Gorey stages Rás na mBan on Thursday

Pictured at the launch of Rás na mBan in Gorey were Race Director Valerie Considine, Linda Kelly and Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District.

By Dan Walsh

Rás na mBan, Ireland’s premier international women’s cycle race, returns to County Wexford for the third year in a row as it marks its 20th edition.

Stage two of the 2026 event will take place on Thursday, featuring a new twist on a familiar route. Riders will set out from Gorey, taking on demanding climbs, fast racing and scenic roads before returning for a high-speed finish in the town.

The 97km stage starts with a neutralised rollout from Gorey District Park at 11am. Racing begins on the R772 towards Arklow, before the route turns to the day’s first competition: the Intermediate Sprint at the First World War memorial in Woodenbridge. From there, the riders continue towards Aughrim and the opening Queen of the Mountains test, a Category 3 climb at Rednagh.

The rolling course then leads to Sliabh Buí, the first Category 2 ascent of this year’s race. The 3.3km climb averages 4.4%, with sections reaching 18.6%. After the descent, more undulating roads take the riders through Ballycanew and back to Gorey, where the leaders are expected to finish at 1.16pm.

A cycling festival will run alongside the race, with Wexford County Council organising a programme of bike-themed activities in Gorey Town Park.

Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, welcomed the event’s return. “Gorey is honoured to host this prestigious international women’s cycling race. Having both the start and finish here gives us an excellent opportunity to showcase our town and Wexford’s renowned hospitality. I commend the Rás na mBan organisers and Wexford County Council for bringing elite women’s sport to our roads and inspiring future generations of female athletes.”

Race Director Valerie Considine said: “We’re delighted to bring Stage 2 of Rás na mBan back to Wexford. Our previous visits have been both memorable and rewarding. This year’s revised route, which remains entirely within County Wexford, will increase the challenge while showcasing the striking scenery for riders and spectators alike.

“Wexford’s heritage, landscape and warm welcome make it an ideal location for top-level racing. I also thank Wexford County Council and An Garda Síochána for their invaluable support in making the stage possible.”  

New Eoghan Rua Finn play at Wexford Arts Centre

By Dan Walsh

Four Rivers presents Jenny Instead, a new play by Wexford playwright, poet and screenwriter Eoghan Rua Finn, at Wexford Arts Centre this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

EOGHAN RUA FINN’S new play Jenny Instead can be enjoyed at Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Eoghan Rua Finn will be known to Four Rivers audiences for his Civil War drama, Amongst Men which was staged by the company in 2023. 

Jenny Instead is set in present-day Dublin. Paddy, a recently returned emigrant, and Maria, a reclusive artist. The plan is simple- temporarily escape themselves. But when their guards come down and unexpected sparks fly their time together becomes more real than either was prepared for.

Can they face each other and themselves on a night neither will forget? And in the face of human complexity is there ever such a thing as a simple plan? Jenny Instead is an intimate examination of difficulty of connection and authenticity in the modern world.

The play is directed by Emma Finegan who has just finished a stint as an associate director at The Gate Theatre. It will be designed by Liam Doona (A Handful of Stars and My Real Life) and lit by Ferdy Emmet. Costumes will be by Wexford’s Jeni Roddy.

The play will feature award winning actress Lauren O Leary (Stage Debut Award for Little Gem off Broadway) and Kyle Hixon (Wednesday- Netflix and Ridley Scott’s The Last Jewel – Fox Searchlight)

Four Rivers Artistic Director Ben Barnes told WexfordLocal.com; “We are delighted to be staging Eoghan’s new play, Jenny Instead with a strong creative team led by Emma Finegan and two fine young actors. This will be the sixth new work from the South East that we have staged over the past four years and underlines our commitment to give voice to the stories and concerns of our audiences and writers” 

Performances take place at Wexford Arts Centre from Thursday September 3rd and Friday, September 4th, at 8pm with a Matinee Special: Play & a Pizza on Saturday September 5th at 2.30pm. Running time: 75 minutes approx.

For further Information contact: www.wexfordartscentre.ie

Wexford pesticide users urged to protect drinking water

By Dan Walsh

The National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG) is urging all users of pesticides in Wexford to remain vigilant as the spraying window ends.

