Call to progress new Gorey roundabout

By Dan Walsh

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford, Brian Brennan is urging Wexford County Council to use whatever measures available to them to progress the development of Ballyloughan Roundabout on the Arklow Road outside Gorey.

The proposed roundabout which was expected to serve an adjoining business park will not be built after the national planning authority upheld an appeal blocking its progress.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Deputy Brennan said: “The Ballyloughan Business Park is in a prime position at the outskirts of Gorey to facilitate business, industry, employment and growth in the town, but is seriously hindered by access.

BRIAN BRENNAN TD

“Currently the Park houses some of the best Wexford home grown businesses such as John Bass Tyres, Brennan Electric, Bolands of Gorey, Curragh Woods Landscaping, Whizzy Internet, and Bodibro and there are several additional lots ready for new business. 

“This roundabout would open the Park for further development but as it stands, the refusal may have the opposite effect, hindering growth and potentially losing jobs and industry from Gorey to other areas with more favourable access.

Deputy Brennan continued; “It is my understanding that this lack of critical infrastructure is deterring at least one major business from moving to the Park and it is possible that the outcome of this decision may make it likely that new businesses will look elsewhere.

“Most importantly the junction as it stands is simply dangerous and presents a massive safety risk to drivers especially if it continues to provide sole access to the Park for heavy trucks and vehicles.

“In addition the road also provides access to several coastal areas on the North Wexford Coastline, such as Castletown, Ballymoney, Tara Hill, Seafield.  In summertime this road is filled with local and visiting traffic alike travelling to beaches, golf courses and holiday parks.

“The confluence of heavy vehicular traffic and families in their cars at an uncontrolled junction on an already busy road is a recipe for disaster.

“I fully respect the planning process and as such I urge Wexford County Council to seriously consider all options available to them with a view to making the roundabout a reality,” added Deputy Brennan, who concluded: “Gorey is a town bursting at the seams, so it is absolutely vital that area such as Ballyloughan be developed to ensure that the town continues to grow and thrive.

Big race win for Conor Stone-Walsh

By Dan Walsh

CONOR STONE-WALSH (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The Cheltenham dream came true today for 19 years old Cleariestown jockey Conor Stone-Walsh who rode his first winner at the famous Cheltenham Festival on Final Orders (7/1) in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

Conditional Stone-Walsh, claiming 3lb, flawlessly guided his mount over the raft of different obstacles across nearly four miles and his front running tactics held off all challengers ahead of the winning post to score by two and a quarter lengths.

“It’s my third time riding here. I was second twice last year, so I’m delighted to get that. It’s unbelievable; to get any winner at a big festival is special, but for it to be here makes it a lot sweeter,” said a delighted Stone-Walsh who was riding for Meath trainer Gavin Cromwell.

Bridgetown water outage repaired

By Dan Walsh

UPDATE; Water supply is returning to Uisce Éireann customers in Bridgetown after the successful repair of a water main.

Uisce Éireann crews are tackling a major burst in Bridgetown to restore water to customers affected.  Repairs are expected to be completed by 4pm today.

The unplanned outage may cause supply disruptions to customers and businesses in Bridgetown, Kilmore and Tomhaggard. 

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 outage and we thank customers for their support while our works continue,” Mr Lyng told WexfordLocal.com 

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. 

Urgency to act on coastal erosion at Rosslare Strand

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Coastal erosion is a serious problem along the Co. Wexford coastline but a motion calling for urgent action at Rosslare Strand received unanimous support from members at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Wexford.

CLLR LISA McDONALD (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

A motion in the names of Cllr Lisa McDonald and Cllr Ger Carthy, seconded by Cllr Pip Breen stated; “Wexford County Council calls on the OPW (Office of Public Works) to act as a matter of urgency to address the serious threat posed by coastal erosion to Rosslare Strand and to immediately prepare and implement a scheme of emergency works to protect Rosslare Strand from the encroachment of the sea.”

Cllr McDonald told the meeting that Rosslare Strand needs immediate assistance right now. She said the beach has been washed away leaving nothing but a surface of stones coming right up the back of the street. She passionately stated that Rosslare Stand be given priority and emergency funding.

Cllr Pip Breen added that the entire coastline and all along the coast was badly impacted by erosion. He suggested the need for a plan for all the coastline.  

Chat as Gaelige ar Binse Comhrá

Relaxing on Binse Comhra Loch Garman; (Back Row L-R); Cllr Lonard Kelly, Cllr Robbie Staples, Cllr Garry Laffan, Mayor of Wexford, Anthony Bailey Wexford County Council, Ronán Crosbie, Grúpa Comhrá Gaeilge Loch Garman, Thomás Hayes, Grúpa Comhrá Gaeilge Loch Garman. (Front); Cory O’Brollacháin Wexford County Council, Heidi Pierce, Grúpa Comhrá Gaeilge Loch Garman, agus Proinsias Keeling, Grúpa Comhrá Gaeilge Loch Garman.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has launched its first Binse Comhrá – a bench area where people are happy to chat as Gaeilge – at St. Peter’s Square in Wexford town.

