AIDAN O’BRIEN when he saddled his 4,000th winner. (File Pic).
The 245th Epsom Derby took place this afternoon and a 10th success in the famous classic for Wexford-born trainer, Aidan O’Brien, (54), who is widely regarded as “the greatest trainer of flat racehorses ever.”
The Poulpeasty, Clonroche, native saddled City of Troy (3/1 fav.) with Ryan Moore up and they chased a loose horse to the line for a thrilling victory in front of packed stands and a worldwide television audience at Epsom racecourse on the outskirts of London city.
Unfortunately, the loose horse was Voyage who stumbled and unseated his Enniscorthy-born jockey Pat Dobbs leaving the stalls.
Aidan O’Brien has been the Master of Ballydoyle, Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary since 1996 and has broken racing records with phenomenal consistency every year at the great racecourses of Ireland and England, Curragh, Leopardstown (and he has trained winners at his native Wexford), Epsom, Ascot, Newmarket, York, Chester and Newbury, to name a few, and also in France and the United States.
Taking in the rare burst of sunshine at Ballymoney beach for the launch of Matthew’s Way this morning.
By Dan Walsh
It was an early morning on Ballymoney beach today (Friday) where the Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Pip Breen said he was “delighted to open Matthew’s Way”, a new disability access point for the beach funded by Wexford County Council.”
Cllr Breen stated that “this project would not have happened without the drive and determination of Matthew McGrath, an inspirational young man,” and he congratulated everybody involved.
Amongst those in attendance were Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllrs Andrew Bolger and Joe Sullivan, Senator Malcolm Byrne, local Green Party candidate in the local elections Ann Walsh, Philip Knight, District Manager and Gerry Forde, Senior Engineer at the Environmental Section of Wexford County Council.
It is named appropriately Matthew’s Way as a tribute to Life with No Limits champion, Matthew McGrath who started a campaign to get access to his local beach in Ballymoney, Gorey, because, as a wheelchair user, he had no access to it.
“I am surrounded by beautiful beaches that I cannot access in my wheelchair. My family and friends are sea swimmers, and I cannot join them on the beach because there are no accessible paths or trails,” Matthew told WexfordLocal.com, and added; “I hope this will be the first of many access projects that I will work on to make our beaches accessible for everyone. We need more access to our local beaches. I go to Ballymoney every weekend so I should be able to get onto the beach here like everyone else.”
Launching the Beach Strollers on Curracloe Beach including Mayor of Wexford Cllr John Hegarty, Cllr Gary Laffan, Cllr George Lawlor and members of Wexford County Council Environment & Access Departments. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council has announced that a new beach stroller service will be available free of charge until August and will be operating in Curracloe and Rosslare Strand from tomorrow, Saturday, June 1st. The beach stroller is a mobility aid equipped with wheels designed for the sand and can be easily converted into a seat if the user wants to take a break and enjoy the view.
The pilot project was launched by the Mayor of Wexford Borough District, Cllr. John Hegarty who said; “I am delighted to launch the first beach strollers in Co. Wexford. It is widely accepted that here in Wexford we have some of the best beaches in Ireland and these beach strollers will improve access to these wonderful beaches for people with mobility issues. I hope that this initiative will be a huge success and progress to include more beaches all over the county into the future.”
Elizabeth Hore, Director of Services, stated that “the beach strollers are just the latest project that underpins Wexford County Council’s dedication to accessibility. “As the first county to introduce beach wheelchairs, we hope the beach strollers will be a great complement to the existing service and that access to our beaches is inclusive with access for all.”
Wexford County Council was the first in Ireland to introduce beach wheelchairs, which now operate annually at Ballinesker, Ballymoney, Carne, Curracloe, Duncannon, Kilmore Quay, Morriscastle and Rosslare Strand. It is hoped that the beach strollers will build on the existing service to ensure the beaches of Wexford remain accessible and open to as many as possible.
As we head into the June Bank Holiday weekend there is plenty of choices for leisure and entertainment across the county, but an event not to be missed is the ‘all events free’ two-day Festival of Ferns taking place in the historic north Wexford village on Sunday and Monday.
