WexfordLocal.com

Arson attack at Blackwater Garda Station

By Dan Walsh at Blackwater

Gardaí are investigating criminal damage by fire to Blackwater Garda Station where extensive damage has been caused to the interior of the building.

The incident occurred at approximately 2.50am this morning (Tuesday). The place was unoccupied at the time.

Local Cllr Oliver Walsh said he was “surprised, and very sad to see something like this happening” but added that he was relieved no gardaí were in the building at the time.

The Office of Public Works is working with An Garda Síochána to identify a location for a temporary garda station, but gardaí said that operations are being maintained in the Blackwater area.

The incident occurred at approximately 2.50am this morning (Tuesday).

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information in relation to this incident to come forward.

Road users who may have video footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in Blackwater, Co. Wexford between 2.30am and 3am on Tuesday 26th May 2026 are asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on (053) 923 3534, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Investigations are continuing.

Under starters orders at Wexford races

**Racing returns to Wexford on Wednesday. First race at 4.42pm.**

By Dan Walsh

Summer racing comes to Bettyville Park, Wexford, tomorrow evening (Wednesday) with the first of eight races under starters orders at 4.42pm.

There is a dry forecast and for the first time this season and pleasant summer conditions should attract large family groups and the loyal supporters who turn up hail, rain or snow! That’s a bit of an exaggeration, but ye all know what I mean?

The going is “good to yielding, good in places (watering).” The track is in excellent condition.

A big entry again and one race divided creating an eight-race card comprising of seven hurdle races and the final INH Flat Race. Top stables and local stables all competing for the prizemoney.

Wexford Mental Health Services Survey

By Dan Walsh

Chair of the Wexford Mental Health Services Working Group, Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien was joined by Chair of the LCDC, Cllr. Frank Staples to launch the Wexford Mental Health Services Survey.

Cllr. O’Brien said; “I am delighted to launch this survey on behalf of the Wexford Mental Health Services Working Group. The information gathered will bolster our knowledge base of the current state of mental health services, particularly crisis services, as seen through the eyes of the service users and their loved ones.”

She added; “There seems to be a disconnect between the official information that we are currently being given on mental health services and the experience of the service users that I have been contacted by. This survey will be a voice for those affected and their families that we can bring to the powers that be.”

Cllr. O’Brien concluded by thanking the Local Community Development Committee for funding to deliver the Wexford Mental Health Services Survey.

Speaking on behalf of the LCDC, Cllr. Staples said; “The LCDC was pleased to support this survey. I sincerely hope that anyone who has been affected directly or indirectly by mental health issues will take time to complete this survey so that we can identify the full needs for services in Co. Wexford.”

Previously the Wexford Mental Health Services Working Group had cautiously welcomed the announcement by Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler, that a new 10-bed community mental health unit in Co. Wexford was a ministerial priority under the Health Capital Plan 2026.

It remained insistent that the project be delivered “efficiently and to the highest standard.” The Working Group will use the survey results to help ensure that the facility responds to the needs of those in crisis and the expectations of the people of the county.

Asked how people could access this survey Cllr O’Brien replied that a link would be posted on Wexford County Council’s website www.wexfordcoco.ie in the “Latest News” section on the home page. Links will also be circulated through the Council’s social media pages. Hard copies of the survey will be available from the municipal district offices and local libraries.

The survey is open until June 19^th.

€230,500 for Rosslare Climate Action

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Ger Carthy has informed WexfordLocal.com of funding for the Rosslare Municipal District under the Community Climate Action Programme announced last week.

€65,275 goes to the Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour Community Centre for retrofit, attic insulation, windows and doors update, air to air heat pumps, solar PV panels. LED lighting upgrades and the installation of a bike rack!

€16,660 for St. Mary’s Day Centre for the creation a draft lobby and reduce heat loss when elderly visitors are being assisted into the building and to increase the biodiversity on the grounds by planting of native trees.

€72,105 for Murrintown Community Centre and Friends of Rathaspick Church for retrofit of community centre, cavity wall insulation, LED lighting upgrades, air to air heat pump, air to water heat pump and solar PV panels and other things.