This timely initiative, launching in Seachtain na Gaeilge (March 1st-17th), continues the ethos of the Healthy Wexford ‘Happy to Chat’ initiative while incorporating the encouragement to engage as Gaeilge.  

Working collaboratively the Irish Officer, the Wexford Borough District and Healthy Wexford have delivered this initiative in St Peters Square.

Close to the dedicated bench is signage with some key phrases and words for those who may not have the language but who would like to try it out.  

Wexford County Council’s Irish Officer, Cory Ó Brollacháin said; “This initiative provides an accessible invitation to all to have a go and try even a few words as Gaeilge.  There is also a QR code linking to Wexford County Council website which will provide further resources.”

Mayor of Wexford Cllr Gary Laffan said ; “I’m delighted to see the collaboration on this project and I hope that the initiative, if successful, can be rolled out further.”  

Healthy County Committee Chair Cllr Leonard Kelly said; “Healthy Wexford are delighted to continue to extend the ‘Happy to Chat’ initiative further and to engage with the Borough Team and the Irish Officer on this fantastic initiative.  We hope that it continues to provide more social connection opportunities and encourages more conversation as Geailge.” 

Gaza fast taken to County Hall

Non-violent fast for Gaza in County Hall, Wexford, today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at County Hall, Wexford

Concerned people in Wexford town are staging a weekly non-violent fast for Gaza, an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a witness to their continued suffering.

Today’s fast was taken to County Hall where the monthly meeting of Wexford County Council was taking place.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com spokesperson for the group Deirdre McGarry said; “We are here at the ‘seat of power’ to remind those who have power vested in you by your election, to reflect the concerns of your constituents. The polls have shown overwhelmingly we want you, not just to speak out, but to act.”

The group is calling on councillors who have party colleagues in Government to urge them to pass the Occupied Territories Bill in its full form; review all current contracts with Israeli firms or companies with Israel connections; and to ask the government to issue their checks of military planes landing at Shannon Airport to ensure they are not transporting arms or aid to the state of Israel thereby further ensuring we are not compliant in genocide.

Lingstown treble for Jack Hendrick

Three winners for local rider Jack Hendrick at Lingstown point-to-point races today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Lingstown races

Local rider Jack Hendrick from Mayglass kept his followers sweet this afternoon at Lingstown point -to-point where he recorded a treble in Spring conditions at the popular well-attended Tomhaggard track.

Hendrick, who missed the early months of the season through injury is back on the winning trail and the first pair of his three winners today were for the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and handler Cormac Doyle from Monbeg, Ballindaggin.

Palinca galloped to a ten lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old mares’ and Monster Truck won the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Hendrick’s third winner was for Kilmore owner/handler Denis Moore and the punter’s favourite Potter who scored by four lengths in the maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards confined to handlers with ten wins or less.

The second division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings produced another local winner by a dozen lengths Got To Be Real ridden by Josh Berry for Wexford senior footballer and local handler Thomas Byrne from Ballygrangans, Kilmore.

The Padge Berry Memorial race for maiden five-year-old mares was won by Barry O’Neill on Royale Walk for the Colin Bowe stables. Nine lengths the winning margin.

Pelican Hill was another local victory for Gaynestown Stud Partnership and handler Jonathan Fogarty in the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings. He won by a dozen lengths with Finian Maguire up.

The Open Lightweight Race ‘over the banks’ went the way of Fountain House ridden by Eoin Mahon for Ian McCarthy’s Kildangan stables

Pictured with Got To Be Real after his success in division two of the four-year-old geldings’ maiden race were (left to right); Brad Kooloff, Patrick Byrne, Lily McDonald (groom), Thomas Byrne (handler) and Josh Berry (winning rider). (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Jamie Scallan was in Waterford today where he rode a double at Castlelands. He scored in both divisions of the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings – division one on Justoneglance for Sean Doyle by six lengths and made it two in a row on Anrew Latta’s Ocean Master by three lengths.

Garry Murphy won the maiden race for four-year-old mares with True To My Word ridden by Shane O’Rourke by an easy ten lengths.

Donnchadh Doyle saddled Koaly Play ridden by Alan Harney who had a seven and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

It was a special day for 17 years old Leon Cullen from Piercestown who rode his first point-to-point winner on Supreme Force for Robert Tector, Coolbawn Stables, Rathnure, by an impressive 13 lengths.

Also racing today in Galway where Manor Gate handled by Eamonn Doyle did the business by two and a half lengths under Rob James in the five and six-year-old mares’ maiden race.

Lingstown races expected to be dry

By Dan Walsh

Tomorrow’s Killinick Harriers point-to-point races at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, has received a high entry of 129 and the forecast is for a dry day. The first race is off at 1pm and ‘divides’ are a possibility.

The card will feature a race ‘over the banks course’ which is usually a spectacle and qualifies horses for similar type races at Punchestown later in the Spring.

The track is in good order, and the going is officially ‘yielding to soft, yielding in places.’ The organisers are hoping for a good crowd as the races will up the appetite for next week’s Cheltenham Festival.

Today (Saturday’s) point-to-point took place at Tyrella, Co. Down and Wexford raiders were in winning form.

