JJ SLEVIN enjoyed success at the Wexford Races this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford races
Wexford racecourse was in excellent condition for today’s races and racing returns there again on Friday evening, so a busy summer for the popular South-East track.
Paul Nolan had another exciting day at Wexford Races when he saddled Rue Taylor (12/1) ridden by Carl Millar who scored by a neck over the Conor O’Dwyer trained Teenage Kiss (Charlie Dwyer up) in the opportunity handicap chase.
Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe received the leg up on the Willie Mullins trained Soir De Grande (11/2) and the combination were impressive when victorious by one and a quarter lengths in the beginners’ chase.
Caim, Enniscorthy jockey JJ Slevin enjoyed success at his local track when he won the handicap chase on Chosen Shant (9/1) for owner/trainer Aengus King from Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare.
Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead, who has an excellent strike rate at Wexford, added another success when Rockonliam (Evens Fav.) scored by four and a half lengths under Darragh O’Keeffe,
David O’Brien, who made the short hop from Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, returned smiling after saddling Mic Drop (5/1) with Josh Williamson in the handicap chase.
Racing returns to Bettyville Park on this Friday evening with an eight-race card and the first race is off at 4.47pm. It is also Wexford GAA fundraising day at the races.
Low water in the River Slaney at the end of June and a new island emerges north of the William Barker Bridge. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Uisce Eireann is carrying out leakage reduction works in Enniscorthy and the job is getting under way this week.
The section of works will take place along the R890 Nunnery Road from the junction of the R702 and will continue along Summerhill Road to Blackstoops, where crews will be installing 1.25 km of new, modern pipes that will strengthen the local network and reduce disruption to homes and businesses.
The existing pipes were prone to bursts and leaks, leading to supply interruptions and the loss of treated drinking water, a valuable resource we all depend on. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD welcomed news of the upcoming works. “This is positive news for the people of Enniscorthy who will benefit from a more reliable water supply through these upgrades to the pipe network.
“A reliable water supply is fundamental to family and community life. With upgrade works by Uisce Éireann set to begin in the town, I’m pleased to see further progress on improvements to Wexford’s water supply,” stated Minister Browne.
Welcoming the project, Dave Murphy of Uisce Éireann said that these upgrades will help stop leakage and give the community in Enniscorthy greater confidence in their water supply for years to come.
“Every pipe we replace is guided by one clear goal: providing a water supply people can count on. These improvements make a difference every single day, in every tap, home and throughout the community. “By focusing on delivering a more reliable supply, we’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient water service for the people of Wexford, now and for generations to come,” stated Mr. Murphy.
Works will begin in the coming days and will include installing new water service connections from the public water main on the road to customers’ property boundaries and linking them to the customers’ water supply.
The project is being delivered by Shareridge Ltd, on behalf of Uisce Éireann with completion expected in the Autumn of this year.
Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website for regular updates.
The Residents of Oakfield Nursing Home, Co. Wexford and traditional singer and folklorist Rachel Uí Fhaoláin are looking for some help please with the development of their special award-winning childhood memory collecting project ‘Dearest Child‘.
Do you have old photos of North Wexford in your family albums that you would be happy to share with the residents and Rachel, physical copies that they can borrow for their special project and upcoming community exhibition.
Perhaps you have photos of a particular shop front on Gorey Main Street, or a photo of the Tea Room on the Avenue, run by Francie Gleeson. Some of the residents fondly recall their trips into town as children for tea and cake here, a real treat by all accounts.
Maybe you have a photo of Fair Day in Gorey or Ballycanew? How about photos of Courtown, the harbour, or maybe the herring season in Cahore.
Photos are fantastic conversation starters and a powerful way of helping to recall our memories, especially those of us who don’t remember as well as we used to.
The residents and Rachel would really appreciate your help with this, and they extend a very warm welcome to the wider community to get involved in their award- winning memory collection project in North Wexford.
For further information or to get involved you can contact Rachel by email or phone.
