WexfordLocal.com

Wexford band The Wires at Electric Picnic

**Conor Keating, Corey Walsh, and Luke Mulvany of the Wexford band *The Wires* pictured on Vinegar Hill, Enniscorthy. The band will perform at this year’s Electric Picnic Festival. (**Pic; *Dylan Vaughan*)

By Dan Walsh

Local Wexford band The Wires will perform at this year’s Electric Picnic Festival.

The young band secured their spot by winning the inaugural CultureHead Battle of Bands competition, overcoming eight other bands chosen from an open call across County Wexford.

As part of their prize, band members Conor Keating, Corey Walsh, and Luke Mulvany will open the festival on the ArtLot Stage at the sold-out event on Friday afternoon, August 28.

This local initiative, supported by Creative Places Enniscorthy, provides emerging musicians from Wexford County the chance to showcase their talent at Ireland’s largest music festival.

Commenting on the prize, Bryan Steacy of Outrage Entertainment, who hosted the competition, said: “This year’s competition was highly competitive. A huge congratulations to The Wires, who have truly earned their place at this year’s festival. We can’t wait to see their set, and it will no doubt lead to further opportunities for the band.”

The Wires are a three-piece alternative and hard rock band from County Wexford, known locally for their energetic live performances. Speaking about the announcement, band member Corey Walsh remarked; “We’re absolutely buzzing to be heading to Stradbally in August, a major thank you to the organisers’ for supporting local talent and to all of our supporters who came down to see the competition. We were up against some amazing Wexford bands, so a big thank you to the judges for voting for us.”

The ArtLot is Electric Picnic’s alternative visual arts and performance space, located in the woods of Stradbally Hall. Speaking at the announcement, co-founder of the ArtLot stage John Kenny congratulated the band: “We’re delighted to partner with Creative Places Enniscorthy and Outrage Entertainment to provide this opportunity to local bands in Wexford.

Electric Picnic is a world-class festival, and it should reflect the world-class artists emerging right here in our own backyard. When a homegrown band earns that stage through merit and community support, it sends a powerful signal to every young musician watching.”

Digital skills training for older people

**CLLR JOE SULLIVAN, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, launching the Hi Digital programme at Wexford Libraries.**

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Libraries has partnered with the Vodafone Foundation, through its Hi Digital programme, to make digital skills training more accessible for older people by introducing a tablet loan scheme.

The tablet loan scheme is available across all five public libraries in Co. Wexford – Wexford, Enniscorthy, New Ross, Gorey and Bunclody.

The initiative allows library members to borrow tablets that come ready to use with the free Hi Digital course already installed, removing common barriers such as lack of devices, confidence, or internet access at home.

The tablets also come pre-loaded with data and popular apps such as BorrowBox and RTE player. Hi Digital, in partnership with ALONE, is Vodafone Foundation’s free online course for older people, designed to build digital skills confidence through short, easy to follow online lessons.

Learners can expect modules such as using smartphones, getting online, staying safe from scams, and using apps like WhatsApp, alongside quick tips and videos offering simple guidance on common digital tasks.

By enabling people to learn at their own pace, in a familiar community setting, the programme helps older adults build essential digital skills in a supportive and accessible way.

The tablets can be borrowed for a period of up to four weeks, and assistance is available from library staff in each of the five library branches across County Wexford.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Joe Sullivan said; “The tablet scheme is a fantastic resource for age friendly library users who want to access and learn more about technology and online resources”.

For more information on Hi Digital tablet lending programme, contact your local library branch.

3 persons ejected from Jet Ski

By Dan Walsh

A member of the public witnessed a jet ski eject some people into the water near Tramore Pier, Co. Waterford, on Saturday afternoon.

Tramore Lifeboat launched at 15.52 and within two minutes located the jet ski and found three persons on the rocks, under the cliff at the Doneraile walk.

Two casualties were taken on board to the Pier and the lifeboat returned and transferred the third casualty shortly afterwards.

All casualties were in good health and needed no medical attention at the time.

The Marine rescue coordinating centre requested that Tramore Lifeboat would recover the jet ski, as it posed a navigation hazard.

The jet ski was towed to the Ladies Slip for recovery assisted by Tramore Coastguards.

