Uisce Éireann is working to restore normal water supply to homes and businesses in Gorey following operational issues at Creagh Water Treatment Plant, which has led to some customers experiencing low pressure and intermittent disruptions to their water supply.
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 crews are working to reduce the impact; however, some customers may experience reduced pressure until the repair work is completed,” said Mr. Lyng.
Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council CLLR JOHN DWYER making a presentation to the Power School of Dancing “for excellence in Irish dance education” at the annual Civic Awards ceremony in Brandon House Hotel, New Ross, last Thursday night.
By Dan Walsh The 2026 New Ross Municipal District Civic Awards were presented at the Brandon House Hotel, New Ross, last Thursday night where recipients were warmly celebrated by the district staff.
It was a special occasion where the local councillors came together to recognise the extraordinary individuals, groups, and organisations who make the area a better place to live, work, and thrive.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening, District Manager Alan Fitzhenry welcomed all and explained to the packed room at the Brandon House Hotel that a Civic Award is the highest honour the Municipal District can bestow.
Mr Fitzhenry spoke about the importance of community leadership and communicated to the recipients how immensely proud the New Ross District is of their achievements.
An Cathaoirleach, Cllr John Dwyer, led the tributes, presenting awards to the Original Founding Board Members of New Ross Community Hospital (Service to the Community), the Power School of Dance (Excellence in Irish Dance Education), and sporting brothers Dean and Jesse O’Riordan (Excellence in Sport).
An Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr John Fleming then took to the stage to honour Cloughbawn GAA & Camogie Club (Excellence in Sport), Cushinstown Development Group – Cush Croí (Service to the Community), and Rathnure Development Group (Service to the Community).
Cllr Pat Barden presented awards to Ann Murphy (Service to the Community), Gusserane All Stars (Service to the Community), and New Ross River Search & Rescue (Service to the Community).
Cllr Bridín Murphy recognised Therese Dalton of Screen Wexford (Excellence in Youth Services & the Arts), Emma Hickey (Excellence in Sport), and Nuala Slevin-Reck and David Reck (Dedication to Social Inclusion in Agriculture).
Cllr Marty Murphy honoured Liam Ryan (Dedication to the Community), Stefan Whelan (Excellence in Community Fundraising), and South West Wexford Family Resource Centre (Service to the Community).
Cllr Michael Sheehan completed the presentations celebrating Thomas ‘Stan’ Blanche (Excellence in Sports & Dedication to the Community), Mary Browne (Service to the Community), and the New Ross Municipal District Staff & Crew (Dedication to the Community).
Speaking after the event, Cllr Dwyer said; “It is vitally important to recognise excellence in our community. Nights like this remind us that every great town is built on people who give their time, show real leadership, and inspire everyone around them. We’re very proud to celebrate every single one of our award winners tonight.”
The event was a powerful reminder that community spirit remains strong and thriving in New Ross.
Entries for Thursday’s Wexford races include runners from the top yards and local stables and the scene is set for a good evening’s racing. The first race is off at 5.02pm.
The ground at Wexford is good to yielding (watering). Dry forecast
The seven-race card includes four steeplechases, a hunter’s chase and two point-to-point flat races.
A bonus for punters is that €141.21 from Tuesday’s jackpot at Gowran Park has been carried forward to Wexford.
There are three racing dates at Wexford for the month of May. The others are Saturday, May 16th and Friday, May 27th (evening).
Bishop Adrian Wilkinson (extreme left) and Canon Trevor Sargent (extreme right) led the 250th anniversary celebrations in Saint Mary’s Church, Bunclody last Sunday.
A large congregation gathered last Sunday at Saint Mary’s Church, Bunclody, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the church’s consecration.
The Choral Eucharist was presided over by the Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, The Right Reverend Adrian Wilkinson, and he was assisted by The Reverend Canon Trevor Sargent, Rector of Bunclody Union of Parishes.
Among the clergy assisting were two former rectors of the parish, the Reverend Nigel Waugh and the Reverend Michael Stevenson. Canon Sargent, in his words of welcome, also noted the ecumenical and civic representatives present.
Music formed an important part of the service, and the Choir of Saint Mary’s Church and Friends were directed by Dr Jeffrey Cox. Valerie Twomey was the assistant organist, and the trumpet was played by Anthony Nolan.
Symbols of parish life and organisations were brought forward and placed in the sanctuary at the start of the service.
In his sermon, Bishop Wilkinson reminded the congregation that this church was consecrated while the ink on the American Declaration of Independence was still wet. Reflecting on the idea of ‘living stones’ in the epistle reading from 1 Peter, he reminded the congregation that ‘we are called not simply to preserve, but to embody the gospel, by serving, praying, and loving, so that this church remains a beacon of hope and grace in this community.’
