An impressive entry of 130 should create a busy day at the Borris House point-to-point tomorrow (Sunday). First race at 1pm.
Latest ground information is ‘yielding to soft, soft in places.’
At Farmacaffley, Co. Armagh, today (Saturday), Donnchadh Doyle saddled the winner of the maiden race for four-year-olds; newcomer Blue Rebel ridden by Brian Lawless. The winner now heads for the sales.
Record breaker Winged Leader won his 40th race for Fermanagh handler David Christie ridden by Barry O’Neill.
Wexford’s Derek Kent will succeed Jarlath Burns to become the 42nd Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael (President of the Gaelic Athletic Association) after delegates voted in the opening session of the 2026 GAA Congress in Dublin tonight.
DEREK KENT becomes President of the GAA in 2027.
Mr. Kent will assume the role of Uachtarán when Burns’ term comes to an end in February 2027, from which point on the Taghmon-Camross clubman will lead the GAA.
The election took place tonight. Total Votes was 277. No spoiled votes. Quota 139. Result; Derek Kent (Wexford) 169 votes; Ger Ryan (Tipperary) 76 votes; John Murphy (Sligo) 32 votes.
Derek Kent is a member of Taghmon-Camross GAA and served as Chair of Wexford GAA County Board from 2017 to 2020 and has been Chair of the Leinster Council since 2023. He chaired the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) for three years during Larry McCarthy’s presidency.
“I want to engage with our volunteers and our memberships, home and abroad. I want to listen to the concerns and the direction the GAA is heading towards. I also want to ensure the GAA remains the focal point of the community in all our parishes,” said Mr. Kent prior to his nomination for the Presidency.
Bree is the Macra Na Feirme National Novice Debating champions. Pictured (left to right); Eddie Casey, Sarah Byrne, Josephine O’Neill, National President of Macra, and Mark Waters.
By Dan Walsh
Bree Macra are 2026 champions following the National Finals of the Macra na Feirme Novice Debating Competition, held on Saturday at the Ormonde Hotel in Kilkenny.
Representing Bree in the Novice category were Eddie Casey, Mark Waters, and Sarah Byrne, who faced strong opposition from Portlaoise Macra.
The final saw the teams tackle the motion: “Mobile phones should be illegal for those under the age of 16.” Bree Macra took the position opposing the motion and delivered a compelling, well-structured, and engaging argument throughout, which ultimately secured them the title of 2026 Novice Debating Champions.
The evening held further success for Bree when Sarah Byrne was once again recognised by the judging panel, receiving the Best Debater Award for the second time in this year’s competition series. Her strong delivery and persuasive reasoning impressed both judges and audience alike.
This latest win adds to Bree Macra’s proud debating history. The club previously claimed senior debating titles in 1986 and 2019 and were runners-up in the novice competition in 2023.
The victorious team extended heartfelt thanks to their dedicated coaches, James Byrne and PJ Darcy, whose guidance and experience were central to the team’s preparation and success.
During the February meeting of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, members expressed concern regarding the issue of coastal erosion and advocated for appropriate measures to address the matter.
Enda Brennan, the Executive Engineer responsible for Environmental matters, was reminded by members about the damage at Kiltennel and the importance of beach nourishment, as well as potential erosion affecting properties managed by Coilte, the OPW, and Courtown Golf Club. Recent severe storms have further exacerbated the situation in this area.
Kiltennel beach today (Thursday). The exit of the Burrow River is totaly blocked by a mountain of sand. The established rock armour has been penetrated by the sea and the storms attack on the beach continues unprotected. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The coastline north of the Burrow River entrance has been eroded by the sea, leaving the rock armour stranded several metres from the beach and no longer serving its intended purpose.
Cllrs Pip Breen, Mary Farrell and Oliver Walsh all addressed issues of coastal erosion in their areas. Problems at Cahore, Old Bawn, Ballyconnigar, and Ballinamona beaches are also being assessed by Wexford County Council. Mr. Brennan will provide an update and report at the next meeting.
Meanwhile in Dáil Éireann Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow-Wexford constituency Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, highlighted concerns in Leinster House, noting that along Cahore, Glascarrig, Courtown, Castletown, Arklow and right up to Brittas Bay, the coastline is disappearing at an alarming rate. With changing weather patterns and more frequent storms, erosion is becoming a major issue that requires urgent action to protect our coastline.
Teachta Ó Súilleabháin said; “The beautiful and historic Courtown Woods have lost an area equivalent to 18 football pitches in recent decades. The Kiltennel walking trail is being swept away, and the Arklow walking trail up to Brittas is being devastated. These coastal walks are hugely important for health and well-being, and they are being absolutely destroyed.
“With climate change accelerating the problem, coastal communities are genuinely worried about the future of their homes.
Further north towards Dublin, reports have highlighted how erosion could affect rail infrastructure raising additional concerns about potential impacts on towns such as Arklow and Gorey.”
