Vandalism forces closure of Dunbrody Abbey

By Dan Walsh

UPDATE; Dunbrody Abbey is fully reopened for visitors following this incident last weekend. Well worth a visit. A gem in Wexford’s tourism trail.

Vandals broke into Dunbrody Abbey, near Campile, sometime between Saturday night and early Sunday morning, causing deliberate damage.

A social media statement said: “This was not harmless mischief, but a reckless and disgraceful attack on an important historic site of which we are all proud.”

Those responsible risked their own lives and, through their reckless actions, endangered everyone entering the Abbey.

Following discussions with OPW staff on site, access to the Abbey’s interior has been closed until it is safe to reopen.

The statement said: “We are working closely with the OPW team at the Abbey and thank them for their swift response, support and assistance. We will formally report the incident to An Garda Síochána and hope those responsible are identified and face the full consequences of their actions.”

The tea rooms and maze remain open as usual.

Could Wexford farms face fodder crisis?

Pictured on their Bunclody farm are David and Janet Rothwell with Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain TD and Francie Gorman, National President of IFA.

By Dan Walsh

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow-Wexford, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, has called on the Minister for Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture to begin preparing for a potential fodder crisis as drought conditions continue to severely impact grass growth across County Wexford and other parts of the country.

Speaking from the farm of David and Janet Rothwell near Bunclody, where IFA President Francie Gorman met local farmers to discuss the impact of the drought, Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said Wexford farmers are facing increasing pressure as feed costs rise and fodder stocks come under strain.

“While many people are enjoying the fine weather, farmers across Wexford are dealing with the serious consequences of prolonged dry conditions. Grass growth has stalled, many farmers are already feeding silage intended for winter use, and there is growing concern that stocks cannot be replenished before the end of the season.”

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said some farmers are being forced to increase concentrate feeding or house livestock earlier than planned, adding significantly to farm costs.

“The main concern now is winter fodder supplies. Farmers are using reserves earlier than expected, and if conditions do not improve in the coming weeks, there could be serious challenges ahead.”

The Wicklow-Wexford TD supported the IFA’s call for the immediate reconvening of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee.

“The Minister must act now and be prepared for a potential fodder crisis next spring. Reconvening the National Fodder and Food Security Committee is an important first step to assess fodder stocks, monitor the situation closely, and ensure supports are available if needed,” concluded Deputy Ó Súilleabháin.

Enniscorthy honours greyhound racing memories

Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, who launched the Memory Wall; Marguerite Furlong, Chairperson, Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium; and Fr. Tom Dalton, Adm, St. Aidan’s Parish, who performed the official blessing pictured at Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium on Monday night. (Pic; Brendan Kirwan Photography).

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium

Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium has officially opened its new “plaques memory wall” under the judge’s box at the top of the stand to “remember all who have passed through the Showgrounds.”

Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, officially launched the memorial during Monday night’s racing programme.

Marguerite Furlong, Chairperson of Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium, laid a wreath in honour of past supporters, while Fr Tom Dalton, Adm of St Aidan’s Parish, led prayers in their memory.

The well-attended event drew many families with long-standing ties to the track.

Each race on the eight-race card honoured the founding directors who established the track in August 1933.

Plaques space is available; contact the Enniscorthy Greyhound Track office. All proceeds will support the Oak Ward at nearby St John’s Community Hospital.

The Oak Ward cares for 26 long stay residents with complex needs ranging in age from 66 to 103 years. The majority are males who have contributed to the Enniscorthy community through work, sport and music and Track Manager Bridget Whelan told WexfordLocal.com; “We are pleased that some of them have joined us this evening to celebrate this memorable night.”

Enniscorthy Stadium is renowned for hosting community groups and charity events from across Co. Wexford, with highly successful Race Nights.

Racing is held every Monday and Thursday.

Major blaze at Enniscorthy tyre centre

Major fire at Hendrick Tyre Centre seen from Irish Street across the River Slaney this evening. (Pic; Seamus Casey)

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Five Wexford Fire Service units are tackling a major blaze at Hendrick Tyre Centre Ltd in the Templeshannon area of Enniscorthy this evening.

The fire was reported at 7.20pm, prompting emergency services to rush to the scene.

Thick black smoke billowed into the air, and two hours later firefighters using a turntable ladder were still battling the blaze.

Crews are expected to remain at the scene overnight.

The road between St. Senan’s Road and Templeshannon is closed, with diversions in place.

There are disruptions to electricity services and the ESB are on scene working on the restoration of power for businesses and residences.

Hendrick Tyre Centre fire at Enniscorthy. (Pic; Seamus Casey).