€76,460 is earmarked for Clongeen Community Development Group and Foulksmills Tidy Towns’ Group for creation of a Community Climate Resilient Hub at Clongeen Community Centre, installation of solar PV panels, battery and changeover switch, install EV charger and the installation of solar PV panels and battery in the Foulksmills Tidy Towns cabin. Also upgrade the lighting on GAA pitch, upgrade to LED lighting, encourage Active Travel in the village, install bike racks at the National School, GAA grounds and Foulksmills Park.

N25 bridge closures over River Barrow

**ROSE FITZGERALD KENNEDY BRIDGE at New Ross where closures are happening in the coming weeks. It starts today.**

By Dan Walsh

All road users operating between counties Wexford, south Kilkenny and Waterford, and vice versa, need to be aware of upcoming lane and bridge closures on the N25 Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, south of New Ross, on the Wexford side of the River Barrow as repair works get underway at Pier 4 from today, May 25^th.

Daytime works on Monday and Tuesday will see both Lane 2s closed between 7.30am and 3.30pm.

The bridge will then fully close overnight on Wednesday and Thursday from 8pm until 4am, with diversions in place through New Ross.

No works are planned for Friday, May 29th, in a bid to reduce disruption ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend

Further lane restrictions will remain in place over the following two weeks, including eastbound and westbound Lane 2 closures during daytime hours. Finishing works are expected to continue until June 12^th. Road users are being advised to allow extra travel time and to follow all diversion routes in place.

Barry Stone enjoys his 80th victory

By Dan Walsh

It’s a long time since the 2025-’26 point-to-point season commenced last October and it ended this weekend where the highlight was doubles for Donnchadh Doyle and a double and the 80^th career winner for Cleariestown rider Barry Stone.

**BARRY STONE rode his 80th career victory today at Tattersalls.**

Stone’s double was at Tattersalls in Co. Meath where he got the winners flowing under Galant Jewel in the colours of Noeleen Kenny and trained at Craanford by Jimmy Kenny, who has enjoyed his best season to date. 13 lengths the verdict.

Half an hour later and Barry Stone was in the winners’ enclosure again following division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings aboard Donnchadh Doyle’s newcomer Naturalenegry who sailed home by two and a half lengths.

And Donnchadh Doyle’s Ballindaggin stables made it a double victory in division two when Rob James brought Bingo Bus home by 13 lengths.

Wexford stables also won both divisions of the five-year old geldings’ maiden. The father and son team, trainer and rider, James and John Walsh from Tinahely scored a five lengths success with Mr Caulfield in the colours of Martin J. Molloy to take division one, while Sean Doyle and Cormac Byrne produced George Dundee to victory by five and a half lengths in division two.

The Blackhall Partnership Stables and Paul Martin Pierce at Killurin supplied the winner of the maiden race for five-year-olds plus. Only ‘a head’ separated Sing Like Madonna from Seamus Osborne’s Buddy And Me for the father and son team, James and John Walsh, who won earlier with Mr Caulfield. Paul Pierce having his best ever season with 11 winners.

Michael Gahan and Michael Goff achieved ‘a short head’ victory with Craan Rose getting the better of Colin Bowe’s Wings In The Wing ridden by Shane O’Rourke in the mares’ maiden race for six-year-old geldings plus at Ballingarry on Sunday.

Ballingarry had a two-day fixture and yesterday (Saturday) experienced two Wexford winners. Wexford footballer and Kilmore owner/handler Thomas Byrne saddled Sam Smoke to victory in the maiden mares’ race for four-year-olds. Shane Cotter took the mount. Corkman Cotter wins his second under 21 riders’ title.

Ballindaggin rider Cormac Byrne had his 10^th career winner and the seventh this season on Gathering The Facts for the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle by four lengths in the Winner of One race confined to novice riders.

The National Point-to-Point Awards ceremony will take place in Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, on Saturday, June 13^th. Tickets are on sale.

Courtown crew ready for duty

**COURTOWN RNLI LIFEBOAT** (Pic; *RNLI/John Timmon*s)

By Dan Walsh

Courtown RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked this Sunday afternoon after a person got into difficulties and following a call to the Coast Guard from a concerned member of the public.

The person had become separated from his personal watercraft and although they were wearing a buoyancy aid, they were some distance from shore in choppy conditions.