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin asked what measures the Government is taking to address these issues. He noted, however, that while reports are welcome, action is urgently needed. “Coastal erosion is not a new problem, and just like the flooding we have seen during recent storms, the Government needs to be proactive as well as reactive.
“Major investment is required now to slow the devastation occurring along our coastlines,” concluded Teachta Ó Súilleabháin.
Pictured at the launch of the Garda Youth Awards 2026 in the Wexford County Council Chambers on Wednesday were back row (l to r)- Garda David Fitzgerald (Junior Officer, Wexford Garda Station), Dymphna O’Connor (Head of Community, Wexford County Council), Garda Sgt David Ferriter, Garda Inspector Liam Kavanagh (New Ross Garda Station), Garda Sgt Laura Biolger, Garda Inspector Graham Rowley. Front row (l to r)- Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services, Wexford County Council), Superintendent David O’Sullivan (Wexford Wicklow Division), Superintendent Jarlath Duffy (Wexford Division), and Eddie Taaffe (Chief Executive, Wexford County Council). Photo: Jim Campbell
By Dan Walsh
An Garda Sίochána and Wexford County Council have launched the Annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2026.
The launch of these annual awards is to acknowledge the achievements of young people who are making a difference in their own lives and in their communities within the Wexford Garda Division and acknowledge the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their lives.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe said; “Wexford County Council enjoys a strong working relationship with An Garda Siochána. These awards offer an opportunity to strengthen our interagency cooperation further towards the betterment of the lives of all the citizens of County Wexford.
Inspector Graham Rowley of Wexford Garda Station said; “I am pleased to announce the launch the Wexford Garda Youth Awards 2026, an important chance to recognise the outstanding contributions of young people across every corner of County Wexford. These awards are a celebration of the energy, creativity and the impact that young people bring to our community. These awards recognise everyday heroes who lead by example, show resilience and make our county a better place for everyone.”
Awards will be presented in four categories:
Individual Award; Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
Group Award; Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
Special Achievement Award; Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.
Community Safety Award; Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.
Anyone can nominate a young person between the ages of 13 and 21 for an award. Nominations will be completed through an online process; this is available through the following link: Garda Youth Awards 2026 | Wexford County Council
Details of this process will be distributed to schools, youth groups and voluntary organisations right across Wexford in the coming days and will also be available upon request from your local Garda Station, the closing date for nominations will be Wednesday 25th March 2026 at 4pm. A Judging Panel will decide upon the Divisional Winners, the Judging Panel will also nominate an individual/group to represent Wexford for consideration at the National Garda Youth Awards. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 18th May 2026.
If anyone requires further information, they can contact the Superintendent’s Office at WW.WexfordSouth.CE@Garda.ie, 053 9165280 or through their local Garda Station.
Water supply is returning to Uisce Éireann customers in Enniscorthy after the successful repair of a burst water main in the Templeshannon area.
Uisce Éireann crews located the burst late last night before carrying out repairs and water is now returning to impacted customers.
River Slaney at Enniscorthy (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
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. Customers are also being asked to be mindful of their water usage and to allow supply to catch up with demand.
Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked affected customers for their understanding while these repair works were being carried out. “We understand the impact an unplanned interruption to the water supply can have on homes and businesses and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Author Mick O’Callaghan with Kealan Swinburne (who officially launched The Natural Storyteller) and his little brother, Hugh, at the book launch in Gorey Library this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Library
Mick O’Callaghan’s much anticipated book of prose and poetry called The Natural Storyteller, a sequel to his memoir The Boy Who Kicked The Nun that sold out 500 copies very quickly in 2024, was launched at a pleasant function held in Gorey Library this evening.
Mick O’Callaghan said; “Fáilte romhaibh chuig Leabharlann Guaire to celebrate the launch of The Natural Storyteller. It’s great to see so many friendly faces assembled here in Gorey for what is a special moment for me.
“My name appears on the cover as the author, which is true but here I want to say thank you to my wonderful editor Carol Boland. Her great patience, her sharp intelligence brought my poems to life. When I first met Carol, we selected from my works, and she suggested that they needed some editing.
“After many meetings and cups of coffee I thank Carol for believing in the project from the outset and for bringing it to the excellent printed collection of poems and short stories that we have,” said the author who had a word of thanks for all who supported from his first words on a page to the reader.
Kealan Swinburne, aged 12, said “Thank you all so much for coming to the launch of my grandad’s second book, The Natural Storyteller.
“Grandad has always had lots of interests, but since he retired, he especially loves walking in Courtown Woods and along the nearby beaches. He enjoys meeting people, stopping for chats, hearing their stories — and, most importantly, telling stories of his own.
“Those daily walks and conversations inspired him to write this book. I know writing it has brought him a lot of happiness, and we’re all really proud of him,” concluded Kealan.
