WexfordLocal.com

Looking ahead to Wexford Festival Opera 2027

By Dan Walsh

Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi has announced the programme for Wexford Festival Opera 2027, which will run from Thursday, October 14^th to Saturday, October 30^th.

Rosetta Cucchi said: “The 2027 Festival is a tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience and creative power of women, who continue to make a difference even in the face of silence. Through both the remarkable female characters who command our main stage and the pioneering women composers and librettists whose voices echo across history, this season celebrates those who dared to defy expectations and shape the world of opera.

“At the heart of the 2027 Festival is a single word: LOVE. Next year’s Festival will also continue to embrace the artistic philosophy that has become a cornerstone of our identity: one for the heart, one for fun, and one for the head.”

Wexford Festival Opera has earned an international reputation for rediscovering neglected operatic works while launching the careers of many of opera’s leading stars.

For the first time, two popular Wexford Festival Opera initiatives — the Factory Opera and the Community Opera — are merging into one unforgettable production.

The first of the trilogy of iconic operas created by Mozart and Da Ponte, The Marriage of Figaro takes place over just one madcap day. Women are the emotional and strategic heart of the story: the female characters consistently outwit the men, staying several steps ahead throughout. Conducted by Karen Ní Bhroin, from Ferns, who last year became the first Irish woman on the podium of the Royal Albert Hall in London, the most visible conducting podium in the world.
General Booking opens May 5^th 2027 at wexfordopera.com / +353 53 912 2144 / in person at the National Opera House, High Street, Wexford.

Eddie Casey wins Macra National Leadership Award

**Eddie Casey receiving his Macra National Leadership Award from Macra President Josephine O’Neill.**

By Dan Walsh

Bree Macra is a flurry of activity this week, as members prepare for the Macra National Conference, and celebrate recent successes.

The club’s chairperson, Eddie Casey, recently took home Macra’s prestigious National Leadership Award, which recognises outstanding leaders in Macra, defined by their contributions to their clubs and communities, as well as their lasting impact on the organisation.

Eddie was nominated by his clubmates in recognition of his exemplary record within the organisation. In addition to chairing the Bree branch, Eddie has also served as Bree Macra’s Competitions Officer and was a key member of the club’s 65th Anniversary Dinner Dance Committee. He has also previously served as Wexford Macra’s Development Officer and Competitions Secretary.

However, the club has little time to rest on their laurels, as they represent Wexford in a number of national competitions at the National Conference (Macra Rally) over the coming Bank Holiday weekend.

The Bree Agricultural Quiz team of Kieran Banville, Barry Murphy, David Finn and Gary Murphy will vie for the Know Your Ag trophy on Friday, having seen off stiff competition from within county Wexford.

On Saturday, JP Furlong will represent Wexford in the Sheep Stockjudging All-Ireland Final. A man of many talents, JP and his mother Ellen were recently recognised as the Irish Country Meats Supplier of the Year.

Colin Bowe lands a superb five-timer

**LEON CULLEN from Piercestown rode his third career winner at Fairwood, Tinahely, this afternoon.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood, Tinahely

Kiltealy’s Colin Bowe, the 13-time national champion point-to-point handler, had a remarkable Sunday afternoon, saddling five winners – three at Umma House, Westmeath, and a double at the Shillelagh & District fixture at Fairwood, Tinahely.

Bowe’s double at Tinahely were both ridden by Barry O’Neill, who enjoyed a treble in the autumnal sunshine. Eight lengths was the verdict on Talladega in the maiden race for five-year-old mares and two lengths favoured Dark Til Daylight in the maiden race for five -year-old geldings. Both winners carried the familiar black with a green cap colours of Milestone Bloodstock Ltd.

Barry O’Neill’s treble was achieved on My Life Be Like in the three-runner Open Lightweight Race winning by 10 lengths for Fermanagh handler David Christie.

Denis Murphy got off to a winning start to the new season with Right Jack, ridden by Shane Cotter, who scored by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds.

Piercestown rider Leon Cullen rode his third winner aboard I’m Over It in the colours of Marie Robinson and handled by Robert Tector at Coolbawn, Rathnure. Seven lengths the verdict.

Colin Bowe’s treble at Umma House were two in the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours and recorded a treble for Oulart rider Bertie Finn.

First up was Sunset Carousel by six lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings; then it was the turn of Captain’s Song by a neck in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and the treble success was completed with Supreme Walk in the colours of Tomas Frisby by five lengths in the maiden race for six-year-old plus geldings.

The other Wexford winner at the Westmeath track was Redacresmiriam in the colours of Caitriona Goff, trained by Michael Goff at Clondaw, Enniscorthy, and ridden by their son, Harry. Winning verdict two lengths.

The Island Hunt point-to-point races take place next Saturday, October 24^th, at Peppards Castle, Kilmuckridge. First race at 1pm.

Paul Bell first solo exhibition

**PAUL BELL showing his first solo exhibition at Big Barn Art and Antiques.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Famous for his melodic vocals on the Wexford musical classics ‘Dancing at the Crossroads’ and ‘The Purple and Gold’, a first solo exhibition from Paul Bell opened today (Saturday) at the Big Barn Art and Antiques studio at Cornerstown, Mayglass, coinciding with the Wexford Festival Opera.

“It’s called Immersion and Suspension, which are the titles of the two main series I’m showing, Wexford town native Paul Bell told WexfordLocal.com.

“I lived in London for over 30 years and spent most of that time writing and recording my own songs. I was lucky enough to have some success along the way, including songs like “Dancing at the Crossroads” and “The Purple and Gold”.