Communities are again reminded that it only takes one drop to impact a drinking water source. While the need and opportunities for spraying declines towards year end, the risk to drinking water sources remains.

The NPDWAG is reminding all pesticide users in Wexford that the actions they take now can help protect drinking water supplies for the communities that depend on them.

Dr Aidan Moody, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Chair of NPDWAG, said; “We have seen excellent work by farmers and land managers in recent years to reduce pesticide use and to follow correct application methods. We urge everyone to continue the great work and always consider whether a pesticide is needed at all and, where it is, to make sure that best practices are followed. This approach not only protects our drinking water but also supports biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.”

Dr Patrick O’Sullivan of Uisce Éireann added; “Experience shows that pesticide exceedances can still occur outside the main spraying season, particularly during the autumn months. These detections reinforce a simple message: it only takes one drop of pesticide to impact a water source. By following best practice and taking extra care near watercourses, pesticide users can help protect drinking water and build on the significant progress achieved in recent years.”

Pesticide users are reminded that proper storage and disposal of pesticides and their containers remain important throughout the year. Users should always follow the product label, maintain buffer zones near watercourses, avoid spills and take note of any relevant weather forecasts – especially if rain is due within the next 48 hours.

Pesticide users should also note that a closed spray period is specified on the label of some products, during which product should not be used.

Storey of Wexford’s 1996 hurling champions

Wexford captain MARTIN STOREY raises the Liam McCarthy Cup following All Ireland hurling success in 1996. (Pic; RTE Archive).

Dan Walsh recalls a memorable day in Croke Park

The 1996 All Ireland senior hurling championship final was played in Croke Park, Dublin, on Sunday, September 1st where Wexford beat Limerick by 1-13 to 0-14 to claim their sixth All Ireland hurling title overall and a first title victory in 26 years.

The Wild Swans topped the musical charts with ‘Dancing at the Crossroads’, Larry O’Gorman was named ‘Hurler of the Year’, Damien Fitzhenry, Rory McCarthy and Martin Storey became household names, Tom Dempsey is remembered for the only goal of the game, Manager Liam Griffin became a legend, and every town and village in Co. Wexford went wild with excitement and celebrated like never before!

On that memorable day I travelled to the match on the train from Enniscorthy and although I didn’t qualify for a Press Pass to the game, I brought my recording equipment and convinced a Croke Park official who permitted me onto the pitch to do radio interviews after the game.

When the final whistle blew, I was allowed pass from the Nally Stand onto the pitch and since Wexford had won the game the plan was really coming together. As Martin Storey was receiving the Liam McCarthy Cup my microphone was rolling and to mark the 30th anniversary here is the historic audio from that day!

AUDIO ADDITION; DAN WALSH celebrates with voices from many parts of Wexford following the All Ireland victory in 1996.

When the interviews were conducted, I took the first train out of Dublin and headed to Wexford Station, then onwards to South East Radio for a few hours of editing and the audio was transmitted on Monday morning on the Alan McGuire Show.

It was 7 o’clock on Monday morning before I left Wexford town as the celebrations were in full swing. On Monday evening it was the welcome home to Gorey Enniscorthy and Wexford town. New Ross held a welcome on Tuesday evening. And the celebrations continued for months afterwards.

The Liam McCarthy Cup hasn’t been back to Wexford since 1996, so it is fair to say that we are still celebrating that great September day, and hopfully, this remembrance article will remind an older generation and inform the present generation of days when all of Wexford was a sea of celebration and excitement.   

Oil spill disrupts traffic in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh in Wexford town

Wexford Fire Service spent Saturday afternoon cleaning up an oil spill stretching from 1798 Street to Rosslare Road in Wexford town.

Crews were tasked with closing a laneway down to clean the fuel off the road, and asked motorists to avoid the area if possible.

The affected areas were 1798 Street, Redmond Road, Wexford Bridge, Wexford Quay, Trinity Street, William Street, Maudlintown and the Rosslare Road.

Road users faced a few hours of disruption, but hardworking crews responded quickly and efficiently, fully restoring normal travel conditions.

The cause of the oil spill remains unknown.

Bree Macra advances to All-Ireland final

Bree Macra quartet successful in the Know Your Ag Quiz (left to right); Gary Murphy, Kieran Banville, Barry Murphy and David Finn. (Pic; Bree Macra).