Following the service, the congregation gathered in the adjacent hall for refreshments, where a special anniversary cake was cut.
Many tributes have been paid to actorGary Lydon, known for Billy Roche’s plays and films like Calvary, The Guard, and The Banshees of Inisherin, has died aged 61.
Speaking on behalf on behalf of Wexford Arts Centre, its Executive Director Elizabeth Whyte said she was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of his death.
“Gary had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche’s plays. He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland and the UK,” she said.
“Though heartbreaking, it is fitting that his final role on our stage was performed alongside his son James Doherty O’Brien.
The lights in the theatre world are dimmer due to the loss of Gary, but we will cherish the memories of his performances with reverence.
“Deepest sympathies to his family, friends, stage and screen colleagues and to Billy Roche, his creative alliance collaborator for over forty years. May you be laid down softly Gary. May you rest in peace.”
Gary Lydon was born in 1964, in London, to Jimmy O’Brien from Wexford and Julie Lydon, London Irish.
The family moved back to his father’s home in Wexford when he was just nine. He would later take his mother’s surname for his professional career, one that lasted decades and saw him appear both on the stage and on the screen.
Lydon considered a business career before teaming up with Billy Roche, whose trio of plays advanced several careers.
First noticed on stage in Billy Roche’s famous Wexford trilogy, he is remembered as a thoughtful man who had much to say about the business of acting.
He won an IFTA for his performance as Patrick Murray, a counsellor in the RTÉ series The Clinic. Keep your eyes open and you will catch supporting turns in Calvary, Brooklyn and War Horse.
In recent years, he lived in Roscommon where he set up a theatre company.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Gary Lydon, (Gary Mark O’Brien) Shanballybawn, Leitrim P.O. formerly Clonard, Wexford Town, April 30th 2026, suddenly at his home. Pre-deceased by his parents Jimmy and Judy O’Brien.
Gary was deeply loved and will be forever missed by his adoring sons Seanluke and James and their mother Kara, partner Paula and her
daughter Aoife, brothers Anthony, Seamus and Ian, sisters-in-law Ann, Trudy and Liz, nephews Eoghan, Marcus, Finn, nieces Eve, Ciara,
Reposing at Shivnan’s Funeral Home Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 WT26, on Wednesday evening (May 6th) from 5 p.m. until 8p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Michael’s Church, Cootehall, F52 AF85, on Thursday (May 7th) at 12 noon followed by interment afterwards in Kileenan Cemetery, Cootehall.
Bank Holiday Monday point-to-point took place at Dawstown, Co. Cork today and there were winners for four Wexford stables.
The maiden race for four-year-old geldings was divided. The Denis Murphy stables continued an amazing run in division one where newcomer North Tipp scored by three and a half lengths under Shane Cutter and division two brought a two and a half lengths victory for newcomer Works For Me owned and trained by Luke Murphy, Corecannon House, Inch, Gorey. The winning rider was Donal O’Connor.
The same Luke Murphy was the successful rider on Park Hall for Paul Martin Pierce and Blackhall Stables partnership, Killurin, in the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares.
It was a good weekend for Murphy. Chicks For Free had a 13 lengths victory for owner, handler and rider Luke Murphy in the maiden race for four-year-old mares at Stowlin, Co. Galway, on Sunday.
ROBERT TECTOR enjoying his best season (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Robert Tector in his seventh season at Coolbawn, Rathnure, having his best season with 12 winners so far, scored his 30th career success when Supreme Force took the Winner of Two race with Jack Hendrick up.
Rob James skipped the point-to-point scene today (Monday) and headed to Down Royal where he was successful on the Donnchadh Doyle owned, Jack Foley trained Catalini (8/15 fav.).
James had three victories at the Punchestown Festival last week, another at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork yesterday (Sunday).
Two point-to-point fixtures today (Sunday) produced success for six Wexford stables.
HARRY GOFF shared a family success today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
At Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, Wexford raiders won both divisions of the four-year-old mares’ maiden race. Handler Michael Goff and his son, Harry took the first division with newcomer Tactic by two lengths while another newcomer Lake Nagambie won division two by five lengths for Adamstown handler Susan O’Gorman and rider Shane O’Rourke.
The four-year-old geldings’ maiden was divided with the first division going to Maxi Twist for handler/rider Rob James by four lengths and The High Stool winning division two by four lengths for Cormac Doyle and the Monbeg farm racing Partnership. Donal O’Connor was in the saddle.
Denis Murphy had a sensational five victories last weekend and his good luck continued in division two of the five-year-old geldings’ maiden race with Airforce Marshal coming home first under Shane Cotter.
Robert Tector is having a fine season too and he was in the winners’ enclosure following the six lengths success with Spring Waltz ridden by Jamie Scallan, who was successful for Sean Doyle on Jetbob in last Friday’s Bishopscourt Cup at the Punchestown Festival.
