WexfordLocal.com

Enniscorthy finish to Rás Stage 3

By Dan Walsh at Ross Road, Enniscorthy

Liam Flanagan of the APS Pro Cycling Team has won Stage 3 of Rás Tailteann after 155.6km from Mitchelstown to Enniscorthy today (Friday).

The American claimed that victory, from a breakaway, solo just ahead of yesterday’s winner, and new yellow jersey, Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase Cabtech-Castelli).

Once again, Conn McDunphy (APS Pro Cycling) was 3rd, like Thursday, while fellow Irishman George Peden (PB Performance) took 4th place.

The Mitchelstown Enniscorthy arrived via Carley’s Bridge and the stage finish was at the entrance to The Showgrounds on Ross Road where a fine crowd gathered to cheer home the riders and welcome the Rás to Enniscorthy.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy welcomed the riders and the Rás team to Enniscorthy. She noted Rás stage finishes over the years, with 2026 marking the first time the race has finished in the town in 20 years.

Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD, Cllrs Aidan Browne, John O’Rourke, Trish Byrne, Pat Kehoe and Pat O’Rourke shared the main podium with sponsors and officials.

**TIM SHORMAN (yellow jersey) and the leading riders celebrate on the podium at Enniscorthy this aftenoon.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Liam Ruth, stage end organiser, said: “It is a great honour for Enniscorthy to host a stage finish of Rás Tailteann. The race has a special place in Irish sport, and it will be fantastic to welcome the riders, teams, officials and supporters to the town.”

John Butler, Chairperson of Slaney Cycling Club and stage end organiser, added; “We would encourage people to come out, enjoy the occasion and help create a memorable finish in Enniscorthy.”

Cairde Rás Tailteann sincerely thanked Slaney Cycling Club, Wexford County Council, District Manager Claire Lawless, local Cllr John O’Rourke, who lives very close to the finish line, Enniscorthy Rugby Club, the Enniscorthy Showgrounds Committee, Enniscorthy Gardai and the many cycling clubs from across Wexford who supported the event.

Enniscorthy welcomes the Rás

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy will host the finish of Stage 3 of the famous Rás Tailteann 5-day cycle race today (Friday) at Ross Road.

The race will approach from the Carley’s Bridge direction and finish outside the main Showgrounds entrance at about 2.15pm.

A podium will be erected at the finish with some music and interviews, commentary on the race finish and the prize presentations will be made there directly after the finish.

The Ross Road will be fully open to traffic until the advance Garda team deem the finish to be imminent at which point traffic approaching the Ross Road from the Wafer Street/town direction will be diverted through Patrick Street and traffic approaching from Carley’s Bridge will be directed through Gort na Gréine at the roundabout.

Parking will be restricted on Ross Road from the junction with Patrick Street to The Showgrounds entrance. To ensure the safety of the riders and to avoid any damage to parked vehicles it is requested that residents use alternative parking for the duration of the event.

Alternative parking for Ross Road residents will be available at the Astro pitch carpark while spectator parking is available at the Sports Hub carpark.

There will be traffic disruption and delays for about an hour between the Ross Road/Patrick Street junction and the roundabout at Andy Doyle Close/Gort na Gréine during the race finish but gardaí and race marshals will keep delays to a minimum.

Today’s race begins at Mitchelstown and travels through Kilbeheny, Skeheenarinky, New Inn, Fethard, Cloneen, Mullinahone, Dunnamaggan, Knocktopher, Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Graiguenamanagh, Ballymurphy, Kiltealy, Jamestown, with an uphill finish into Enniscorthy. A total distance of 155.6kms.

HISTORY; Enniscorthy has a proud history of hosting top class cycling events. Enniscorthy famously hosted Stage 2 of the 1998 Tour de France and has hosted the Rás Tailteann on numerous occasions in its 71 years of sporting existence. The last time was in 2006.

It also hosted the Nissan International Classic (1985-1992) on a few occasions featuring two of Ireland’s greatest international cyclists, Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche.

Wexford Garda Youth Awards 2026

**The annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards ceremony took place in the County Hall, Wexford County Council.**

By Dan Walsh

The 10th annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards ceremony took place in Wexford County Council buildings acknowledging the achievements of young people who are making a difference in their own lives and in their communities within the Wexford Garda Division.

The occasion was a huge success with over 120 people attending to celebrate the brilliance of these young people. Thirteen awards were presented, including individual awards for overcoming adversity, making positive contributions to their community and group awards such as raising awareness about drink spiking.

