72 candidates declared in Local Elections

By Dan Walsh

Seventy-two candidates have declared to run in the Local Elections on Friday, July 7th and contest 34 County Council seats across six Local Electoral Areas (LEA).

Wexford (7 seats), New Ross (6 seats) and Gorey (6 seats) have the highest number of candidates – 14 each – followed by Enniscorthy (6 seats) and Rosslare (5 seats) with 12 candidates each and Kilmuckridge (4 seats) have six candidates.

The state of the parties is as follows; Independent (24), Fianna Fáil (14), Sinn Féin (11), Fine Gael (10), The Labour Party (6), Green Party (2) and one each for Aontú, Ireland First, People Before Profit-Solidarity, The Irish People and The National Party.

The list of candidates is as follows and are order of the receipt of nomination which closed last Saturday.

WEXFORD LEA; CATHERINE BIDDY WALSH (The Labour Party), VICKY CLANCY BARRON (The Labour Party), GEORGE LAWLOR (The Labour Party), LEONARD KELLY (Non-Party), ROBBIE STAPLES (Fine Gael), STEPHEN POWER (The Irish People), GARRY LAFFAN (Fianna Fáil), DAVE RYAN (Non-Party), RAYMOND SHANNON, EMMET MOLONEY (Fianna Fáil), MICHELE O’NEILL, LORRAINE SMYTH (Sinn Féin), TOM FORDE (Sinn Fein) and DAVY HYNES (Sinn Féin).

ENNISCORTHY LEA; CATHAL BYRNE (Fine Gael), PAT KEHOE (Fine Gael), JOHN O’ROURKE (Non-Party), MAJELLA WALL, CYRIL WHEELOCK (Non-Party), JACKSER OWENS (Non-Party), AIDAN BROWNE (Fianna Fáil), BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY (Fianna Fáil), BRENDAN CAHILL-FLYNN (Green Party/Comhaontas Glas), ALFIE Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN (Sinn Féin), COLETTE NOLAN (Sinn Féin) and EAMONN DOYLE (Non-Party).

KIMUCKRIDGE LEA; OLIVER WALSH (Fine Gael), MARY FARRELL (Non-Party), PADDY KAVANAGH (Non-Party), PIP BREEN (Fianna Fáil), WILLIE KAVANAGH (Fianna Fáil) and DECLAN KENNY (Sinn Féin).

NEW ROSS LEA; BRIDÍN LYNG MOLONEY (The Labour Party), BRIDÍN MURPHY (Fine Gael), HARRY TWOMEY (Fine Gael), MICHAEL WHELAN (Fianna Fáil), MARTY MURPHY (Non-Party), ANTHONY CONNICK (Non-Party), JOHN FLEMING (Fianna Fáil), PAT BARDEN (Non-Party), ANNE FLYNN (Non-Party), MICHAEL SHEEHAN (Fianna Fáil), KAYLEY GOODISON (Sinn Féin), JAMES FURLONG (Non-Party), JOHN DWYER (Non-Party) and RAYMOND FORTE (Non-Party).

ROSSLARE LEA; DAMIEN CORISH (The Labour Party), GER CARTHY (Non-Party), WILIE FITZHARRIS (Fine Gael), JACK BARDEN (Non-Party), JASON MURPHY (The National Party – An Páirtí Náisiúnta), LISA McDONALD (Fianna Fáil), SIMON BOYSE (Fianna Fáil), AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN (Sinn Féin), MICK ROCHE (Sinn Féin), JIM CODD (Aontú), JOE DRUHAN (Non-Party) and FRANK STAPLES (Fine Gael).

GOREY LEA; ASHLING HUDSON (People Before Profit-Solidarity), LORNA FITZPATRICK (The Labour Party), DARRAGH McDONALD (Fine Gael), ANTHONY DONOHOE (Fine Gael), DARREN McGOVERN (Ireland First), CILLIAN BYRNE (Non-Party), JOE SULLIVAN (Fianna Fail), DONAL KENNY (Fianna Fáil), ANDREW BOLGER (Fianna Fáil), JIMMY FLEMING (Non-Party), NICKY BOLAND (Non-Party), ANN WALSH (Green Party/Comhaontas Glas), KEVIN MOLLOY (Sinn Fein) and FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN (Sinn Fein).

