WexfordLocal.com

Wilton Mills Trier satisfies the locals

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

The locals were thrilled when Wilton Mills Trier (100/30 fav.) justified favouritism and won the Slaney Mares Point-to-Point Flat Race by two lengths at Wexford yesterday (Thursday) evening with Inch, Gorey jockey Luke Murphy in the saddle.

Owned by Jim Whelan, Barmoney, Ballyhogue and the Wilton Mills Syndicate, Wilton Mills Trier was the punters choice and was backed from 11/2 to 100/30 favoutite for the two miles and one furlong contest.

Trained by Paul Martin Pierce, Blackhall Stud, Killurin, the six-year-old mare finished strongly and recorded the only local success of the day.

Afterwards Luke Murphy said; “It worked out lovely today. It is nice that the form worked out well (from Cork) and I fancied her strongly today.

“She won her point-to-point (at Dromahane last December) very well and the Pierces always liked her all the way through. She will make a nice chaser too.”

Crowsatedappletart (10/1) loves Wexford having scored twice last July and he made it a three-timer in the handicap chase for the Cork partnership of Michael Winters and conditional jockey Micheal Kenneally.

Harry Cobden, (27), champion jockey in Britain in the 2023-’24 season and new retained jockey to champion owner JP McManus in Britain and Ireland made his Wexford debut on the Willie Mullins trained Karoline Banbou but finished out of the placings in the beginners’ chase.

The next day’s racing at Wexford is Saturday, May 16^th and Friday, May 27^th (evening).

First French Film Festival

By Dan Walsh

The French Embassy in Ireland and Screen Wexford are set to launch the very first Wexford French Film Festival in collaboration with the Alliance Française Waterford /Wexford, The Picture House- Wexford Film Society and many cultural partners –such as Wexford Normandy Cultural Association – bringing a specially curated selection of French cinema to Wexford and celebrating storytelling, culture, and creativity across borders.

At the opening on Tuesday evening in Wexford Arts Centre, Melanie O’Reilly Honorary Consul will be master of ceremonies with speakers Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Xavier d’Argoeuves, Cultural Counsellor, French Embassy and Suzanne McKenzie Young, Screen Wexford.

Tuesday, May 12^th is opening night with feature screening from 6.30pm.

Film screenings all day on Wednesday. Programme available. The programme features six films, including the César Awards 2026 Best Film winner, The Ties That Bind Us (L’Attachement), opening the festival, alongside a curated mix of comedy, drama, and fiction.

With contemporary and classic films, features and shorts, and a school screening, there is something for everyone to enjoy a taste of French cinema in the heart of Wexford.

Book tickets at Wexford Arts Centre. https://wexfordartscentre.ticketsolve.com/…/873663881

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Water supply issues in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is working to restore normal water supply to homes and businesses in Gorey following operational issues at Creagh Water Treatment Plant, which has led to some customers experiencing low pressure and intermittent disruptions to their water supply.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a normal water pressure as quickly as possible.

“We understand the inconvenience of a disruption to the water supply, and we thank customers impacted for their support while our repair works are ongoing. Our crews are working to reduce the impact; however, some customers may experience reduced pressure until the repair work is completed,” said Mr. Lyng.

New Ross Civic Awards presented

Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council CLLR JOHN DWYER making a presentation to the Power School of Dancing “for excellence in Irish dance education” at the annual Civic Awards ceremony in Brandon House Hotel, New Ross, last Thursday night.

By Dan Walsh
The 2026 New Ross Municipal District Civic Awards were presented at the Brandon House Hotel, New Ross, last Thursday night where recipients were warmly celebrated by the district staff.

It was a special occasion where the local councillors came together to recognise the extraordinary individuals, groups, and organisations who make the area a better place to live, work, and thrive.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening, District Manager Alan Fitzhenry welcomed all and explained to the packed room at the Brandon House Hotel that a Civic Award is the highest honour the Municipal District can bestow.

Mr Fitzhenry spoke about the importance of community leadership and communicated to the recipients how immensely proud the New Ross District is of their achievements.

An Cathaoirleach, Cllr John Dwyer, led the tributes, presenting awards to the Original Founding Board Members of New Ross Community Hospital (Service to the Community), the Power School of Dance (Excellence in Irish Dance Education), and sporting brothers Dean and Jesse O’Riordan (Excellence in Sport).

An Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr John Fleming then took to the stage to honour Cloughbawn GAA & Camogie Club (Excellence in Sport), Cushinstown Development Group – Cush Croí (Service to the Community), and Rathnure Development Group (Service to the Community).

