Racing Ireland the going is predicted as ‘Soft’. It added; “Following 27mm of rain in the last 12 hours. Possibility of further 20-25mm (approx.) of rain prior to racing. Chase track is on outermost line, and Hurdle track is 11 yards from innermost racing line.”

HISTORY: Horse racing is believed to have taken place on the Slobs near Wexford since the 1870s.

However, contemporary local newspapers reported that 17,000 people attended the first meeting at the current Bettyville course in October 1951 – 75 years ago this week.

Over the years, various improvements and developments have been made to the course, and it has been levelled several times.

A significant gamechanger occurred in May 2016, when Wexford became a jumps only racecourse a year after switching from being a right-handed to a left-handed course.

2022 Aintree Grand National winner Noble Yeats (Emmet Mullins/Sean Bowen) turned up later the same year to win the M.W. Hickey Listed Chase. That was a memorable day for Wexford races.

The staff, comprising entirely dedicated racing enthusiasts, continue to work hard on both the facilities and marketing of Wexford Racecourse to this day, truly positioning it as an essential and attractive venue in the Irish horseracing scene for both those in the equestrian industry and racegoers alike.

Blackwater’s big day in Croke Park

**Co. Wexford’s tidiest thoroughfare. The R742 through Blackwater. Congratulataions again!** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Building on its strong record in the national SuperValu Tidy Towns competition, Blackwater is County Wexford’s tidiest entry and one of six in the county to win a Gold Medal. Beautiful Blackwater is synonymous with Tidy Towns’ success.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD made the announcement to over 600 Tidy Towns volunteers who attended the SuperValu Tidy Towns awards ceremony at the Hogan Suite, Croke Park in Dublin today.

Blackwater (405 marks), Wexford (404), Enniscorthy (403), Bree (402), Duncormick (401) were the top five.

Gold Medals for Blackwater, Wexford, Enniscorthy, Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane, New Ross and Gorey.

Silver Medals for Bree, Duncormick, Kilanerin, Rosslare Strand. There was a Bronze Medal for Ferns and Campile secured an Endeavour Award.

Adjudicators comments have not been available at the time of going to press, however, a dozen medal winners will be celebrating over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Full results for Co. WEXFORD;

CATEGORY A; Duncormick 401 (Silver Medal), Foulksmills 391, Ballyduff 387, Ballyfad 262.

CATEGORY B; Blackwater 405 (County First and Gold Medal). Bree 402 (Silver Medal), Kilanerin 398 (Silver Medal), Kilmuckridge 386, Ballycanew 362, Killanne 356, Hollyfort 354, Ballymurn 350, Coolgreany 345, Campile 342, (Endeavour Award), Askamore 340, Carrig-on-Bannow 339, Bridgetown 329, Oylegate 322, Ballycullane 322, Courtown Harbour 291, Ballindaggin 276, Ramsgrane 265.

CATEGORY C; Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane 398 (Gold Medal), Rosslare Strand 397 (Silver Medal), Ferns 389 (Brone Medal), Bunclody 332.

CATEGORY E; New Ross 399 (Gold Medal).

CATEGORY F; Enniscorthy 403 (County Third and Gold Medal), Gorey 397 (Gold Medal).

CATEGORY G; Wexford 404 (County Second and Gold Medal).

Saturday racing at Peppards Castle

By Dan Walsh

86 entries were received for the The Island Hunt point-to-point races taking place tomorrow (Saturday) at Peppards Castle, Kilmuckridge. First race at 1pm.

Naturally, the largest entry is 25 for the four-year-old maiden which is the first on the six-race card.

IHRB Inspector Leighton Asple (with Sean Doyle) have examined the ground ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

“The track is very well laid out with a great covering of grass. The going is ‘yielding’,

Met Éireann predictions for North Wexford on Saturday. “Rather wet and windy tomorrow morning with widespread rain and fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds, reaching near gale force or gale force near coasts.

“A clearance to blustery showers will follow through the afternoon as Storm Boelo tracks to the north of the country. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees.”

The Eircode for Peppards Castle is Y25 HY96.

Bunclody CCTV on track for Christmas?