This year’s Festival of Ferns centres around Diarmait MacMurrough, his inauguration as the King of Leinster and his followers and his Norman allies will lead the Parade – a visual spectacle of colour and fun to take place on Monday, June 3rd.
The Parade will set out at 12 noon from St Edan’s Cathedral and will include a Samba band, medieval costumes, giant props and more. The Parade disbands at Ferns Castle where the inauguration and reenactment will be followed by performances on an outdoor stage.
A mix of contemporary dance, the Chord On Blues choir and Wexford music duo, Rag Doll are sure to be a crowd pleaser. A great family day out – keep an eye out for face painting and The Snail’s Tale around the Castle grounds.
The main event scheduled for Sunday at 7 pm features a Celtic Jazz concert on an outdoor stage on the grounds of Ferns Castle. A specially commissioned piece entitled the ‘Marriage of Two Cultures’ will be performed by award winning vocalist/composer Melanie O’Reilly and her Celtic Jazz Ensemble. The performance will also feature renowned choreographer Karine Saporta, one of the most prominent figures in French dance, and her dancers from Normandy.
Scene from last year’s Festival of Ferns parade (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Fringe events on Sunday, June 2nd from 2pm – 6pm include a busking competition with a prize fund of €200, family fun activities at the Community Park located at the back of Ferns Community Centre. Activities for kids include the Bemusement Games with Fuinseog Woodland crafts; the Setanta Challenge; and you can even spend some time in medieval stocks. An exhibition of Coats of Arms researched and designed by pupils in both local schools will be displayed in Scoil Naomh Maodhóg. Following workshops on Gaelic and Norman names and their meanings, pupils were invited to research their own Coat of Arms and even to design their own.
And a first for Ferns – guided walking tours to key medieval sites in four languages – Japanese, French, Irish and English. Other tours on offer are a Rebel Tour of Ferns focusing on 1798 Rebellion, the 1916 Rising and the Irish War of Independence and Civil War, a guided tour of the Ferns Tapestries in the Ferns Castle Visitor Centre, and local beekeeper Joe Kelly will give a talk and display on the local bee colony. The tours offer a great variety to those interested in connecting with their heritage.
Follow Festival of Ferns on social media and visit www.festivalofferns.com for details on all events.
Congratulations and celebrations were lively and pleasant in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, last night for the launch of Mick O’Callaghan’s first book with the magic title The Boy Who Kicked The Nun.
It was a huge occasion with almost 200 people present and the launch consisted of an entertaining occasion with stories, song and music and the author enjoyed himself and was thrilled to see so many of his old friends present and he acknowledged their presence and basked in the celebrity status of book signing and standing in for selfies.
The foreword is by Anne Ireton who points out that Mick manages to outline the development from blackboard and duster to Laptops, from projectors to whiteboards to AI bridging the two eras. “He also shows how teaching has changed and now provides greater facilities for children with autism and children who may have emotional issues,” said Ms. Ireton, who added; “He describes how principals had to organise school extensions and improve facilities in the school.”
Keelan and Hugh Swinburne assisted their adorning grandad Mick O’Callaghan to launch his first book, The Boy Who Kicked The Nun at the launch in Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, on Thursday night.
John Connor, Chairperson of the Retired Teacher’s Association said the book “is an amazing account of life’s journey for a man who followed his star, embraced life, accepted all its challenges and in the end can look back with a great sense of achievement and a greater sense of fulfilment.
“Mick provides us with a very personal account of his life and experiences. He treats all his subjects with great respect and in doing so we get an invaluable social commentary on life in Ireland and beyond over the last century,” concluded Mr Connor.
There were tributes from Wally O’Neill (publisher), Álanna Hammel (editor), Tim Murphy, Patricia Joyce and good wishes from the large audience. There was a chorus tribute from Holyfort Writers’ Group with Bernie Walsh in the role of conductor and blues and jazz supremo Frank Gallagher entertained on the guitar.
Mick’s greatest supporters, his enthusiastic grandsons, Keelan and Hugh Swinburne assisted with the official launch that drew huge applause from the floor. AnneMarie O’Byrne Hammel acted as master of ceremonies.
