Tourism boost as Duncannon Fort reopens

CLLR JOHN DWYER, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District Council addressing the Duncannon Fort reopening ceremony in brilliant sunshine this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Duncannon Fort

Minister for Rural Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD today (Thursday) performed the reopening of the first phase of redevelopment under the Duncannon Fort Masterplan, bringing three of its of its historic buildings back to life.

Closed to the public for health and safety reasons in 2015 funding of €500,000 from the Department of Rural Community Development matched by €250,000 from Wexford County Council marks an exciting step forward enhancing the Fort’s tourism potential, with more ambitious developments planned as further funding is secured.

Minister Calleary said he was delighted to mark the renewal of Duncannon Fort, which he described as “a remarkable national monument in this historic site on the Hook Peninsula.

“It is very encouraging to see the refurbishment and restoration of these three buildings, now brought back into meaningful use for the community and for tourism, in a way that ensures accessibility for all,” added Minister Calleary.

Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, said “it is with great pride that we celebrate the reopening of Duncannon Fort, a historic jewel on the Hook Peninsula, now revitalised through the first phase of restoration.

“This is just the beginning, with more exciting restoration to come, and I invite everyone to visit Duncannon Fort to experience its history and breathtaking views,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.

Cllr John Dwyer, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District recalled growing up in New Ross town in the 1960s and 1970s and “our holidays inevitably were spent in Duncannon village and the Fort was always a magical place full of mystery and intrigue.

“It was during this time that I learned the words of The Croppy Boy and I can still sing this beautiful upon request,” said Cllr Dwyer bringing laughter from the large attendance in the outdoors on a beautiful Spring afternoon.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD was full of praise for the Council, the members and the officials, and the communities for the great work that happens in County Wexford to have a Masterplan and then to see fruition, which doesn’t happen in every county.

“We can be very proud of our heritage. A special mention to the fantastic community here in Duncannon and to acknowledge how proud you are here in your local community and I look forward to securing even further funding for the preservation of our wonderful local heritage,” concluded Minister Browne.

Speaking on behalf of Wexford County Council, Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe said: “I am delighted to celebrate the reopening of the newly refurbished Duncannon Fort, marking the first step in our Masterplan to restore this historic gem to its former glory.”

Mr. Taaffe extended gratitude to Minister Calleary and his Department for the generous funding, the dedicated contractors and the Municipal Council crew, whose exceptional skill and commitment have revitalised this landmark, with future developments to come.

Attendees included Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllrs Bridín Murphy, Michael Sheehan, John Fleming, Pat Barden and Marty Murphy and Deputy Chief Executive Eamonn Hore. It’s fair to recognise former Cllrs Michael Whelan and Anthony Connick for their support of the project while in office.

The ceremonial aspect of the occasion was enhanced by the guard of honour provided by members of the 10th Battalion Veterans’ Association and the contribution of the New Ross FCA Pipe Band members.

Alan Fitzhenry, New Ross District Manager, and his staff co-ordinated the event and acted as master of ceremonies.

Gorey girl awarded top art prize

Wexford student, Emily Gregan (age 6), from Tara Hill National School, Gorey is a winner in this year’s 72nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition. She is pictured with her prize-winning work entitled ‘Tina Cat And The Bouncing Balls’ with her mum, Louise and dad, Shane. The picture was taken at a function to announce the top winners held in Dublin.

By Dan Walsh

A Wexford student has won a top prize in this year’s 72nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition.
In the 6 years and under age category –the youngest age group in the Competition –Emily Gregan (6) from Tara Hill National School, in Gorey has won second prize for her work entitled ‘Tina Cat and the Bouncing Balls’.

Describing Emily’s artwork, Final Adjudicator – Irish visual artist, curator and educator – Pauline O’Connell, says it “depicts a lively and charming image of a marmalade cat surrounded by an array of colourful bouncing balls, capturing both movement and playfulness with warmth and clarity.”

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates to the very first Competition held in 1955.

This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Wexford and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.

Wexford’s water supply restored

By Dan Walsh

UPDATE, THURSDAY. Uisce Éireann crews have restored normal water supply in Wexford Town after operational issues at the Coolcots Reservoir caused some customers to experience reduced water pressure.

