WexfordLocal.com

Wexford town water supply is returning

By Dan Walsh

Water is now returning to homes and businesses in Wexford town after Uisce Éireann crews successfully repaired a major burst on a water main in the area.

The burst, which occurred this morning, required extensive repair works by specialist crews to restore normal water supply as quickly and safely as possible.

Padraig Lyng, Water Network Operations Manager, Uisce Éireann, said: “We know that losing your water supply can be difficult and disruptive for families, businesses and communities, and we are very grateful to everyone affected for their patience and understanding while repairs were carried out.

“We are pleased to have supply returning, and we appreciate the efforts people made to conserve water while repairs were underway. Community support and cooperation made a real difference,” added Mr. Lyng.

Customers may experience lower than normal pressure, temporary discolouration or intermittent supply for a short period while the network refills. This is normal and should improve as the system stabilises.

Uisce Éireann teams will continue to monitor the network.

New Ross Tidy Towns’ wins Gold

**New Ross Tidy Towns’ celebrates a prestigious Gold Medal achievement in the 2026 SuperValu Tidy Towns National Competition.**

By Dan Walsh

New Ross Municipal District Council has congratulated the New Ross Tidy Towns Committee and all those involved in achieving a prestigious Gold Medal in the 2026 SuperValu Tidy Towns National Competition.

Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, Cllr John Fleming, welcomed the news; “This is a fantastic achievement for New Ross and something the whole community can be proud of. This success belongs to everyone who has played a part in improving our town.”

Chair of the New Ross Tidy Towns Committee, David Lee, also welcomed the announcement: “Winning a Gold Medal in the Tidy Towns competition is a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for New Ross. This award is a testament to the collective pride, commitment, and hard work of everyone who contributes to making our town such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

“As Chairman of the Tidy Towns Committee, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated volunteers, residents’ associations, traders, local clubs and schools, whose enthusiasm, generosity and continued efforts make such a difference to our community. Your support and willingness to get involved are at the heart of this success.

“While the Gold Medal is a fantastic achievement, it is also a reminder of the importance of working together and taking pride in our community. My thanks to everyone who has played a part in this success. By continuing to work in partnership, we can build on this achievement and ensure that New Ross remains a welcoming, attractive and thriving community for residents and visitors alike,” added Mr. Lee.

District Manager Alan Fitzhenry stated; “Winning a Gold Medal is a tremendous achievement for New Ross and one which everyone involved can be immensely proud of. To progress from no medal position to Gold in just four years demonstrates what can be achieved when a community works together with a shared vision and determination.

Mr Fitzhenry concluded; “I would like to sincerely thank the New Ross Tidy Towns committee and volunteers, our outdoor crew and Community Employment sScheme workers, Town Gardener, General Services Supervisors, Area Engineer, Municipal District staff, Elected Members and the many volunteers who have contributed to this success. Their hard work and dedication have helped make New Ross a more vibrant, welcoming and beautiful town for all.”

The achievement reflects the combined efforts of the New Ross Tidy Towns committee, volunteers, local residents, community groups, schools, businesses, and the staff of the New Ross Municipal District, all of whom have worked tirelessly to improve and maintain the town’s public spaces, streetscapes, biodiversity initiatives and overall presentation.

Uisce Éireann completes another Enniscorthy project

**MARKET SQUARE, Enniscorthy.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Eireann has replaced 1.25 km of ageing water mains on Nunnery Road, Enniscorthy, with modern, resilient pipes.

These older pipes had been prone to bursts and leaks, causing supply interruptions and wasting treated drinking water, a precious resource. This section of the network was losing 220,000 litres of water per day, enough water to supply 1,654 people daily.

The upgraded network now brings greater reliability to homes and businesses right across Enniscorthy, providing a water service people can count on for years to come.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD welcomed news of the completed works. “This is positive news for the people of Enniscorthy who will benefit from a more reliable water supply through these upgrades to the pipe network. A reliable water supply is fundamental to family and community life. With upgrade works by Uisce Éireann now complete in the town, I’m pleased to see further progress on improvements to Wexford’s water supply.” 

