Pictured are Paula Roche from County Wexford Chamber, Jim Fitzgerald Uisce Éireann, Eimear Kennedy, Fleadh Committee, Wexford County Council. Fionnuala Callery Wexford County Council.
By Dan Walsh
With the population of Wexford increasing over the summer months Uisce Éireann is calling on households across the county to take practical steps to reduce their water consumption and to report any leaks to Uisce Éireann.
As tourists flock to the Model County, the public are being asked to help play their part in protecting essential water supplies for their local communities, and to conserve water where possible.
Speaking of the importance of water conservation this summer Uisce Éireann Water Regional Operations Manager, Jim Fitzgerald told WexfordLocal.com; “Water plays a vital role in our everyday lives, and by making small changes to use only what we need in our homes, gardens, and businesses, we can all contribute to ensuring a sustainable water supply for everyone. We are encouraging people across Wexford to play their part and think water conservation.”
Jim continued: “Water demand always increases with an influx of tourists and visitors. This year more visitors are expected for the Fleadh as people are set to enjoy a week of traditional music and culture. Uisce Éireann would like to thank the Fleadh Committee and Wexford County Chamber for getting behind our Water Conservation Campaign, and to everyone who is playing their part in protecting our valuable resource.”
Iarnród Éireann has confirmed over 50 extra train services will operate during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to/from Wexford, allowing more people to attend the country’s leading traditional music festival.
However, services from Connolly Station, Dublin, will terminate at Wexford Station. Rosslare to Wexford services will be replaced by bus transfers to facilitate Garda event plan for Wexford Quay activities
An extra Dublin Connolly to Wexford train will operate each day between Tuesday and Sunday, August 6th-11th, and an extensive range of shuttle services between Arklow and Wexford, up to a final service at 23:00hrs from Wexford to Arklow each evening.
The additional trains will operate from Tuesday 6th to Sunday 11th August, as follows:
Tuesday 6th to Friday 9th August
10:34hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford
18:40hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
21:30hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
14:40hrs and 17:05hrs Arklow to Wexford
13:40hrs, 16:04hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow
Saturday 10th August
10:25hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford
21:25hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
14:40hrs, 16:00hrs, 17:15hrs and 18:50hrs Arklow to Wexford
13:40hrs, 14:15hrs, 16:04hrs, 17:25hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow
Sunday 11th August
10:50hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford
21:25hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
14:35hrs, 16:00hrs, 17:20hrs and 18:55hrs Arklow to Wexford
13:35hrs, 14:10hrs, 17:30hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow
Customers are advised to book rail travel in advance on scheduled and extra train services to/from Wexford throughout Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at www.irishrail.ie or the Iarnród Éireann app, as demand is expected to be high.
The sporting connections of Joecooker celebrate after success at Wexford races today including owner James Doyle, trainer Mary Ellen Doyle and jockey Brian Dunleavy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford races
The second of the two-day race meetings at Wexford racecourse today (Thursday) was a big improvement on yesterday when the weather caused poor visibility and misery for punters and, like yesterday when Denis Murphy saddled Three By Two (9/1) for the lone local success in the concluding race there was another fine local winner in the final race today.
Joecooker (14/1) prevailed in a tight finish to the INH Flat Race to win for James Doyle and Mary Ellen Doyle from Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, with Brian Dunleavy as the successful jockey. Afterwards, James Doyle, winning owner and brother of the winning trainer, said; “I was expecting him to run well. He probably did see out the three miles in the point-to-point. He had a nice run at Punchestown in a maiden hurdle where he finished fourth and wasn’t beaten by far.
Doyle continued; “We had a runner (Impakt St Georges) in the first today as well who finished fourth and wasn’t beaten far. Point-to-pointing is mainly what we do, but we have a few for the summer for the track. It’s a family run operation between myself, and my sister Ellen and we just run a few on the track that don’t hit the back of the net in point-to-point’s.”
