WexfordLocal.com

From Cheltenham to Ballycrystal

By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal

Cork rider Shane Cotter enjoyed his first success at the Cheltenham Festival and his good run of luck continued today (Sunday) at The Island Hunt fixture at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, winning the four-year-old maiden race on Ferocimo for his retaining stables, Denis Murphy, Ballyboy, The Ballagh.

There was a local victory in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares when Lady Jukebox triumphed by two and a half lengths for Matthew Flynn O’Connor. Brian Lawless the successful rider.

Sean Doyle saddled the first and second home in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings – Baz And Stokes (Ross Sugrue) and Riseandcall (Cormac Byrne – separated by one and a half lengths.

Ross Sugrue rode a double when partnering What Path, who made the long journey from North Kerry for Michael Mangan to take the Open Race and will be aimed at a cross country race at the Punchestown Festival in April.

Tipperary owner/trainer Sam Curling has an excellent strike rate at Ballycrystal and he saddled Deplama to win the Winner of One Race ridden by Nicole Lockhead Anderson.

The last race was won by Maison De Balzac ridden by Rob James for Colin Bowe. Bowe was in Ballynoe, Co. Cork, where he recorded a double on the day when the Barry O’Neill ridden newcomer Jurys Verdict scored by three and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds.

There was also point-to-point action today at Durrow, Co. Laois, where all six winners had Wexford connections. There was a double for Paul Martin Pierce, Blackhall Stud, Killurin, with Colegram in the five-year-old plus mares’ maiden and Sworn Duty in the Winner of One race.

Both of Pierce’s winners were ridden by Meath rider Joey Dunne, who recorded a treble on the day. His third win came aboard Eamonn Doyle’s Mossy Fen King by four lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke won the first two races for Ballymitty handler Garrett Murphy and the Turbine Syndicate. Sadnhbh’s A Singer in the mares’ four-old-maiden by two and a half lengths and Living in Luxury by one length in the four-year-old geldings maiden race continuing a fairytale season for Garrett Murphy and his team.

Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick teamed up with trainer Tom Dreaper on Rock On Richie in the concluding maiden race at Durrow and romped home by 28 lengths!

Ballindaggin Cormac Byrne was amongst the winners at Kirkistown, Co.Down, yesterday (Saturday) riding City Chief to ‘a head’ victory in the Open Race confined to novice riders.

Next Sunday’s point-to-point is the Bree Hunt races at Monksgrange, Rathnure. First race at 2pm. Entries close on Tuesday.

Island Hunt races at Ballycrystal

By Dan Walsh

An entry of 105 has been received for the Island Hunt point-to-point races at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy tomorrow (Sunday). The first race is at 1pm.

**CORMAC BYRNE winner today at Kirkistown.**

The going is described as “yielding, soft in places” and the forecast is for a dry day up to the time of racing.

The track has a good covering of grass, is well laid out and a good attendance is expected.

Young Ballindaggin rider Cormac Byrne was amongst the winners at Kirkistown, Co. Down, today (Saturday) riding City Chief to ‘a head’ victory in the Open Race confined to novice riders.

Challenges faced by fishing sector

**SEAMUS O’FLAHERTY and CLLR JIM CODD have concerns about the fishing industry and the challenges it faces.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Kilmore Quay

The fishing industry faces challenges from unpredictable weather, reduced EU quotas, and the existence of different quotas for boats using the same fishing grounds.

I visited Kimore Quay today, where there are 23 trawlers and 25 lobster boats. Add the shoreline facilities and fishing supports around 500 jobs and contributes an estimated €35 million to the local economy each year.

Seamus O’Flaherty, part owner of OF Fishing located on the Quay gave an example of quota differences for Area 7a (Irish Sea) for Sole; Belgium 279 tonnes, UK 96 tonnes, Holland 88 tonnes and Ireland 69 tonnes.

Fishers who break the quota rules can find themselves facing criminal charges. Armed Gardaí have conducted raids and searches, taken away computers and other data in searches of offices in Kilmore Quay. “The laws are impossible to comply with, and skippers and trawler owners are regularly before the Central Criminal Court,” stated Mr. O’Flaherty

Recently, an EU fishery patrol boat with Irish, Finnish, and Latvian crew boarded a local vessel from Kilmore Quay about 50 nautical miles off the south coast. They measured cod ends and confiscated them. It is likely that a criminal case will be taken against the skipper.

Then there are problems out a sea. Different boats using the same fishing grounds are subject to different quotas depending on their country of origin.

Cllr Jim Codd, who has been an advocate for the local fishers said you can’t catch Black Sole but if they come up in the nets you can’t throw them back, you must land them and register them and possibly face criminal charges.