The maiden race for four-year-olds was won by Newgrove in the colours of Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, by 13 lengths ridden by Shane Cotter. Newgrove goes to the sales now.

Popular rider JAMES KENNY enjoyed his first winner as a handler in Tyrella this afternoon. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

James Kenny, Craanford, son of Liam Kenny, saddled his first winner when The Orphan Girl, owned by the four member Orphan Girl Syndicate from Ballymoney, Gorey, scored by two lengths in the five and six-year-old mares’ maiden race providing Timahoe, Co. Laois rider Graham Devitt with his first winner.

Bunclody native Cormac Farrell, who now trains at Kildangan, Co. Kildare, won the maiden race for novice riders when Sledgehammer got up by ‘a neck’ to take victory under Ballindaggin rider Cormac Byrne.

And Barry O’Neill rode his 24th winner of the season on West of Idaho for David Christie in the Winner of One race.

Eviction notices withdrawn at Bridgetown

By Dan Walsh

The notices of termination that were given to 36 households in Hazelwood Estate, Bridgetown, last Friday before the new rental laws were set to begin have been withdrawn.

It is estimated about 100 people, including children, are affected by the termination notices issued to 36 homes. Some had instructed that they must vacate their properties in May and others in August.

However, in a change of heart, a spokesperson for landlord company Patchflow Ltd stated that the company “recognises the concern and uncertainty that has arisen” in recent weeks for tenants living in Hazelwood estate in Bridgetown.

The company understood receiving notices of termination can be “deeply unsettling for tenants and their families” and acknowledged the “stress” this situation has caused within the community, the spokesperson said.

“In order to allow time for constructive engagement and to support a resolution process, Patchflow Ltd has decided to withdraw the notices of termination that were issued to tenants.

The company plans to meet tenants over the coming weeks on an individual basis to discuss their circumstances and explore what options may be available to them.

This arrangement will apply on the basis that “existing tenancy agreements remain in place and that all obligations under those agreements”, including the payment of rent, continue to be met, the spokesperson said.

“Patchflow Ltd hopes that this extended period will allow a constructive process to move forward and create the time and space needed for solutions to be explored for all involved.

“Given that this process is now under way, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time,” stated the spokesperson.

CLLR AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN said; “There is simply no security for renters in Ireland and that is something that the Department of Housing must prioritise. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Commenting on WexfordLocal.com last night, local Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien said; “There are many lessons to be learned here. There is simply no security for renters in Ireland and that is something that the Department of Housing must prioritise. I have requested an immediate reassessment of our social housing income thresholds, because they currently prevent vulnerable families and individuals from accessing vital supports that protect them from facing homelessness.”

“Let today be remembered, for the good and the bad reasons. I hope that no landlord dares to treat his or her tenants in this regard again on our soil; our history speaks for itself, let that be remembered.”

“For now, I am incredibly proud of the people for all their hard work and I hope that they take comfort this weekend. However, we could be seeing up to nine eviction notices being served every six months for the foreseeable future. I hope that the Minister for Housing protects these families from facing eviction again down the line.”

Death of former Gorey parish priest

By Dan Walsh

VERY REV. WILLIAM HOWELL (1947-2026)

The death has occurred of Very Rev. William Howell, a native of Camolin and former parish priest of Gorey. He was aged 79 years.

“He was very popular and I know in Ballygarrett, he would’ve been behind building the new community centre beside the church and when he was in Gorey he looked after the renovation of the church.”

“He would have done an awful lot for the community and he was in Lourdes every year. No matter who you talk to, he was very popular,” said his niece Annette Bailey.

He taught Irish and Maths, and was also affectionnately labelled ‘the singing priest.”

Born at Boley, Camolin, in 1947, he was educated at Camolin National School, Scoil na Leanbh, An Rinn, Co. Waterford, St. Peter’s College, Wexford, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, 1985-’86.

Fr. Howell was ordained in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Camolin, on June 8th 1974.

He was appointed to the teaching staff of St. Peter’s College in 1974 and transferred to St. Aidan’s Cathedral parish at Enniscorthy in 1989. He was appointed curate in Kilmyshall in 1992.

In 1998, he embarked on a sabbatical year for further studies and was, on his return, appointed Coordinator for Pastoral and Religious Formation in the Diocese of Ferns.

He also served in Ballygarrett and St Michael’s Parish, Gorey. He retired during Covid.

FAMILY NOTICE. V. Rev. William Howell, former Parish Priest, Gorey, and late of Boley, Camolin. March 5, 2026, peacefully, in the loving care of the staff in Knockeen Nursing Home.

Sadly missed by his loving sisters, brother, brothers-in-law Tom and Michael, sister-in-law Bernie, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, great-grandnephew, first cousins Mary, Betty and Molly, Bishop Ger Nash and his brother priests of the Diocese of Ferns, relatives, friends and former parishioners.

May Fr. William Rest In Peace

Reposing at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Camolin tomorrow Saturday (7th March) from 3pm to 6.30pm.

Funeral Mass on Sunday (8th March) at 2.30pm with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.