Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat rescued five people this afternoon after their 9-metre motorboat suffered engine failure near the Saltee Islands.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 1.54 pm and promptly made its way to the scene north of the Great Saltee.
Visibility was good with a light westerly breeze, Force 2 to 3. Sea conditions at the time were described as slight.
Arriving at the location at 2.18 pm, the lifeboat crew checked that everyone on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation.
Taking into consideration the position of the drifting boat, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the disabled craft back to shore.
The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay arriving at 2.50 pm without further incident.
Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Aidan Bates said; “We were very pleased that there was a successful outcome to today’s call out. Being able to respond so quickly is due to the equipment and training our volunteer crew receive.
“As a charity, the RNLI depends entirely on public generosity, which is why we’re hoping there will be a big turnout for our annual Lifeboat Day this Bank Holiday Sunday, August 2nd here in Kilmore Quay,” concluded Coxwain Bates.
Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a burst watermain in Enniscorthy and restore water supply to affected customers as quickly as possible.
The outage is impacting customers in the Greenville Lane, Moyne and Old Dublin Road areas. Repairs are currently underway, and it is estimated that normal supply will be restored later this afternoon.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured affected customers that every effort is being made to restore supply as quickly and as safely as possible.
“We understand the inconvenience that an unplanned outage can cause for customers and local businesses. Our crews are on site and working as quickly and safely as possible to repair the burst and restore water supplies to affected customers.
“We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while these repairs are completed and we work to return normal water supply to the area.”
Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to return to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for supply to be fully restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.
Pictured at Roxborough Manor, Mulgannon, Wexford are (left to right); Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr Jim Codd, Eamonn Hore, Director of Services Wexford County Council, Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh, Stephen McDonald, Colm Neville Construction, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Vicky Barron, George Lawlor TD, Cllr John Fleming, Cllr Garry Laffan, Colm Neville and Stephen O’Connor, Senior Executive Officer Wexford County Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Mulgannon, Wexford town.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage was in Wexford town recently at Roxborough Manor, Mulgannon, where Wexford County Council continues to expand the supply of affordable housing while creating new pathways to home ownership for first-time buyers.
Wexford County Council has maintained strong momentum in the delivery of affordable housing since the beginning of 2025, the latest projects will constitute the eighth rollout under the Council’s affordable housing programme, reflecting its ongoing commitment to increasing housing availability and supporting affordable homeownership opportunities.
Looking ahead, a further opportunity for affordable home ownership will become available with the launch of Roxborough Manor, Mulgannon, Wexford Town, in early September 2026.
Pictured at An Lisin Mór, Coolballow, Wexford are (left to right); Tom and Brendan Doyle, Arcona Developments, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr Jim Codd, Minister for Housing. Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Vicky Barron, George Lawlor TD, Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh, Eamonn Hore, Director of Services Wexford County Council, Cllr Garry Laffan, Cllr John Fleming, and Stephen O’Connor, Senior Executive Officer Wexford County Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
Dan Walsh homes at Coolballow, Wexford
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD visited the new affordable housing development known as An Lisín Mór ‘The Big Garden’ at Coolballow on the outskirts of Wexford town.
Applications for An Lisín Mór have generated strong interest, reflecting the continueddemand for affordable home ownership opportunities in the county.
The development provides 20 high-quality, A-rated homes and forms part of the Council’s wider strategy to support sustainablehousing delivery.
Applications for An Lisín Mór, Coolballow have closed.
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has announced a funding allocation of €371,792.25 for 105 events to support Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools taking place around Ireland in 2026.
Four Wexford projects have been awarded funding as follows;
The Verida Project, EDITOR’S Note; Never heard of it but research assures me, “it is a not-for-profit project dedicated to reshaping how we understand and support mental health”. €5,000.
Gap Arts Festival, Ballythomas, Gorey, €4,954.
Bunclody Trad Fest (St. Aidan’s Hall), €700.
St. Michael’s Parish Church, Gorey, €2.250.
The scheme is designed to assist local cultural events which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events such as those supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.
Funding was allocated following a competitive applications process, with a maximum grant of €5,000 available.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Minister Patrick O’Donovan said; “Culture and the arts play a vital role in enriching our society, strengthening communities and preserving Irelands unique heritage.
“Through the support of my Department, festivals and summer schools across the country continue to provide opportunities for people to connect, learn and celebrate our shared traditions.
