Mick O’Callaghan’s book launch in Gorey

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.

Water restored to customers in Gorey

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

MAIN STREET, GOREY (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

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.”

2.6km pipeline from Tagoat to Rosslare

ROSSLARE STRAND

By Dan Walsh

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.

Double for Sean Doyle at Tinahely

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely

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).

Rob James rides his 400th winner

ROB JAMES rode his 400th point-to-point winner and a double at Laois this afternoon. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Killanne rider Rob James rode a double this afternoon in Laois where he reached a significant milestone in his career riding his 400th point-to-point winner.

James, who is joint-national point-to-point champion (with Barry O’Neill), rode his first winner in Tinahely in 2012, but he has also ridden a number of winners on the track including success at the Cheltenham Festival and the Scottish Grand National.

James’ milestone success was achieved with a ‘neck’ success on Found It trained by Pat Doyle at Holycross, Thurles, in the five-year-old mares’ maiden race and the second leg of a double on the day.

Earlier James scored on newcomer New Grange, which he also trains for the Matchmaker Syndicate by a whopping 24 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds.

Matthew Flynn O’Connor saddled Sir Topham Hat in the geldings’ maiden race for novice riders and it concluded with a 24 lengths victory and a first winner for rider Shaun Greene from Shroughvesteen, Co. Kilkenny.

Barry O’Neill also added a winner when partnering Yewtree Hill for Meath trainer Cian Collins in the Winner of Three Race.

Also action today (Saturday) at Oldtown, Co. Meath, and one Wexford trained winner there. The good run of luck for Paul Pierce, the Blackhall Stables, Killurin, and rider Luke Murphy continued with an amazing 64 lengths victory for newcomer Different Story in the two-runner contest that was the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares.

Point-to-point action returns to Fairwood Park, Tinahely, tomorrow (Sunday) for the annual Bray Harriers fixture. First race at 1pm. 90 entries. Latest going is “soft, soft to heavy in places.”

Gorey faces water issues until 6pm?

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is advising customers served by the Creagh Water Treatment Plant in Gorey that operational issues have led to low reservoir levels this morning. 

Due to the depleted reservoir levels, customers in  Clonattin,Ballymoney, Woodlands, Townpark, Ramstown, Gorey and surrounding areas of Gorey may experience a water outage or reduced water pressure as a result.

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 normal supply is being restored.” 

He explained crews are on site and it is expected to have full supply restored by 6pm tonight. 

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.  

Bunclody and Ahare River floods reaches the Dáil

By Dan Walsh

Speaking in Dáil Éireann, Malcolm Byrne TD, said “Storm Chandra had a particularly profound impact on the Wicklow-Wexford constituency I represent.

“I know the Minister of State (Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran) was in Aughrim, (he didn’t visit Enniscorthy or other Wexford flood sites, such as Bunclody and neither did An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin).

MALCOLM BYRNE TD

He said; “Bunclody faced the first serious flooding in 60 years when the Slaney burst its banks. It was horrific visiting some of the homes and business impacted there.

“The concerns when I met Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and local residents were that a sufficient plan was not in place. The big challenge there for a lot of residents is while many had flood insurance until now, they will not get it again.

“We need to look at some sort of State guarantees until a permanent flood defence system is put in place in these communities. I would be grateful to hear the Minister’s views on that.

In the case of Castletown in north Wexford, on more than one occasion every year the River Ahare bursts its banks, making a road impassable. It is an issue Cllr Joe Sullivan has been raising regularly in terms of how to address this challenge.

“For this coastal community, it is cut off in many ways and people have to drive the long way round because the Ahare bursts its banks any time there is heavy rain. Coastal erosion is another huge issue.

“I am fortunate to represent a constituency that has arguably some of the finest beaches in the country, running from Brittas Bay in Wicklow down as far as Morriscastle in Wexford. Every time there is an adverse weather event, we see parts of our coast lost to the sea.

On this occasion in the floods, the Rosslare rail line (due to flooding in Co. Wicklow) was closed again, not that it is a great service anyway.

“I am asking for it on behalf of Wicklow County Council and Wexford County Council to be able to address the problems with our roads as a result of these weather conditions,” concluded Deputy Byrne.

