WexfordLocal.com

Friends Barry and Rob are sharing champions

By Dan Walsh

The national point-to-point season 2023-’24 ended today after eight months and a pleasant outcome is that friends and neighbours, Barry O’Neill, (35), and Rob James, (30), entered “a gentleman’s agreement” and didn’t ride on the final weekend, and consequently they share the 2023-’24 The Irish Field National Point-to-Point Riders’ Championship with both ending the season on 39 winners each.

Barry said; “Rob and I have worked together for nearly 20 years at this stage. Rob was one of the Best Men at my wedding, so we have been friends for a long time, and we have travelled up and down the country together going racing.”

It is Barry O’Neill’s eighth time being crowned champion point-to-point rider having taken his first title from Jamie Codd on the final day at Ballingarry in 2017, but it is a first for James, who last weekend also sealed a share of the Eastern regional title. Both will receive their awards at a special function taking place in Kilkenny in a few weeks’ time.

On the final day of the season at two tracks today, the Wexford winners kept flowing. Champion handler Colin Bowe enjoyed a double at Inchydoney to bring his seasonal total to 38 winners; Devilskin by eight lengths in the Winner of Two race and Doyen Evening, running in the colours of Owen Murphy, Galbally, scraped home by ‘a head’ in the maiden race for five-year-old mares plus. Both were ridden by Oulart rider Bertie Finn.

Newcomer Dippedinmoonlight scored by 40 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds for handler Darragh Berry and young Kilmore rider Josh Berry, riding his second winner in two days.

Denis Murphy saddled a five lengths winner in newcomer Berkenshtaap in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings ridden by the new under 21 champion rider, Sean Cotter from Cork. Another newcomer Freddies Back, running in the colours of Áine Dagg, scored a two lengths victory for the Tinahely father and son, handler and rider partnership of John Edward Walsh and James Walsh. That was in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Today’s other fixture was at Ballingarry where Cleariestown rider Barry Stone enjoyed double success in the first two races; Cocovic for Butlerstown, Co. Waterford handler Paul Power in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and Eager Eyes for Mark Scallan, Cleariestown, and running in the colours of Shane Roche, by two lengths in the maiden race for six-year-old mares.

Cormac Doyle, Ballindaggin, saddled Diese Des Bieffes in the Open Race confined to Lady Riders at Ballingarry. Seven lengths the winning verdict and a second career success for Kilmore rider Joanne Corish.

Colin Bowe saddles three winners

By Dan Walsh

A treble for pending 12-times champion handler Colin Bowe and a double for Oulart rider Bertie Finn at Ballingarry today (Saturday) plus more Wexford trained winners at Ballingarry and Tralee were the highlights on the penultimate day of the 2023-’24 point-to-point season.

**BRENDAN WALSH and COLIN BOWE** (*File Pic).*

Bowe and Finn struck form in the opening maiden race for four-year-old mares with newcomer The Great Nudie, running in the colours of Leo McArdle, scoring impressively by 18 lengths. The partnership secured the double with Stuntman Steve in division two of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Two lengths the verdict. And Bowe completed a treble and took his seasonal total to 36 when Haggard, running in the colours of Thomas Coleman, scored a 12 lengths victory under Sophie Carter in the Winner of One race confined to novice riders.

Handler Garreth Murphy from Ballymitty saddled To The Wire with Barry Stone up in the four-year-old auction maiden race and they came home first, two and a half lengths to the good!

The first division of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings concluded in a 15 lengths success for Roaring Conquest from Denis Murphy’s Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, with Sean Cotter taking the mount.

At Tralee, James and Vincent Devereaux, Rostoonstown, Tacumshane, enjoyed a two and a half lengths success with home-bred newcomer Onlymammycanloveme with Shane O’Rourke riding in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Some Front, running in the colours of Shirley Berry, and handled by John P. Berry from Tomhaggard, and ridden by their 19 years old son Josh Berry, having his third career winner, got the verdict in a tight finish – half a length the winning margin – in the maiden race for mares of five-year-old plus.

Millie Supreme was another Wexford winner. Ridden by Brian Lawless for the Monbeg Syndicate and handler Donnchadh Doyle in the Winners race.

The point-to-point season ends tomorrow (Sunday) with two fixtures; a second day at Ballingarry and a fixture at Inchydorney.

Road crash on N11 near Oylegate

By Dan Walsh

Three people were removed to Wexford General Hospital this afternoon following a road traffic collision involving a truck, a van and a car, which happened around 3pm on the N11 at Tinnahask, about one kilometre on the Wexford side of Oylegate village.

Ambulances, the Fire Service and the Gardaí were quickly on the scene. The injuries suffered in the incident which occurred in dry conditions at the time are described as “serious, but non-life threatening.”