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

Subject to unforeseen delays, the Bunclody CCTV system is expected to be fully operational within four to five weeks and is viewed as this year’s Christmas present for the town.

**CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

In reply to a query from Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, District Manager Claire Lawless provided an update on the CCTV situation at Bunclody which has been a some time coming!

Ms. Lawless said; The ESB works have now been completed. The CCTV contractor is ready to proceed and will commence installation once confirmation is received that power is available at all locations.”

The scheme will provide a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour, improve public safety and assist emergency services when investigating an incident and assist the Local Authority in the management of public areas for the wellbeing of the town.

There is also progress on Bunclody’s public toilets. The Environment Department is currently examining the installation of a temporary steel ramp to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. In addition, two new accessible parking bays will be installed.

A new application is currently being prepared for submission under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) for Bunclody Park. The proposed project will include the construction of a new accessible public toilet and a Changing Places facility.

€30,000 Ballybrennan conservation work

**The ruins of Ballybrennan church have been preserved.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Essential conservation work has taken place at the ruins of the ancient church at Ballybrennan, just off the R730 Ballymackessy-Wexford road in the shadow of Bree Hill.

The graveyard surrounding the church ruins contains many fine 18th-century headstones, including several commemorating people killed in the 1798 Rising and the graves of a number of priests and monks.

In April of this year, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Wexford TD James Browne announced €30,000 of funding dedicated towards the repair works at Ballybrennan church.

Dedicated to St. Cuan, an 8^th century abbot of whom little is known about, the church has a rich history dating back to the medieval period and was once associated with the Knights Hospitallers whose origins lay in the Holy Land.

Today, Ballybrennan is best known for its grotto and St. Cuan’s Well, dedicated in 1958 and cherished by many devotees.

These works are being managed by Wexford County Council’s Heritage Section with support from the Community Monuments Fund.

Wexford County Council prepares for Storm Austen

By Dan Walsh

Storm Austen is due to make landfall in County Wexford with high levels of rain from 2am to 8am Friday morning. Flooding may occur across the county, along with strong winds.

Wexford County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team met today (Wednesday) to ensure all necessary preparations are in place for this Orange-level rain and Yellow-level wind event.

Although Storm Austen is expected to pass over by Friday lunchtime, further unsettled weather is expected throughout the weekend until Tuesday.

A statement released by Wexford County Council this evening states; “We expect heavy rain, surface water and poor visibility with some localised spot flooding, which will make driving conditions challenging.

“Whilst river levels are currently low in general, there is a possibility of flooding after the heavy rainfall and road users should be vigilant in the coming days.

“In advance of Storm Austen please make the necessary preparations to protect your property – secure any loose outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines and temporary structures before Thursday evening.

“Trees remain in full leaf at this time of year, making them more vulnerable to strong winds. During and after the storm, motorists should remain alert for fallen trees, debris and difficult driving conditions, particularly during Thursday night and Friday’s morning commute.

“Never attempt to drive through flooded roads. We have been advised by Met Éireann that flood warnings and weather warnings do not follow the same timing pattern – the risk to the public from flooding will not end when the storm finishes, so please continue to follow safety precautions. Motorists should allow extra time for essential travel – adjust travel plans if necessary.”

For latest weather information see www.met.ie

For fallen or damaged ESB lines: 1800 372 999

In an emergency, threat to life or property: 999/112

For storm related issues affecting public roads or council houses, please contact Wexford County Council Out of Hours emergency number 05391 96000.

If you experience flood damage to a private property, please report this to Wexford County Council on 053 9196000 to inform recovery operations, possible grant support, and future flood response.

Veteran bookseller honoured at Wexford Book Fair

Anton O’Broin, middle front row, was honoured by his fellow booksellers at the Wexford Book Fair in the Talbot Hotel, on Sunday, Pictured L-R: Back Row; Martin Kavanagh, Paddy Reville, Joe Collins, Brian Siggins, Wally O’Neill, Mick Wyne, Joe Doyle, Patrick Neary, Phil Hughes, Maurice Regan. Front row; Carol Gabbett, Kieran O’Brien, Anton O’Broin, Nuala O’Neill, Eddie Murphy. *(Pic; Liam Ryan)*

By Dan Walsh

Anton O’Broin, 87, of Kilrane, was honoured by fellow booksellers at last weekend’s 55th Annual Wexford Book Fair for his lifelong role in establishing and sustaining Ireland’s longest-running book fair.