  • Independent candidates are denoted by Non-Party or blank beside their name.          

Level again at top of rider’s championship

By Dan Walsh

A single victory at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, point-to-point races today (Sunday) brings Barry O’Neill onto the 39-winner mark, and he is now level with Rob James at the top of the national point-to-point rider’s championship. O’Neill had an eight lengths success on Backonthegoagain for Colin Bowe in the Winners of One.

Johnathan Fogarty saddled newcomer La Dolce Dolly in the maiden race for mare’s five-year-old plus and the outcome was a ten lengths victory in the hands of Barry Stone, Cleariestown.

MICHAEL GOFF …two wins at different tracks this afternoon.

The five and six-year-old geldings maiden was divided and both divisions were won by Wexford stables. After three runner-up efforts Millforce got his victory in division one for Liam and Jimmy Kenny, Craanford, by 15 lengths, and division two was won by Newton Tornado owned and handled by Harley Dunne. The winning distance was four lengths and the 45th career winner for Tiernan Power Roche.

Caitriona Goff, Michael Goff and Mikey Sweeney enjoyed a victory with Red Acres Georgie by 14 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds at Ballindenisk and an hour and a half later made it a double on the day with a 15 lengths success for Peggys Rock in the mare’s open race at Stradbally!

Also at Stradbally, handler Kieran Roche, Adamstown, had a one length victory for owner Michael Kenny with Clearisthewater in the maiden race for five year old geldings. James Murray, Ferns, was the winning rider.

James and O’Neill in neck and neck battle

ROB JAMES (39)
BARRY O’NEILL (38)

By Dan Walsh

Rob James (39) and Barry O’Neill (38) is the latest from the top of the national point-to-point riders’ championship tonight (Saturday) after both riders recorded doubles. There were also doubles for the handler brothers from Ballindaggin, Donnchadh Doyle and Sean Doyle and riders Jack Hendrick and Jamie Scallan.

It was a long day with a 9-race card and three ‘divides’ at Stradbally where Rob James took both divisions of the maiden race for four-year-olds on Klub De Reve by a head for Donnchadh Doyle in the first division and Ultimate Survivor for Sean Doyle in the second division by two and a half lengths. This was the second success of the day for Donnchadh Doyle who also took division one of the maiden race by one length with Golan Loop ridden by Alan Harney.

Jonathan Fogarty from Gaynestown Stud, Cleariestown, marked his best season so far with eight victories and gained his 20th career winner when newcomer Local Derby won division two of the maiden race for four-year-olds ridden by Ross Sugrue.

The five-year-old maiden race also divided; division one was won by Onyerbike, owned and bred by Jimmy Devereux and trained by his son, Vincent at Rostoonstown, Tomhaggard by three and a half lengths for Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke and division two was the first leg of a double for rider Jack Hendrick on Denis Moore’s Mr Gower. Hendrick’s double came on Jay Bee Why for Antrim handler Warren Ewing.

A second point-to-point fixture took place today at Taylorstown, Co. Down, and two Wexford stables fought out the finish of the four-year-old geldings maiden. There was only a ‘head’ in the difference as Orderoftheday prevailed for Donnchadh Doyle and rider Jamie Scallan beating Colin Bowe’s newcomer Smokeringinthe dark and Barry O’Neill. Later Jamie Scallan scored a double on Ronnies Rules for Sean Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-old plus geldings, and it was another close finish – a head wins it!

Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe got back on the winning track in the maiden race for five-year-old mares plus with newcomer Natus Vincere and O’Neill made it a double on Winged Leader for David Christie by two and a half lengths in the Open Race.

Plenty more action on Sunday with a second day at Stradbally and more divides as there is a huge entry and Ballindenisk also races.

Sean Flanagan’s Wexford double

Dan Walsh Reports from the Wexford Races

Sean Flanagan gave the local crowd plenty to cheer about at well-attended Wexford races this afternoon where the Robinstown, New Ross jockey registered a double success on an extended 8-race card.

Flanagan teamed up with Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan with Kiltealy Park, (100/30) who won her maiden over the same course and distance 23 days ago, and the combination scored by ten lengths for brothers Colm and Niall Browne from Waterford the mare’s handicap hurdle.

