3-day book festival takes over Wexford town!

By Dan Walsh

Wexford town is set for a weekend of books and literary events as the annual Wexford Book Fair expands into the first Wexford Book Festival running this weekend (Friday to Sunday, October 16th to 18th) culminating in the 55th annual Wexford Book Fair at the Talbot Hotel on Sunday.

“We want Wexford to become a town of books for the weekend,” said festival organiser Wally O’Neill of Red Books. “The Book Fair has been running for fifty-five years now, making it the longest running Book Fair in Ireland. Expanding it into a festival seemed like the perfect way to celebrate that.”

The weekend will feature three book launches, with Margaret Hawkins, Gordon D’Arcy and Phil Hughes all launching books during the festival.

On Friday, Kinfolk will host Ireland’s first ever book rave, while Outspoken Spokenword Open-Mic will take place next door in Red Books Underground, following the launch of Margaret Hawkins “The Blood Cure”.

On Saturday, Eclectic Avenue will host a paperback book market as the festival continues across the town. There will be a pop-up Gaeltacht in Red Books Underground and the South-East launch of “Birdlife” by Gordon D’Arcy. Phil Hughes will be launching “The Rebel and the Seeress” in Red Books on Thursday.

The weekend will then culminate with the traditional Wexford Book Fair at the Talbot Hotel from 11am until 5pm on Sunday,

As well as the book dealers who have made the fair a fixture of Wexford life for more than half a century, Sunday will feature a celebration of independent publishing, talks on Wexford history and local poetry, and special events for children.

“The great thing about a book festival is that it can belong to everybody,” Mr O’Neill said. “You don’t have to be a serious collector or know anything about rare books. You can be looking for an antiquarian edition or simply bringing a young reader along to discover something new. Everyone is welcome.”

The expansion marks a new chapter for a Wexford tradition that has continued through economic booms and downturns, the rise of Amazon and the disruption of the pandemic.

“This is about building on those fifty-five years,” Mr O’Neill added. “The Book Fair remains at the heart of it. We’re just giving people another two days to celebrate books around Wexford.”

Government and Council can transform Enniscorthy

Autumnal Enniscorthy by the River Slaney. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at the reopening of the Captain Wafer Hall

Speaking at the reopening of Enniscorthy’s Captain Wafer Hall last Monday morning, Wexford County Council Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe praised the local community’s hard work and highlighted what can be achieved when proactive local government is backed by strong ministerial support.

Mr Taaffe said the Templeshanon project “represents just one piece of a much larger investment into Enniscorthy and the wider county.” He stated; “Wexford County Council working hand-in-hand with the Government, is actively reshaping Enniscorthy to ensure that it can sustainably grow to its full potential.”

“The availability of these Government funding streams is the lifeblood of Community Development, here (in Enniscorthy) and throughout the County,” said Mr. Taaffe, who added; “Current supports through the Departments and Local Authority include the Community Recognition Fund (availed of for the Captain Wafer Hall project), the National Civic Fora, the Local Enhancement Programme, the CLÁR programme, the Community Centre Investment Fund and others.

“Just look at our vibrant Enniscorthy town centre. Through the Governments Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, we recently welcomed a landmark €18.3 million allocation for Wexford, which includes €9 million specifically for Phase One of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Regeneration Programme, alongside funding to advance Templeshannon regeneration.

EDDIE TAAFFE, Chief Executive Wexford County Council.

“Construction is almost complete on a new Sports Hub building at the Enniscorthy Athletics Track.

“But a community needs more than just excellent facilities; it needs homes. Housing delivery remains our absolute number one priority; a focus and a plan clearly close to the Minister’s heart. We are incredibly proud to say that our housing team, in partnership with Minister James Browne and the Department of Housing and Local Government.

“Through schemes like the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, we have successfully launched and delivered much needed starter-homes at developments like Cnoc na Greine and Old Forge Road, here in Enniscorthy.

“A major proposed development featuring approximately 50 housing units, community facilities, a skatepark, sports facilities, and outdoor amphitheatre is due to go to Planning shortly for the Turret Rocks (Killagoley).

“Furthermore, through the transformative Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, the Government has backed five major infrastructure projects across the county.  This includes €20 million for the Milehouse to Moyne Link Road and €4 million for the Turret Rocks Link Road. This massive funding injection unblocks key constraints, directly fast-tracking thousands of new homes and paving the way for sustainable community growth.