Michael ‘Mick’ O’Callaghan was born in Tralee, Co. Kerry, spent his adult working life in counties Wicklow and Wexford and retired from teaching in 2009. He is a member of both Hollyfort and Wordsmiths writers’ groups, has had previous work published, but The Boy Who Kicked The Nun is his first book. Every bookshelf should have a copy!
The Boy Who Kicked The Nun by Mick O’Callaghan, 350 pages, lightly illustrated, edited by Álanna Hammel, published by Red Books.
At the signing of the South East Greenway in New Ross, (left to right); Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District, Beren De Hora, Fehily Timoney; and Cllr Michael Doyle, Cathaoirleach Kilkenny County Council. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council is Lead Authority for the delivery of the South East Greenway Project with project partners, Kilkenny County Council and Waterford City and County Council and is developing 23km of fully segregated off-road greenway between New Ross and Waterford City.
The project is being fully funded via the government’s Greenways Programme through Transport Infrastructure Ireland and is being managed through Wexford County Council’s Special Projects Office.
The contract has been signed for the appointment of Fehily Timoney and Company as new technical advisors for the completion of the project. Fehily Timoney has extensive experience of greenway developments, having worked on the Limerick Greenway and South Kerry Greenways, and they are also currently acting as technical advisors for Wexford County Council on the Wexford to Rosslare greenway projects.
“This is a really good news story in the delivery of the South East Greenway”, stated Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming, who added; “We can now look forward to the timely delivery of remaining sections of the greenway, and in particular, the section linking Rosbercon to the R700 over the Red Bridge and through the Mount Elliot tunnel.”
Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, Cllr Anthony Connick said; “I look forward to working with Fehily Timoney and the project team in the completion of this critically important project for New Ross town and district and the broader county.”
Cllr. Michael Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council welcomed the appointment of Fehily Timoney adding the completion of the South East Greenway has the potential to be a real economic driver for not just Kilkenny but the wider south east region.
Wexford County Council has acknowledged the contribution of Malachy Walsh and Partners, prior technical advisors, who designed and oversaw the completion of 9km of greenway to date and designed the 5.5km section currently under construction in South Kilkenny.
Pictured at the opening of the Boolavogue Fr. Murphy Cottage project (left to right); Senator Malcolm Byrne, Cllr Mary Farrell, Philip Knight, District Manager, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Oliver Walsh, Deputy Paul Kehoe TD and Liz Hore, Director of Services. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
The renovated Fr. Murphy cottage at Boolavogue Visitors’ Centre which suffered thatched roof damage has reopened with an official ceremony involving Minister James Browne and Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge District.
Speaking about the works, Padraig Sinnott Chair of the Fr Murphy Centre said that the condition of the cottage’s roof had deteriorated to an extent that the building was no longer accessible. Funding was sourced through Creative Ireland’s 225 Commemoration of the 1798 Uprising to complete the restoration. A new timber frame was installed to support the reed thatch that is traditional to county Wexford’s thatched buildings.
Padraig Sinnott thanked those involved in bringing about the renovation with special mention to Catherine McLoughlin, former Heritage Officer with Wexford County Council.
Cllr. Breen paid tribute to the Fr. Murphy Centre Committee and the work that is done on a voluntary basis to keep the Centre open. “I would like to thank the people of my home parish for their support in keeping this wonderful heritage project alive,” he added.
Minister of State James Browne TD also thanked the committee and the local councillors and officials of Wexford County Council their work in bringing the renovation project to completion.
The attendance included Deputies Paul Kehoe and Verona Murphy, Senator Malcolm Byrne, and Cllrs Mary Farrell and Oliver Walsh. The ceremony concluded with a rendition of the P.J. McCall classic Boolavogue.
MINISTER JAMES BROWNE and Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District CLLR PIP BREEN cutting the ribbon at the new Community Shop and Digital Hub at Craanford. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
Siopa Beag, the Craanford Community Shop and Digital Hub is opened at its location in the Parish Hall and the project was delivered with funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme from the Department of Rural and Community Development and additional funding from the Economic Development Section of Wexford County Council.
The cutting of the ribbon and official opening was jointly performed by Minister James Browne and Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Pip Breen.
