WexfordLocal.com

Lingstown treble for Jack Hendrick

By Dan Walsh at Lingstown races

Local rider Jack Hendrick from Mayglass kept his followers sweet this afternoon at Lingstown point -to-point where he recorded a treble in Spring conditions at the popular well-attended Tomhaggard track.

Hendrick, who missed the early months of the season through injury is back on the winning trail and the first pair of his three winners today were for the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and handler Cormac Doyle from Monbeg, Ballindaggin.

Palinca galloped to a ten lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old mares’ and Monster Truck won the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Hendrick’s third winner was for Kilmore owner/handler Denis Moore and the punter’s favourite Potter who scored by four lengths in the maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards confined to handlers with ten wins or less.

The second division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings produced another local winner by a dozen lengths Got To Be Real ridden by Josh Berry for Wexford senior footballer and local handler Thomas Byrne from Ballygrangans, Kilmore.

The Padge Berry Memorial race for maiden five-year-old mares was won by Barry O’Neill on Royale Walk for the Colin Bowe stables. Nine lengths the winning margin.

Pelican Hill was another local victory for Gaynestown Stud Partnership and handler Jonathan Fogarty in the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings. He won by a dozen lengths with Finian Maguire up.

The Open Lightweight Race ‘over the banks’ went the way of Fountain House ridden by Eoin Mahon for Ian McCarthy’s Kildangan stables

Pictured with Got To Be Real after his success in division two of the four-year-old geldings’ maiden race were (left to right); Brad Kooloff, Patrick Byrne, Lily McDonald (groom), Thomas Byrne (handler) and Josh Berry (winning rider). (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Jamie Scallan was in Waterford today where he rode a double at Castlelands. He scored in both divisions of the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings – division one on Justoneglance for Sean Doyle by six lengths and made it two in a row on Anrew Latta’s Ocean Master by three lengths.

Garry Murphy won the maiden race for four-year-old mares with True To My Word ridden by Shane O’Rourke by an easy ten lengths.

Donnchadh Doyle saddled Koaly Play ridden by Alan Harney who had a seven and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

It was a special day for 17 years old Leon Cullen from Piercestown who rode his first point-to-point winner on Supreme Force for Robert Tector, Coolbawn Stables, Rathnure, by an impressive 13 lengths.

Also racing today in Galway where Manor Gate handled by Eamonn Doyle did the business by two and a half lengths under Rob James in the five and six-year-old mares’ maiden race.

Lingstown races expected to be dry

By Dan Walsh

Tomorrow’s Killinick Harriers point-to-point races at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, has received a high entry of 129 and the forecast is for a dry day. The first race is off at 1pm and ‘divides’ are a possibility.

The card will feature a race ‘over the banks course’ which is usually a spectacle and qualifies horses for similar type races at Punchestown later in the Spring.

The track is in good order, and the going is officially ‘yielding to soft, yielding in places.’ The organisers are hoping for a good crowd as the races will up the appetite for next week’s Cheltenham Festival.

Today (Saturday’s) point-to-point took place at Tyrella, Co. Down and Wexford raiders were in winning form.

The maiden race for four-year-olds was won by Newgrove in the colours of Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, by 13 lengths ridden by Shane Cotter. Newgrove goes to the sales now.

**Popular rider JAMES KENNY enjoyed his first winner as a handler in Tyrella this afternoon.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

James Kenny, Craanford, son of Liam Kenny, saddled his first winner when The Orphan Girl, owned by the four member Orphan Girl Syndicate from Ballymoney, Gorey, scored by two lengths in the five and six-year-old mares’ maiden race providing Timahoe, Co. Laois rider Graham Devitt with his first winner.

Bunclody native Cormac Farrell, who now trains at Kildangan, Co. Kildare, won the maiden race for novice riders when Sledgehammer got up by ‘a neck’ to take victory under Ballindaggin rider Cormac Byrne.