Local parish priest Fr Pat Mernagh P.P. (left) and members of the lifeboat crew at annual Blessing of the Boats ceremony in Kilmore Quay this afternoon. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh)
By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay RNLI launched this Sunday afternoon to assist the crew of a yacht taking on water in Kilmore Quay harbour
It happened as the crowd, including the volunteer crew, gathered for the annual Blessing of the Boats ceremony in the harbour, the crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat RNLB Killarney by the Irish Coast Guard mid-ceremony at 5.20 pm to assist a recently arrived yacht in the marina.
The vessel had taken on a significant amount of water having suffered some damage on the voyage to Kilmore Quay.
The lifeboat crew checked that everyone on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation. The salvage pump was deployed to attempt to drain the vessel. Taking into consideration the immediacy and gravity of the situation, it was decided that the safest course of action was to assist in manoeuvring the vessel to the slip where it could be safely removed from the water by a local marine engineering company.
The vessel safely secured at the slip, the lifeboat returned to its berth in the marina and was made ready again for service.
The crew were then joined by parish priest Fr Pat Mernagh who completed the day’s Blessing of the Boats ceremony with a special blessing for the lifeboat and its crew.
The Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Ger Nash has announced a long list of changes in the Diocese of Ferns. The appointments will be effective from Tuesday, September 1st 2026.
BISHOP GER NASH Diocese of Ferns
The following priests will retire from active Ministry
Fr Martin Casey will retire from his role as Co-PP, Carnew
Fr Paddy Cushen will retire from his role as assistant priest in Ferns, Bunclody, Kilrush Pastoral Area
Fr John Paul Sheridan, Co-PP, Annacurra, Kilaveney, Kilanerin, Carnew Pastoral Area is appointed to a full time post in St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth.
Fr Brian Whelan, Co-PP in Ferns, Bunclody, Kilrush Pastoral Area will go on Sabbatical for a year to pursue further studies. He will reside in Kilmuckridge and provide weekend cover for Masses as available.
Fr Chris Hayden, returning from the Staff of St Patrick’s Seminary Maynooth to be Co-PP in Castlebridge, Crossabeg, Oylegate Pastoral Area, resident in Oylegate.
Fr Jim Doyle, returning from Chaplaincy in the Irish College Paris to be Co-PP in the Horeswood, Ramsgrange, Duncannon, Templetown Pastoral Area and to reside in Templetown.
Fr Brian Broaders V.G. Co-PP, Ballindaggin, Rathnure, Cloughbawn, Davidstown, Bree Pastoral Area to be Co-PP in Wexford Town, Clonard, Glynn, Piercestown Pastoral Area. He will reside in Barntown and will continue as Vicar General in the Diocese.
Fr Eamonn Salmon, formerly Chaplain to Wexford General Hospital to be Co-PP in St Aidan’s, St Senan’s, Marshalstown Pastoral Area, residing in Marshalstown.
Fr Sean Devereux returning from Sabbatical to be Co-PP in Wexford Town, Clonard, Glynn, Piercestown Pastoral Area, residing in Clonard. He will also take responsibility for Diocesan Communications.
Fr Frank Murphy, Co-PP, Imeall na Screige Pastoral Area will be Co-PP Annacurra, Kilaveney, Kilanerin, Carnew Pastoral Area, residing in Annacurra.
Fr John Carroll, Co-PP Wexford Town, Clonard, Glynn, Piercestown Pastoral Area will be Co-PP New Ross, Cushinstown, Adamstown, Newbawn Pastoral Area residing in New Ross.
Fr Tom Orr, Co-PP Horeswood, Ramsgrange, Duncannon, Templetown Pastoral Area to be Co-PP Ballindaggin, Rathnure, Cloughbawn, Davidstown, Bree Pastoral Area residing in Rathnure.
Fr James Cullen, Co-PP St Aidan’s, St Senan’s, Marshalstown Pastoral Area to be Co-PP Ferns, Bunclody, Kilrush Pastoral Area, residing in Ferns.
Fr Dermot Gahan Co-PP Castlebridge, Crossabeg, Oylegate Pastoral Area will be Co-PP Annacurra, Kilaveney, Kilanerin, Carnew Pastoral area, residing in Carnew.
Following the discovery of a body of a male, the missing person appeal in respect of Paul Woods (50), who was reported missing from Kilbora, Camolin, Co. Wexford since Wednesday 24th June 2026, has been stood down.