Rising fuel prices due to the Middle East war are making it more costly for the fishing industry to deliver fish nationwide.

Cllr Codd noted Kimore Quay’s historic role as a fishing village and urged the government and EU to review the quota system for fairer treatment of Ireland.

Death of boat builder Ron O’Rourke

By Dan Walsh

There is mourning in the Rosslare Harbour district and further afield at news of the death of Ron O’Rourke.

Ron was many things over the course of his life. A seafarer who understood the rhythms and realities of the water.

A skilled boat builder and carpenter whose work quite literally took shape in timber and craft. He built a few boats in recent years.

And a musician, bringing people together in the way that only music can. His party piece was the lifeboat song, ‘Home From The Sea’.

But beyond all of that, he was, first and foremost, a gentleman. The kind of person whose presence was quietly felt, whose knowledge was generously shared, and whose company was genuinely valued by those lucky enough to know him.

Sincere condolences to Ron’s family and friends. Fair winds, following seas and Steady As She Goes to a dear shipmate, Ron.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Ron O’Rourke, Tuskamore Terrace, Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford, March 17^th 2026, beloved husband of the late Mary, and loving father of Alan, Eamonn, Brian and Siobhan; brother of the late Molly, Berna and Angela, sadly missed by his family, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

May He Rest In Peace.

Reposing Mulligans Funeral Home, The Faythe, Wexford, on Friday from 3pm until 6pm. Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church Rosslare Harbour on Saturday at 12noon. Burial afterwards in St. Aidan’s Cemetery Kilrane.

Gorey mourns for Willie Willoughby

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of William (Willie) Willoughby, Charlotte Row, Gorey, who is admired for his contribution to the community and was a well-known local historian.

President of the North Wexford Historical Society, Willie was best known for his walking tours of Gorey and his history lectures on Courtown and Gorey’s famous Market House.

He was instrumental in the foundation of Gorey Rugby Club in 1968 and served as President in 1974-’75 seasons.

Willie was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gorey Awards in 2025.

Over 100 members of the Willoughby families held a gathering in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, in September 2010. They travelled from as far away as Prague, Germany, the UK and Northern Ireland.

Willie said he can trace the family’s history back to the 1600s. They originally came to Ireland as stone masons and arrived from Lincolnshire in the 1640s.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of William (Willie) Willoughby, The Lodge, Charlotte Row, Gorey, Wexford

Died peacefully on March 17^th 2026 in the loving care of the staff at Gorey District Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Beloved partner of Phil and loving father of Carol, Trevor, Ruth and Brian, cherished brother of Gladys, Olive and the late Daphne. Will be very sadly missed by his partner, sons daughters, sisters, grandchildren Jack, Luke, Zoe, Georgina, Cloe, partners Michelle and Eddie, brothers-in-law Harry and David, nephew John, nieces Julie and Helen, extended family, relatives and many friends.

“At Rest”

Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey, on Friday March 20^th from 5 pm. until 8 pm.

A Celebration of Willie’s life will take place at Murphy’s Funeral Home on Saturday, March 21^st at 12 noon followed by the Cortege walking to Market House Main Street Gorey. Cremation will take place privately.

Call for Solar Farm guidelines

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting and Gusserane

Gusserane Community Action Group protested outside County Hall, Wexford, before the December meeting of Wexford County Council and representatives of the group are present in the public gallery at every meeting since watching the contentious issue of solar farm applications.

The group protested a planning application and renewable energy project, describing it as “a very extensive and intrusive sized energy development”—specifically, solar farms in the district.

The group told WexfordLocal.com that the size of this development is not in any way sympathetic to the small tight knit rural community of Gusserane and neighbours in Cushinstown and Newbawn and this rural community was never designed for a high-impact industrial energy complex!

They also alleged that “prime agricultural land is being taken to solar farm – this is not allowed in many countries -and land in the same area sold for agriculture at record breaking prices last year, “The implications of this will have a devastating effect on local farmers who lease land to produce crops and vegetables and rear livestock. Farmers and the associated agri-industries will be adversely affected by the imposition of this industrial energy compound.”

There are other worries too, like the high risk of pollution and habitat damage to the environment and the Terrerath and Owenduff rivers that flow towards Bannow and the destruction of hedgerows and biodiversity corridors used by pollinators, birds, and wildlife.

Addressing the issue at the December meeting, Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe said it was a national issue and needs to be addressed nationally.

At the March meeting of Wexford County Council a motion in the names of Cllrs Michael Sheehan, John Dwyer, Marty Murphy, Bridín Murphy, John Fleming and Pat Barden was put forward, but it received an unfavourable response from the chamber and was put to the meeting by Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan as an amendment that read; “The Council calls on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to immediately issue Solar Farm National Planning Guidelines as a matter of urgency.” The motion proposed by Cllr Oliver Walsh and seconded by Cllr Anthony Donohoe was carried 14 votes to 10.