Customers in Townparks, Whitemill, Ard Carman and the surrounding areas were impacted by the disruption.

Uisce Éireann is working to restore full supply to customers in Wexford town today (Wednesday).

Due to operational issues following repairs to a burst water main at the Coolcots Reservoir, they may experience reduced water pressure until further works are completed.

Areas affected include Townparks, Whitemill, Ard Carman and the surrounding area.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a normal water pressure as quickly as possible.

“We understand the inconvenience of a disruption to the water supply and we thank customers impacted for their support while our repair works are ongoing.

“Our operations crews are working to reduce the impact; however, some customers may experience reduced pressure until the repair work is completed,” Padraig told WexfordLocal.com.

More women in local government

Eight elected members to Wexford County Council (left to right); Cllrs Lisa McDonald, Vicky Barron, Aoife Rose O’Brien, Barbara Anne Murphy, Chairperson of Wexford Women Together, Bridín Murphy, Patricia Byrne, Catherine Walsh, and Mary Farrell.  

By Dan Walsh

Next Friday, Wexford Women Together is hosting an event facilitated by See Her Elected in the Council Chamber of Wexford County Council and will offer women information on how to get involved in local politics and explain what the working life of an elected representative involves.

Wexford Women Together recognises the significant challenge posed by the underrepresentation of women in local politics throughout rural Ireland.

For example, there are only eight women out of 34 councillors on Wexford County Council which is 23.5%. Since 1925 there have only been 17 women elected to Wexford County Council. 

Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Chairperson of the Wexford Women Together explains that “As female elected members, we are not seeking to outnumber our male colleagues. Gender parity is what we seek, representative of the society that elects us. International research shows that having more women leaders involved in the decision-making process, makes for more equal, inclusive, fair, and caring societies as they bring to the fore issues and challenges previously perceived as non-priorities such as childcare, community facilities, community development, and gender-based violence.” 

Dr. Michelle Maher from See Her Elected praised Wexford Women Together for organising such a relevant and timely event. “Although the next local elections aren’t until 2029, by encouraging women to think from now on about being in local government gives them time to start planning and learn how to run”.

She added that “it’s important that we all know how our councils work and the different ways we can all get involved in decision-making – from responding to calls for submissions, to the opportunities for community and voluntary groups to contribute to council policy through Wexford’s Public Participation Network.” 

Women interested in finding out more can book a place at this event.

 

Wexford’s Luke Furlong is amateur open champion

Luke Furlong (Wexford), the 2026 Flogas Irish Boys’ Amateur Open Champion. (Pic; Inpho/Ryan Byrne).

By Caomh Breen Allen

Luke Furlong produced an incredible performance on the final day of the Flogas Irish Boys’ Amateur Open Championship, coming from behind to secure a playoff victory over John Moran (Portmarnock) at Malone Golf Club.

Furlong began the day four shots off the lead, rounds of 72 and 70 leaving the Wexford golfer at two-over-par as he teed it up on Sunday afternoon. The 16-year-old remained steady across his opening nine holes, a level-par 35 keeping him firmly in contention, but with ground to make up on the leaders.

John Moran (Portmarnock) and Barry McMenamin (Ballybofey and Stranorlar) were tied at the top on one-under-par thru their opening nine holes, but the momentum shifted early on the back nine.

With five holes to play, Furlong trailed Moran by four shots, but the turning point came at the 14th, where the Wexford golfer chipped in for his first birdie of the day to spark his charge. Another birdie would follow at the 16th and when Moran dropped a shot at the 17th, Furlong’s birdie on the same hole would draw him level at one-under-par.

Both players would par the 18th to force a playoff, returning to the same hole once again. Furlong found the centre of the fairway off the tee, while Moran was left to play from the rough on the left.

Furlong’s approach set up his birdie chance, while Moran faced a delicate chip from off the back of the green, which he played excellently to put the pressure back on his opponent.

The 16-year-old rose to the occasion, producing the putt of the day when it mattered. As his ball dropped, Furlong clenched his fist in celebration, cheered on by family and friends who had made the long journey north.

“Lost for words really. I didn’t think coming into that back nine that I would have had too much of a chance, but I just tried to stick in it and keep going,” said Furlong.

