Clear round for Michaelí in €1m Grand Prix 

By Dan Walsh

Camolin-born rider Lt. Michaelí Byrne on MSH Claregalway became the first female member of the Irish Army Equitation School to compete in the €1 million Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show where she finished fourth in the jump off.  

Lieutenant Michaeli Byrne

The 11 years old Irish Sport Horse mare is owned by the Minister for Defence. It was Michaelí’s first time first time to ride in the international classic at the RDS, but it was impossible to tell, as the pair jumped a brilliant clear round to secure a place in the jump-off.

Michaelí and MSH Claregalway jumped clear in a slightly slower time of 44.27 to earn them fourth place.

Speaking afterwards, the delighted Wexford rider said; “It’s my first ever Dublin international, and this year has been a big year for us. We jumped our first senior Nations Cup and she’s really been on a roll since then.

“Today I was more trying to have a good round and use it as good experience, but she jumped her heart out, as she does, and then with the 100-year anniversary, the timing is lovely. I couldn’t be prouder of my mare,” she concluded.

Lt. Michaelí Byrne (29) achieved her career ambition when assigned to the Army Equitation School following the commissioning ceremony of the 96th cadet class at Collins Barracks, Dublin, in March 2021.

From Butterfly Farm, Raheen, near Camolin, Michaelí was the winner of the Mo Chroi four-year-old championship final at the 2019 Dublin Horse Show with the Capri van Overis Z mare Boleybawn Bella, then owned by Ronan Rothwell and Ger O’Neill. The mare’s dam, HHS Anna (by Andiamo Z), was purchased by Rothwell from Brendan Doyle and Tommy Kennedy when she was in foal with Boleybawn Bella.

Michaelí held an ambition to turn her childhood hobby into a career in the equestrian world and took the first steps when she was accepted into the Army Equitation School (founded in 1926 to promote Ireland and the Irish horse) in the autumn of 2019.

It was the first time in the history of the Army Equitation School that three female equitation officers competed for the Army in the same year.

Calls to abolish hospital parking charges

By Dan Walsh

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow–Wexford Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has called for a funded plan to phase out hospital parking charges, arguing that patients and families should not have to pay to access healthcare.

According to Deputy Ó Súilleabháin figures provided by the HSE in response to a Parliamentary Question by Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, show that hospital car parking income at Wexford General Hospital rose from €184,961 in 2022 to €303,846 in 2025 – a 64% increase.

FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN TD

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said told WexfordLocal.com: “Hospital car parking charges are a charge on being sick and visiting families and friends in hospital.

“No one chooses to be sick or to have a sick child in hospital. Yet patients and families in County Wexford are being asked to pay these charges repeatedly.

“People with disabilities, carers and families visiting loved ones in hospital are also being hit.

“The amount being raised through hospital parking has increased dramatically. Hospitals should not have to depend on money collected from sick people and their families.

“We need a funded plan to phase these charges out. The Government should provide replacement funding as charges are phased out, while ensuring hospital parking remains available for patients and visitors,” concluded Deputy Ó Súilleabháin.

Tiny Little Library launches at Wexford General Hospital

Pictured at the Tiny Little Library at Wexford General Hospital, provided by Wexford Libraries, were Aileen Kehoe, Nuria Tasies, Yvonne Smith (Senior Executive Librarian), Caroline Manley, Laura Hanley, Theresa Kelly (Librarian), Mary O’Shea, Angel Chege and Libi Rachel Sam. (Pic; Jim Campbell).

By Dan Walsh

The Tiny Little Library at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in Wexford General Hospital has been launched bringing the power of stories, language, and connection to some of the county’s smallest and most vulnerable babies.

Tiny Little Library is an innovative partnership between Wexford Library Service and the neonatal team at Wexford General Hospital.

The initiative provides a collection of carefully selected books that parents can read aloud to their premature and hospitalised babies, helping families bond during what can be a challenging and emotional time.