Mr O’Broin was a founding member at the first book fair in Enniscorthy’s Murphy Floods Hotel in 1969 and was instrumental in moving it to Wexford to coincide with the Opera Festival in the nineteen-seventies.

In 1971, Anton struck a deal with the manager of the Talbot Hotel Wexford to host the event, its home ever since. He remains very much involved, managing stalls featuring leabhair as Gaeilge and vintage postcards.

“Anton is highly regarded by all of us and is something of a legend in the bookselling world,” Wally O’Neill of Red Books, who has taken over the running of the annual fair and expanded it into a festival this year, said. “We all felt it was only right to make a presentation to Anton to let him know how much he is valued and respected.”

“During the past five and a half decades, he has been one of a number of steady hands who have kept this book fair alive. There has been so much change to the book industry, and to society itself, in that time. People like Anton made sure the fair always changed with the times,” concluded Mr. O’Neill.

Referring to this year’s inaugural four-day book festival, Mr. O’Neill said; “We’ve had great feedback for the new format,” Mr O’Neill said. “We are looking at a bigger event next year, with more books and more creatives.”

Looking ahead to Wexford Festival Opera 2027

By Dan Walsh

Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi has announced the programme for Wexford Festival Opera 2027, which will run from Thursday, October 14^th to Saturday, October 30^th.

Rosetta Cucchi said: “The 2027 Festival is a tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience and creative power of women, who continue to make a difference even in the face of silence. Through both the remarkable female characters who command our main stage and the pioneering women composers and librettists whose voices echo across history, this season celebrates those who dared to defy expectations and shape the world of opera.

“At the heart of the 2027 Festival is a single word: LOVE. Next year’s Festival will also continue to embrace the artistic philosophy that has become a cornerstone of our identity: one for the heart, one for fun, and one for the head.”

Wexford Festival Opera has earned an international reputation for rediscovering neglected operatic works while launching the careers of many of opera’s leading stars.

For the first time, two popular Wexford Festival Opera initiatives — the Factory Opera and the Community Opera — are merging into one unforgettable production.

The first of the trilogy of iconic operas created by Mozart and Da Ponte, The Marriage of Figaro takes place over just one madcap day. Women are the emotional and strategic heart of the story: the female characters consistently outwit the men, staying several steps ahead throughout. Conducted by Karen Ní Bhroin, from Ferns, who last year became the first Irish woman on the podium of the Royal Albert Hall in London, the most visible conducting podium in the world.
General Booking opens May 5^th 2027 at wexfordopera.com / +353 53 912 2144 / in person at the National Opera House, High Street, Wexford.

Eddie Casey wins Macra National Leadership Award

**Eddie Casey receiving his Macra National Leadership Award from Macra President Josephine O’Neill.**

By Dan Walsh

Bree Macra is a flurry of activity this week, as members prepare for the Macra National Conference, and celebrate recent successes.

The club’s chairperson, Eddie Casey, recently took home Macra’s prestigious National Leadership Award, which recognises outstanding leaders in Macra, defined by their contributions to their clubs and communities, as well as their lasting impact on the organisation.

Eddie was nominated by his clubmates in recognition of his exemplary record within the organisation. In addition to chairing the Bree branch, Eddie has also served as Bree Macra’s Competitions Officer and was a key member of the club’s 65th Anniversary Dinner Dance Committee. He has also previously served as Wexford Macra’s Development Officer and Competitions Secretary.

However, the club has little time to rest on their laurels, as they represent Wexford in a number of national competitions at the National Conference (Macra Rally) over the coming Bank Holiday weekend.

The Bree Agricultural Quiz team of Kieran Banville, Barry Murphy, David Finn and Gary Murphy will vie for the Know Your Ag trophy on Friday, having seen off stiff competition from within county Wexford.

On Saturday, JP Furlong will represent Wexford in the Sheep Stockjudging All-Ireland Final. A man of many talents, JP and his mother Ellen were recently recognised as the Irish Country Meats Supplier of the Year.