In conclusion, Mr Taaffe said today’s individual result at the Enniscorthy Community Alliance (and the official reopening of the Captain Wafer Hall) is just one example of that strategic approach working, now and for the future.”   

Calls to reopen Blackwater Garda Station

Blackwater Garda Station which was closed following an arson attack last May. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Wexford County Council has the unanimous backing of elected members to call on the Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works “to prioritise and expediate the completion of refurbishment works at Blackwater Garda Station and facilitate its reopening without further delay.”

The motion, proposed by Cllr Oliver Walsh and seconded by Cllr Robbie Staples, was tabled at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Wexford. Cathaoirleach Cllr Lisa McDonald chaired the meeting.

Cllr Walsh said; “Following the malicious fire that caused significant damage to the station, the Blackwater area has been without a functioning Garda Station for almost six months.

“This prolonged closure is causing considerable concern among local residents and undermines confidence in the availability of local policing services,” added Cllr Walsh.

The motion read; “The Council believes that the people of Blackwater and the surrounding areas are entitled to the restoration of this important public service and urges that all necessary measures be taken to ensure the station is returned to operational use as a matter of urgency.”

There was unanimous support for the motion.

Extensive damage was caused to the interior of Blackwater Garda Station in an arson attack at approximately 2.50am on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026.

The place was unoccupied at the time. It has remained closed ever since.

Fireworks seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort have seized 1,123,200 fireworks.

The consignment was seized following routine profiling aimed at identifying restricted and prohibited products.

The fireworks were discovered in an accompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from France. Both the trailer and the fireworks were seized. 

The fireworks, branded Black Cat Bangers, have an estimated value of €2,246,400. 

One male, aged in his 50’s, was questioned in relation to the seizure. 

Investigations are ongoing. 

These routine operations are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.

If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

Council offices closed to public on Wednesday

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL Headquarters at Carricklawn, Wexford. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

All offices of Wexford County Council, including District Offices, Libraries and Civic Amenity Sites will be closed to the public on Wednesday 14th October due to the escalation of industrial action measures among public sector unions. 

Emergency Services will continue to operate. A central phone line service will also operate.

Some services are available online and where possible, members of the public are advised to utilise eplanning.ie or motor tax.ie for urgent business. 

Please allow for possible delays with phone services, due to reduced staff numbers on duty. Wexford County Council will endeavour to maintain operations, but members of the public are advised that full services cannot be guaranteed on the 14th.

Wexford County Council regrets any inconvenience caused. Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.

Minister officially reopens Captain Wafer Hall in Enniscorthy

Pictured at the official reopening of Captain Wafer Hall at Springvalley, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, following refurbishment are (left to right); Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council; Brian Kehoe, Wexford Local Development; Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager; Niamh Hogan, Enniscorthy Community Alliance; Irene Cadogan, Enniscorthy Community Alliance; Carolyn Godkin, Director of Services; Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, who performed the official reopening; Paddy Wildes, Enniscorthy Community Alliance; Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council; Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council; Senator Cathal Byrne; Enniscorthy District Cllrs Trish Byrne, Barbara-Anne Murphy, John O’Rourke and Aidan Browne. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Captain Wafer Hall, Enniscorthy

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD officially reopened the newly renovated Captain Wafer Hall in Springvalley, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, on Monday morning. Praising everyone involved, he described it as “a wonderful facility that will benefit the whole community.”

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald said that the financial backing for this project was delivered by the Department of Rural and Community Development from the Community Recognition Fund and was delivered by Wexford County Council.

“We want to give one heartfelt thanks to the Board of Enniscorthy Community Alliance, their workers, volunteers and the local community, for the hard work they put together and brought this building repurposed and ready for community use which is so valued,” said Cllr McDonald, who added; “This day is about you and the wonderful community around this area. We are delighted to acknowledge your success in bringing this project to fruition. You should be really proud of what you’ve done and what you have achieved and deserve all the plaudits you get today.”  

Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council welcomed everybody to the celebration and emphasised that “the renovation of this important building was supported by the Community Recognition Fund 2024 for use by all members of the community and over €98,000 has gone into this renovation.”

He concluded; “This new community hall now provides a modern space where people from across the town meet, take part in activities and foster community connections.”

Chief Executive Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe said; “This morning marks the culmination of years of hard work by the local community here in Enniscorthy. A project like this is what happens when grassroots local ambition meets proactive local government and strong Ministerial support.