There was a steward’s enquiry that saw placings reversed following the mare’s maiden hurdle. Gers Gigi (11/4 fav.) with Jack Kennedy up, was given the verdict by a nose from Alabama Birmingham (4/1) ridden by Eoin Walsh for Eamonn Delaney, Co. Meath.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference at the last and on the run to the line of this race involving Gers Gigi, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed second and Birmingham Alabama, ridden by E. Walsh, placed first, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Birmingham Alabama had caused interference to Gers Gigi on the run to the line and as a result of this interference had improved it’s finishing position. As a consequence, the Raceday Stewards reversed the placings of the first positions and amended the result to read as follows: Amended Result: First: Gers Gigi Second: Birmingham Alabama. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that jockey Eoin Walsh was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (first offence), they suspended him for two racedays.
Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead, successful with Kudasheva (5/1) in the beginners’ chase yesterday made it a double for the two days when Liebec Nicc (9/4) scored in the opening maiden hurdle. And champion jockey Jack Kennedy also got his name on the scoreboard when he brought home Bigira (7/2) for Mark Fahey by a length and a half in the first division of the handicap hurdle.
There are three fixtures for Wexford Racecourse in August; during the week of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on Wednesday, August 7th and on Friday, August 9th and a third fixture happens on Friday, August 30th. All are evening fixtures.
Works are underway for a €19 million upgrade of the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme to provide a more reliable resilient water supply across the town. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Uisce Éireann’s capital expenditure on critical water and wastewater infrastructure exceeded €1.2 billion last year, delivering improved drinking water quality to customers, reducing wastewater discharges to the environment and building resilience in Irish water supplies. Its Annual Report 2023, published yesterday (Wednesday), shows a range of key achievements for the organisation including assuming full responsibility for the delivery of all public water services in Ireland, transitioning to a centrally managed national utility.
The Uisce Éireann report shows significant progress in delivery of safe, secure and sustainable water for Wexford communities. Across Wexford network management, Find & Fix, and Leakage Reduction Works are underway as well as significant investment in water and wastewater infrastructure. Works are underway for a €19 million upgrade of the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme to provide a more reliable resilient water supply across the town. This project is supported by ongoing works to upgrade aged areas of the water network such as Pearse Road and St. Johns Villas. “We’re also making steady progress to upgrade the Creagh Water Treatment Plant Upgrade to benefit over 7,000 customers in Gorey. Similarly, work is forging ahead on the Newtown Water Treatment Plant expected for completion in 2025,” says the Report. Work is underway to upgrade Kilmallock Bridge Water Treatment Plant which will be complete by the end of this year. Leakage Reduction Programme works were recently completed in Duncannon and Redmondstown, while the Mayglass (Fardystown) Raw Water Project is ongoing to increase supply capacity for South Wexford. Directive. Works to eliminate raw sewage discharges were completed across 10 sites including Kilmore Quay
On January 1, 2023, Irish Water transitioned to Uisce Éireann and became Ireland’s new standalone water utility. A key focus was establishing the supports and processes to enable the smooth transfer of Local Authority Water Services staff and enabling the successful integration of all employees in the new shared organisation. This ongoing work is vital to fully deliver the benefits of a national utility model with strong local teams delivering in and for communities throughout the country.
Jockey Diarmuid Moloney and the Henry de Bromhead winning team after Freddie Robdal won the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Wexford this afternoon. (Pic; Wexford Racecourse).
By Dan Walsh at Wexford races
Today’s all steeplechase race meeting at Bettyville Park, Wexford, when off in difficult viewing conditions where the going was ‘good to yielding’, but fingers are crossed for better conditions tomorrow (Thursday) at the second day of the two-day summer fixture.
Tomorrow, Thursday, presents an inviting evening card of eight races – seven hurdles and an INH Flat Race to finish offer – and the first race is off at 4.28pm. There is an unsettled forecast with showers possible.
Music, craic and good racing is on offer and hopes are high for a large crowd, especially family groups can expect a warm sporting welcome.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com today, Managing Director Ursula Sinnott said; “Thank you to all our valued customers for coming to the (Wexford) races today and we hope you will join us again tomorrow (Thursday) for our evening meeting and the remaining fixtures between now and the October holiday weekend.”
There was just one local winner at today’s (Wednesday) Wexford fixture where misty conditions spoiled the viewing for the brave attendance.