Cllr Pat Barden presented awards to Ann Murphy (Service to the Community), Gusserane All Stars (Service to the Community), and New Ross River Search & Rescue (Service to the Community).

Cllr Bridín Murphy recognised Therese Dalton of Screen Wexford (Excellence in Youth Services & the Arts), Emma Hickey (Excellence in Sport), and Nuala Slevin-Reck and David Reck (Dedication to Social Inclusion in Agriculture).

Cllr Marty Murphy honoured Liam Ryan (Dedication to the Community), Stefan Whelan (Excellence in Community Fundraising), and South West Wexford Family Resource Centre (Service to the Community).

Cllr Michael Sheehan completed the presentations celebrating Thomas ‘Stan’ Blanche (Excellence in Sports & Dedication to the Community), Mary Browne (Service to the Community), and the New Ross Municipal District Staff & Crew (Dedication to the Community).

Speaking after the event, Cllr Dwyer said; “It is vitally important to recognise excellence in our community. Nights like this remind us that every great town is built on people who give their time, show real leadership, and inspire everyone around them. We’re very proud to celebrate every single one of our award winners tonight.”

The event was a powerful reminder that community spirit remains strong and thriving in New Ross.

Top yards run at Wexford races

By Dan Walsh

Entries for Thursday’s Wexford races include runners from the top yards and local stables and the scene is set for a good evening’s racing. The first race is off at 5.02pm.

The ground at Wexford is good to yielding (watering). Dry forecast

The seven-race card includes four steeplechases, a hunter’s chase and two point-to-point flat races.

A bonus for punters is that €141.21 from Tuesday’s jackpot at Gowran Park has been carried forward to Wexford.

There are three racing dates at Wexford for the month of May. The others are Saturday, May 16^th and Friday, May 27^th (evening).

Bunclody Church marks 250 years

**Bishop Adrian Wilkinson (extreme left) and Canon Trevor Sargent (extreme right) led the 250th anniversary celebrations in Saint Mary’s Church, Bunclody last Sunday.**

A large congregation gathered last Sunday at Saint Mary’s Church, Bunclody, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the church’s consecration.

The Choral Eucharist was presided over by the Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, The Right Reverend Adrian Wilkinson, and he was assisted by The Reverend Canon Trevor Sargent, Rector of Bunclody Union of Parishes.

Among the clergy assisting were two former rectors of the parish, the Reverend Nigel Waugh and the Reverend Michael Stevenson. Canon Sargent, in his words of welcome, also noted the ecumenical and civic representatives present.

Music formed an important part of the service, and the Choir of Saint Mary’s Church and Friends were directed by Dr Jeffrey Cox. Valerie Twomey was the assistant organist, and the trumpet was played by Anthony Nolan.

Symbols of parish life and organisations were brought forward and placed in the sanctuary at the start of the service.

In his sermon, Bishop Wilkinson reminded the congregation that this church was consecrated while the ink on the American Declaration of Independence was still wet. Reflecting on the idea of ‘living stones’ in the epistle reading from 1 Peter, he reminded the congregation that ‘we are called not simply to preserve, but to embody the gospel, by serving, praying, and loving, so that this church remains a beacon of hope and grace in this community.’

Following the service, the congregation gathered in the adjacent hall for refreshments, where a special anniversary cake was cut.

Wexford tribute to actor Gary Lydon

By Dan Walsh

Many tributes have been paid to actor Gary Lydon, known for Billy Roche’s plays and films like Calvary, The Guard, and The Banshees of Inisherin, has died aged 61.

Speaking on behalf on behalf of Wexford Arts Centre, its Executive Director Elizabeth Whyte said she was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of his death.

“Gary had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche’s plays. He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland and the UK,” she said.

“Though heartbreaking, it is fitting that his final role on our stage was performed alongside his son James Doherty O’Brien.

The lights in the theatre world are dimmer due to the loss of Gary, but we will cherish the memories of his performances with reverence.

“Deepest sympathies to his family, friends, stage and screen colleagues and to Billy Roche, his creative alliance collaborator for over forty years. May you be laid down softly Gary. May you rest in peace.”

Gary Lydon was born in 1964, in London, to Jimmy O’Brien from Wexford and Julie Lydon, London Irish.

The family moved back to his father’s home in Wexford when he was just nine. He would later take his mother’s surname for his professional career, one that lasted decades and saw him appear both on the stage and on the screen.