By Dan Walsh

Bree Macra is preparing for the All-Ireland Final after winning the Wexford Macra “Know Your Ag” Quiz county title last Wednesday.

The team of Barry Murphy, Kieran Banville, Gary Murphy, and David Finn saw off stiff competition from around the county, successfully answering questions on dairy, sheep, tillage, and pig sectors, as well as on farming regulations and organisations, to take home the county title.

All four men are heavily involved in farming, with Barry working in the Organic Unit of the Department of Agriculture and growing spring barley for malting, while Kieran, Gary, and David are all dairy farmers.

The team have a strong track record in Macra’s farming scene, with Kieran and Barry having represented the county in the 2024 “Know Your Ag” Quiz All- Ireland Final, and Gary having represented Wexford in the 2025 Senior Dairy Stockjudging

All-Ireland Final, while David holds the position of Agricultural Affairs Officer on both county and club committee levels, organising a series of highly successful farm walks, talks, and events.

The club has won the All-Ireland “Know Your Ag” Quiz on one previous occasion, with the 1996 team of James Byrne, Liam Curtis, Shay Hennessy, and Philip Quigley.

Thirty years on, the club hopes to take home the title once again. Bree Macra will face teams from across the country at the All-Ireland Final, which takes place at the Macra National Conference/Rally on October 23rd in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare.

There are one of two teams representing county Wexford, as Kilmuckridge Macra’s team of Cliona O’Leary, Sara Steacy, Lucy McCarthy, and Elizabeth Daniels, who were runners-up in the county final, will also be flying the purple and gold on the night.

Flanagan’s flying visit to Wexford races

Wexford jockey SEAN FLANAGAN came to Wexford races flying his own plane having ridden a winner earlier in Northern Ireland. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Wlsh at Wexford Races

Thunder, lightning and a heavy downpour shortly before 6 pm delayed racing at Wexford by 30 minutes this evening. Despite the disruption, all eight races were completed safely, although later than scheduled.

Unusually, there were no Wexford success. However, Wexford jockey Sean Flanagan entertained the attendance when he flew his plane into Bettyville Park to compete on Barry Connell’s Farrokh who could only finish fourth in the Dan & Breda Byrne Memorial Handicap Chase won by Chosen Shant (15/2) who was winning for the fourth time in his career for Aengus King at the Wexford track.

Earlier in the evening Flanagan landed his plane on a golf course at Down Royal in time to ride in the first race where he won on Nicky Larson (8/13 fav.) for Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan. Then he flew from Down Royal to Wexford, and the word at the track was that he was flying to Kerry for a party event!

Incidentally, two other Wexford jockeys were successful at Down Royal. JJ Slevin had a winner on Rare Fine (6/ fav) and Conor Stone-Walsh rode Knocknagoran Lady (8/1) to victory at the popular northern track.

Back at Wexford there were doubles for Darragh O’Keeffe on Boola Times (4/1 fav.) for Ken Budds and Sekakarma (10/3 fav.) for William Roper (who was in Down Royal) and Philip Enright on Cool Summer (7/2) for Hilary McLoughlin and Chosen Chant (15/2), already mentioned.

The Cody family from Kilkenny trainer Ray and jockey Paddy were successful with Game Point (4/11 fav.) at Wexford and Ray Cody achieved an across the card double with success for Teddy Jones (7/1) at Down Royal.

Two Wexford race meetings left on the 2026 racing calendar on the October Bank Holiday weekend – Sunday and Monday, the 25th and 26th.

Enniscorthy to reduce coffee cup waste

Pictured at the official launch of the Shareclub Enniscorthy project at Market Square, Enniscorthy, today were (left to right); Cllr John O’Rourke, Barbara Nolan, Staff Officer, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Clare Kelly, Climate Action Officer Wexford County Council, Jonathon Hughes, Chairperson Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Tim Phelan, Café 98 and Billy Murphy, Enniscorthy Tidy Towns. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy Tidy Towns officially launched a new scheme in Market Square this afternoon to reduce single-use coffee cup waste in the town.

Grant funding from Wexford County Council and team work with Shareclub, an Irish reusability company already operating in other towns has spawned the project titled Shareclub Enniscorthy.

