WexfordLocal.com

Great cities of the world – Enniscorthy and Blacktown

At the Civic Reception on the roof top of Enniscorthy Castle this evening were CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, CLLR LISA McDONALD, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council , MAYOR BRAD BUNTING of Blacktown City, New South Wales, Australia, and CLAIRE LAWLESS, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager. (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

It was time to celebrate the Sister Cities agreement, also known as a twinning ceremony, between Enniscorthy and Blacktown, near Sydney, Australia, with a roof top Civic Reception at Enniscorthy Castle this evening.

Claire Lawless, District Manager, acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed everybody including Minister James Browne TD, Cllr John O’Rourke, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllrs Trish Byrne and Barbara-Anne Murphy, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services and from Blacktown City Council Mayor Bunting, Kevin Poilly, Manager of Events and Sister Cities; Donna Wallace, Manager of Greenspace Services; and Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors Caiden Bond and Laura Corvalan.

Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr John O’Rourke said “This evening’s reception provides an opportunity not only to formally welcome our guests from Blacktown City Council but also to celebrate the enduring links between our communities and to look towards future opportunities for co-operation and friendship.

“This return visit is another important step in building lasting connections through friendship, cultural exchange and tourism,” said Cllr O’Rourke, who added; “Thank you for making the journey to Wexford. We sincerely value our friendship with Blacktown and look forward to many more years of collaboration.”

Mayor Bunting said; “It’s only new but I already feel this relationship is going to grow further and further because of genuine interest from both sides of the world to grow.

Speaking directly to Cllr O’Rourke, Mayor Bunting said; “John, I would be more than happy to invite you back to Blacktown because I think it’s important that we do travel. We have stopped listening to the media regarding its a junket! These things aren’t about a councillor going overseas and having a holiday. These things are real connections, things that we can learn from each other to make sure each city is a better place for learning from other places around the world.

“So again, thank you for your great hospitality here in Enniscorthy and I look forward to the next couple of days and a bigger brighter future for our cities,” concluded Mayor Bunting.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Lisa McDonald also expressed her appreciation and supported strengthening the relationship between Blacktown City Council and Wexford in the years ahead.

There were many exchanges of gifts including a magnificent design of the Enniscorthy town crest by Martin’s Jewellery, Wexford, while Mayor Bunting presented Cllr McDonald with a didgeridoo, a traditional wind instrument from Indigenous Australian culture, played by vibrating the lips and using circular breathing to produce a continuous drone.

The pleasant ceremony concluded with entertainment from the Martina Leacy Academy and the Kay Keeley music and dance group.

Thursday racing at Wexford

**British champion jocky HARRY COBDEN rode his first winner at Wexford today on the JP McManus horse Anodandawink. Also in picture is JP McManus racing manager Frank Berry and trainer Ciaran Murphy.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Wexford enjoyed a very successful day’s racing today, with dry, warm weather, temperatures in the low 20s and a strong crowd. Similar conditions are forecast for day two tomorrow.

Thursday’s card consists of eight races, seven hurdle races and an INH Flat Race. First race at 4pm and the feature is the hurdle race for lady jockeys at 5.10pm.

British champion jockey 2023-’24 Harry Cobden rode his first winner at Wexford races today (Wednesday) when he partnered Anodandawink (3/1 fav.) to a ten lengths victory in the handicap chase.

Last January, Cobden (27) was appointed JP McManus’ retained jockey for Britain and Ireland, and today’s success was for his retained owner and a first McManus victory for Mullingar trainer Ciaran Murphy.

Wexford races began 75 years ago, but never has a horse won by 70 lengths…until today! Sky Lord (6/) on a double for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe broke the distance record ahead of Cobden’s mount Centreofattention in the beginner’s chase.

Best of the local trainers was Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, who saddled Ballybrittas (9/2) to win the opportunity handicap chase under Joshua Halford.

Bad news on the local racing scene. Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe suffered a broken leg in an incident at Ballinrobe on Tuesday evening.

He underwent surgery today (Wednesday) and we wish him a speedy recovery.

More than 20 members of Wexford Racecourse Members’ Supporters Club visited Paul Nolan’s stables at Toberona House, Davidstown, Enniscorthy, before racing today.