And Barry O’Neill rode his 24^th winner of the season on West of Idaho for David Christie in the Winner of One race.

Eviction notices withdrawn at Bridgetown

By Dan Walsh

The notices of termination that were given to 36 households in Hazelwood Estate, Bridgetown, last Friday before the new rental laws were set to begin have been withdrawn.

It is estimated about 100 people, including children, are affected by the termination notices issued to 36 homes. Some had instructed that they must vacate their properties in May and others in August.

However, in a change of heart, a spokesperson for landlord company Patchflow Ltd stated that the company “recognises the concern and uncertainty that has arisen” in recent weeks for tenants living in Hazelwood estate in Bridgetown.

The company understood receiving notices of termination can be “deeply unsettling for tenants and their families” and acknowledged the “stress” this situation has caused within the community, the spokesperson said.

“In order to allow time for constructive engagement and to support a resolution process, Patchflow Ltd has decided to withdraw the notices of termination that were issued to tenants.

The company plans to meet tenants over the coming weeks on an individual basis to discuss their circumstances and explore what options may be available to them.

This arrangement will apply on the basis that “existing tenancy agreements remain in place and that all obligations under those agreements”, including the payment of rent, continue to be met, the spokesperson said.

“Patchflow Ltd hopes that this extended period will allow a constructive process to move forward and create the time and space needed for solutions to be explored for all involved.

“Given that this process is now under way, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time,” stated the spokesperson.

**CLLR AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN said; “There is simply no security for renters in Ireland and that is something that the Department of Housing must prioritise.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Commenting on WexfordLocal.com last night, local Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien said; “There are many lessons to be learned here. There is simply no security for renters in Ireland and that is something that the Department of Housing must prioritise. I have requested an immediate reassessment of our social housing income thresholds, because they currently prevent vulnerable families and individuals from accessing vital supports that protect them from facing homelessness.”

“Let today be remembered, for the good and the bad reasons. I hope that no landlord dares to treat his or her tenants in this regard again on our soil; our history speaks for itself, let that be remembered.”

“For now, I am incredibly proud of the people for all their hard work and I hope that they take comfort this weekend. However, we could be seeing up to nine eviction notices being served every six months for the foreseeable future. I hope that the Minister for Housing protects these families from facing eviction again down the line.”

Death of former Gorey parish priest

By Dan Walsh

**VERY REV. WILLIAM HOWELL (1947-2026)**

The death has occurred of Very Rev. William Howell, a native of Camolin and former parish priest of Gorey. He was aged 79 years.

“He was very popular and I know in Ballygarrett, he would’ve been behind building the new community centre beside the church and when he was in Gorey he looked after the renovation of the church.”

“He would have done an awful lot for the community and he was in Lourdes every year. No matter who you talk to, he was very popular,” said his niece Annette Bailey.

He taught Irish and Maths, and was also affectionnately labelled ‘the singing priest.”

Born at Boley, Camolin, in 1947, he was educated at Camolin National School, Scoil na Leanbh, An Rinn, Co. Waterford, St. Peter’s College, Wexford, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, 1985-’86.

Fr. Howell was ordained in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Camolin, on June 8^th 1974.

He was appointed to the teaching staff of St. Peter’s College in 1974 and transferred to St. Aidan’s Cathedral parish at Enniscorthy in 1989. He was appointed curate in Kilmyshall in 1992.

In 1998, he embarked on a sabbatical year for further studies and was, on his return, appointed Coordinator for Pastoral and Religious Formation in the Diocese of Ferns.

He also served in Ballygarrett and St Michael’s Parish, Gorey. He retired during Covid.

FAMILY NOTICE. V. Rev. William Howell, former Parish Priest, Gorey, and late of Boley, Camolin. March 5, 2026, peacefully, in the loving care of the staff in Knockeen Nursing Home.