A stop-go system was put in place and traffic was delayed with tailbacks to Ferrycarrig on the Wexford side and for several kilometres north from the M11 roundabout at Scurloughsbush.

Expressway is the best way to Dublin Airport

By Dan Walsh

Holidaymakers travelling to Dublin Airport this summer are being encouraged to ditch their cars and opt for coach travel, with Expressway, Ireland’s largest commercial inter-regional coach service, offering 7 routes nationwide, including Route 2 from O’Hanrahan Station in Wexford town direct to the door of Dublin Airport.

The Route 2 service commences in Wexford town via Enniscorthy and Gorey and also serves county Wicklow – with the first journey leaving at 2am so you can make your early morning flight!

This year, Dublin Airport expects more than 10 million passengers between May and August, Expressway is advising customers to opt for coach travel rather than taking the car.

Andrew Yates, Head of Expressway told WexfordLocal.com; “Coach travel is a great option for holidaymakers across Ireland travelling to Dublin Airport to enjoy some rest and relaxation without having to worry about tolls charges and the stress of airport car parking. By choosing the coach when travelling to Dublin Airport this summer, passengers can start their holiday early knowing that they will get to the airport in comfort and on time.”

All of Expressway’s services drop-off right outside the front door of Terminal 2 and all return services depart from Zone 12 or 13 on the Atrium Road. If your travel plans change you can always amend your ticket online and you can stay up to date, tracking your bus by using Expressway’s Real Time Passenger Information service at: www.expressway.ie/rtpi

Call for zero tolerance to litter

At the Tidy Towns’ Appreciation Evening at Enniscorthy Castle were (left to right; Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District, Jutta O’Meara, Bree Tidy Towns and Cllr Cathal Byrne.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

Representatives from Ballindaggin, Bree, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Ferns, Marshalstown and Kiltealy were special guests and presented with ‘ goody bag’ packs at the Tidy Towns Appreciation Evening held in Enniscorthy Castle last evening.

Speaking at the event, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council called for “a zero-tolerance approach to be put in place to stop those that are out doing the litter louting on a regular basis.”

AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District, speaking at the Tidy Towns Appreciation Evening.

The principal speaker was Christy Boylan, Jury Chair for Entente Floral Europe and adjudicator at the National Tidy Towns competition who offered valuable tips on many aspects of planting and arrangements and signage that assist improvement on the approach to towns and villages. Many of the examples used were scenes from Co. Wexford.

There was also a presentation on biodiversity, sustainability and guidelines and information useful to tidy town’s groups presented by Frank Burke, Climate Action Co-ordinator at Wexford County Council.

Claire Lawless, District Manager, welcomed everybody and acted as master of ceremonies for the pleasant event hosted by Enniscorthy Municipal District and she thanked Enniscorthy Castle for the facilities. Music was provided by talented Úna May Walsh playing the harp.

Public consultation on Rosslare ORE Hub

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Europort’s Port Authority, Iarnród Éireann, has begun a non-statutory consultation on the provision of on Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub at Rosslare Europort.

A public engagement evening will be held for members of the public at Rosslare Europort on Thursday, May 30^th from 3pm to 8pm. The public consultation period will run until June 23^rd.

Speaking at the launch of the public consultation, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann, Glenn Carr said; “This is an important milestone for the development of Rosslare Europort. The ORE hub will play a pivotal role in providing the necessary infrastructure for the growth of the Offshore Renewable Energy Industry and will provide skilled jobs for the people of the South-East.”

Ireland’s strategic location in Europe, with a sea area of 490,000 square kilometres makes it one of the best ORE resources. With several significant offshore wind projects planned nationally, Rosslare Europort is ideally positioned within 50 to 100 nautical miles of several planned developments in the Irish and Celtic seas.

At Rosslare Europort, port access and key infrastructure can be provided to serve the different stages of offshore wind projects, including marshalling, assembly, staging, and load-out of key components, as well as the ongoing operation, maintenance, and crew transfers that will take place when the industry is up and running. This will create diverse jobs, from skilled technicians and engineers to administrative and support staff, providing sustainable and inclusive economic growth for the region.

The proposed plans for the ORE Hub at Rosslare Europort will include the expansion of the existing site and the upgrading of existing port infrastructure to facilitate and accommodate the construction and operation of offshore wind farms. The proposed works will include:

Circa 20 hectares of land reclamation; A new lift berth to accommodate ORE vessels.
A second berth capable of handling Roll-On Roll-Off activities and Load-On Load-Off of components; Dredging of an approach channel.
A new ‘small boat’ harbour with enhanced access: Operations & Maintenance (O&M) facilities to include warehousing, offices and parking.
Potential future accommodation of a rail spur connection to site; New access road to small boat harbour and site access to the ORE facility.