Today’s other fixture was at Stowlin, Co. Galway, where newcomer Chicks For Free had a 13 lengths victory for owner, handler and rider Luke Murphy from Gorey, in the maiden race for four-year-old mares’.
Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a burst water main in Wexford Town and restore water to customers affected.
The burst is impacting customers in Árd Carman and the surrounding areas.
Repairs are expected to be completed by 7pm today (Sunday).
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.
“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned interruption to the water supply, and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.”
Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.
To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the burst and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon presents Eoin Staples with the Champion Conditional Jockey title trophy at Punchestown on Saturday. (Pic; Horse Racing Ireland)
By Dan Walsh
Duncormick-born rider Eoin Staples, 22, has won the coveted title ‘Champion Conditional Jockey’ and was honoured today (Saturday) at the Punchestown Festival where the 2025-’26 National Hunt season came to an end.
Staples, who was stood down following a fall on Thursday which resulted in an arm injury, had three winners to spare, 33-30, over his nearest rival Michael Kenneally from Cork.
Staples said; “I’m absolutely delighted to win the champion conditional title and the Goffs Thyestes on Now Is The Hour for the BDS Syndicate and Gavin Cromwell has to be my season standout. I have to give special mention to Rob James, Andy Pierce and Colin Bowe for giving me all the experience and opportunities as an amateur before turning conditional.
“I have to give big thanks to my main supporters Gavin Cromwell and Paul Nolan and their owners for the amazing opportunities they have given me, along with the people around me – Garry Cribbin my agent, my family especially my mam and dad – I couldn’t have done it without them,” concluded Staples.
It was a very successful Punchestown Festival for Wexford jockeys with Rob James riding three winners. The Killanne amateur won the Ladies Cup on Fountain House for Kildangan, Co. Kildare trainer Ian McCarthy on Tuesday and returned with the same horse to win the Cross Country on Saturday. What a double success!
Ian McCarthy said: “We brought him to Ballinesker Beach in Wexford after he won on Tuesday and it is lovely for the likes of this horse to freshen them up. We bring them for a little walk up to their knees which is good for them.
“We wouldn’t have run him unless we knew he was 100% and we’ll get him home now and mind him. We have the got the best of Rob James’ 7 lb claim this week and this is absolutely brilliant.”
The reference to the 7 lbs claim and Rob James is that in future Rob can only claim 5 lbs on the track, even though he has ridden more than 400 point-to-point winners and shared the championship title with Barry O’Neill last season.
The McCarthy/James partnership were second in the Bishopscourt Cup on Friday with Hearts and Spades beaten eleven lengths by Jetbob, in the colours of Henry Chamney, trained at Ballindaggin by Sean Doyle and ridden by Jamie Scallan.
Doyle’s front runner enjoyed a healthy advantage in the two-and-a-half mile contest and had his rivals on the stretch from the fourth last. “This has been the plan for a while,” said Doyle afterwards, and he added; “He probably wanted that bit of dry ground. In fairness Jamie (Scallan) came out with a plan in his head and by-God he executed it well.”
Rob James added another Punchestown winner on Friday when he partnered Wonderwall for Sam Curling in the Champion Hunters Chase.
There were also festival winners for JJ Slevin (Barry Lyndon), Sean Flanagan (Eachtotheirown) and Barry Stone on Adaboy for Declan Queally in the bumper on Thursday.
Arklow and Rosslare Harbour RNLI came to the aid of two sailors in the early hours of Wednesday morning after their 24ft yacht got into difficultly.
The crew on the sailing vessel requested assistance after having mechanical failure and losing power 15 miles south of Arklow.
Due to the location of the vessel, Rosslare Harbour RNLI’ all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard to assess the situation just before 2am.
ROSSLARE HARBOUR RNLI Lifeboat. (File Pic; RNLI)
Arklow RNLI later was requested to assist in the rescue and was launched at 3.10am.
The lifeboat from Rosslare arrived on scene first.
Weather conditions were good at the time with a light wind and clear visibility despite the darkness.
The crew observed that while the casualties were safe and well, the yacht could not make any safe onward progress due to having lost power.
A decision was made to secure a line to the vessel and tow the yacht north to the safety of Arklow Harbour which was more favourable due to the weather conditions and the north westerly wind direction at the time.
The Rosslare lifeboat was met by Arklow’s RNLI lifeboat where the tow was safely handed over and the yacht brought into the marina at 6.15am.
Speaking after the call out, Arklow RNLI Coxswain Brendan Dillon said: ‘We were happy to bring the sailors to safety this morning and would like to wish them well. We would also like to thank our colleagues from Rosslare for the great team work this morning and indeed commend them and all our volunteers who got out of their beds and responded to this call out in the hours of darkness.”
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