Lydon considered a business career before teaming up with Billy Roche, whose trio of plays advanced several careers.

First noticed on stage in Billy Roche’s famous Wexford trilogy, he is remembered as a thoughtful man who had much to say about the business of acting.

He won an IFTA for his performance as Patrick Murray, a counsellor in the RTÉ series The Clinic. Keep your eyes open and you will catch supporting turns in Calvary, Brooklyn and War Horse.

In recent years, he lived in Roscommon where he set up a theatre company.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Gary Lydon, (Gary Mark O’Brien) Shanballybawn, Leitrim P.O. formerly Clonard, Wexford Town, April 30th 2026, suddenly at his home. Pre-deceased by his parents Jimmy and Judy O’Brien.

Gary was deeply loved and will be forever missed by his adoring sons Seanluke and James and their mother Kara, partner Paula and her

daughter Aoife, brothers Anthony, Seamus and Ian, sisters-in-law Ann, Trudy and Liz, nephews Eoghan, Marcus, Finn, nieces Eve, Ciara,

Sorcha, grandniece baby June, extended Doherty family, neighbours, friends and colleagues.

“May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace”

Reposing at Shivnan’s Funeral Home Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 WT26, on Wednesday evening (May 6th) from 5 p.m. until 8p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Michael’s Church, Cootehall, F52 AF85, on Thursday (May 7th) at 12 noon followed by interment afterwards in Kileenan Cemetery, Cootehall.

Wexford success continues…

By Dan Walsh

Bank Holiday Monday point-to-point took place at Dawstown, Co. Cork today and there were winners for four Wexford stables.

The maiden race for four-year-old geldings was divided. The Denis Murphy stables continued an amazing run in division one where newcomer North Tipp scored by three and a half lengths under Shane Cutter and division two brought a two and a half lengths victory for newcomer Works For Me owned and trained by Luke Murphy, Corecannon House, Inch, Gorey. The winning rider was Donal O’Connor.

The same Luke Murphy was the successful rider on Park Hall for Paul Martin Pierce and Blackhall Stables partnership, Killurin, in the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares.

It was a good weekend for Murphy. Chicks For Free had a 13 lengths victory for owner, handler and rider Luke Murphy in the maiden race for four-year-old mares at Stowlin, Co. Galway, on Sunday.

**ROBERT TECTOR enjoying his best season** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Robert Tector in his seventh season at Coolbawn, Rathnure, having his best season with 12 winners so far, scored his 30^th career success when Supreme Force took the Winner of Two race with Jack Hendrick up.

Rob James skipped the point-to-point scene today (Monday) and headed to Down Royal where he was successful on the Donnchadh Doyle owned, Jack Foley trained Catalini (8/15 fav.).

James had three victories at the Punchestown Festival last week, another at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork yesterday (Sunday).

Sunday half dozen for Wexford stables

By Dan Walsh

Two point-to-point fixtures today (Sunday) produced success for six Wexford stables.

**HARRY GOFF shared a family success today.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

At Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, Wexford raiders won both divisions of the four-year-old mares’ maiden race. Handler Michael Goff and his son, Harry took the first division with newcomer Tactic by two lengths while another newcomer Lake Nagambie won division two by five lengths for Adamstown handler Susan O’Gorman and rider Shane O’Rourke.

The four-year-old geldings’ maiden was divided with the first division going to Maxi Twist for handler/rider Rob James by four lengths and The High Stool winning division two by four lengths for Cormac Doyle and the Monbeg farm racing Partnership. Donal O’Connor was in the saddle.

Denis Murphy had a sensational five victories last weekend and his good luck continued in division two of the five-year-old geldings’ maiden race with Airforce Marshal coming home first under Shane Cotter.

Robert Tector is having a fine season too and he was in the winners’ enclosure following the six lengths success with Spring Waltz ridden by Jamie Scallan, who was successful for Sean Doyle on Jetbob in last Friday’s Bishopscourt Cup at the Punchestown Festival.

Today’s other fixture was at Stowlin, Co. Galway, where newcomer Chicks For Free had a 13 lengths victory for owner, handler and rider Luke Murphy from Gorey, in the maiden race for four-year-old mares’.

Burst water main in Wexford Town

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a burst water main in Wexford Town and restore water to customers affected.

The burst is impacting customers in Árd Carman and the surrounding areas.

Repairs are expected to be completed by 7pm today (Sunday).

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.

“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned interruption to the water supply, and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.”

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.

To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the burst and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.