Uisce Éireann’s Dave Murphy is proud to be part of the team who has delivered these long-term benefits for the community. He said; “These works are an important part of delivering a water service built to last. By replacing ageing pipes with modern, resilient infrastructure, we’re improving water services today while strengthening resilience for the future.

“While all pipework and connections are now complete on this project, final road reinstatement is still outstanding and will be completed in the coming weeks, subject to weather.”

Wexford lifeboat responds during Storm Boelo

By Dan Walsh

Wexford RNLI volunteers launched their inshore lifeboat at 3.20pm on Saturday after the Irish Coast Guard received reports of a windsurfer in difficulty near Ardcavan beach in Wexford Harbour.

The lifeboat helmed by Damien Foley launched and proceeded to the scene at a moderate speed. Conditions at the time were rough as Wexford was experiencing severe weather brought on by Storm Boelo, featuring a strong south-westerly wind gusting force 8 at times against a rising tide, creating a heavy swell in the harbour.

When the lifeboat arrived at the scene at 3.38pm, the windsurfer had already made it safely to the shoreline unaided. After confirming that the windsurfer was safe and well, the crew were stood down and proceeded back to the station.

The return journey proved particularly challenging amidst the Storm Boelo conditions, with the lifeboat battling a 1.5m short swell driving spray, force 9 winds, a rough sea state, and moderate visibility amid cloudy rain that made visibility poor.

The call out marked the first operational launch for the station’s new lifeboat, Cill Dara, after Kildare RNLI Fundraising Branch raised €117,000 for the lifesaving asset.

**DAMIEN FOLEY** (*Pic; RNLI/Lorraine Galvin*)

Speaking after the call out, Wexford RNLI Helm Damien Foley said: “The crew did exceptionally well handling the difficult weather conditions out on the water. It was a challenging first shout for our new lifeboat, Cill Dara, but everyone performed brilliantly.

‘We would remind anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to always check weather and tide forecasts before heading out, to wear a suitable personal flotation device, and carry a means of calling for help such a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. If you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble on or near the water, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” concluded Mr Foley.

Today’s Wexford races are cancelled

BREAKING NEWS By Dan Walsh

Following 16mm of rain overnight, the track at Wexford now has water lying in places and the fixture has been cancelled.

In a statement issued by Niall Madden, IHRB Clerk of the Course, he said; “We have got more rain than we were expecting, and the majority of the rainfall has come since 5am. The sheer volume of rain in a short time has left water lying on parts of the track.

“The rain was due to ease a little while ago with strong winds throughout the day, but we still have persistent rain at present.

“In light of the current conditions on the track and with the rain still falling, we are making the unfortunate decision to cancel the fixture.”

**Trainer PAUL NOLAN receiving a trophy from URSULA SINNOTT, Managing Director, at Wexford racecourse this afternoon.** (Pic; *Wexford Racecourse*)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races on Sunday

Despite low sun causing problems in some races at Wexford today (Sunday), the eight-race meeting was enjoyable, with local Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan grabbing the headlines.

Nolan trained five of the maiden hurdle’s 11 runners, with four claiming the first four places—a remarkable result more often associated with Aidan O’Brien or Willie Mullins!

El Bilo (33/1), ridden by Jordan Gainford, powered to a 20-length victory followed home by Well Friend (Sean O’Keeffe), Whelkeen View (Sean Flanagan), and Coffeemorninggirls (Alan O’Sullivan).

It was a double on the day for Nolan. He also had a hurdle victory with The Two Degrees (10/3) ridden by Sean Flanagan.

Colin Bowe is top of the table

**COLIN BOWE** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Colin Bowe is back at the head of the National Point-to-Point Handlers Championship with nine winners following a double success at Tattersalls, Co. Meath, today (Sunday).

Cluain Meala, a first fence faller at Tinahely a week ago, made amends with a victory in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings under Barry O’Neill.