Rosslare Europort has been working with specialist ORE experts and advisors on feasibility and concept designs. Further improvements to the initial designs have been completed and will be presented to stakeholders during this public consultation period.

Following this period of consultation, the project design will be finalised. A planning application is expected to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála in late 2024. Subject to planning being granted and funding being allocated, it is expected that construction will commence in late 2025 or early 2026. Details can be viewed at www.rosslareorehub.ie

End of term time at Gorey Kilmuckridge

Elected representatives pictured at the final meeting of the current session held in the Civic Centre, Gorey, last Tuesday. (Back Row); Cllrs Oliver Walsh, Joe Sullivan, Andrew Bolger, Donal Kenny and Willie Kavanagh. (Front Row); Cllr Pip Breen, (Cathaoirleach), Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Leas-Cathaoirleach), Cllrs Mary Farrell, Anthony Donohoe and Diarmuid Devereux (who is retiring from local politics). Pic; *Wexford County Council*.

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting at Civic Centre, Gorey

Described as “the forgotten district” and making up almost one third of Wexford County Council elected representatives, Gorey Kilmuckridge held its final meeting in the Civic Centre, Gorey, on Tuesday, and reported general satisfaction at events over the past five years, while looking forward Director of Services said there were good projects waiting to be progressed including St. Waleran’s, the Fringe Fleadh and the Market House Festival in July.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen said the high point was the official opening of the Gorey District Town Park and the low point was the tragic death of Council employee, Billy Kinsella, who lost his life while at work during a storm and the Cathaoirleach passed sympathy to his family.

Other highlights, according to Cllr Breen, included the Market House Festival, two years of the Rose of Tralee visitors and the Boolavogue Sensory Garden. He recalled the difficulties of zoom meetings and restrictions during the Covid 19 pandemic, felt the members would rather be out on the hustings and he wished them all well in the June local elections.

Cllr Willie Kavanagh said thanks for delivering bus shelters at Oylegate, a playground for the children and thanked Joanne (Kehoe) for the footpaths in Ballymurn village.

But the most emotional part of the meeting was bidding farewell to Cllr Diarmuid Devereux, who will not be a candidate in the next local elections and is looking forward to a well-deserved holiday in France very soon! Cllr Anthony Donohoe led the tributes saying “all the best at whatever the next chapter brings” and he also complimented the staff over the past 10 years in Gorey and at County Hall.

Cllr Mary Farrell said Cllr Devereux was “a pleasure to work with and always the voice of reason.” Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain described Cllr Devereux as “very co-operative and always worked for the common good.” Cllr Joe Sullivan said Cllr Devereux “brought a commodity to the table that is getting scarce – it is called commonsense.”

Cllr Donal Kenny reminded the meeting that Cllr Devereux was Leas-Cathaoirleach the year that he was in the Chair and he associated himself with the sentiments and good wishes. Cllr Wilie Kavanagh said that “some of the best councillors are retiring and I am sorry to see Cllr Devereux go.” Cllr Oliver Walsh also concurred and hoped “we will all be working together in the future.” Cllr Andrew Bolger wished Cllr Devereux well, thanked the Press and the members themselves and stated; “I have respect for every single one of you.”

Cllr Devereux said thanks to everybody, the officials and the executive who were afforded the courtesy to do their job, and the Press. “We were frustrated because of the Covid, but all members and executives should hold up their heads,” he said proudly.

CFR response to serious incidents in Enniscorthy town

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy Civil Defence and Enniscorthy Red Cross volunteers have amalgamated to establish a Community First Responder (CFR) Group for Enniscorthy town.

The group consists of trained volunteers from both organisations who will respond to cardiac arrest and choking incidents in Enniscorthy town. The group is made up of volunteers who are first aid trained and is a joint initiative of the two organisations who are working closely with the National Ambulance Service (NAS).

Jonathan Lynch said; “The National Ambulance Service is delighted to work with Wexford Civil Defence and Enniscorthy Red Cross to bring

a Community First Responder scheme to the town. We are grateful to the volunteer members who have given so freely of their time in preparation for this and upon activation will join over 260 other first responder schemes nationwide in responding to cardiac emergencies within the community in support of the Ambulance Service”.

The volunteers will be alerted to calls by National Ambulance Service (NAS) via a mobile application, once two volunteers are available, they will respond utilising the existing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) which are located around Enniscorthy town and where installed by the Enniscorthy defibrillator initiative group.

**CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy District Council.**

Speaking at the Launch Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr. John O’Rourke said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the Enniscorthy Town CFR group. It is a welcome step towards helping communities to take immediate action in emergency situations. This early attendance could literally be the difference between life and death where every minute counts. I would encourage members of the community to join the group to help save more lives and foster a sense of community resilience.”