“From the outset this project has been led by Enniscorthy Community Alliance which has been driving a number of projects in the area, most recently with particular attention to the Templeshannon area,” said Mr. Taaffe, who added; “The result is a fantastic community resource for everyone to enjoy and I congratulate them on behalf of Wexford County Council.”

Irene Cadogan from the Board of Enniscorthy Community Alliance acted as master of ceremonies. Having introduced the various speakers and welcomed the invited guests she thanked the Minister and elected representatives for supporting the project.

Memories of Enniscorthy Showgrounds in new book

Pictured at the launch of Enniscorthy Showgrounds; serving our community since 1870 at the Farm Centre, Enniscorthy, were (left to right); Jeanne Hendrick, Secretary; James Hendrick, Chairman/Director Enniscorthy Showgrounds Ltd, and James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government. (Pic; Edward Hendrick)

By Dan Walsh

For more than 150 years, Enniscorthy Showgrounds has united town and country, building a progressive legacy that is central to local history and self-scripts a treasure of knowledge that deserves to be archived. Hence the recent launch of a new book “Enniscorthy Showgrounds; serving our community since 1870”.

The scene is set by James Kehoe, President of Enniscorthy Showgrounds Company Ltd in his address. He said; “With the changing direction of County Wexford Agricultural Show Society Ltd over the last few years and the formation of Enniscorthy Showgrounds Company Ltd, it is timely to look back and see where we came from!

“The Show was established in 1870, and it is important to record the activities spanning over 150 years. It is also important to preserve the history for future generations and to provide insight into rural interest and culture.”

James Hendrick. Chairman/Director, said; “It was a very difficult decision to cease the running of our annual show (known as the County Show) following the 2015 event.”

Mr Hendrick added: “However, the showgrounds remain an important asset for the people of Enniscorthy and surrounding areas with pitches for playing GAA, soccer, rugby and cricket, and premises for boxing, personal training as well as religious and commercial activities.”

Around 1900 the County Wexford United Agricultural Society acquired the grounds at Lymington on lease from the Earl of Portsmouth. From then on, the County Show was held at the Showgrounds. (The first County Show was held at the Fair Green, Enniscorthy, in 1870).

In August 1928, an indenture was taken out between Beatrice Mary Countess of Portsmouth, Robert Wesley Hall-Dare, Joseph Bennett, George Lett and John Jameson Davis. This is the lease under which the Society held the lands and on the foot of which the right to buy out the freehold was based.

In 1979 the Deeds of Transfer from the Portsmouth Estate was passed to the Society and registered with the Land Registry in 1980. Approximately 22 acres of land were transferred.

In 1933, Enniscorthy greyhound track was officially opened in the Showgrounds. This arrangement continues to the present day with the Enniscorthy Showgrounds Company Ltd.

This is a fascinating publication that records so much history and heritage and although it focuses entirely on the Showgrounds it captures so much history and there is a fascinating series of pen-pictures remembering the personalities that progressed farming and rural pursuits from the 19th century.

My first experience was the Centenary Agricultural Show in 1970 when I worked as a young casual with Denis Hennessy providing the power and helping the trade stands function. It was a two-day event, on Wednesday and Thursday, July 22nd and 23rd.

Growing up in Bree, I knew the farming community well. In later years, while working for The Echo Newspaper, I covered ploughing matches, hunting, point-to-point racing, the ICA and Macra na Feirme. As I leafed through this fine publication, the familiar faces and biographies reminded me of the progressive people who enriched our town and countryside and deserve to be remembered.    

“Enniscorthy Showgrounds; serving our community since 1870”, illustrated in monochrome and colour, A4 format, 166 pages, available at Byrnes Bookshop, Court St., Enniscorthy,

Five weekend ‘points’ Wexford winners

By Dan Walsh

Three fixtures on the second week of the 2026-’27 point-to-point season and Wexford stables are sending out the winners already.

COLIN BOWE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Colin Bowe got off the mark with Silverado Blue ridden by Bertie Finn who dead-heated with Foreveradiva (Brian Dunleavy up) in the mare’s maiden race for five- and six-year-olds at Castletown-Geoghegan on Saturday.

Sean Doyle saddled Bedtime Bob in the colours of Henry Chamney to win the Winner of Two race by an impressive 11 lengths ridden by Jamie Scallan.