“Luckily, I chipped in on 14 to set me off a bit and then two birdies on the way in, and obviously the birdie in the playoff to beat John, who is an incredible player. It’s a very nice feeling.”

It was Furlong’s composure throughout the final round that proved decisive, with the Wexford golfer carding a bogey-free 67 before making his fourth and final birdie in the playoff to claim his second national title, following his All-Ireland Schools Senior Boys triumph in 2025.

“I decided if I could get back to under par and stay there, keep being a problem, keep causing trouble, I would be in with a shout. The last two days I played well. I scrambled at times and putting kept me in it so I knew if I hit more greens, more fairways that if I could putt the same as I have the last few days, I’d have a good chance.”

“It’s a good feeling. Bogey-free today. I hit fairways and greens quite well, gave myself chances, didn’t put myself in trouble. That was the goal heading into today, just keep it steady, keep being there, keep being a problem and see what happened at the end.”

Doubles for Goff and Hendrick

HARRY GOFF shared a family double today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Three point-to-point meetings today with doubles for Ferns handler Michael Goff and Tomhaggard rider Jack Hendrick while Jonathan Fogarty, in his 14th year as a handler at Cleariestown, saddled his 50th career winner.

Goff had an across the cards double beginning with Techno Lad coming home nine lengths to the good under Matthew Gahan in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings at Castletown-Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath.

Goff’s double was achieved at Doneraile, Co. Cork, in the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and a two lengths success with newcomer Hurricane Harry ridden by his son, Harry Goff. Both winners were in the Caitriona Goff colours.

Division two of the above race went to Darragh Berry, Tomhaggard, who saddled The Big Berk to a one a half lengths victory ridden by Joey Dunne.

There was also point-to-point action at Tullaherin, Co. Kilkenny today. Jamie Scallan and Sean Doyle combined to win the second division of the four-year-old mares race with newcomer Spinning A Dream ridden by Jamie Scallan. Twelve lengths the winning margin.

Eamonn Doyel saddled another newcomer, Garden Master, in the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and the result was a four lengths success with Bertie Finn riding.

Jonathon Fogarty saddled his 50th career winner in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings at the Kilkenny track with Tamara Jane winning by 13 lengths ridden by Taghmon rider Alex O’Keeffe.

Jack Hendrick rode a double. The Laundry Jet for Patrick Doyle, Tipperary, and Nelsons Port for Navan handler Amy Parsons.

Gorey school is Fyffes Fittest

Fitness and healthy eating should start at a young age.

That’s the message pupils at Gorey Central School heard as they hosted a workout session as part of the Fyffes Fittest School 2026 competition. 

Delivered by Irish fitness expert Sharon Flanagan, the visit saw the young pupils participate in an active age-appropriate workout designed to improve their general fitness during which advice on the importance of healthy eating was given.

Jesse Sludds is new country music star  

JESSE SLUDDS gave a winning performance on The Late Late Show last night. (Pic; Andreas Poveda/RTÉ Press Office)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford teenager Jesse Sludds has been crowned the inaugural Late Late Show Opening Act winner – the search for Ireland’s newest country music star.

The prize will see him opening for Shania Twain at Limerick’s Thomond Park in July and opening The Late Late Show Country Special in October.

The 19-year-old full-time musician from Enniscorthy, who covered Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car on the night, won the competition when the results of the public vote, the music industry jury vote, and the country music jury vote were combined.

When the result was announced, he told host Patrick Kielty; “Oh wow, I did not expect that at all. And to think that I wasn’t going to do it because I didn’t think I was country enough!

“I had seen it online at first and I was like, ‘Nah…’, and then I had so many people talking to me I was like, ‘Ah sure, go on then!’ But, eh, wow!”

In the studio on the night, The Late Late Show‘s panel, made up of singers Una Healy and Sandy Kelly, The Shires’ Ben Earle, and broadcaster and Something Happens frontman Tom Dunne had all hailed Sludds’s performance, describing him as “very special” (Healy), “an amazing voice” (Kelly), “a star” (Earle), and “sensational” (Dunne).