Paul Nolan took the enthusiasts on a tour of the stables and gallops and met most of the horses in beautiful summer conditions.

Mary Doyle, Chair of the Club thanked Paul Nolan for his courtesy and support to the members while Paul replied that it was a pleasure to have the Wexford Supporter’s visit and said they are welcome to the yard anytime.

Gorey Primary Care Centre remains a priority

By Dan Walsh

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford Brian Brennan has cautiously welcomed progress on the Gorey Primary Care Centre project but has vowed that he will continue to keep pressure on to finally drive this project to completion.

In response to a Dail Question tabled by Deputy Brennan by Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, the Minister has confirmed that a preferred bidder for the project has been identified and that the project is now progressing through internal review and approval processes within the HSE.

Welcoming the progress, Deputy Brennan said; “It is almost unfathomable that a town with the demographic profile of Gorey does not yet have a Primary Care Centre to serve some of the most basic health needs of the community.

“This project has been talked about for years and has had several false starts so it is absolutely imperative that we get it right for once and for all.

“Since taking office, I have been in constant contact with the Minister to ensure that progress continues and have investigated all possible options to help with getting this over the line.

“Gorey is one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland and as such it is struggling to meet the day-to-day health needs of its people. In addition, Courtown/ Riverchapel is now Wexford’s fifth largest town, and an estimated population increase in the summer of 40,000 people from Castletown to Cahore puts huge strain on existing services.

“The development of a Primary Care Centre will help to address some of the issues faced in Gorey and bring services directly into the community that have been lacking up to now.

**Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD**

In the Minister’s response she detailed the prior issues with this project and outlined the current position in the process as follows; “As previously communicated, the need for a new Primary Care Centre in Gorey had been previously identified. A tender process had been undertaken, and a Preferred Provider had been selected. Unfortunately, the selected Preferred Provider encountered difficulties regarding the economic viability of the proposed project, resulting in the collapse of this process.

In conclusion, Deputy Brennan said; “I am optimistic that this project is on the right track but there can be no room for complacency. The people of Gorey deserve to have access to a state-of-the-art Primary Care Centre to meet their day-to-day healthcare needs in the community and I will continue to do everything in my power to make this happen.”

Water crews working in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a burst watermain in Wexford Town.
The burst watermain is impacting customers in Roxborough, Mulgannon and surrounding areas, with repairs expected to be completed by 2pm today.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.

To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the bursts and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.

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.

Major water burst in rural Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a major burst in Gorey and restore water to affected customers.

The burst watermain will result in interruptions to supply for customers in Ballycanew, Killenagh, Poulshone, Kilmuckridge, Coolook and the surrounding areas of Wexford.

Repairs are expected to be completed by 5pm today.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.

Enniscorthy and Blacktown mark Sister Cities friendship

Pictured at the July meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal Council at the Presentation Centre today. Front row; Mayor Brad Bunting, Blacktown City Council, Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Kevin Poilly, Blacktown. (Back Row); Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Trish Byrne, Cllr Jackser Owens, Donna Wallace (Blacktown), Laura Corvalan (Blacktown) Caiden Bond (Blacktown), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services. (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

Enniscorthy Municipal District Council signed off on its midsummer report today at July’s meeting in the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, where a visit by a delegation from Blacktown City Council was the highlight.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Kehoe, presiding at his first meeting since election last month, welcomed the delegation to the chamber where they gave a presentation.

The five-person delegation from Blacktown City Council, near Sydney, Australia, was led by Mayor Brad Bunting, who was delighted to be paying his third official visit to Enniscorthy and thanked the Cathaoirleach, councillors and officials for another warm welcome.

Mayor Bunting is accompanied by Kevin Poilly, Manager of Events and Sister Cities; Donna Wallace, Manager of Greenspace Services; and Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors Caiden Bond and Laura Corvalan.

The attendance included Deputy Chief Executive Wexford County Council Eamonn Hore, Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager and Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services.

The visitors will be honoured at a Civic Reception in Enniscorthy Castle on Wednesday evening and are touring Co. Wexford until their departure on Friday.