Sadly missed by his loving sisters, brother, brothers-in-law Tom and Michael, sister-in-law Bernie, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, great-grandnephew, first cousins Mary, Betty and Molly, Bishop Ger Nash and his brother priests of the Diocese of Ferns, relatives, friends and former parishioners.

May Fr. William Rest In Peace

Reposing at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Camolin tomorrow Saturday (7th March) from 3pm to 6.30pm.

Funeral Mass on Sunday (8th March) at 2.30pm with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

24,500 litres of beer seized at Rosslare

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

Dan Walsh

Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort seized approximately 24,500 litres of beer with a retail value of over €97,500 representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €45,700.

The beer was branded Desperados, Carlsberg, Budweiser, Oranjeboom, Holsten Pills, Debowe, Karpackie, Kestrel, Lech, Perla, San Miguel, Skol, Stella, Tyskie and Zubr.

The consignment was seized following routine profiling aimed at identifying alcohol products that may be diverted onto the market without payment of the tax due.

The alcohol arrived in an accompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. Following an investigation, both the trailer and the alcohol products were seized. Investigations are ongoing.

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

War halts Enniscorthy tourism

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy Municipal District Council confirmed today (Thursday) that the planned visit by a delegation from Blacktown City, Australia, for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations has been cancelled.

Due to the six-day Iran War, most regional airspace is closed, and the delegation was advised against using Dubai International Airport for security reasons.

The Blacktown delegation is “extremely disappointed” by the trip’s cancellation but hopes to reschedule the Enniscorthy visit in the future.

Brad Bunting, the Mayor of Blacktown, was selected as Grand Marshal to lead the Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17^th.

In August 2023, the then Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke hosted a Civic Reception for a visiting delegation from Blacktown City, a suburb of Sydney Australia, held in Enniscorthy Castle, where the highlight featured the signing of a ‘Sister Cities Friendship Agreement.’

Enniscorthy celebrates connecting roots!

**CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE making a presentation to the Cllr, now MAYOR BRAD BUNTING in Enniscorthy Castle in August 2023. MAYOR BUNTING is Grand Marshal for the 2026 Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day parade.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

There is an international flavour coming to Enniscorthy. A delegation from Blacktown City, Australia, will lead the Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day parade, with Mayor Brad Bunting as Grand Marshal.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, chose not to travel to Savannah, Georgia, so Cllr Pat Kehoe will take her seat on the jet. Cllr Murphy will foster the community spirit in Enniscorthy and also holds St. Patrick’s Day engagements at parades in Bunclody and Kiltealy.

The Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government will miss an important event in Enniscorthy to honour St. Patrick in Chicago.

This year’s parade will take the usual route from Templeshannon with festivities continuing after the parade in Market Square.

The theme this year is ‘Connecting Roots’ and sponsorship is forthcoming from Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

HISTORY; In August 2023, the then Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke hosted a Civic Reception for a visiting delegation from Blacktown City, a suburb of Sydney Australia, held in Enniscorthy Castle, where the highlight featured the signing of a ‘Sister Cities Friendship Agreement.’

Cllr O’Rourke referred to “an immense proud moment on your behalf (Blacktown) and on behalf of the people of Enniscorthy Municipal District to sign this Sister Cities Friendship Agreement which will allow future generations to continue to fly the town flag with pride knowing that friendship is enteral.

Speaking warmly of his previous visit to Ireland and Enniscorthy in 2022, Cllr Brad Bunting complimented the hospitality that the people of Enniscorthy have extended him and his delegation and highlighted the value and importance both he, and the Blacktown City Council, place in building new relationships at a community level with Sister City areas.

Since then, an Enniscorthy delegation has visited Blacktown, making this month’s event a reciprocal gesture that furthers their international friendship.

Paramedics must reapply for their jobs?

By Dan Walsh

Sinn Féin’s Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, for Wicklow–Wexford, has called on the Minister for Health and the HSE to urgently provide clarity for newly qualified paramedics in the National Ambulance Service, following reports that around 80 have been told they must reapply to retain their jobs.