The volunteer lifeboat crew had assembled and were preparing the Courtown RNLI inshore lifeboat Frank for launch when they were stood down, as a fellow personal watercraft user had come to the casualty’s aid.

Courtown RNLI lifeboat helm Robert Ierton said: “Never hesitate to call 112 or 999 as soon as possible and ask for the Coast Guard, if you think somebody is in trouble and always ensure you have a means of communication and life jacket or buoyancy aid.”

Teenage cyclist in Enniscorthy crash

**SLANEY STREET, Enniscorthy.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

A teenage cyclist was rushed to Wexford General Hospital this evening following a collision with a car at the junction of Slaney Street with Island Road in Enniscorthy town.

The incident occurred shortly after 5pm. The cyclist was travelling down Slaney Street when the brakes malfunctioned, and collided with a car turning into the street.

The cyclist sustained injuries and was treated at the scene; however, they are believed to be non-life threatening. The female car driver escaped uninjured.

There were several eyewitnesses to the frightening incident which occurred in perfect weather conditions.

Members of An Garda Siochana and the National Ambulance Service attended the scene.

Africa Day in Min Ryan Park

**AFRICA DAY from 2-5pm on Sunday at MIN RYAN PARK at Killeens, Wexford town,** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Min Ryan Park in Kileens on the outskirts of Wexford town is the place to be for a celebration of culture, community and connection on Sunday.

It is Africa Day from 2-5pm and there is an open invitation to as many people as possible to get involved and share in the family friendly activities.

This event is being funded by FDYS and supported by the Government of Ireland, Wexford County Council and the Local Authority Integration Team.

What’s on: This open and welcoming event for all ages is an opportunity to experience culture, connect with others, and enjoy a great day out in Wexford.

African fashion parade showcasing beautiful textiles, prints and contemporary style.
African food sampling – a chance to taste a variety of flavours from different parts of the continent.
Live music, performances and a DJ creating an energetic atmosphere.
African drumming
Family-friendly activities include: Arts and crafts, Games for children
Face painting.

Enniscorthy finish to Rás Stage 3

**Cyclists crossing the finish line following Stage 3 of Rás Tailteann at Ross Road, Enniscorthy, this afternoon.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Ross Road, Enniscorthy

Liam Flanagan of the APS Pro Cycling Team has won Stage 3 of Rás Tailteann after 155.6km from Mitchelstown to Enniscorthy today (Friday).

The American claimed that victory, from a breakaway, solo just ahead of yesterday’s winner, and new yellow jersey, Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase Cabtech-Castelli).

Once again, Conn McDunphy (APS Pro Cycling) was 3rd, like Thursday, while fellow Irishman George Peden (PB Performance) took 4th place.

The Mitchelstown – Enniscorthy stage arrived via Carley’s Bridge and the stage finish was at the entrance to The Showgrounds on Ross Road where a fine crowd gathered to cheer home the riders and welcome the Rás to Enniscorthy.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy welcomed the riders and the Rás team to Enniscorthy. She noted Rás stage finishes over the years, with 2026 marking the first time the race has finished in the town in 20 years.

Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD, Cllrs Aidan Browne, John O’Rourke, Trish Byrne, Pat Kehoe and Jackser Owens shared the main podium with sponsors and officials.

**TIM SHOREMAN (yellow jersey) and the leading riders celebrate on the podium at Enniscorthy this aftenoon.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Liam Ruth, stage end organiser, said: “It is a great honour for Enniscorthy to host a stage finish of Rás Tailteann. The race has a special place in Irish sport, and it will be fantastic to welcome the riders, teams, officials and supporters to the town.”

John Butler, Chairperson of Slaney Cycling Club and stage end organiser, added; “We would encourage people to come out, enjoy the occasion and help create a memorable finish in Enniscorthy.”

Cairde Rás Tailteann sincerely thanked Slaney Cycling Club, Wexford County Council, District Manager Claire Lawless, local Cllr John O’Rourke, who lives very close to the finish line, Enniscorthy Rugby Club, the Enniscorthy Showgrounds Committee, Enniscorthy Gardai and the many cycling clubs from across Wexford who supported the event.