**Public protest in Gusserane** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Cllr Pat Barden argued strongly against the proposed solar farm activity in Gusserane and felt it was inappropriate to “use prime agricultural land for solar farms.”

“We are on a slippery slope here,” said Cllr Barden, who believed that if the solar farms go ahead, “the family farm is dead.”

Cllr John Dwyer drew attention to “the visual intrusion” it would cause.

Cllr Frank Staples said; “We can’t dictate to farmers what to do with their land” while Cllr Pip Breen pointed out that “tillage farmers are losing money” and need financial security.

Cllrs Anthony Donohoe and Robbie Staples supported “a business decision chosen by the local farmers.”

Meanwhile, anti-solar farm posts are common around the Gusserane district and the issue has some way to go, although a public consultation event will be part of the process.

Local jockey wins Wexford feature

**SARAH KAVANAGH wins at her local track.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Local jockey Sarah Kavanagh won the feature race at today’s St. Patrick’s Day races at Bettyville Park on the opening day of the 2026 season aboard Don’t Go Yet (5/1) in the Michael O’Murchadha Handicap Hurdle.

Owned and trained by Edward Cawley who made the trip from Meath Don’t Go Yet won by six and a half lengths to give the Ardcavan, Castlebridge native her eighth career winner in the two miles contest.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com after her victory, Sarah confirmed it was her second success at Wexford having previously scored on Feet Of A Dancer for Paul Nolan in June 2023.

Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell saddled Zam Bobbler (14/1) who was successful in the maiden hurdle ridden by Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard. Power Roche was stood down later in the day when his mount slipped up, however, it is just a medical precaution, and he will be back in action again soon.

Best display of the day was Yoradreamer (13/8 fav.) who came home 22 lengths ahead of the field in the beginners’ chase for the Cheltenham champions Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.

Equally impressive was Minella Machine (4/5 fav) ridden by John Gleeson for Henry de Bromhead in the concluding ‘bumper’

Sarah Connell from Tallow, Co. Waterford, who has only two horses in training, won the mares’ maiden hurdle with Catchabird (7/4 fav.) ridden by five-pound claimer Aidan Kelly.

John McConnell also travelled from Meath to saddle Westoftignes (9/2) for Scottish owner John Fyffe in the novice handicap hurdle and it ended with a three and a half lengths victory under jockey Alex Harvey.

Cheltenham winning jockey Darragh O’Keeffe from Mallow won the handicap chase on Connemara Shore (13/2) for Robert Tyner’s Cork stables. It was the biggest field of the day – 16 runners – and the winning verdict was two- and three-quarter lengths.

It was a nice afternoon’s racing, very competitive, a good-sized holiday crowd and while it was a chill wind it remained dry throughout the seven race card and a fine start to the 2026 season.

Wexford has 14 fixtures this year, the highest number ever! Next day out is Friday, April 10^th which is an evening meeting.

Celebrating National Tree Week

**Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan presented trees to members of Castletown Development Group to celebrate National Tree Week.**

By Dan Walsh

An Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan presented trees to members of Castletown Development Group to celebrate National Tree Week, an annual event organised by the Tree Council of Ireland in partnership with Coillte.

This year marks 40 years of National Tree Week, the theme “Growing a Greener Future Together” reflects the collective effort of communities, organisations, and individuals across the country who continue to plant, protect, and cherish Ireland’s trees.

Cllr Joe Sullivan stated that “this year’s theme invites communities across our county to come together to appreciate the beauty and crucial importance of Ireland’s trees. I encourage all to plant more trees and to celebrate Ireland’s trees.”

To celebrate National Tree Week, Wexford County Council in conjunction with the Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte distributed 800 native saplings to primary schools across County Wexford.

Wexford County Council also promote and support local communities with the ‘Trees for Wexford Scheme’ which saw 9,669 trees, and saplings distributed to voluntary community groups and schools in February 2026.

A St Patrick’s Day parade near you!

By Dan Walsh

St Patrick’s Day has historically been a significant occasion for celebrating Irish heritage, though cultural practices are evolving. Government officials and ministers are currently travelling abroad, and publicly consuming Guinness is now viewed with disapproval.

St. Patrick’s Day symbols are made in China, many people confuse shamrock with clover, and newcomers are encouraged to wear their traditional attire.

St Patrick’s Day parades in our towns and villages are still enjoyable, though less lively now because of restrictions from insurance companies.

Animals are prohibited from parades, floats can’t feature live bands, dancers, or human images, and young children must have approved minders—all due to health and safety regulations.

Pipe Major Jim Byrne leading St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin. They have performed at hundreds of St. Patrick’s Day parades in the UK and, especially locally over many decades. They will have a busy schedule again this year.