The launch was attended by Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, Clare Kelly, Climate Action Officer with Wexford County Council, Jonothan Hughes, Chairperson and members of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns and representatives of businesses signed up to the scheme.

Businesses signed up to the scheme so far includes Meraki Café (Akis Fannakis), Impresso (Joy and Brendan Doyle), Cooney’s Café (Mervyn Cooney), The Pantry (Lydia and Ryan), O’Brien’s (David Bolger), Barn Café (Dominic), The Little Spoon (Barry and Elaine Whelan), The Cotton Tree (Dylan Redmond) and Café 98 (Fiona and Tim Phelan).

The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the financial and environmental benefits of increasing the circulation of reusable cups in Enniscorthy and promoting more circular economy practices.

Members of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns at the launch of the Shareclub Enniscorthy project in Market Square today (left to right); Phil Millar, Gia O’Grady, Jonathon Hughes, Chairperson, Rosemary Lalor, Margaret Murphy and Billy Murphy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

This ties in perfectly with the Enniscorthy urban area being Wexford County Council’s first ‘Decarbonisation Zone’ (DZ) acting as a key pilot zone to test and implement local climate action, emissions reduction, and sustainable energy measures.

Jonathon Hughes, Chairperson of Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, speaking to WexfordLocal.com said; “Several coffee shops in Enniscorthy have confirmed their commitment to participate. This project will boost the image of participating businesses, will boost our town’s reputation, and will help us retain our gold medal in the national Tidy Towns competition. It will also set Enniscorthy apart as a vibrant, cleaner, and ‘greener’ town to visit live, work, and trade in.”

Outlining the environmental impact of single-use cups, Sarah Fliessbach of Shareclub said; “Single-use cups cost both businesses and our environment through the throwaway nature of these products. When new EU packaging regulations come into effect from 2027, which will require takeaway businesses to provide options for customers to use their own containers and, from 2028, to offer reusable packaging within a reuse system, the Enniscorthy businesses participating in this new initiative will be ahead of the curve.”

Many participants in the Shareclub Enniscorthy project attended the launch in Market Square this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

So how does it work? The Shareclub Enniscorthy project works on a deposit-and-return basis with no upfront cost to the participating businesses. Enniscorthy Tidy Towns has secured grant funding from Wexford County Council to purchase a consignment of 10oz/300ml reusable cups which are being distributed to participating outlets.

A €2 refundable deposit is charged to the customer on their initial takeaway coffee/other beverage, and the customer can claim this back at any participating outlet or swap for a fresh, clean cup when they next visit a participating shop. Some of the participating businesses will offer a discount to customers using a reusable cup.

Wexford Races on Friday

By Dan Walsh

Racing returns to Bettyville Park tomorrow (Friday) with the first of eight races off at 3.40pm.

There is a large entry, competitive fields, and ground conditions are expected to be ‘good’.

The card consists of five hurdle races and three steeplechases.

This is the final Wexford race meeting of the summer with just two fixtures left in 2026 on the October Bank Holiday weekend – Sunday and Monday, the 25th and 26th.

New passport rules for sea travel via Rosslare

New passport rules will be introduced on the Rosslare ferry routes to Britain from September 28th. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Ferry companies Stena Line and Irish Ferries informed customers today (Wednesday) that new passport rules will soon affect ferry travel between Rosslare Europort, Pembroke and Fishguard.

Ferry passengers between Ireland and Britain will need a valid passport from the end of next month, according to requirements of the UK Border Force.

Currently, passengers are not always asked to show a passport but have sometimes been required to have another form of photo ID.

Stena Line said all passengers travelling between Holyhead and Dublin or Fishguard and Rosslare will now need to show a passport on departure and no other forms of ID will be accepted.

It said the rule applies to all passengers regardless of age or nationality.

There is no change to the ID requirements for business or leisure passengers travelling with Stena Line from Belfast, Liverpool, Cairnryan or Heysham.

In a similar statement, Irish Ferries said; “All passengers, including Irish and British citizens, travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Britain (both directions) will be required to carry a valid passport.”

The operator encouraged all passengers to check they have an in-date passport or passport card before arriving at the port.

Under the century-old Common Travel Area agreement, Irish and British citizens do not legally require a passport to travel between Ireland and Britain.

However, certain airlines have required a passport for boarding and the measure for ferries comes into effect from Monday, September 28th.