Speaking afterwards Paul Nolan’s brother James said; “She was good today. Sean said she jumped better than she did the last day. She nearly threw it away the last day with a mistake at the second last, We were slightly worried about the ground because we felt better ground the last day brought out an improvement.”

Flanagan’s second winner of the afternoon came on Mahler Appeal (9/2) for Kilkenny trainer Garrett Power in the handicap chase with a dozen lengths the margin.

Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell was also in winning form. He saddled Plain Or Battered (5/1) who won a photo-finish verdict with Carlow jockey Conor Owens up in the handicap hurdle.

Cork jockey Darragh O’Keeffe enjoyed a double in successive races A Nod To Getaway (4/1) for Paul O’Flynn and Junot (9/2) for Cork trainer Michael Winters.

Next day’s racing at Bettyville Park takes place on Wednesday, May 29th and it’s an evening fixture.

Summer sports exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle

History making international referee MICHELLE O’NEILL and South East Radio commentator and sports presenter LIAM SPRATT at the launch of the summer exhibition held at Enniscorthy Castle this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

A new summer exhibition entitled THEIR FINEST HOUR Sporting Greats of Wexford was officially launched at a pleasant ceremony in Ennicorthy Castle this evening by well-known commentator and sports presenter with South East Radio, Liam Spratt.

Mico Hassett, Manager at Enniscorthy Castle, welcomed the guests and said this year’s summer exhibition has a sporting theme put together by castle staff and it can be viewed during opening hours at the castle until the end of September.

Liam Spratt said he was delighted to formally open the exhibition and he alluded to “the diversity of sport in Wexford.” He spoke of the great Wexford names in a variety of sports, stated that Wexford has always been and continues to be one of the greatest sporting counties in Ireland and he complimented the castle for this fine exhibition that keeps sporting memories alive.

There was also an outline of local sporting memories from local activist Maria Nolan, who although admitting that GAA was closest to her heart, she recalled great family moments attending Enniscorthy Greyhound track and Coursing meetings in her young days.

The attendance included Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and his fellow members Cllr Aidan Browne and Jackser Owens. Minister James Browne was also present and so too former TD John Browne. An interesting attendee was Michelle O’Neill, a candidate in the Wexford District for the upcoming Local Elections, who the first woman match official at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 and first woman match official at the Soccer World Cup.   

Wexford’s 8-race card on Saturday

By Dan Walsh

WEXFORD RACECOURSE where the stands will be packed for Saturday racing. (File Pic).

Summer National Hunt racing returns to Bettyville Park, Wexford, tomorrow (Saturday) where a large entry has caused the handicap hurdle to divide thus creating an 8-race card. First race has been brought forward to 1.40pm.

Going is ‘soft’ and the card consists of five hurdle races, two steeplechases and a bumper.

Top trainers Gordon Elliott, Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead all have entries while local trainers including Paul Nolan, Seamus Neville, John A. Berry and Liz Doyle will also be chasing a share of the prizemoney.  

Enniscorthy Civic Awards Night

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, and District Manager Claire Lawless led the way at the Enniscorthy Civic Awards Night ceremony in Enniscorthy Castle.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

Last evening’s Civic Awards Night ceremony was planned for the roof of Enniscorthy Castle, but a weather alert caused the pleasant occasion to switch indoors, which was a good move as a thunderstorm hit the region and torrential rain lashed the town for a number of hours and Met Éireann predicts that it is going to last until at least 3.30am!

District Manager, Claire Lawless commenced proceedings with words of welcome and said; “The Civic Awards Evening is where the elected members of the Enniscorthy Municipal District recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups within the District.”

The protocol is that the elected member who backs the nomination makes the presentation on the night! This year there was a new award. The Council commissioned Pauline Quigley Glass Design from Caim and the first recipients received a fine award that captures the silhouette and backdrop of Vinegar Hill.

First up was Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke with three nominees; The Legends Horseshoe Club, based in Bunclody, who won Division Two at All-Ireland level in 2023. The award was collected on their behalf by John Connors ; Robert Brady on behalf of Wexford A team for winning the All-Ireland 8-Ball Pool championships last year; and Abbie Doyle from Ballymackessey who won a Gold Medal in the All-Ireland Athletics Final in the under 18 Triple Jump. Abbie missed the presentation as she is currently part of the Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage Group and the award was accepted on her behalf by her proud parents, Paul and Edel.