The Individual awards went to Ella Colgan, Yosra El Hussein, Valeriia Stepanenko, Sokhrab Yanbekov and Sophie Healy. Special Achievement Awards went to Cian Hammel, Fernando Veresan, Luke Moorehouse, Darragh Power and Luke Sanders. The two groups to receive an award on the night were The Bling Girls and Sean Holden, Tiernan Codd and Kuba Dmoowski. The Community Safety Award went to The Enniscorthy Youthreach Learners Group.

Inspector Liam Kavanagh said; “An Garda Síochána, Wexford are delighted to share that this evening’s local Garda Youth Awards ceremony was a great success, thanks to the support and efforts of everyone involved. 

“A special thank you goes to Wexford County Council for their ongoing sponsorship and support which was instrumental in the event’s success. The presence of Cumas Céilí Band also contributed to the event.

Wexford County Council Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe attended the event and said; “It is an honour to be involved with the Garda Youth Awards. It is vitally important to encourage our young people to reach their maximum potential. The young people are an example of the positivity and good that exists in our own community.”

The nomination process will be open again in early 2027 on the Wexford County Council’s website for anyone who would like to nominate a young person between the ages of 13 and 21 years for next year’s awards.

Second ro-ro service on Rosslare to Belgium route

**M/s Lismore comes onto the Zeebrügge to Rosslare Europort route on May 28^th.**

By Dan Walsh

Finnlines is expanding its freight service between Rosslare Europort and Zeebrügge, Belgium, by adding a second ro-ro vessel to the route.

The expansion will provide customers with increased capacity and more frequent departures between Ireland and mainland Europe.

To meet growing customer demand, Finnlines is strengthening the service with the addition of M/s Lismore, which will join M/s Finnwave on the route in week 22, departing from Zeebrügge on May 28^th. The enhanced schedule will substantially increase freight capacity on the direct connection between Ireland and continental Europe.

“We have seen steadily increasing demand on our Ireland–Belgium service and are pleased to offer our customers greater capacity and flexibility. By adding a second vessel and increasing the frequency, we are further strengthening our service for both the Irish and European markets,” says Umberto Raimo, Deputy Line Manager at Finnlines.

“This development has been made possible through close cooperation with the terminals in Rosslare and Zeebrügge, as well as the support of our customers. The efficiency of our operations will certainly be extended to our third call in each port,” adds Juha Anjala, Traffic Manager at Finnlines.

“The expansion of Finnlines’s Rosslare to Zeebrügge service further strengthens Rosslare Europort’s status as Ireland’s Gateway to Europe, and the strong partnership we enjoy with Finnlines. Continuing investment in the port will ensure we continue to attract new services and operators, for the benefit of supply chains to and from Ireland,” says Glenn Carr, Director, Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Eireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort.

“I am delighted to welcome the expansion of Finnlines’ Rosslare to Zeebrügge service. The introduction of a second vessel reflects the strong and growing demand for direct connections between Rosslare and mainland Europe,” adds Philip O’Brien, General Manager for Rosslare Europort.

“We’re pleased to be working with Finnlines on this weekend charter, which allows us to maximise the utilisation of M/s Lismore while maintaining our core weekday schedule. It’s a flexible arrangement that benefits both companies and our customers,” says Stewart Hayes, P&O Ferries Fleet Director.

M/s Lismore has a cargo capacity for 4,076 lane metres, while M/s Finnwave offers 4,192 lane metres. Both vessels can carry approximately 260 trailers and accommodate up to 12 drivers. Finnlines specialises in freight transport and its extensive line network provides European industry with regular and reliable sea connections. The company also plays a key role in securing the supply of essential goods across Europe.

Gorey pupils experience farm life

Eddie Holton, Agri Aware with some hands-on learning at one of five National Dairy Council School Farm Visits taking place across the country this month, where upto 1,500 pupils will experience hands-on learning on working dairy farms. (Pic; *Tom Scott Photos*)

By Dan Walsh

Primary school pupils from Wicklow, Dublin, and Gaelscoil Moshíológ, Gorey, visited a working dairy farm in Wicklow as part of a hands-on educational initiative led by the National Dairy Council (NDC) through the EU School Milk Scheme. It is part of a wider national programme bringing up to 1,500 pupils to dairy farms across Ireland during the month of May.