Bowe’s double was achieved with Surf The Way coming home by one and a half lengths in the maiden race in the five-year-old unplaced maiden race. This was a third victory for Kildare rider Roland McParlan.

Now U Have It in the colours of Shirley Berry, trained by JP Berry at Tomhaggard and ridden by Josh Berry, scored by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.

There were a further three Wexford trained winners at Curraghmore, Co. Waterford today (Sunday). Gary Murphy’s stables continued its successful run with grey newcomer Verdict Is In gaining an eight and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old mares ridden by Shane O’Rourke.

Robert Tector’s Coolbawn stables is going well too! Newcomer El Jacko scored an eight lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. The winning rider was Jack Hendrick.

Monbeg Park won the Open Lightweight Race for Donnchadh Doyle. Alan Harney was in the saddle.

Next point-to-point action in Co. Wexford is Sunday November 8^th with Wexford Hunt fixture at Knockmullen House, on the outskirts of New Ross.

Jamie Scallan wins at Cheltenham and Peppards Castle

**JAMIE SCALLAN at Peppards Castle where he had a winner today following success yesterday at Cheltenham.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Peppards Castle races

Well-known Tomhaggard rider Jamie Scallan travelled to Cheltenham on Friday and rode Brandt (10/1) to a deserved victory in the amateur handicap chase for trainer Cian Collins.

Today (Saturday) he was in action at The Island Hunt point-to-point fixture at Peppards Castle, Kilmuckridge, and visited the winners’ enclosure again following an eight lengths success for Brideswell handler Seamus Neville on Boston Common in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill won the four-year-old maiden race with Morning Fog, bred by Mrs Sheelagh Hickey, defeating the Gary Murphy trained Coin Collector, ridden by Shane O’Rourke by one and a half lengths.

**GARY MURPHY makes a great start to the season.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

The O’Rourke/ Murphy team struck back in the auction maiden race for four-year-olds with a four lengths success for Secret Dispatch in the colours of Billy Bates. Kilmore.

Gary Murphy has made a great start to the season, and this was his 25^th winner in six season’s training while Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke celebrated his 75^th career success.

Harley Dunne saddled Brume D’Ete in the five and years old maiden race with Frankie Murphy in the saddle and they held off the Bowe/O’Neill challenge with Amaretto Sour by one and a half lengths.

Denis Murphy didn’t have far to travel from his stables at The Ballagh, but it was all worthwhile as Keppols Poet (Shane Cotter up) took the five-year-old geldings race by three and a half lengths.

The Open Lightweight race was confined to lady riders and Nicole Lockhead Anderson teamed up with Sean Doyle and the result was a ten and a half lengths victory for Between Waters, whose next engagement is likely a hunters’ chase at Fairyhouse.

It was a safe day’s racing. The ground rode well at ‘yielding’ and wind and rain cleared to give the good-sized crowd an afternoon of relative comfort.

Two day’s racing on the track at Wexford Racecourse tomorrow (Sunday) first race at 12.50pm and on Bank Holiday Monday, first race at 1pm.

Next point-to-point action in Co. Wexford is Sunday November 8^th with Wexford Hunt fixture at Knockmullen House, on the outskirts of New Ross.

Two days of Wexford Bank Holiday racing

**A memorable occasion at Wexford Racecourse. Paul Hillis (breeder) and Michael Murphy (Track Manager),** **celebrating the success of Corach Rambler in the 2023 Randox Aintree Grand National when the coveted trophy visited the home track as part of the ongoing celebrations.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford racecourse marks 75 years at Bettyville this weekend with a two-day meeting on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

The clocks change by an hour on Saturday night, setting the mood for two eagerly anticipated days of National Hunt racing.

They’re under starters orders for the first of eight races on Sunday at 12.50pm. The first two races are steeplechases, and all the top trainers have runners entered.

There is a total of 89 entries.