Clear round for Michaelí in €1m Grand Prix 

By Dan Walsh

Camolin-born rider Lt. Michaelí Byrne on MSH Claregalway became the first female member of the Irish Army Equitation School to compete in the €1 million Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show where she finished fourth in the jump off.  

Lieutenant Michaeli Byrne

The 11 years old Irish Sport Horse mare is owned by the Minister for Defence. It was Michaelí’s first time first time to ride in the international classic at the RDS, but it was impossible to tell, as the pair jumped a brilliant clear round to secure a place in the jump-off.

Michaelí and MSH Claregalway jumped clear in a slightly slower time of 44.27 to earn them fourth place.

Speaking afterwards, the delighted Wexford rider said; “It’s my first ever Dublin international, and this year has been a big year for us. We jumped our first senior Nations Cup and she’s really been on a roll since then.

“Today I was more trying to have a good round and use it as good experience, but she jumped her heart out, as she does, and then with the 100-year anniversary, the timing is lovely. I couldn’t be prouder of my mare,” she concluded.

Lt. Michaelí Byrne (29) achieved her career ambition when assigned to the Army Equitation School following the commissioning ceremony of the 96th cadet class at Collins Barracks, Dublin, in March 2021.

From Butterfly Farm, Raheen, near Camolin, Michaelí was the winner of the Mo Chroi four-year-old championship final at the 2019 Dublin Horse Show with the Capri van Overis Z mare Boleybawn Bella, then owned by Ronan Rothwell and Ger O’Neill. The mare’s dam, HHS Anna (by Andiamo Z), was purchased by Rothwell from Brendan Doyle and Tommy Kennedy when she was in foal with Boleybawn Bella.

Michaelí held an ambition to turn her childhood hobby into a career in the equestrian world and took the first steps when she was accepted into the Army Equitation School (founded in 1926 to promote Ireland and the Irish horse) in the autumn of 2019.

It was the first time in the history of the Army Equitation School that three female equitation officers competed for the Army in the same year.

Calls to abolish hospital parking charges

By Dan Walsh

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow–Wexford Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has called for a funded plan to phase out hospital parking charges, arguing that patients and families should not have to pay to access healthcare.

According to Deputy Ó Súilleabháin figures provided by the HSE in response to a Parliamentary Question by Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, show that hospital car parking income at Wexford General Hospital rose from €184,961 in 2022 to €303,846 in 2025 – a 64% increase.

FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN TD

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said told WexfordLocal.com: “Hospital car parking charges are a charge on being sick and visiting families and friends in hospital.

“No one chooses to be sick or to have a sick child in hospital. Yet patients and families in County Wexford are being asked to pay these charges repeatedly.

“People with disabilities, carers and families visiting loved ones in hospital are also being hit.

“The amount being raised through hospital parking has increased dramatically. Hospitals should not have to depend on money collected from sick people and their families.

“We need a funded plan to phase these charges out. The Government should provide replacement funding as charges are phased out, while ensuring hospital parking remains available for patients and visitors,” concluded Deputy Ó Súilleabháin.

Tiny Little Library launches at Wexford General Hospital

Pictured at the Tiny Little Library at Wexford General Hospital, provided by Wexford Libraries, were Aileen Kehoe, Nuria Tasies, Yvonne Smith (Senior Executive Librarian), Caroline Manley, Laura Hanley, Theresa Kelly (Librarian), Mary O’Shea, Angel Chege and Libi Rachel Sam. (Pic; Jim Campbell).

By Dan Walsh

The Tiny Little Library at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in Wexford General Hospital has been launched bringing the power of stories, language, and connection to some of the county’s smallest and most vulnerable babies.

Tiny Little Library is an innovative partnership between Wexford Library Service and the neonatal team at Wexford General Hospital.

The initiative provides a collection of carefully selected books that parents can read aloud to their premature and hospitalised babies, helping families bond during what can be a challenging and emotional time.

The Tiny Little Library collection in Wexford SCBU will give families access to specially chosen books designed to be read aloud, creating opportunities for comfort, connection and communication from the earliest days of life.

The initiative also links families with their local public library, ensuring continued access to books, resources and support after their baby returns home.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Lisa McDonald said: “Tiny Little Library provides a simple but powerful way for parents to spend time with their baby, using their voice, stories and books to nurture connection, comfort and development. We are delighted to work with Wexford General Hospital SCBU on this worthwhile initiative.”

Yvonne Smith, Senior Executive Librarian said: “A love of reading starts with a shared story. We are proud to support families in the SCBU with this Tiny Little Library, where every book opens a world of possibilities. This Tiny Little Library is a celebration of reading, family, and the power of books to comfort, inspire, and connect us.”