The Tiny Little Library collection in Wexford SCBU will give families access to specially chosen books designed to be read aloud, creating opportunities for comfort, connection and communication from the earliest days of life.

The initiative also links families with their local public library, ensuring continued access to books, resources and support after their baby returns home.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Lisa McDonald said: “Tiny Little Library provides a simple but powerful way for parents to spend time with their baby, using their voice, stories and books to nurture connection, comfort and development. We are delighted to work with Wexford General Hospital SCBU on this worthwhile initiative.”

Yvonne Smith, Senior Executive Librarian said: “A love of reading starts with a shared story. We are proud to support families in the SCBU with this Tiny Little Library, where every book opens a world of possibilities. This Tiny Little Library is a celebration of reading, family, and the power of books to comfort, inspire, and connect us.”

Caroline Manley, SCBU, Wexford General Hospital said: “Every interaction matters for babies in neonatal care. Reading aloud gives parents a meaningful role in their baby’s care journey while supporting early communication and bonding. We are delighted to partner with Wexford Library Service on this important initiative.”

Tiny Little Library builds on successful programmes already operating in some neonatal units around Ireland as a partnership with hospitals and public libraries to support families from the very start of their child’s life through books, language and relationships.

Celebrate National Heritage Week

By Dan Walsh

National Heritage Week kicks off on Saturday, August 15th with free events across the country and plenty to explore in Co. Wexford. It continues until August 23rd.

This year’s theme is ‘Heritage at Risk’ and encourages built, natural and cultural aspects of our heritage that are endangered for use to reimagine and revive these sites, artefacts and practices.

It is impossible for WexfordLocal.com to publish all Heritage Week events for Co. Wexford, however, the kind staff at Enniscorthy Castle and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy sent us their programme of events and here it is;

There are 2,500 events nationally. For details of your chosen Heritage Week highlights contact www.heritageweek.ie

Urgent appeal to use water responsibly

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers in County Wexford to continue using water responsibly as warm and dry conditions persist. 

A Water Conservation Order remains in place for the entire country to help protect public drinking water supplies following a prolonged period of exceptionally warm and dry weather, combined with high demand for water across the country.

The appeal comes as Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow High Temperature Warning for parts of the country, with higher temperatures expected to increase demand for water in the days ahead. 

In Wexford, water supplies serving Gorey, Castlebridge, Curracloe, Wexford Town and South Wexford continue to be closely monitored, with water sources remaining under pressure. Uisce Eireann also continues to supplement the network through tankering operations to help maintain water supply for customers in Bunclody, Askamore and Kilmuckridge. 

While customer conservation efforts have helped reduce demand, water sources remain under pressure and every effort to conserve water remains important. 

Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers, and essential services. Customers are being asked to continue avoiding non-essential water use and to play their part in protecting supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations with Uisce Éireann, said: “We would like to thank customers across Wexford for the support they have shown since the Water Conservation Order was introduced. We have seen demand reduce in many areas and those efforts are helping to protect water supplies. 

“However, many of our water sources remain under pressure following an extended period of warm and dry weather and it will take time for those sources to recover. With warm conditions expected to continue and temperatures set to rise again in parts of the country, we are asking everyone to continue doing what they can to conserve water,” she added. 

The Water Conservation Order is in place until 26 August and is reviewed on an ongoing basis considering weather conditions, soil moisture deficits, and the status of water supplies. 

Call for crackdown on Courtown jet ski use

Jet Ski activity in Courtown Harbour could be facing a clampdown in Courtown Harbour and along the North Wexford coastline? (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford Brian Brennan has called for a clampdown on the use of jet skis in Courtown Harbour and along the North Wexford coastline.

Deputy Brennan predicts: “There will be serious accident unless the reckless use of jet skis in Courtown is addressed. I believe that there is room for everyone to enjoy our incredible coastline, but we need to see greater regulation on jet skis to ensure the safety of everyone.

“I am asking both Wexford County Council and the Gardai to take steps to address this issue.

“For decades many children and families have been swimming close to the pier but now because of the dangerous use of jet skis in this area this is clearly unsafe and an accident waiting to happen.