And the Westmeath track also provided a winner for Clondaw, Enniscorthy, father and son, trainer and rider Michael Goff and Harry Goff in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus. Pacheco in the colours of Tom Power and Annette Lawlor scored by nine lengths.

Point-to-point action also (Saturday) at Portrush where Ballymitty handler Garrett Murphy won the four-year-old maiden race with Louliood for the Turbine Syndicate ridden by Shane O’Rourke and two and three-quarter lengths the winning margin.

Murphy, in his sixth year training, was in winning form at Loughrea, Co. Galway again on Sunday. With Shane O’Rourke in the saddle the duo shared a weekend double when newcomer Bonnie Long Legs scored by one and a half lengths in the maiden race for four year old mares.

Barry O’Neill had a winner too at Portrush on Saturday. Fortune Lad by an amazing 37 lengths for David Christie in the Winner of Three contest.

Point-to-point action next Sunday, October 18th with the Shillelagh & District Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely. First race at 1pm.

Flour mill sod turning at Ballycarney

Ministers Browne, Burke and Haydon participated in the official sod-turning for Slaney Flour at Ballycarney on Thursday.

By Dan Walsh

Ireland’s flour milling industry has entered a new era with the official sod-turning for Slaney Flour -a major facility at Tomgarrow, Ballycarney -last Thursday.

The development, reported as an investment of more than €50 million, has the potential to provide new opportunities for Irish tillage farmers, create local employment and reduce the country’s reliance on imported flour.

Ireland’s newest flour mill is expected to have a milling capacity of 300t/day, wheat storage of circa 24,000t, an innovative square silo design, two intake bays and two outloading bays.

The mill will have a production capacity of around 100,000 tons of grain per year, which will result in about 80,000 tons of flour.

Ballycarney Grain was established in 2011. It is a grain drying and storage facility owned and operated by farming brothers, Andrew and Raymond Kavanagh.

It manages malting barley from 150 farmers across the south-east of the country for Diageo Ireland through Boortmalt.

Hemelter Muehle is a family-owned business milling flour in Germany for almost 140 years. It has been supplying the Irish bakery industry with flour for more than 20 years, currently supplying about 40,000m tons per year.

Ireland imports around 260,000 tons of flour per year. This flour comes from three key markets: the UK, Germany, and France.

Marc Cordesmeyer, managing director of Hemelter Ireland, said that bringing flour production back to Ireland strengthens the entire bakery supply chain, resulting in less dependence on imports, and significantly less exposure to weather events or geopolitical risks.

He said with the location of the mill near ports, there will be a diverse access to grain. “We’ll be able to import grain from Germany and Poland. We’ll have access to Canadian grain. But very importantly, we want to support the growing and use of Irish grain.

“We’ve done, together with the Kavanagh brothers, a number of trials of growing grain here in Ireland which have yielded very promising results of grain that we can use in flour,” Mr. Cordesmeyer added.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD said: “This is exactly what we want to be doing for our tillage industry. The collaboration here around the food security piece, around building up the supply chains, and provenance in that regard as well, and adding value for our tillage farmers.”

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD stressed the importance of the bakery sector, with 7,000 employees, 600 “exciting” businesses, and about €1.1 billion in turnover. He said exports are growing steadily – in 2024, they were worth over €330 million.

“What we’re trying to do in Ireland is control the controllables – build up resilience and supply chains, and not to be at the mercy of other economies when you have international shocks,” Minister Burke added.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD. said that this project is really important for the area and is a great boost for the tillage sector which is under pressure. “Wexford has a strong history and heritage in flour milling and it’s great to see flour milling coming back,” concluded Minister Browne.

School funding for Bree, Ballyhack and Tara Hill

BREE village is set to benefit from the latest round of the Safe Routes to School Programme. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Three primary schools in County Wexford have been selected to benefit from the latest expansion of the Safe Routes to School Programme.

St Catherine’s National School in Ballyhack, St Joseph’s National School in Bree and St Kevin’s National School in Tara Hill have been included in Round 5 of the Government-backed initiative.

The programme aims to make journeys to school safer and more accessible for children and families who walk, cycle or use other forms of active travel.

Improvements can include upgraded footpaths, safer pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures, cycle paths and distinctive school-zone road markings designed to alert motorists and encourage lower speeds.

The three Wexford schools will now work with local authorities and Safe Routes to School infrastructure officers to identify measures appropriate to their individual locations.

The latest announcement marks another step towards creating safer school environments for children and families across County Wexford.