It was a multi-agency call-out involving Tramore Coastguard, the National Ambulance Service and An Garda Siochána.

Beer and tobacco products seized

**ROSSLARE EUROPORT** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers had a busy week with alcohol and tobacco products seized.

Almost 26,000 litres of beer were seized following an operation at Rosslare Europort. The alcohol which arrived on a trailer from France, has a value of over €103,300, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of over €48,400.

Included in the tobacco products was a seizure of over 15,000 cigarettes following a search of a premises by Revenue officers in Co. Wexford. The cigarettes have a value of over €14,400, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of over €11,300.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.

Minister Browne welcomes Uisce Éireann plans

**Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply project is to be progressed.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann and Minister James Browne have welcomed the Commission for Regulation of Utilities’ (CRU) final determination on Revenue Control 4 (RC4), providing the framework for the delivery of water and wastewater services up to 2029. 

As part of this, Uisce Éireann has today set out a comprehensive programme of projects, giving clear visibility of planned works across all 26 counties, demonstrating how investment will translate into delivery, improving water services in our communities. 

In County Wexford, a number of critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects will be progressed, including: the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply project, upgrades to the Wexford town, Taylorstown and Gorey water treatment plants and key upgrades of water and wastewater networks.

Wexford’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said; “This investment will see hundreds of projects being delivered, from water and wastewater treatment and network upgrades to leakage reduction and improvements in service resilience. 

“Critically, it will support housing delivery by enabling new connections and addressing infrastructure constraints in key growth areas.

“This announcement also allows Uisce Éireann to continue to move projects through planning, construction and into operation, while ensuring that investment is translated into tangible improvements in services for customers and communities. 

“Communities here in Wexford will see further evidence of projects being advanced, as I push on with the work needed to increase capacity, improve reliability and meet our environmental obligations,” concluded Minister Browne. 

Indicative details of regional and local projects being delivered under this programme are available at www.water.ie, providing stakeholders and communities with clear insight into planned works in their area.  

Are you coming to Wexford Maritime Festival?

**Wexford Quay for Fleadh 2024. Welcome back for the Wexford Martime Festival this weekend.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Quay is the place to be this May Bank Holiday weekend for the Wexford Maritime Festival featuring live music, family entertainment, maritime activities and unforgettable cultural experiences.

The festival kicks off this evening (Friday) with live music from 6-7.30pm and then the fantastic Aslan will perform (8-10pm) in the Maritime Marquee.

There is a full programme of events on Saturday and Sunday aimed at celebrating Wexford’s maritime heritage and coastal culture attracting visitors of all ages.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of maritime experiences, including regattas and boat trips regattas and boat trips, stand-up paddle boarding and demonstrations by local boating organisations such as Maudlintown Sailors, Ferrycarrig Rowing and Wexford Boat Club.

An event that WexfordLocal.com is eagerly looking forward to is the Maritime Walking Tours. Saturday’s event starts at 12 noon with Paul Walsh of WexWalks. Meet at the Commodore John Barry statue and it’s a free event.

Maritime Wexford Walking Tour, a free event with archaeologist Emmet Stafford and those interested can meet up at the Commodore John Barry statue on Crescent Quay at 1pm on Sunday.

For a full programme and updates see; wexfordmaritimefestival.com

422/1 treble for Paul Nolan at Wexford races

**PAUL NOLAN and JACK HENDRICK sharing in the moment after success with He’s My Hero at Wexford races.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

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.

Water supply returns to Taghmon

By Dan Walsh

Normal water supply is returning to Uisce Éireann customers in Taghmon following the successful repair of a complex burst water main which had caused an interruption to local homes and businesses since yesterday.

While the burst is repaired and the network is refilling, full supply is not expected to return to all customers until 6pm.

Alternative water supplies in the forms of alternative water sources will remain in place in the residential areas of the village as well as at the Taghmon Camross GAA Club grounds.

Customers are reminded to bring their own containers when drawing water from the tanker, and to boil the water before use as a precautionary measure. Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.

Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked affected customers for their understanding while these repair works were being carried out. “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the disruption that can be caused by an unplanned interruption. We wish to thank customers in the area for their patience while these repairs were underway.”

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).

He is named locally as Adam Kennedy from Forgelands, Milehouse Road, Enniscorthy.

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’.