“I extend my sincere thanks to all involved and encourage everyone to take the opportunity to enjoy the excellent programme of cultural events taking place throughout 2026,”concluded Minister O’Donovan.
Pictured at Cúl Caisleán in Taghmon are (left to right); Lynda Lacey, Finance Officer Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, Director of Services Wexford County Council, George Lawlor TD, Edwina Colfer Acting Rosslare District Manager, Cllr Frank Staples, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District Council, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Anne-Marie Neville, Liam Neville Developments, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr John Fleming, Cllr Jim Codd and Stephen O’Connor, Senior Executive Officer Wexford County Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Cúl Caisleán, Taghmon
Speaking during the launch, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, welcomed the continued progress being achieved through the Affordable Housing Programme.
“I am delighted to be home today in the sunny South East to see progress being made on three important developments at ‘An Lisín Mór’ in Coolballow, Roxborough Manor in Mulgannon, and here in Taghmon. These three developments combined will provide almost 200 much-needed homes, including 43 Starter Purchase homes and 35 social homes.
“With almost €3.5m in funding from my own Department through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), these projects will help make home ownership a reality for local applicants, providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes and further strengthening opportunities for people to put down rootsin their own communities,” concluded Minister Browne.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald, said: “Affordable housing is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about providing stability, opportunity and a future for families across County Wexford. We are proud to see these new schemes progressingand to support local people in achieving the dream of home ownership.
Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore highlighted the Council’s ongoing commitment to housing delivery. “Wexford County Council remains firmly committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing and providing real opportunities for people to purchase a home. The launch of these new developments reflects the effectiveness of working in partnership with Government, developers andlocal communities.”
Cúl Caisleán “Back of the Castle” in Taghmon consists of six 2-bed homes and four 3-bed homes and are being made available for sale supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in partnership with Liam Neville Developments, through the affordable purchase arrangement under the Affordable Housing Act 2021.
Applications for Cúl Caisléan, Taghmon, open on August 5th 2026.
A woman in her 60’s has died on Kilpatrick Beach in North Wexford this afternoon.
The woman, who was a visitor to the area, was enjoying the close-in beach facilities when she suddenly became unwell and despite the best efforts of family and friends, she sadly passed away.
Her body was removed to University Hospital Waterford for a post mortem examination.
Emergency services from the Irish Coast Guard, the National Ambulance Service and An Garda Siochana were in attendance.
Local Independent Cllr Joe Sullivan visited the scene and expresses his condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.
CONOR STONE-WALSH kept local punters happy with a winner at Wexford today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races – Day 2
Day two of the Wexford Races attracted the year’s largest crowd so far to Bettyville Park this evening (Thursday), as summer weather shone and champion trainer Willie Mullins completed a treble.
Owner Stephen McGuinness and his son Tom McGuinness, who trains on the beach at Rosslare Strand enjoyed their first course success when Esticky End (16/1) scored by a neck in a handicap hurdle with Dylan Robinson in the saddle.
“This means a lot to us as he has been difficult to train and it has been a long journey with him. He won once for us in Dundalk previously and this is our first every jumps winner today.
“We’ve only three horses on the go, we ran two today and have another racing tomorrow, so we’ll have a quiet few days afterwards,” said trainer Tom McGuinness.
Wexford jockey Conor Stone-Walsh was aboard handicap hurdle winner Set The Tone (5/1) for Piltown trainer David O’Brien. The five-year-old bay mare was bred by legendary trainer Jim Bolger.
Champion trainer Willie Mullins and Brian Hayes shared a double with Highland Realm (7/2) and Are You Around (6/1) in the opening two races and then Willie went on to make it three winners on the card when Cotswold Blue, ridden by his son Patrick, won the ‘bumper’ impressively by seven lengths.
Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell had his second winner in as many days at Wexford when Ocean Murphy (9/1) took the Ladies Handicap Hurdle under Joanna Walton.
“It’s Joanna’s first winner for me and she is very loyal and able when Phildelma (Elvin, stable amateur) isn’t available,” said Philip Rothwell.
Racing resumes at Wexford again on Friday evening, August 7th, which is the ever popular Ladies Day and continues with day two which is an afternoon meeting on Saturday, August 8th.