Next up was Cllr Jackser Owens with three nominations. Ann Redmond on behalf of the Wexford Ladies Darts Team, winners of the 2024 All-Ireland championship. Ann is the captain and other team members include Mary Burke, Marie Cash and Marie Kehoe. This was the 4th time for the ladies to win this title following on from 2018, 2019 and 2020.; The Woodsmen Horseshoe Club, formed in Bunclody in 1980, were Division One winners in All-Ireland horseshoe pitching in 2023. Receiving the award were Michael Redmond, Liam Bond and Paddy Connors; Charlie Dixon won the 65kg All-Ireland boxing title in 2024. The 13-year-old boxed in the National Stadium and won his first national title. He missed the presentation but was represented by his family who accepted the award on the champion’s behalf.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy had four nominees. Sean Nolan won the World Handball title in 2019 and 2023, won five European titles, including the French and UK Open, and Sean aspires to compete in the Olympic Games in 2028! Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Group were third in the All-Ireland One Act Drama Finals in 2023. An amazing feat for first time Director Michael Dunbar and the cast of Josephine Byrne, Lisa McCann and Margaret Farrell and lights and sound designer and operator Grace Dunbar. Chairman Rory Kinsella and Sinead O’Gorman accepted tonight’s award; Dannan Long from Kiltealy and a member of Enniscorthy Athletics Club had an outstanding season nationally and internationally in 2023 and was a European finalist in the under 20’s men’s relay; Shauna Kearney won at the National Elite Boxing Championships. A busy mother of two young children and a member of Bunclody Boxing Club.

Cllr Aidan Browne nominated three boxers beginning with Evan Thorpe who won the 38.5kg All-Ireland title and is a member of St. Aidan’s Boxing Club, Ferns; and two from Sacre Couer Boxing Club, Enniscorthy, Oisin Goff, winner of the Boy’s 52kg All-Ireland title, and a three times Irish champion and son of Mick and Caitriona from Monageer; and Sean Kelly, winner of the Boy’s 43kg, three times Irish champion, from Bunclody and son of John Kelly who is a coach with Sacre Couer club.

Cllr Cathal Byrne congratulated two winners; Michael Dolgilevics from Bellefield Springs, Enniscorthy, winner of the Boy’s 54kg All-Ireland title in his first-year boxing, and Oscar Mordaski on winning the Boy’s 29kg All-Ireland title. He is from Kilmyshal. Both Michael and Oscar are members of Sacre Couer Boxing Club,

The final recipient was Maria Nolan, nominated by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, who will attend her final meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council next Monday after 20 years’ service as she is not running in the forthcoming local elections. Maria Nolan was honoured through the publishing of three books and two short films and for her membership and leadership of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Group and for her voluntary work with numerous community groups in her native Enniscorthy.    

Seminar explores Co. Wexford housing policy

Pictured at the housing seminar held in Ferrycarrig Hotel; (left to right); Diarmuid Houston (Senior Planner, Wexford County Council), David O’Doherty (Housing Building Finance Ireland), Cllr John Fleming (Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council), Eddie Taaffe, (Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services, Housing), Leonard Daly (Construction Industry Federation Southeast Chairman), Cllr Joe Sullivan (Chair of Housing & Community SPC), and Liz Hore (Director of Services, Planning).

By Dan Walsh

The Governments ‘Housing for All Programme’ aims to increase the delivery of different forms of housing to meet different needs – with several measures aimed at people who are currently unable to meet their housing needs but who, with help, could purchase their own home.

To support the county Wexford housing programme, Wexford County Council recently hosted a ‘A Breakfast Briefing on Affordable Housing Delivery’ in the Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford, with invited speakers presenting an overview of the national schemes and funding streams.

Opening the event, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. John Fleming said; “Affordability and the chance to own a home is a key element of our housing policy. Wexford County Council is actively working on developing an affordable housing programme over the coming years, – today’s event will hopefully highlight some of the opportunities available to deliver our shared housing ambitions.”.

Construction Industry Federation’s Southeast Branch Chairman Leonard Daly welcomed the members and commended Wexford County Council for arranging the briefing. Noting the available housing programmes in place to support the delivery of affordable homes, A critical factor in the increase in housing commencements was the ability of housebuilders to commence with confidence.