50-year-old Paul Woods was last seen on Tuesday morning, while on a hiking holiday in Kilbora near Camolin. He was headed to hike in the Blackstairs Mountain at the time.
Members of the South East Mountain Rescue Association were tasked by An Garda Síochána to assist in the search on Friday morning at 11am.
They were supported by search dog units from the Search and Rescue Dog Association Ireland. The hiker was later located and the body was recovered from the area by the rescue team using their Land Rover.
In a post on their social media, SEMRA has extended its condolences to the family at this difficult time.
They’ve also thanked An Garda Síochána for their assistance, as well as local people who were involved in the search.
An Garda Síochána would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
UPDATE; Good news tonight (Saturday). Josh O’Toole has been found and is safe and well.
Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 18-year-old Josh O’Toole, who is reported missing from his home in Bunclody, Co. Wexford.
Josh was last seen on Wednesday 24th June 2026 at approximately 11pm.
Josh is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height, with a slight build, dark brown hair and brown eyes.
When last seen, Josh was wearing black jeans with an Arsenal jersey.
Josh is also known to frequent the Enniscorthy area.
Gardaí and Josh’s family are concerned for his well-being.
Anyone with information on Josh O’Toole ‘s whereabouts is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on (053) 923 3534, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
CLLR FRANK STAPLES Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District.
By Dan Walsh
Cllr Frank Staples was elected Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District at the annual meeting held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Wexford, on Friday morning.
Cllr Staples was elected having been proposed by Cllr Lisa McDonald and seconded by Cllr Jim Codd. Cllr Staples thanked his fellow councillors and officials and said he was honoured to accept the role and is eagerly looking forward to bringing great things to Rosslare District over the next year.
As someone who has spoken publicly about his own battles with depression, Cllr Staples is determined to fight for the provision of services for Wexford people suffering from mental health issues and that is his key priority over the next year as Cathaoirleach of the 5-seat Rosslare Municipal District.
Cllr Staples has lived and farmed in the parish of Ballymore/Mayglass all his life and has been a member of Fine Gael since 1982. He is a former Mayor of Wexford, and this is his second time serving as Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District.
The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach was bestowed on Cllr Ger Carthy whose nomination was proposed by Cllr Lisa McDonald and seconded by Cllr Frank Staples.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy recalled the events of the past year, a mixture of achievement and challenges, and sincerely thanked his fellow councillors and the district officials for their support at all times. “We are all here to work for the good people of Rosslare District,” concluded Cllr Carthy.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN on his last day as a member of the Fianna Fail Party in the Council Chamber today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the annual meeting of Wexford County Council on Friday
“I must make a very hard decision. Whether it be for better or worse, to resign from the Fianna Fáil Party and remain in the Council for the remainder of this term as an Independent councillor working for the people of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, not a decision I took lightly but one that was forced on me”; that was the shock announcement made at Friday’s annual meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Wexford, by outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan.
The meeting was aware that Cllr Sullivan would make a serious announcement, but the members and officials were unsure what it was? But Cllr Sullivan told the members that he had shared his details with local media outlets.
Cllr Sullivan concluded his Cathaoirleach duties with dignity today, gathered his papers and briefcase, walked to the rear of the chamber and took up a new position on the Independent benches.
WexfordLocal.com received a press release with the heading; “I will now outline in more detail my reasons for resigning from Fianna Fail, signed Cllr Joe Sullivan. Here it goes;
1) At the July 2025 meeting of Wexford County Council, Cllr Jim Codd brought a motion calling for the retention of the Triple Lock. I was in total agreement with the motion. If I might quote Micheál Martin, An Taoiseach, from February 2020 as stating the “The Triple Lock is at the core of our Neutrality”. It would appear now that Fianna Fail have changed their policy on this matter and their programme for government states that they wish to reform the Triple Lock, but in my opinion, they intend to do away with it.
“I would ask for a referendum on the matter as it should be a matter for the people of Ireland of how our military are deployed. One can refer to the referendum of the Nice Treaty 2001 and look at the Seville Declarations of 2002 which solidify Ireland triple lock resulting in the referendum being passed in the second time of asking in 2002.