Enniscorthy Civic Awards Evening

DAVIDSTOWN-COURTNACUDDY GAA CLUB added another trophy to their precious 2025 collection at the Civic Awards Evening. Pictured (left to right); Elaine Doran, Dom Stafford, Tony Dempsey, Maureen Doyle, John O’Donoghue and Joe O’Donoghue. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy District Manager Claire Lawless welcomed everyone to the Enniscorthy Municipal District Council to the special Civic Awards Evening held in Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, tonight (Thursday).

There was a special welcome for Minister James Browne TD, Johnny Mythen TD, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllrs Aidan Browne, Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke and Trish Byrne. Apologies were accepted from Cllr Pat Kehoe.

“The Civic Awards Evening is where the Cathaoirleach and elected members of Enniscorthy Municipal District recognise and awards outstanding achievements of individuals and groups from around the district,” stated Ms. Lawless, who added; “Congratulations and well done to all.”

The winners were presented with their plaques and certificates by elected members who nominated them having brought their list of achievements before an adjudication panel. The winners were as follows;

CIVIC CERTIFICATE AWARDS

EMILY NOLAN who won two gold medals and one silver in the world Karate championships individual and JAKE NOLAN, winner of three gold medals at the Karate World Championships.

TOM BYRNE and JIMMY DUNNE who won the over 65 years Handball Championships representing Kilmyshal Handball Club.

TOMMY ARMSTRONG winner of over 60s B World Championship held in Ireland.

SEAN NOLAN Two world handball over 40’s title (France and Netherlands) and two runner-ups (UK and Spain.

LOUISE DOBBS Senior Irish dancing All-Ireland winner 2025.

MIA LARKIN WALSH and ANNE MARIE O’MAHONEY for representing Ireland at the Global Innovation in Sustainability Summit (GISS) in Qatar 2025.

DEAN MOLLOY, winner of the Fergal Quinn Award for Education.

ANNE MARIE O’MAHONEY (left) and MIA LARKIN WALSH represented Ireland at the Global Innovation in Sustainability Summit (GISS) in Qatar 2025. Pictured here with their nominator Cllr Trish Byrne and certificates at the Civic Awards Evening event. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

CIVIC PLAQUE AWARDS

SEAN ÓG Ó DUBGHAILL 30 years as treasurer of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns’ Committee amongst other contributions to the town and district over a long career as an elected public representative and beyond.

DAVIDSTOWN-COURTNACUDDY GAA CLUB 2025 Leinster Junior Club hurling championship winners.

WEXFORD FILM WORKSHOP Winner of 17 international film festival awards including Best Film.

REACHABILITY 50th anniversary.

TEMPLESHANNON COMMUNITY CHILDCARE CENTRE 50th anniversary.

FDYS 60th anniversary.

It was a most enjoyable occasion. District Manager Claire Lawless and her team, Lisa Moore and Barbara Nolan, managed the event successfully, with Liam Sharkey as excellent master of ceremonies.

 

Iarnród Éireann’s Health & Safety Awards

At Iarnród Éireann’s 2025 Health & Safety Awards (left to right); Director of Health and Safety Kay Doyle, Aidan O’Sullivan and Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Mary Considine. (Pic; Iarnród Éireann).

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann celebrated the outstanding achievements of colleagues across the organisation at the 2025 Health & Safety Awards, held recently in Portlaoise.

Aidan O’Sullivan, a port operative for Iarnród Rosslare Europort, was amongst the winners highlighted at the event. Aidan was recognised as the “Shared Services Safety Individual of the Year”.

“Recognition in any form is very humbling, but when it comes from your colleagues and peers for promoting safety, it’s even more rewarding,” said O’Sullivan.

Also receiving a Health and Safety award in the category of Shared Services Safety Representative of the Year was Danny Ennis, Duty Supervisor at Rosslare Europort. Danny was nominated and selected as the Shared Services Safety Rep of 2025 for his active role in promoting safety and assisting with all safety-related tasks as part of his duties at the busy gateway to European trade. 

Kay Doyle, Director of Health and Safety for Iarnród Éireann said of the recognition; “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all persons nominated and recognised as part of the Iarnród Éireann Health and Safety Awards. Our first core value is Always Safe, and these individuals have gone beyond the standard to be safety leaders. “We as a railway are committed to ensuring a safe place of work for our staff and contractors whilst ensuring the safe transport of our customers, and the achievement of these individuals make that Safe Journey, Every Journey a reality.”