On the farm of local dairy farmer Tom Short, pupils took part in milking demonstrations, calf feeding, and a series of interactive learning stations focused on animal welfare, nutrition, grass growth, and how milk is produced and supplied through their school milk co-operative, Tirlán.

Emma Walls, CEO of the National Dairy Council (NDC), said the programme helps children make meaningful connections between food, farming, and nutrition. “For many children, this is their first real experience of a farm and their first chance to see where milk comes from beyond the supermarket shelf.

Local dairy farmer Tom Short, who hosted the visit, said it was valuable to welcome children onto his farm and show them how food is produced.

Siobhán Smith, a teacher from Gaelscoil Moshíológ in Gorey, said the visit gave students a clear understanding of where milk comes from. “They saw it from the cows in the fields to the milking parlour and how it actually ends up on their table. The students were very engaged throughout the visit and full of questions,” she said.

“It’s really important for the children to know where their food comes from and to understand their responsibility in looking after the environment. It also gives them an awareness of how their food is produced from farm to table.”

The EU School Milk Scheme, co-funded by the European Union and Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, provides subsidised milk to schools alongside educational resources promoting nutrition and food awareness. It is delivered in Ireland by the NDC through its Moo Crew initiative.

Council says ‘No’ to Kilmichael Windfarm

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge meeting at Gorey Civic Offices

Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council has voted 9-1 calling on Regnum Renewables to withdraw their proposal for Kilmichael Windfarm due to the overwhelming opposition to the project by the residents in the townlands of Mount Nebo, Craan Upper, Slievebawn, Monaseed Demense and Kilmichael Gorey.

The decision was taken at today’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District held in the Council Chamber at Gorey Civic Offices. Cllr Sullivan’s motion was seconded by Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach.

**CLLR DONAL KENNY Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal Council**

Cllr Sullivan said his motion was a belief in democracy and allowing the voice of the people to be heard. The people have come to realise how big and intrusive this (the windfarm) will look like in the areas affected. Cllr Kenny (seconding) said he did so in support of his neighbours, siblings and friends.

Cllr Oliver Walsh voted against saying that as elected representatives’ councillors had supported the planning process as it is in the County Development Plan. “We unanimously adopted wind energy in the County Development Plan,” said Cllr Walsh, who added; “This motion won’t affect it anyway. Everybody has a right to apply for what they want,” he continued and suggested that interfering with a planning application and pre-empting the planning motion is merely playing to the gallery.”

Cllr Pip Breen said he could see a case for both sides and said “I am not in a position to NOT support the motion” as he supported 100% for wind energy in the County Development Plan.

Cllr Nicky Boland supported the motion saying there are 630-odd houses in the area. “We are all elected members. We are here to represent our community and support the people who elected us.” Cllr Craig Doyle agreed.

Cllr Paddy Kavangh favoured the motion. He pointed out the shame of using good agricultural land for solar or wind energy and stated that the proposed pylons are way bigger than the original.

In conclusion, Cllr Sullivan said;” Nobody is against wind energy, it is the positioning and the size of the windfarm that was concerning.

Cllr Mary Farrell said she fully supported renewable energy but spoke of the dreadful situation experienced by people living in the immediate vicinity. “I acknowledge what the people of the area is concerned about, but we do support renewable energy,” added Cllr Farrell.

Director of Services, Liz Hore, told the meeting that there is no plenary application at this time and that a strategic infrastructural development application would go straight to Coimisiún Pleanála. She pointed out that everyone has a constitutional right to the democratic process.

Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council approved consideration of a deputation request from the ‘No to Kilmichael Windfarm’ committee for the June district meeting.

Man (20s) dies near Ballindaggin

**ENNISCORTHY GARDA STATION** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a fatal single-vehicle road traffic collision that occurred on the R702 near Curragraigue, near Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, yesterday (Monday).

Emergency services responded following report of the collision, involving a car, that occurred at approximately 11.30am.

The male driver of the car (aged in his 20’s) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

He has been named locally as Nathan Butler from Ballyhogue, son of Lisa Butler and Martin Carroll, Ballyeden, Davidstown, who passed away last February and brother of Kyle, Megan and Cora.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam footage and were travelling on the R702 between 10.30am and 11.30am on Monday 18th May 2026 are asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on (053) 923 3534, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing.

Boat lost power in shipping channel

**Boat had lost power and was adrift in the shipping channel north of the Barrow Bridge seen here** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked to assist a lone sailor whose boat had lost power and was adrift in the shipping channel north of the Barrow Bridge in Waterford Estuary last Friday.