“As with the Nice Treaty in 2001, the Lisbon Treaty was rejected in 2008 and was only passed in 2009 with legal guarantees that Ireland’s neutrality was guaranteed. I believe that Ireland neutrality and the Triple Lock are joined and that neither can be altered without the consent of the Irish people via a referendum.
“The case of the UN Security Council Veto has been made but there is a UN General Assembly whereby Irish troops can be deployed on peacekeeping missions. Wexford Fianna Fáil councillors voted against the motion and as I had the casting vote the motion was carried.
2) At the special Presidential Council meeting of September 19th 2025, the Fianna Fáil councillors voted not to permit Wexford County Council to nominate a candidate for the forthcoming Presidential Election. I was totally at variance with this decision as I believe that the facility of nominating a presidential candidate is one of the very few powers County Councillors have and with the subsequent shambolic performance of Fianna Fáil where their candidate withdrew from the contest vindicated my position and highlighted the ineptness of the Fianna Fáil councillors on Wexford County Council and their inability to read the political mood as it was unfolding and indeed did feed into one of the greatest political embarrassments ever to befall the State owing to Fianna Fáil ineptness at all levels right up to the top, who later acknowledged that the whole affair was a complete shambles!
3) Mercusor: Early January 2026 saw the signing of the Mercusor Deal on a vote of EU countries of 21 For and 5 Against with one abstention. Ireland did vote against the deal for fears over the beef industry. The decision to vote against the deal was only taken at the last minute as the Irish Beef Industry and general Agricultural Sector brought as much pressure as possible to bear on the Irish Government. In the European Parliament, three Irish MEP’s voted to support the deal; notably, all three are urban based, two government MEP’s and one Labour.
“As Wexford is a county steeped in agriculture and produces unquestionably the best food in Ireland and indeed the world, I, as Chairman of Wexford County Council was happy and glad to stand with the agricultural sector in opposition to Mercusor and agree with the farmers in their concerns around the quality of produce coming into Ireland; the EU from the countries and the standards that they were expected to meet not being as high as the produce produced in Ireland and the EU. The Fianna Fáil Councillors were less than enthusiastic in supporting the farmers on this issue, more inclined to seek direction from HQ rather than stand with their own people.
4) January February 2026 also saw the Bord Bia Larry Murrin controversy raise its head when a company attached to Mr Murrin’s business was found to be allegedly importing some beef from Brazil while Mr Murrin, as Chairman of Bord Bia was holding Irish farmers to the highest standard in their production of beef and other food products. Wexford IFA was very prominent in the 36-day protest inside and outside the Bord Bia Headquarters in Dublin. Again, Wexford Fianna Fáil Councillors failed to support the beef producers and call for Mr Murrin to resign.
5) Fuel Protest. During February and March 2026, as a result of the USA-Iran war in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the price of fuel went up considerably bringing out hauliers, farmers and contractors onto the roads to protest. Co Wexford was no different to any other county due the impact of rising fuel costs and significant protests took place in the county, the biggest being at Rosslare Europort.
“At Wexford County Council meeting of March 13th 2026, a deputation was in attendance of the fuel protestors. Their presence at the meeting was hotly contested by some members of the council who directed their ire at me. I had sympathy with the protestors and was supportive of them. Some councillors said they felt intimidated and threatened by the presence of the protestors in the chamber.
“I saw or heard nothing that warranted asking them to leave the meeting. I came in for a torrent of abuse from councillors during the meeting, being called a “disgrace” by one councillor, while another councillor saw fit to go on local radio and muse over whether a vote of no confidence be called in my chairmanship as well as describing the meeting as a fiasco and chaotic.
“This councillor subsequently brought a motion to the next council meeting on May 11th, 2026, calling on members and I to up our standards. This councillor also called on me to reflect on my position at the meeting. I felt hurt, let down and my chairmanship undermined by this member. I got absolutely no support whatsoever from Fianna Fáil councillors, in fact one learned councillor chipped in to offer his support to my detractors.
“As can be seen from the above examples, I can no longer stay in the Fianna Fail Party as there is no forum to discuss my issues nor do I have the support from my two district Cllrs Breen or Kenny or my Party TD, Malcolm Byrne”.: Thank you. Joe Sullivan Cllr.
WexfordLocal.com 