Jockey Richie Deegan from Borris scored his first success for Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh aboard the 2023 Ladies Cup winning eight-year-old mare at Punchestown Festival, Three By Two (9/1) in the colours of Mick McEvoy, Blessington in the concluding handicap chase.
Deegan, on his fifth ride for Murphy, who was absent as he was at the sales, said afterwards; “I do a bit of schooling for Denis, I know his sister Bernadette, brother Peter and their mother Kathleen well so it is nice to ride a winner for them, I live near to them and they’ll get a great kick out of that.”
Clare jockey Diarmuid Moloney registered success on his first ride for Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead on Fredie Robdal (7/2). Riding his first winner since April 2023, relieved jockey Moloney said “that win was a long time coming as I got hurt and couldn’t get going again. Thanks to Henry for getting me going again and you just need the good horses.
Incidentally, Freddie Robdal is named after a minor character from Only Fools And Horses!
Apologies for the poor quality. This is unavoidable due to the misty conditions that prevailed at Wexford races today
All children starting school this September are invited to visit their library, pick up a My Little Library Book Bag, in Irish or English, and join the library if they are not already members. Book bags are available at the library throughout the summer. All families are welcome to join the library too, if they aren’t already members. Co. Wexford has five branch libraries located in the towns of Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Wexford.
Pictured at the launch of the Little Library Book Bag in Gorey Library were (left to right); Sinead Carey, Library Assistant, Hazel Percival, Senior ExecutiveLibrarian, and Jan Doran, Senior Library Assistant.
My Little Library was independently evaluated with the results showing extremely positive feedback from children and their families and from library staff and early years educators and parents reported that the book bag supported their children’s transition to primary school and gave them a new reason to visit and join the library.
Minister Roderic O’Gorman and Minister Heather Humphreys launched My Little Library Book Bag 2024, in June, which provides every child starting school with free books and invites them to join their local library.
Cllr. Pip Breen, An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council said; “The My Little Library Bag initiative is a wonderful programme offered to all children in Co Wexford starting primary school. Children get to collect a free book, and a library card wallet to keep, from their local library, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross or Wexford town and the children can join their library along with their families, and choose their own books to borrow, all for free, this will be the start of a lifelong love of reading for the children of Co. Wexford.”
For more information and to collect your Little Library Book Bag do please call to your local library or contact Wexford County Council Library Service by phone at 053 9196561 or by email at libraryheadquarters@wexfordcoco.ie
There is a two-day summer midweek feast of jump racing at Bettyville Park, Wexford, on Wednesday and Thursday where ground conditions are ‘good’ and the entries are large.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, the card consists of seven steeplechases and the first race is off at 2.28pm.
Thursday is an evening card of eight races – seven hurdles and an INH Flat Race at the end – and the first race is off at 4.25pm.
Hopes are high on both occasions for a large crowd, especially family groups can expect a warm sporting welcome.
Pictured at the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association event at Wexford Arts Centre were (left to right); Catherine McPartlin, Treasurer; Cllr Jim Codd, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District; Lorcan Kinsella, President Wexford Chamber of Commerce; Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council; Melanie O’Reilly, Honorary Consul and secretary of Wexford Normandy Cultural Association; His Excellency, Vincent Guérand; Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor; Maura Bell, Wexford Normandy Cultural Association, and Eamonn Murphy, Director, Wexford Enterprise Association/Tradebridge. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre
The Wexford Normandy Cultural Association held a special event in Wexford Arts Centre this evening with the dual purpose of welcoming the new Honorary Consul for Wexford and saying farewell to His Excellency, Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland who will be leaving at the end of his posting.
Monsieur Guérend spoke fondly of his visits to Wexford (“this must be 10 or 12 visits now”, he said) and embraced the close association and friendship between Wexford and France and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome always accorded to him and the staff at the French Embassy.
Monsieur Guerend congratulated the Secretary of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association, Melanie O’Reilly, on her appointment as Honorary Consul of France in South East Ireland and based in Wexford.
The announcement was made by the Ambassador at Bastille Day celebrations at the Ambassador’s residence in Dublin, but today’s event was the inauguration of Ms. O’Reilly in her new representative role, and she was made a presentation in her adopted Wexford.