According to Horse Racing Ireland the going is predicted as ‘Soft’. It added; “Following 27mm of rain in the last 12 hours. Possibility of further 20-25mm (approx.) of rain prior to racing. Chase track is on outermost line, and Hurdle track is 11 yards from innermost racing line.”

HISTORY: Horse racing is believed to have taken place on the Slobs near Wexford since the 1870s.

However, contemporary local newspapers reported that 17,000 people attended the first meeting at the current Bettyville course in October 1951 – 75 years ago this week.

Over the years, various improvements and developments have been made to the course, and it has been levelled several times.

A significant gamechanger occurred in May 2016, when Wexford became a jumps only racecourse a year after switching from being a right-handed to a left-handed course.

2022 Aintree Grand National winner Noble Yeats (Emmet Mullins/Sean Bowen) turned up later the same year to win the M.W. Hickey Listed Chase. That was a memorable day for Wexford races.

The staff, comprising entirely dedicated racing enthusiasts, continue to work hard on both the facilities and marketing of Wexford Racecourse to this day, truly positioning it as an essential and attractive venue in the Irish horseracing scene for both those in the equestrian industry and racegoers alike.

Blackwater’s big day in Croke Park

**Co. Wexford’s tidiest thoroughfare. The R742 through Blackwater. Congratulataions again!** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Building on its strong record in the national SuperValu Tidy Towns competition, Blackwater is County Wexford’s tidiest entry and one of six in the county to win a Gold Medal. Beautiful Blackwater is synonymous with Tidy Towns’ success.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD made the announcement to over 600 Tidy Towns volunteers who attended the SuperValu Tidy Towns awards ceremony at the Hogan Suite, Croke Park in Dublin today.

Blackwater (405 marks), Wexford (404), Enniscorthy (403), Bree (402), Duncormick (401) were the top five.

Gold Medals for Blackwater, Wexford, Enniscorthy, Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane, New Ross and Gorey.

Silver Medals for Bree, Duncormick, Kilanerin, Rosslare Strand. There was a Bronze Medal for Ferns and Campile secured an Endeavour Award.

Adjudicators comments have not been available at the time of going to press, however, a dozen medal winners will be celebrating over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Full results for Co. WEXFORD;

CATEGORY A; Duncormick 401 (Silver Medal), Foulksmills 391, Ballyduff 387, Ballyfad 262.

CATEGORY B; Blackwater 405 (County First and Gold Medal). Bree 402 (Silver Medal), Kilanerin 398 (Silver Medal), Kilmuckridge 386, Ballycanew 362, Killanne 356, Hollyfort 354, Ballymurn 350, Coolgreany 345, Campile 342, (Endeavour Award), Askamore 340, Carrig-on-Bannow 339, Bridgetown 329, Oylegate 322, Ballycullane 322, Courtown Harbour 291, Ballindaggin 276, Ramsgrane 265.

CATEGORY C; Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane 398 (Gold Medal), Rosslare Strand 397 (Silver Medal), Ferns 389 (Brone Medal), Bunclody 332.

CATEGORY E; New Ross 399 (Gold Medal).

CATEGORY F; Enniscorthy 403 (County Third and Gold Medal), Gorey 397 (Gold Medal).

CATEGORY G; Wexford 404 (County Second and Gold Medal).

Saturday racing at Peppards Castle

By Dan Walsh

86 entries were received for the The Island Hunt point-to-point races taking place tomorrow (Saturday) at Peppards Castle, Kilmuckridge. First race at 1pm.

Naturally, the largest entry is 25 for the four-year-old maiden which is the first on the six-race card.

IHRB Inspector Leighton Asple (with Sean Doyle) have examined the ground ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

“The track is very well laid out with a great covering of grass. The going is ‘yielding’,

Met Éireann predictions for North Wexford on Saturday. “Rather wet and windy tomorrow morning with widespread rain and fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds, reaching near gale force or gale force near coasts.

“A clearance to blustery showers will follow through the afternoon as Storm Boelo tracks to the north of the country. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees.”

The Eircode for Peppards Castle is Y25 HY96.