They will also be treated to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy and the battlefield at Vinegar Hill. And there is a tree planting ceremony planned for the Orchard Peace Park at Enniscorthy.

The plan was for the Blacktown delegation to arrive in Enniscorthy for St. Patrick’s Day where it was expected that Mayor Bunting would lead the annual parade, however, the six-day war in Iran forced the closure of airspace and the delegation were advised against using Dubai International Airport for security reasons.

That trip was called off; however, they are here now in heatwave conditions and celebrating the ‘Sister Cities Friendship Agreement’ that they both signed in August 2023 when Cllr John O’Rourke was Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Wexford hosts midweek racing

By Dan Walsh

Horse racing returns to Bettyville Park in Wexford for two days, tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday, with the track watered ahead of what promises to be great summer racing action.

The Wednesday card consists of seven steeplechases where the going is described as “good” and the first race is off at 2.15pm. The forecast is for dry and warm conditions.

Thursday’s card consists of eight races, seven hurdle races and an INH Flat Race. First race at 4pm and the feature is the hurdle race for lady jockeys at 5.10pm.

Lone sailor rescued off Curracloe

**ROSSLARE HARBOUR RNLI LIFEBOAT** (File Pic; *RNLI/Ciaran Dixon*)

By Dan Walsh

A lone sailor on an 8-metre yacht alerted the Irish Coast Guard that he was in difficulty off Raven Point, Curracloe, on Monday afternoon.

Rosslare Harbour RNLI were in turn tasked by the Coast Guard and the all-weather lifeboat launched at 4.23pm.

When the volunteer crew reached the scene at 4.33pm, they assessed the situation and liaised with the sole occupant. The yacht was taking on water.

Having assessed the situation, it was decided to attach a line and tow the vessel to the safety of Rosslare Harbour arriving there at 5.35pm. The sailor was safe and uninjured.

Weather conditions were good. Reasonable visibility, force 4 north-east wind, slight swell. There was no rain

Rosslare Harbour RNLI Launch Authority, Aidan O’Sullivan, paid tribute to the volunteer crew for an excellent service and outcome.

Aidan also stressed the importance of sailors having the necessary communications equipment on board. And wearing the proper safety equipment. And he reiterated the importance of calling the Irish Coast Guard on 999 or 112 when in difficulty in the water.

Rescue near shipping lane off Hook Head

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI assisted two people yesterday (Sunday) after their 17-foot boat broke down one nautical mile off Hook Head.

The Irish Coast Guard requested the volunteer crew to launch their inshore lifeboat at 11.32am from Slade and proceed to the scene.

Once on scene, the crew observed that while the two onboard were safe and well, the boat having broken down, could not make any safe onward progress.

Due to the vessel’s proximity to a shipping lane and with other vessels in the area, the helm made the decision that the safest course of action was to tow the boat with the two onboard, to the nearest port at Duncannon.

Speaking following the call out, Fethard RNLI Helm John Colfer said; “Due to the potential hazard with other vessels in the area and the nearby shipping lane, the tow was essential and we were happy to help the motorboaters out.

“We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared. Always let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of communication such a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.

“If you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” advised Mr Colfer.

Enniscorthy water supply restored

By Dan Walsh

UPDATE, Monday 9 pm; Uisce Éireann has completed repairs to the burst watermain in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas. Water supply is now restoring to affected customers as the network refills.

Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a major burst and restore water supply to customers in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas today (Monday) but repairs should be completed by the afternoon.

The burst occurred overnight, and crews are currently onsite excavating the damaged section of the network and assessing options to bypass the affected area in order to restore water to some customers as quickly as possible while repair works continue.

In a statement to WexfordLocal.com Padraig Lyng, Water Operations Manager, Wexford, said: “Our crews have been working since early this morning to repair the burst and restore water supply to customers as quickly as possible. We understand the inconvenience that a loss of water supply causes for homes, businesses and the wider community in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, and we thank customers for their patience while these essential repairs are carried out.”

Repairs are currently expected to be completed later today. Typically, it can take two to three hours following repairs for normal water supply to be restored to all customers as the network recharges. Customers at the end of the network or on higher ground may experience a longer restoration time.