Honorary Consul MELANIE O’REILLY and H.E. Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland exchange credentials at Wexford Normandy Cultural Association event. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Ms. O’Reilly is the fourth Honorary Consul in Ireland and it is a fitting tribute to Melanie and to the importance of the links between France and the South East of Ireland. Toutes nos félicitations Melanie!
A fluent French speaker, Ms. O’Reilly was thrilled to receive the accolade of Honorary Consul, she thanked the Ambassador and the French Embassy and said she looked forward to carrying out her duties and consolidating the friendship between France and Ireland.
Leo Coy, Chair of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association paid tribute to the Ambassador whom, he said; “Really liked Wexford and its Norman connections and visited us many times, during his time in Ireland.”
Ms. Maura Bell acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed the Ambassador and his staff and invited guests and detailed the background to the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association. Cllr Jim Codd made a special presentation to Monsieur Guérend- a large bowl of delicious Wexford strawberries!
The attendance included Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Jim Codd, Deputies Brendan Howlin, Verona Murphy and Johnny Mythen, Senator Malcolm Byrne, Lorcan Kinsella, President Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Maree Lyng, Chair of Wexford Rotary Club, Eamonn Murphy, Director Wexford Enterprise Association/Tradebridge and officials of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association.
Refreshments were provided and Wexford Arts Centre was the perfect venue for the pleasant ceremony.
The DO NOT SWIM notices erected at Booley Bay Beach, near Duncannon, four days ago has been lifted.
Wexford County Council this morning, in a statement, said; “The results of the repeat bathing water samples at Booley Bay fall within acceptable standards. Following consultation with the HSE, Wexford County Council is now lifting the bathing prohibition with immediate effect.”
Last Thursday, a DO NOT SWIM warning notice was posted at Booley Bay Beach in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.
The newly formed South Wicklow North Wexford Fine Gael Constituency will hold its first ever General Election Selection Convention tomorrow night (Monday) at 7.30pm in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey.
The South Wicklow North Wexford Constituency was formed following the Electoral Commission Review Report of 2023. With a population of over 85,000, this 3-seater Constituency currently has no sitting TDs and the upcoming election will be the first opportunity to elect representatives from the area.
With the retirement of veteran TD Deputy Paul Kehoe, and South Wicklow never having returned a Dáil Deputy, a new generation of candidates will be put forward to contest the upcoming General Election, which must happen before March 2025.
Two people have been nominated to the Selection Convention as candidate(s) for the Fine Gael Party in the upcoming Election: Brian Brennan and Cllr Peter Stapleton
CANDIDATE PROFILES
BRIAN BRENNAN
BRIAN BRENNAN is a Gorey-based businessman and hotelier who previously owned and ran the Brennan Hotel Group which owned the Arklow Bay Hotel. Brian has founded and supports six orphanages in Sri Lanka.
He is heavily involved through his family in local sports in Arklow and Gorey including: Arklow Rocks Parnell’s, Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney, Arklow Rugby and Naomh Eanna GAA, Gorey Rangers Football and Gorey RFC. Brian previously was a title sponsor of the Wicklow GAA Senior, U21 and Minor Teams.
His priorities include sustainable long-term development of Arklow and Gorey, developing and supporting local businesses and ensuring agriculture remains at the heart of the local economy
TAOISEACH and FINE GAEL LEADER SIMON HARRIS TD with CLLR PETER STAPLETON.
CLLR PETER STAPLETON was elected to Wicklow County Council in June 2024, as a first-time councillor. Peter lives in Tinahely and has deep roots to the area through Duffy’s of Hacketstown, a business founded by his great-grandfather. Though no longer in operation the importance of business and agriculture to all in the region was instilled in him from a young age and both remain core policy areas of his.
Peter graduated from UCD with first-class honours in Business and Law, before training as a chartered accountant and working in finance in Dublin and London. He returned to Ireland to manage his family’s landscaping business.
Peter is a keen sportsman and plays for Tinahely GAA where he also acts as Club Treasurer. He has hit the ground running as a councillor, calling on the council to tackle vacancy and dereliction, while lobbying for more funding for roads and footpaths in rural areas.
His priorities include helping local business and agriculture, developing and improving housing and infrastructure, reducing taxation and supporting towns and villages and reinvigorating local communities.
WexfordLocal.com 