Fethard RNLI inshore lifeboat Naomh Dubhán was tasked to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 11.29am. The volunteer crew made their way by road and launched the lifeboat at Ballyhack. Conditions were good and the D-class arrived on scene at 12.17pm.

Having assessed the situation, the crew decided to take the casualty undertow to the closest marina in New Ross, as it posed a significant risk to navigation in the channel.

Once the casualty was secured in the marina at 1.30pm the lifeboat returned to Ballyhack to recover. The crew returned to station and were ready for service again by 2.49pm.

Domini Codd, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Fethard RNLI said; “The casualty did the right thing by calling for help as soon as possible. We would advise that anybody heading out on the water always carries an appropriate means of calling for help and always wears a personal flotation device, such as a lifejacket.”

Kilmore Quay RNLI assists a fishing boat

**The 10-metre fishing boat towed from the Keeraghs by Kilmore RNLI lifeboat last Saturday.** (Pic; *Elaine Walsh/RNLI*)

By Dan Walsh

Kilmore Quay RNLI launched on Saturday afternoon to assist the crew of a 10-metre fishing boat with a fouled propeller drifting towards the Keeragh islands.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat RNLB Killarney by the Irish Coast Guard at 2.18 pm. The lifeboat under Coxswain Nigel Kehoe and with five crew members on board promptly launched and made its way to the scene, five nautical miles north west of Kilmore Quay at the Keeraghs.

Arriving at the location at 2.45 pm, the lifeboat crew checked that everyone on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation. Taking into consideration the wind and tidal conditions on site, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the disabled craft back to shore.

Weather at the time was described as good with a Force 2 to 3 westerly wind and slight sea state.

The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay arriving at 3.50 pm. The fishing vessel safely secured at the pier, the lifeboat returned to its berth in the marina and was made ready again for service.

Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Nigel Kehoe commended the crew of the fishing vessel for their quick action in raising the alarm saying: “The lads made the right decision to call for assistance when they did. We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a life jacket and to always carry a means of calling for help. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Statement from No to Kilmichael Wind Farm group.

**One of 200 road signs objecting to the proposed Kilmichael Wind Farm project.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

No to Kilmichael Wind Farm Community Group committee have requested that WexfordLocal.com publish its statement in reply to the one published from Regnum Renewables as part of our report.

WexfordLocal.com is happy to oblige. The statement reads as follows;

“We welcome Regnum’s engagement by means of a prepared statement to Wexfordlocal.com. They speak at length about community engagement, however the experience of our community is at complete odds to the picture they paint “They claim to have made contact with 119 homes located close to the proposed wind farm since the project started in 2023. As a result of this claim, in their statement they have had 67 direct interactions with property owners. There are over 2,000 residents within 3kms of the wind farm.

“As a voluntary group formed only two months ago, No to Kilmichael Wind Farm have collected 450 petition signatures, launched a dedicated website, erected 200 road signs, have a Whatsapp group with 370 members and have had two excellently attended public meetings. That is what public engagement looks like.

“They tell us that a dedicated full – time, on-the-ground, community liaison officer was appointed by them in 2024. The vast majority of residents didn’t know about his existence until March this year. The reality is that this is nothing more than another box–ticking exercise for Regnum as this officer has proved completely out of his depth and unable to answer questions posed to him. We would welcome this officer to a community meeting or to a head-to-head interview with one of our representatives on the radio.

“In their statement, they describe in full their feasibility study which identifies Kilmichael Hill as a suitable site for a wind farm. They fail to mention that the area has been categorised by Wexford County Council’s Wind Energy Strategy as an area unsuitable for further wind farm development.

“There was no public consultation carried out as part of their feasibility study or mentions of the high population in the area. In their statement, they talk about the Community Benefit Fund and potential rates income for the local authority. Amazingly, and of great concern, they show a complete lack of empathy to the overpowering health concerns of local residents by failing to mention them.

“As a group, we have had a lot of interactions with other wind farm groups and there is a common theme developing of insufferable misery where turbines are located close to where people live. Additionally, they fail to mention the issue of sterilisation of land, whereby local people will be unable to get planning permission for homes for their children in the future.

“Regnum’s company slogan is “Building a better world”. In reality, it is a company where the only thing that matters is the bottom line. Why are they repeatedly ringing residents close to the turbines offering them more and more money to buy their silence? We know of one couple where Regnum officials are ringing both the husband and wife on an almost daily basis.”