Deputy Mythen addresses Enniscorthy flooding disaster in the Dail

By Dan Walsh

Sinn Fein Deputy Johnny Mythen, speaking in Dáil Éireann told the House and the Minister of State, with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD that “My hometown of Enniscorthy, along with Bunclody, Bridgetown, Our Lady’s Island, Kilmore, Kilcarbery and Killurin experienced extensive flooding with some roads obliterated altogether.

JOHNNY MYTHEN TD (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“Sixty businesses were affected, some of which have stated they will not open again. Some 35 homes were destroyed by water and contaminated effluent.

“Island Road in Enniscorthy and the quays on both sides of the River Slaney took the brunt of the floods. This has occurred 16 times since 2000, not to mention the years in between when the people were put on full flood alert with their homes and businesses threatened again and again.

“I thank the Minister of State for visiting those homes. I am sure he realises the anguish, the torment, the feelings of desperation and the sleepless nights these people have gone through. Generations have faced the same thing over and over again.

“Some businesses are facing bills of well over €80,000. This has been going on for decades. The people of Enniscorthy and Wexford will no longer put up with what can only be described as wilful neglect. It is only with the luck of God no one was drowned or injured.

“Planning permission for the Slaney flood relief scheme was turned down because of the freshwater pearl mussel, a fact that is infuriating people. Surely this species can be translocated just like the Dublin Bay oyster. I plead with the Minister of State to act now. Under section 7 of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, he can approve flood relief works independently of the planning system. Things need to happen and need to happen now. “Climate change is not waiting for anybody. As sure as night follows day, flooding will continue and will occur again.

“The people of Wexford need the Minister of State’s full assurance that he will sort this out. He must rein in the OPW, the relevant Departments and Wexford County Council and get the planning application across the line once and for all and to immediately apply the interim measures.

“Wexford County Council has completed an interim plan, but I understand that it must be agreed on by the Ministers and the OPW. I ask that this be done and be treated as a humanitarian emergency and not be delayed any longer.

“It is the least the people of Enniscorthy and Wexford deserve after being left unprotected for over 25 years and denied their rights to a proper flood defence scheme,” concluded Deputy Mythen.

Water repairs in Bridgetown and Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews were busy today (Thursday) repairing burst water mains in Bridgetown and Wexford town and restoring water services to affected customers in both areas.   

The Bridgetown burst is impacting customers in Bridgetown, Tomhaggard, Kilmore and the surrounding areas of south Wexford.

Uisce Éireann crew at work. (Pic; Clare Keogh/Uisce Éireann)

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.” Repairs were expected to be completed by 5pm today!

Separately Uisce Éireann crews have completed repairs to a burst water main which caused an interruption to supply for customers in Corish Park, Avondale, Highfields, Liam Mellows, Kennedy Park, Wolfe Tone Villas, Pine Ridge, College Green and the surrounding areas of Wexford Town. 

The network is recharging and water is returning to impacted customers. However, it may take time for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the network recharges.

Upgrades to Donaghmore water supply

By Dan Walsh

DAVE MURPHY Uisce Éireann Programme Mananger

Customers in Donaghmore, Ballygarrett, can look forward to a more secure and reliable water supply as Uisce Éireann begins essential upgrade works in the area next week.

As part of its National Leakage Reduction Programme, Uisce Éireann has prioritised the replacement of over 1km of ageing water mains between Aloha and Skuna Hill in Donaghmore, Co Wexford.

This investment will provide a more secure and reliable water supply in the area and will also reduce leakage of treated water being lost into the ground.

Uisce Éireann’s Programme Manager Dave Murphy is looking forward to delivering the project for customers in the local communities. “This essential work is part of an investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across County Wexford, prioritising investment where it is needed most. We would like to thank customers in Donaghmore in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these works.

These works will be delivered on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Shareridge, with completion expected by late Spring 2026.

HISTORY; Donaghmore is an early medieval (400-1000 AD) ecclesiastical site. The present ruins of the 18th or 19th century Church of Ireland parish church, dedicated to St. Patrick, is on the site of the older parish church. Source; On Our Own Ground – County Wexford Parish by Parish – Volume 1 by Edward Culleton, pub Wexford County Council Public Library Service, 2013.