“So now, I’d like to invite Hugh to join me to officially launch Grandad’s book. We are delighted to launch The Natural Storyteller. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.
The launch featured readings from Margaret Sheriff, Anne Ireton, Liz Lloyd, Seamus Kavanagh and Anne Colgan and music from Frank Gallagher, and Carol Boland and the Macushla group.
A native of Tralee, Co. Kerry, Mick has lived on the east coast of Ireland since 1965 and his writings have appeared in many local publications including Write By The Fire, a Hollyfort Writers Anthology.
Mick’s editor and advisor was Carol Boland of Boland Press, there is a lot of information contained in the introduction, foreword and commendations and back cover, and a special feature of this book is you can listen to ten poems on the QR code through your phone!
The Natural Storyteller by Mick O’Callaghan (paperback, 112 pages, foreword by Anne Ireton) is published by Boland Press and costs €15. It’s available at John Doyle, Select Grocer, Main Street, Gorey, and Easons. Main Street, Gorey, Red Books at St. Peter’s Square, Wexford, and online at www.theirishbookshop.com or from the author himself in Gorey.
Uisce Éireann has restored water to customers in Gorey following a recent operational issue that affected treated water storage levels at Creagh Water Treatment Plant.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng thanked affected customers for their understanding for the duration of the outage.
“Uisce Éireann acknowledges the disruption that can be caused by an unplanned outage such as this one and we wish to thank customers in the area for their patience while these repairs were underway.”
Uisce Éireann has revealed that major improvements to local wastewater treatment facilities will soon begin in Tagoat and Rosslare Strand.
The current wastewater treatment infrastructure is overloaded and therefore a new wastewater pump station and wastewater network are required to transfer flows for treatment at Rosslare Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This will include the construction of a new pumping station and over 2.6 kilometres of pipeline to transfer flows from Tagoat to Rosslare, as well as a new storm water holding tank and other ancillary works.
This key investment will support the future growth of Tagoat by delivering essential infrastructure that strengthens community development and unlocks sustainable growth while also modernising the current wastewater infrastructure, ensuring compliance with water quality and environmental standards.
James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, welcomed the commencement of this vital work in the Tagoat area. “These works will provide a much needed upgrade to the wastewater infrastructure in Tagoat, will meet our water quality objectives and facilitate growth. These upgrades are a welcome development for Wexford,” stated Minister Browne.
David Shalloo, Portfolio Manager with Uisce Éireann
David Shalloo, Portfolio Manager with Uisce Éireann, highlighted the importance of the investment: “This project is part of our commitment to deliver wastewater services necessary to support sustainable housing and economic development for Wexford communities. By investing in the wastewater infrastructure in Tagoat, we are enabling future growth while safeguarding essential services for current and future generations.
“Protecting the environment is a key priority for Uisce Éireann, and this critical investment demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding and enhancing environmental health and integrity.”
Works are set to commence in the coming weeks and will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd., with the overall project expected to be completed in Spring of 2027.
Ballindaggin handler Sean Doyle recorded a double success at the Bray Harriers point-to-point at Fairwood Park, Tinahely today (Sunday).
Gale Force Jet earned a trip to Cheltenham and a run in the Foxhunters’ Chase following a clear round of jumping and an eight lengths victory in the Open Lightweight race confined to novice riders. Cormac Byrne from Ballindaggin was on board Sean Doyle’s charge and enjoying his fifth career success.
Doyle’s double came in the maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards mares with Spring Thistle and Jamie Scallan in the saddle. Only two finished and the verdict was eight lengths. The Gain Mares Final at Ballynoe is Spring Thistle’s next challenge.
The maiden race for four-year-olds was won by Onetingfornuttin who was very impressive in his 12 lengths victory for the Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neill team.
CORMAC BYRNE was a winner at Tinahely today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Johnny Berry from Tomhaggard saddled Sub Editor in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and he had 18 lengths to spare at the finish. Bred by John Berry and running in the colours of Anna Berry, Sub Editor was a 15th career winner for the handler’s son, Josh Berry.
Commiserations to the Berry family from Tomhaggard on the recent passing of Michael ‘Mick’ Berry, (92), who dedicated his life to horses as a jockey in his young days and as an owner and trainer with plenty of success over many decades. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.
Jack Hendrick had been on the sidelines with injury since the beginning of the 2025-’26 season and rode his first winner of the season on Denis Murphy’s Kiwi De Cotte with six lengths to spare in the maiden race for six-year-old and upwards geldings. It was Hendrick’s 110th career point-to-point success.
Racing also took place today at Kildorrery, Co. Cork where Jim O’Neill’s Ballindaggin stables took the maiden race for four-year-old mares with newcomer Foxy In The Park by seven and a half lengths ridden by Rob James who rode his 400th point-to-point winner yesterday (Saturday).
WexfordLocal.com 