“I always painted as a hobby and some were even used for my record sleeves, but apart from those I never showed my paintings to anybody. It was only when I came back to Ireland a few years ago, encouraged by my sister Maura, that I took up painting seriously.

The Immersion and Suspension exhibition is my first step on this journey,” said Paul who issued an invitation to the public; “Would love to see you at the Big Barn Art and Antiques, Y35 VH05.

Opening Saturday, October 17^th and continuing 18th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st, 12–5pm. All are welcome.

New ‘points’ season opens at Tinahely

**Racing at Fairwood, Tinahely** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

The new point-to-point season gets under way at Fairwood, Tinahely, on Sunday, with Shillelagh & District Hunt hosting the fixture. The first of six races starts at 1pm.

Seventy-six entries were received, in line with early-season expectations and the recent prolonged dry spell. The four-year-old maiden drew 22 of them, with Colin Bowe (six entries) and Denis Murphy (four) dominating the field.

The going report is “Good. Good to Yielding” and parts of the hilly track is watered to ensure safe ground.

Always a popular track with owners and handlers and the supporters the organisers are hoping for a good-sized attendance and Sunday’s forecast is for “dry conditions, with maximum temperatures coming in at around 13 degrees!

Festival Opera ‘Volunteer of the Year’

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Festival Opera proudly announces Laura Nolan, who has been volunteering with the Festival for 37 years, as the 2026 Ecclesiastical/Wexford Festival Opera Volunteer of the Year.

Laura was chosen through a public vote by fellow volunteers, board and staff of the Festival.

Laura is currently the Head of the programmes team. The team covers all Opera Festival events both in the National Opera House and at other venues, including the Community Opera, Lunchtime Recitals and more.

The announcement was officially made by Artistic Director, Rosetta Cucchi and David Lane, Managing Director Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland from the stage of The National Opera House on the night of the first public dress rehearsal, Iris, which opened the 75th Wexford Festival Opera. It was attended by an audience of Festival volunteers.

David Lane, Managing Director Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland said: “Volunteers play such an important role in making Wexford Festival Opera what it is, and Laura’s commitment over more than 35 years is really something to celebrate. Giving that amount of time to the Festival, while always being there to help audiences and fellow volunteers, is a fantastic achievement.”

Ecclesiastical Insurance, a specialist insurer of the Arts, has supported Wexford Festival Opera’s volunteer programme for 13 years.

Cllr McDonald questions Gorey traffic management

By Dan Walsh

Gorey Cllr Darragh McDonald has urged Wexford County Council to deny Uisce Éireann road opening licences unless proper traffic management can be guaranteed, after motorists around Gorey faces major disruption.

Cllr McDonald said: “Uisce Éireann are currently carrying out works on two major roads into Gorey, with temporary traffic lights taking over ten minutes to change, even during rush hour. This is simply not acceptable.

“Everyone recognises the need for investment in infrastructure, and nobody is suggesting that essential works shouldn’t take place. However, there has to be a reasonable expectation that disruption to the public will be properly managed and minimised where possible.

“If Uisce Éireann cannot adequately resource these works and put effective traffic management arrangements in place, then Wexford County Council should be refusing them permission to open the road until they can.

“What we are seeing at the moment is lazy and ineffective traffic management, with ordinary people paying the price through unnecessary delays on their daily commutes, school runs and journeys to work.

“If a private developer was causing this level of disruption, the Council would rightly be demanding immediate improvements. I see absolutely no reason why a public body should be held to a different standard.

“We cannot have a situation where major routes into Gorey are effectively brought to a standstill because nobody has taken responsibility for ensuring traffic can move efficiently.

“The message needs to be simple: if you want permission to open our roads, you must demonstrate that you can manage the traffic properly. If you can’t, the licence shouldn’t be granted,” concluded Cllr McDonald.

Happy 75th Wexford Festival Opera

**Fireworks over Wexford Harbour marks the the beginning of the 75th Wexford Festival Opera.** (*Pic; WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Quay

The 75^th Wexford Festival Opera opened last night (Thursday) before a packed Wexford Quay, as the traditional fireworks display lit up the sky over the harbour to launch an internationally renowned musical celebration featuring 75 events over the next 17 days.

**Mayor of Wexford CLLR VICKY BARRON** (*Pic; WexfordLocal.co*m)

This year’s festival is special “and promises an unforgettable celebration of 75 years of extraordinary.” So runs the festival motto!

Sparking from the stage the Mayor of Wexford Cllr Vicky Barron said; “The festival belongs to the people of Wexford, and generations of Wexford people wherever they are. 75 years of extraordinary achievement. Happy 75^th Wexford Festival Opera.”

AUDIO ADDITION; Mayor of Wexford Cllr Vicky Barron speaking at the opening of Wexford Festival Opera 2026 on Wexford Quay.

Master of ceremonies, the inimitable Maurice McCarthy, introduced special guest Anna Murphy, co-winner of Traitors 2026, who was honoured to officially launch the 75^th Wexford Festival Opera.

AUDIO ADDITION; Anna Murphy speaking from the stage as she officially opened Wexford Festival Opera 2026.

Chair of Wexford Festival Opera, Paul Cleary, addressed the crowds and mainly paid tribute to the background volunteers and performers who make the festival what it is. There was a special recognition for the boys and girls of Scoil Mhuire Loch Garman who performed on stage.

There was an amazing onstage performance from the Ivy Sisters featuring Sharon Clancy, Jilly Cox and Aileen Donohoe and Rachel Grace also performed.

On a still night, the fireworks were visible for miles, set to classic tunes that lifted the spirits of the crowd, made up mostly of young families!

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 18^th) 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.”