District Manager Philip Knight noted that Craanford had been without a village shop, and this meant people travelling to Gorey or Camolin just to pick up a few essentials.
The running of Siopa Beag has been taken on by Eimear Whitty who stocks a wide range of local produce and store cupboard essentials as well as serving fresh coffee and teas.
Local Cllr Donal Kenny praised Liz Kavanagh and the Parish Hall Committee for having the foresight to go ahead with the development of the Shop and Digital Hub to provide much needed services for the community.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Pip Breen thanked those involved and said; “This is a wonderful shop and Digital Hub and I’d like to thank the elected members and officials who worked on this project,” and he added; “We hope that these projects will be well used by the local community to ensure that they continue to provide a service.”
Minister James Browne thanked Minister Heather Humphreys for her continued support of community projects noting that she “had been a good friend to Co. Wexford.”
The Digital Hub is a peaceful office space with generous sized desks, fast broadband, printing, tea and coffee making facilities and even an isolation pod to take any private phone calls or video conferences. Space at the Digital Hub can be booked through the Parish Hall Manager Liz Kavanagh.
This evening’s race meeting at Bettyville Park went off well with dry overhead conditions prevailing and three locally trained winners on the seven-race card and a strong midweek attendance.
Paul Nolan got the local cheers started with success for Feet Of A Dancer (11/4 fav.) in the opening rated hurdle confidently ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, Taghmon.
The other Wexford trained winner was Lovely Hurling (6/5 fav.) by five lengths in the concluding bumper and trained at Killena by Colm Murphy. This was an impressive performance for the newcomer running in the John P. McManus colours and well ridden by John Gleeson.
The handicap hurdle was run in two divisions – success in the first for Toon Town (10/3) with Darragh O’Keeffe riding for a Cork-based syndicate and trained by Brendan Walsh at Doneraile and division two was won by Future Proof (11/1), trained in Tinahely by Philip Rothwell and ridden by Paddy O’Hanlon. This was a close finish – a neck was the verdict – and the gelding is owned by Eric Newnham who was watching the race from his home in London.
The Boylesports Maiden Hurdle wen the way of The Flying Spur (10/1) for top Kildare trainer Michael Brassil and partnered by Ricky Doyle.
Antrim Coast (5/6 fav) was a winner for Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donohoe and Mark Fahey from Monasterevin saddled Flicker Of Hope (7/2 jt-fav), ridden by Aidan Kelly to victory in the handicap hurdle.
The next fixture at Bettyville Park takes place on Saturday, July 13th, and it is Ladies Day with plenty of fashion and renowned presenter Marietta Doran will be the adjudicator.
At the opening of Pearse Park Sensory Park at New Ross; (L to R); Cllr Michael Sheehan, Cllr Pat Barden, Cllr Michael Whelan, Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District, Minister of State James Browne, Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Cllr Brídín Murphy. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
Pearse Park Sensory Garden has opened to the public on a five-acre site in the heart of New Ross town. The multi award winning, green flag park boasts an array of facilities, and now includes this fully accessible, pocket-sized Sensory Garden, nestled in a sun trapped corner of the park.
The official opening was performed by Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne T.D., in the presence of Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach of New Ross
Municipal District, elected members and invited guests. District Manager Alan Fitzhenry was master of ceremonies for the event, and the children of the Catherine McCauley School in New Ross joined the guests and were the first to use the garden.
Minister Browne said; “The sensory garden is a terrific addition to New Ross town. It’s a wonderful inclusive facility and it was made possible through Government funding, Wexford County Council funding and local businesses voluntarily supporting using time, talent and materials.”
Cllr John Fleming said he was delighted “as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, to see the opening of this wonderful park.” He added; “This will be one of my last official duties as Cathaoirleach and to see the garden finished now to such a high standard brings me great pride.”
Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District said “the Sensory Garden will be a beautiful addition to Pearse Park”. “Thank you to all involved in this project, especially Minister Humphreys’ Department who provided the funding, along with Wexford County Council and my fellow councillors. I want to especially mention the many local businesses who donated their time, skillset, and products to make this a special place. I think this instils confidence, that New Ross town still has a great sense of community,” concluded Cllr Connick.
WexfordLocal.com 