The CFR group will utilise existing AEDs which have been located at various locations around the town, and will go ‘LIVE’ from next Monday, May 27^th, and will respond to calls received from the National Ambulance Service.

If anyone is interested in joining the Group, please contact Peter O’Connor, Civil Defence Officer, email cdo@wexfordcoco.ie or Paddy Redmond, Enniscorthy Red Cross, email adu.wexford@irishredcross.com.

North Wexford beaches are the best in Ireland

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting at Civic Centre, Gorey

With the summer season attempting to settle despite flash flooding and a thunderstorm that severely damaged several roads in the Ballycarney and Ferns area of the county today (Tuesday), at the monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council the members were firmly focussed on tourism and promoting the seaside attractions along the east coast.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe expressed his disappointment that Ballymoney North Beach has lost its Blue Flag status, and he called on the relevant Department to rectify the situation. WexfordLocal.com understands that no application was made by Wexford County Council this year due to the poor quality of the water.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said the water quality failure at Ballymoney is an issue for Uisce Éireann and stated that the blame lay with the Arklow wastewater treatment facility and was affecting beaches in North Wexford. “Some of the best beaches in Ireland are in Co. Wexford,” concluded Cllr Devereux.

There was a warm welcome for the new dryloo toilets facing into their first summer season at Cahore where the carparking area is soon to get a fresh surface and new markings.

Cllr Mary Farrell called for ‘bigger bins’ at Morriscastle. She claims the existing bins are overflowing as day trippers leave so much rubbish behind them and she wondered if bigger ones that closed in when full could be secured?

Cllr Oliver Walsh made a case for dog poo bins in the Balyconnigar and Knocknasilloge coastal areas.

Cllr Devereux asked about ‘vandal proof’ bin bags from Courtown to the barrier heading towards the North Beach. This would also reduce the activity of the bird’s helping to spread the rubbish.

Cllr Joe Sullivan supported Cllr Devereux. He said the Courtown bins are always overflowing, and he felt they needed to be emptied on Sunday afternoons. Regarding the suggestion that people should pick up their rubbish and take it home with them, Cllr Sullivan quipped; “When did you ever see anyone bringing home an empty pizza box?”

Cllr Willie Kavanagh pointed out that shop owners and food outlets were responsible for maintaining litter bins outside their premises and that they should do more.

However, it was pointed out that whatever about people leaving rubbish and litter behind them, Wexford County Council has a responsibility to clear up the rubbish and dirt left behind and maintain hygienic and clean communities.

NB; The Blue Flag awards for 2024 were presented at a ceremony in Galway on Monday and Wexford’s Blue Flag beaches are Morriscastle, Ballinesker, Curracloe, Rosslare Strand and Carne.

Enniscorthy Council pays tributes to Cllr Kathleen

Pictured at the final meeting of the five-year term of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the Presentation Centre (left to right, Back Row; Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services), Neville Shaw (Senior Engineer) and Claire Lawless (District Manager). (Front Row); Cllr Jackser Owens, Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Edel Nolan, (Administration Officer).

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting in the Presentation Centre

There was a typical ‘end of an era’ atmosphere at yesterday’s (Monday) May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council where tributes were paid to the retiring Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, others wished each other well in the June 7^th Local Elections, while the standard reports and general information was also under scrutiny.

Cllr Codd-Nolan is the only sitting member not seeking re-election after 20 years’ service and there was, perhaps, an emotional farewell as she paid tribute to many people, including Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke, Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Jacker Owens and Cllrs Aidan Browne, Cathal Byrne and Barbara-Anne Murphy; she also thanked the officials, the Press, and especially her own family members who allowed her the space to work on behalf of the people.

Cllr Codd-Nolan said being a public representative is “a tough job attending functions and giving your time to public service” and she added “Enniscorthy is a lovely little town to shop in” and she spoke of “a great ambition for the town.”

The tributes flowed for Cllr Codd-Nolan. Cllr Owens described her as “a personality person”, Cllr Byrne described her as “determined, dignified and respectful”, Cllr Browne admired her “fairness and honesty”, Cllr Murphy wished Cllr Codd-Nolan “a happy retirement with her family and friends.”

Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin joined in the discussion on behalf of the officials and thanked the Cathaoirleach, Leas-Cathaoirleach, and members for their “no nonsense approach” to serving the town and district. She said it was a strange 60 months when the Council withstood Covid when “we were all on zoom”, severe flooding episodes, Brexit and the war in Ukraine. She also added congratulations to Cllr Codd-Nolan.

In conclusion, Ms Godkin stated that the biggest challenge over the next five years is investment in the town (Enniscorthy) centre, while District Manager, Claire Lawless described the outgoing Council as “a pleasure to work with, always efficient and punctual.”