Caroline Manley, SCBU, Wexford General Hospital said: “Every interaction matters for babies in neonatal care. Reading aloud gives parents a meaningful role in their baby’s care journey while supporting early communication and bonding. We are delighted to partner with Wexford Library Service on this important initiative.”

Tiny Little Library builds on successful programmes already operating in some neonatal units around Ireland as a partnership with hospitals and public libraries to support families from the very start of their child’s life through books, language and relationships.

Celebrate National Heritage Week

By Dan Walsh

National Heritage Week kicks off on Saturday, August 15th with free events across the country and plenty to explore in Co. Wexford. It continues until August 23rd.

This year’s theme is ‘Heritage at Risk’ and encourages built, natural and cultural aspects of our heritage that are endangered for use to reimagine and revive these sites, artefacts and practices.

It is impossible for WexfordLocal.com to publish all Heritage Week events for Co. Wexford, however, the kind staff at Enniscorthy Castle and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy sent us their programme of events and here it is;

There are 2,500 events nationally. For details of your chosen Heritage Week highlights contact www.heritageweek.ie

Urgent appeal to use water responsibly

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers in County Wexford to continue using water responsibly as warm and dry conditions persist. 

A Water Conservation Order remains in place for the entire country to help protect public drinking water supplies following a prolonged period of exceptionally warm and dry weather, combined with high demand for water across the country.

The appeal comes as Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow High Temperature Warning for parts of the country, with higher temperatures expected to increase demand for water in the days ahead. 

In Wexford, water supplies serving Gorey, Castlebridge, Curracloe, Wexford Town and South Wexford continue to be closely monitored, with water sources remaining under pressure. Uisce Eireann also continues to supplement the network through tankering operations to help maintain water supply for customers in Bunclody, Askamore and Kilmuckridge. 

While customer conservation efforts have helped reduce demand, water sources remain under pressure and every effort to conserve water remains important. 

Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers, and essential services. Customers are being asked to continue avoiding non-essential water use and to play their part in protecting supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations with Uisce Éireann, said: “We would like to thank customers across Wexford for the support they have shown since the Water Conservation Order was introduced. We have seen demand reduce in many areas and those efforts are helping to protect water supplies. 

“However, many of our water sources remain under pressure following an extended period of warm and dry weather and it will take time for those sources to recover. With warm conditions expected to continue and temperatures set to rise again in parts of the country, we are asking everyone to continue doing what they can to conserve water,” she added. 

The Water Conservation Order is in place until 26 August and is reviewed on an ongoing basis considering weather conditions, soil moisture deficits, and the status of water supplies. 

Call for crackdown on Courtown jet ski use

Jet Ski activity in Courtown Harbour could be facing a clampdown in Courtown Harbour and along the North Wexford coastline? (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford Brian Brennan has called for a clampdown on the use of jet skis in Courtown Harbour and along the North Wexford coastline.

Deputy Brennan predicts: “There will be serious accident unless the reckless use of jet skis in Courtown is addressed. I believe that there is room for everyone to enjoy our incredible coastline, but we need to see greater regulation on jet skis to ensure the safety of everyone.

“I am asking both Wexford County Council and the Gardai to take steps to address this issue.

“For decades many children and families have been swimming close to the pier but now because of the dangerous use of jet skis in this area this is clearly unsafe and an accident waiting to happen.

Deputy Brennan continued; “Courtown Sailing Club have been at the centre of the social fabric of Courtown but having spoken with members they feel this reckless use of jet ski close to their boats is a danger to their members.

“Since initially raising this issue, I have been inundated with comments from locals up and down the coastline informing me of encounters they have had with jet skis, ranging from noise complaints to nuisance to incidents with potential to cause serious injury or harm.

“I have called on Wexford County Council to look at the role of a council warden who would have the authority to monitor and intervene where necessary. They have replied that they are currently looking into possibilities available in terms of bye laws for this and potential avenues there are to be considered.

“An Garda Siochana are very aware of these issues and have recently issued the following online statement reaffirming their commitment to keep the Wexford Coastal Waters safe for all users;

“Operation Coinním/Courtown Harbour; As part of Operation Coinním, Gardaí from Courtown Harbour Garda Station engaged with jet ski and personal watercraft users at the harbour slipway to promote water safety during the busy summer season.

“Advice included observing harbour speed limits, remaining outside the marker buoys once clear of the harbour, respecting other water users, wearing appropriate safety equipment, launching safely and parking responsibly.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to speak with Gardaí. Your cooperation helps ensure Courtown Harbour remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone this summer.