We know how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Find your local parade on the 2026 list below.

BUNCLODY; Bunclody St. Patrick’s Day parade starts at Tírlán, Carrigduff at 10.30am and will traverse the Main Street. Marching groups, floats and commercial entries will participate. Local business is encouraged to decorate their windows and participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Window Competition! An ecumenical blessing of shamrock will be one of the highlights. Slaney Search & Rescue will be amongst the participants.

CARRIG-ON-BANNOW; Grand Marshal Maudie Walsh will be leading the Carrig-on-Bannow St. Patrick’s Day parade in its 16^th year, and it begins at 2pm. Their very own gig-rig will be on show for the support of local talent.

CLONROCHE; Always a great celebration, the Clonroche St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on Tuesday, March 17^th, with floats gathering at the Mill for a 1.30 p.m. departure. The parade moves through the village and past the viewing stand, featuring local, community, and, often, vintage vehicle entries.

COOLGREANY; This is the 16^th St. Patrick’s Day parade with a new 12-person committee spearheaded by local Cllrs Nicky Boland and Craig Doyle. Led by the Arklow Pipe Band, the parade starts at 12 noon. Local businesses, sports groups and schools are encouraged to take part, and participants are asked to dress up as their favourite Disney characters and turn Coolgreany into a storybook for the day. Con O’Driscoll is the Grand Marshal for the Coolgreany St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A highly respected local figure, Con has given so much to the community over the years it is a fitting honour, and the community is delighted he accepted.

CURRAGRAIGUE; Folklorist Michael Fortune initiated “the smallest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world” nine years ago and the 2026 event commences at 11.05am in The Commons, Ballindaggin. It is a novel fun-filled event where large vehicles and tractors are banned, however, small animals, bikes and buggies and families are the backbone of its success story.

DUNCANNON; The annual Duncannon St. Patrick’s Day parade sets out from the Star of the Sea Church overlooking the village at 11am. It will make its way through the village and end up on Duncannon’s renowned beautiful beach.

ENNISCORTHY; Slaney Search & Rescue are the Grand Marshals for the Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Parade which sets out from the Shannon Chapel at 3pm. The theme this year is ‘Connecting Roots’. Usual route. Viewing stand at Abbey Square.

FETHARD-ON-SEA; Fethard-on-Sea parade took place on Sunday. Read special report on WexfordLocal.com

**Boxing champion KAYLIEIGH BYRNE is Gorey Grand Marshal.**

GOREY; The theme of this year’s Gorey St. Patrick’s Day parade is ‘Carnival’. The parade will follow the traditional route from McCurtain Street, along Main Street, with the viewing platform on Esmonde Street. It starts at 3pm. The Grand Marshal is boxer Kayleigh Byrne who recently won a bronze medal at the U19 European Amateur Boxing Championships.

KILTEALY; The Kiltealy St. Patrick’s Day Parade has prizes for the best floats. The parade starts from Kiltealy Community Centre at 1pm. The parade is organised for ‘Make A Wish Ireland’.

NEW ROSS; This year’s New Ross St. Patrick’s Day parade will be led by Micheal Bailey and members of New Ross Boat Club as part of their 150^th anniversary celebrations. The theme is ‘All Aboard’ and it sets out from Irishtown at 2.30pm and concludes on the Quay.

WEXFORD; One of the oldest parades in the country the 2026 Wexford town St. Patrick’s Day parade gets under way at 10.30am from the junction of Parnell Stret and Trinity Street and travels along Wexford Quay to Redmond Square. Bands taking part include St. Patrick’s Fife and Drum Band, Arklow Pipe Band, Bloco Garman Samba Band and New Ross Pipe Band.

Crowds gather for Fethard parade

**Here comes the Fethard-on-Sea St. Patrick’s Day parade today.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Fethard-on-Sea

Large crowds gathered along Fethard-on-Sea’s main street today for the early St. Patrick’s Day parade, celebrating community spirit, culture and pride in tradition.

St. Patrick himself walked the route ahead of St. Mogue’s GAA supporters. An Garda Siochána and volunteers assisted stewarding during this family experience.

The Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI reminded the community of its maritime location and the role these volunteers play in keeping coastal communities safe all year round.

Floats sponsored by local businesses carried large numbers, mostly children, waving their flags, sporting the green, and thoroughly enjoying the occasion.

Dillons Londis added a nice touch with green ice cream sales that kept the staff busy!

The scene was set with traditional Irish tunes playing and dancing on the street entertained the large crowds who responded with appreciation and applause.

The event was a genuine community festival, characterised by meticulous organisation and effective safety measures. The weather was advantageous, contributing positively to the overall experience.