Chief Executive, Eddie Taaffe provided a detailed outline of the governments funding programme and housing delivery models, noting the housing collaborative opportunities between the local authority and the construction sector. “We want to develop enduring partnerships to make delivery as simple as possible,” added Mr Taaffe.

Director of Services for Housing delivery, Carolyne Godkin outlined details of the County Wexford Affordable Homes Programme, with plans to deliver a pilot Affordable Housing scheme in Ramsfort Park, Gorey, and future projects currently in development, including the ‘St. Walerans’ Masterplan – which hopes to deliver over 170 units in this mixed housing scheme.

Ms Godkin concluded; “Today was an opportunity to directly engage with the sector. In the coming weeks Wexford County Council will actively engage the market seeking expressions of interest for the provision of housing developments by developers and building contractors for delivery of affordable housing across County Wexford.”

The event included members of the Wexford County Council, officials from Planning and Housing Delivery Teams, Construction Industry Federation members, Housing Building Finance Ireland and property professionals from across the county.

Fleadh festival weekend happens in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Gorey will host Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman with an exciting weekend of Fleadh-based events which is a qualifier for competitors to progress from county level, taking place in Gorey, to the Leinster level (this year in Wicklow town from July 12th-14th), and finally to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, in Wexford town from August 4th-11th.

Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman takes place in Gorey Community School from Friday to Sunday, inclusive, May 17th-19th. Competitions will span across four age categories: Under12, 12-15, 15-18, and senior, encompassing a wide array of Irish traditional instruments such as fiddle, flute, harp, uilleann pipes, banjo, accordion, concertina, along with dance and singing. Ensembles including duets, trios, grúpa cheoil, marching and céilí bands will also compete, drawing particularly large crowds, especially the céilí bands.

GOREY MAIN STREET in festive mood this weekend!

Participating Comhaltas Ceolltoiri Éireann (CCÉ) craoibhe include Bannow, Gorey/Ballygarrett, Tuaisceart Loch Garman, Ferns, Craobh Loch Garman, Inis Cóirthe, Kilmuckridge/Monamolin, Carraig Bán, Craobh Chaoimhín Naofa and Fr. Murphy’s CCÉ.

Exciting events like a window competition and a traditional Irish Music Busking Competition will take place on Saturday from 11am to 3pm throughout the town and will add to the atmosphere of Gorey for the weekend ahead!

An exhibition of old photos from the 1962 Fleadh in Gorey will be held in the foyer at Gorey Civic Offices, offering insight into the town’s rich Fleadh history. Additionally, a first-hand account of the event by local man, Tomás Keegan, who participated in the 1962 event, will be documented for this exhibition.

Fleadh Cheol Loch Garman 2024 and Fringe Fleadh Cheoil County Events was launched by Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Pip Breen, in Gorey Civic Offices on Thursday evening. Eddie Taaffe, Chairman of Wexford Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann Committee also addressed the gathering.

The official launch was followed with musical entertainment from CCÉ Gorey/ Ballygarrett and performances from International Uilleann Piper Mark Redmond. Refreshments were served.

Support for Opera House and Wexford Festival

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council as a leader in the economic, social, and cultural development of Co. Wexford, has negotiated a new 3-year strategic partnership with the National Opera House and Wexford Festival Opera. The agreement is designed to provide overall support to the House and Festival, together with promoting community participation and increasing access to the National Opera House for local communities.

Supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town in August 2024 and 2025 as well as a developing several social inclusion outreach initiatives will be key elements of the partnership and builds on the long-standing relationship between the National Opera House, Wexford Festival Opera and Wexford County Council and will facilitate a further focus on artistic content, audience participation, cultural awareness and educational opportunities promoting access for all.

Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council said he was “delighted to support this continued partnership with our world class National Opera House which we are so blessed to have on our doorstep.”

“We are excited and thankful to Wexford County Council for the continued sponsorship which will help provide a forum for the Wexford community to share projects involving education, community relationships and the arts. We already have a full programme planned for this year, and with this sponsorship we will be able to continue to do this for the next three years”, stated John Warburton, General Manager, National Opera House.

Director of Services at Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin said; “I am pleased to see Wexford County Council’s new 3-year partnership take shape. Both the Festival Opera and National Opera House are key tourism assets for our county and play a critical role in supporting professional arts forms as well our emerging and developing arts practitioners across community and amateur fields as well.”