Deputy Brennan continued; “Courtown Sailing Club have been at the centre of the social fabric of Courtown but having spoken with members they feel this reckless use of jet ski close to their boats is a danger to their members.

“Since initially raising this issue, I have been inundated with comments from locals up and down the coastline informing me of encounters they have had with jet skis, ranging from noise complaints to nuisance to incidents with potential to cause serious injury or harm.

“I have called on Wexford County Council to look at the role of a council warden who would have the authority to monitor and intervene where necessary. They have replied that they are currently looking into possibilities available in terms of bye laws for this and potential avenues there are to be considered.

“An Garda Siochana are very aware of these issues and have recently issued the following online statement reaffirming their commitment to keep the Wexford Coastal Waters safe for all users;

“Operation Coinním/Courtown Harbour; As part of Operation Coinním, Gardaí from Courtown Harbour Garda Station engaged with jet ski and personal watercraft users at the harbour slipway to promote water safety during the busy summer season.

“Advice included observing harbour speed limits, remaining outside the marker buoys once clear of the harbour, respecting other water users, wearing appropriate safety equipment, launching safely and parking responsibly.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to speak with Gardaí. Your cooperation helps ensure Courtown Harbour remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone this summer.

Death of Very Rev. Jim Byrne

VERY REV JIM BYRNE former PP at Kilrush and Newbawn.

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Very Rev. James (Jim) Byrne, retired parish priest of Newbawn. He was aged 92 years.

Educated in Gusserane, St. Peter’s College and St. Peter’s Seminary, Wexford, Fr. Jim was ordained at St. Peter’s College on June 5th, 1960.

Following Ordination, he was appointed curate at Rathgarogue in June 1960, moved to Poulfur May 1962, Kilmyshall 1966, Bunclody 1972 and Ballykelly in February 1983.

Fr. Byrne was appointed parish priest of Kilrush in June 1986, where he served until April 1998, when he succeeded Fr. Patrick Cummins as parish priest of Newbawn.

Fr. Byrne served the Newbawn community for eight years and took retirement in 2008.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of V. Rev. Jim Byrne, former Parish Priest of Kilrush and Newbawn. Late of Dunmain, New Ross, Co. Wexford.

Predeceased by his beloved parents Thomas and Kitty Byrne, brothers John and Michael and sister Margaret.

Sadly missed by his loving sisters and brothers Sr. Anne, Kathleen, Mary, Hugh, Toddy, Bernie, Joan, Pat, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, Bishop Ger Nash and his brother priests of the Diocese of ferns, extended family and friends.

May His Gentle Soul Rest in Peace

Reposing at Cooneys Funeral Home, New Ross on Friday, August 14th from 2pm with removal at 7pm to St. John The Baptist Church, Gusserane.

Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 15th at 11am, followed by burial afterwards in Terrerath cemetery. Family flowers only donations to The New Ross Community Hospital.

Tributes to ex-Cllr Robbie Ireton

ROBBIE IRETON

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of former Wexford County Council member Robbie Ireton from Courtown Harbour who gave a lifetime of dedicated service to Courtown, Riverchapel and the wider North Wexford community.

Robbie was a member of a long-established Caravan Park business family.

A member of the Labour Party, Robbie served on Wexford County Council from 2009 to 2019 and was Leas-Cathaoirleach in 2012.

He served on Gorey Town Commissioners and Gorey Town Council for 10 years -2004 to 2014 – and was elected Lord Mayor in 2010-’11. He opened the new Gorey Civic Offices during his term.

When Gorey Municipal District was set up he served from 2014 until 2019.

In 2022 at the Gorey Awards, Robbie received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the Riverchapel/Courtown community.

Paying tribute on social media, the Courtown & Riverchapel offered its deepest sympathies to Robbie’s family and friends.

Throughout his years in public life, and through his wider community involvement, Robbie was a committed advocate for the area and its people. A friend, neighbour and true Harbour man, he gave generously of his time and energy to the community he cared deeply about.