At the Civic Reception on the roof top of Enniscorthy Castle this evening were CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, CLLR LISA McDONALD, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council , MAYOR BRAD BUNTING of Blacktown City, New South Wales, Australia, and CLAIRE LAWLESS, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
It was time to celebrate the Sister Cities agreement, also known as a twinning ceremony, between Enniscorthy and Blacktown, near Sydney, Australia, with a roof top Civic Reception at Enniscorthy Castle this evening.
Claire Lawless, District Manager, acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed everybody including Minister James Browne TD, Cllr John O’Rourke, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllrs Trish Byrne and Barbara-Anne Murphy, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services and from Blacktown City Council Mayor Bunting, Kevin Poilly, Manager of Events and Sister Cities; Donna Wallace, Manager of Greenspace Services; and Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors Caiden Bond and Laura Corvalan.
Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr John O’Rourke said “This evening’s reception provides an opportunity not only to formally welcome our guests from Blacktown City Council but also to celebrate the enduring links between our communities and to look towards future opportunities for co-operation and friendship.
“This return visit is another important step in building lasting connections through friendship, cultural exchange and tourism,” said Cllr O’Rourke, who added; “Thank you for making the journey to Wexford. We sincerely value our friendship with Blacktown and look forward to many more years of collaboration.”
Mayor Bunting said; “It’s only new but I already feel this relationship is going to grow further and further because of genuine interest from both sides of the world to grow.
Speaking directly to Cllr O’Rourke, Mayor Bunting said; “John, I would be more than happy to invite you back to Blacktown because I think it’s important that we do travel. We have stopped listening to the media regarding its a junket! These things aren’t about a councillor going overseas and having a holiday. These things are real connections, things that we can learn from each other to make sure each city is a better place for learning from other places around the world.
“So again, thank you for your great hospitality here in Enniscorthy and I look forward to the next couple of days and a bigger brighter future for our cities,” concluded Mayor Bunting.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Lisa McDonald also expressed her appreciation and supported strengthening the relationship between Blacktown City Council and Wexford in the years ahead.
There were many exchanges of gifts including a magnificent design of the Enniscorthy town crest by Martin’s Jewellery, Wexford, while Mayor Bunting presented Cllr McDonald with a didgeridoo, a traditional wind instrument from Indigenous Australian culture, played by vibrating the lips and using circular breathing to produce a continuous drone.
The pleasant ceremony concluded with entertainment from the Martina Leacy Academy and the Kay Keeley music and dance group.
British champion jocky HARRY COBDEN rode his first winner at Wexford today on the JP McManus horse Anodandawink. Also in picture is JP McManus racing manager Frank Berry and trainer Ciaran Murphy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
Wexford enjoyed a very successful day’s racing today, with dry, warm weather, temperatures in the low 20s and a strong crowd. Similar conditions are forecast for day two tomorrow.
Thursday’s card consists of eight races, seven hurdle races and an INH Flat Race. First race at 4pm and the feature is the hurdle race for lady jockeys at 5.10pm.
British champion jockey 2023-’24 Harry Cobden rode his first winner at Wexford races today (Wednesday) when he partnered Anodandawink (3/1 fav.) to a ten lengths victory in the handicap chase.
Last January, Cobden (27) was appointed JP McManus’ retained jockey for Britain and Ireland, and today’s success was for his retained owner and a first McManus victory for Mullingar trainer Ciaran Murphy.
Wexford races began 75 years ago, but never has a horse won by 70 lengths…until today! Sky Lord (6/) on a double for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe broke the distance record ahead of Cobden’s mount Centreofattention in the beginner’s chase.
Best of the local trainers was Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, who saddled Ballybrittas (9/2) to win the opportunity handicap chase under Joshua Halford.
Bad news on the local racing scene. Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe suffered a broken leg in an incident at Ballinrobe on Tuesday evening.
He underwent surgery today (Wednesday) and we wish him a speedy recovery.
More than 20 members of Wexford Racecourse Members’ Supporters Club visited Paul Nolan’s stables at Toberona House, Davidstown, Enniscorthy, before racing today.
Paul Nolan took the enthusiasts on a tour of the stables and gallops and met most of the horses in beautiful summer conditions.
Mary Doyle, Chair of the Club thanked Paul Nolan for his courtesy and support to the members while Paul replied that it was a pleasure to have the Wexford Supporter’s visit and said they are welcome to the yard anytime.
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