Speaking today, Teachta Ó Súilleabháin said; “Last week, my office was contacted by newly qualified paramedics who are local within my constituency after receiving an email about changes to their permanent positions. It is simply unacceptable that they are being forced to reapply for the very jobs they are already doing. This makes absolutely no sense.

“These are highly trained, newly qualified paramedics who have completed their education and training and are already serving on the frontline of our healthcare system.

“This decision is not just unfair to these paramedics and their families — it also risks further undermining retention and morale at a time when morale is already on the floor in our ambulance service, and when paramedics are potentially facing strike action.”

“I have contacted the Minister for Health directly about this worrying situation. The Minister and the HSE must step in immediately to reverse this decision.

“These students need to be provided with certainty and be assured that permanent jobs will be offered to those currently in post.

“Paramedics deserve respect, stability, and a proper career pathway. And the public deserves a fully staffed and safe National Ambulance Service.”

9 million cigarettes seized at Rosslare

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers seized approximately nine million cigarettes at Rosslare Europort on Sunday. The seizure was made following routine risk profiling.

The contraband was uncovered during an examination of an accompanied freight unit which had disembarked a ferry from Dunkerque, France. The truck and trailer were also seized.

The smuggled cigarettes branded ‘Richmond King Size’, have an estimated value of over €8 million and represent a potential loss to the exchequer of more than €6.4 million.

A man in his 40s 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.

Families facing eviction in Bridgetown?

CLLR AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN is working tirelessly with the 36 families affected by termination notices this weekend to help answer their questions and support them in disputing the served notices and ultimately help them prevent this nightmare.” (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh in Bridgetown

Last Friday, 36 families in Hazelwood Estate, Bridgetown, south Wexford, were given notices ending their tenancies because the landlord plans to sell the properties.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com this afternoon, Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien said; “It is utterly devastating to see a mass eviction taking place in my home village of Bridgetown. I have been working tirelessly with the 36 families affected this weekend to help answer their questions and support them in disputing the served notices and ultimately help them prevent this nightmare.”

“Behind those 36 doors are families who are integrated into our community: children attending local schools, youths representing our local teams and adults working in our local establishments.

“Those families do not deserve to have their lives ripped to shreds and turned upside down, at no fault of their own.”

“At this time, I have been advised that these notices are unlawful. In the coming days the RTB (Residential Tenancies Board) will be in touch with the residents following the disputes we registered today, to investigate this. We live in hope that this decision can be reversed.”

“I have called for an emergency district meeting which will take place on Wednesday morning to thoroughly discuss what options can be made available from Wexford County Council,” concluded Cllr O’Brien.

Labour TD for Wexford, George Lawlor says uncertainty remains: “There’s 36 of them have received notices of termination issued by one individual landlord.

“I think the government must immediately intervene in this scenario, because here we have a situation where 36 families are now left without a home or will be left without a home when their notice runs out.”

A Department of Housing spokesperson confirmed Minister for Housing James Browne has been in contact with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) over the weekend in relation to the matter. Browne understands the RTB is directly engaging with Wexford County Council to ensure the tenants’ rights are protected.

It is understood properties are owned by a developer, Patchflow Ltd, which has been contacted for comment.

An emergency information meeting is to be held by Wexford County Council on Monday.

The Department spokesperson also said under Section 34 of the Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord must state a reason for termination in any “Part 4 tenancy termination notice served”. They added the termination will not be valid unless copied to the RTB and the stated reason must comply with regulatory guidelines.

The tenants received the notices ahead of the Government’s new rental rules, which came into effect today (Sunday).

Under the new rules, landlords will have to keep rent-price increases capped at 2 per cent, or the rate of inflation, annually. However, in the cases of new tenancies, owners can reset it to the market rate with no limit.

Tenancies started after Sunday will have a minimum duration of six years and there will also be more stringent grounds for eviction.