His warmth, good humour and contribution to community life will be remembered by many, and his service has left a lasting mark on Courtown and Riverchapel.

Our sincere condolences are extended to Rob and all the Ireton family, together with Robbie’s many friends and all who knew him.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Robert Ireton, Seamount, Courtown Harbour (and late of Knockavotha, Gorey). Robbie passed away in the loving care of the staff at Wexford General Hospital on Tuesday, August 11th surrounded by his loving family).

Beloved husband of Mary and loving father of Ellen, Katherina, Joseph, Robert and Thomas, brother of Benny, Alicia, Elanor and Rosemary. He will be very sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters, brother, sisters, mother-in-law Mary, his adored grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, partners, extended family, relatives, neighbours and his wide circle of friends.

May Robbie Rest in Heavenly Peace.

Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey (Y25 K122) on Friday from 1 pm until 8 pm. Funeral arriving to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Riverchapel, on Saturday, August 15th for Funeral Mass at 1 pm followed by Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery Gorey.

Water repairs completed in south Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are carrying out repairs to a burst watermain which may cause supply disruptions to Ballylannan, Wellingtonbridge, Rosegarland, Carrick-on-Bannow, Duncormick, Ballymitty and surrounding areas in south Wexford.

UPDATE, WEDNESDAY; Uisce Éireann has completed repairs to a burst watermain and normal water supply has been restored to the majority of customers in Ballylannan, Wellingtonbridge, Rosegarland, Carrick-on-Bannow, Duncormick, Ballymitty and surrounding areas in south Wexford.

Uisce Éireann crews are on site and working to repair the burst as quickly and safely as possible and restore water supply to affected customers. Customers may experience low water pressure, intermittent supply disruptions and discoloured water while repairs are underway.

Enda Lambert of Uisce Éireann said; “We understand the inconvenience that an unplanned outage can cause and would like to thank customers in the affected areas for their patience while our crews carry out these essential repairs. Every effort is being made to complete the repairs and return normal water supply as soon as possible.”

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.

Golf championships under way at Enniscorthy

Avril Murphy receives her Captain’s Prize medal from Enniscorthy Lady Captain Helen D’Eathe. (Pic; Enniscorthy Golf Club)

By Caomh Breen Allen

Avril Murphy said Enniscorthy Golf Club are ready to showcase the improvements made to their course when the Whirlpool Irish Senior Men’s & Women’s Amateur Close Championship gets underway on Tuesday morning.

Murphy has a dual role at this week’s championship, competing for the Women’s title while also helping to oversee the running of the event as Chair of the Management Committee at the Wexford venue.

“We’ve done major work with the course. We brought in a consultant two years ago to give us an overview of what we needed to improve on. The community of members started to come together and got behind all of this.”

“They’ve done a fantastic job around the place. The greenkeepers have been putting in fantastic work, they’ve brought our greens back to life, they’re absolutely fantastic.”

A total of 141 players will tee it up across the Women’s and Men’s championships, with the opening two rounds of Stroke Play qualifying taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday before focus switches to match play, culminating in the final rounds on Friday.

Having committed to hosting the championships more than two years ago, the event has provided a clear target for everyone at Enniscorthy to work towards.

Murphy will also get the opportunity to test those improvements herself as she bids to challenge for the Women’s title. Having won the Captain’s Prize at Enniscorthy earlier this year, she knows what is required to navigate the tree lined fairways.

“You need to keep your ball straight,” said Murphy.

“We’re narrow and we have a lot of trees. They say if you can play Enniscorthy well, you can play anywhere well. Your drive has to be accurate.”

“I’m looking forward to playing with the elite of golf from around the country.”

Murphy begins her championship at 12.40pm on Tuesday. Enniscorthy will also be represented by Connie Doyle and James Gilbert, with Murphy backing both local players to go well this week.

“Both Connie and James will fly the flag very well,” said Murphy.

“I have no doubt that they might even bring in a result.”