Fethard RNLI responded to an unusual call out on Tuesday, approximately one nautical mile north of Duncannon, where a sheep had fallen from a ledge and was confronted by a rising tide.
Crewman Diarmuid Bird saves sheep from the rising tide (Pic: RNLI/Fethard).
The weather was fine with a light southerly breeze in Waterford Estuary when the lifeboat launched at Duncannon and proceeded to the area, known locally as Lady’s Bay, where they observed the animal in difficulty.
Crew member Diarmuid Bird entered the water, collected the sheep, and brought it to the nearby pebble beach to safety.
Speaking after the launch, Fethard RNLI Helm Mick Roche said; “This evening’s launch highlights the importance of taking care and be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside. Slips and falls happen in all kinds of locations, not just high cliff edges. We would remind animal owners to never get themselves in danger trying to rescue a family pet or animal from the water. If you are worried about animal’s safety, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
Pictured at Mayoral Reception for Billy Roche at Wexford Arts Centre, (left to right); Conall Morrison (Stage Director), Gary Lydon (Actor), Dermot Murphy (Actor), Mayor of Wexford Cllr John Hegarty, Billy Roche, Ben Barnes (Artistic Director, Four Rivers Theatre Company) and Elizabeth Whyte, CEO, Wexford Arts Centre.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre
Mayor of Wexford Cllr John Hegarty paid the Council’s highest possible tribute to multi-talented internationally renowned writer Billy Roche with a celebrated Mayoral Reception held in Wexford Arts Centre in the town this evening. Mr. Roche also added his name to the Distinguished Visitors Book.
Mayor Hegarty commenced; “As Mayor of Wexford it is a great honour to welcome ye all here this evening to celebrated the life, the work, the wonderful contribution of a remarkable individual, a true Wexfordman whose amazing talent has captivated audiences all over the world; not just as a playwright, but as a master of prose, songwriter, singer, actor, member of Asdána and one of Ireland’s greatest ever playwrights – the one and only Billy Roche. Billy, I’m really delighted to welcome you here this evening to this special event.”
Billy Roche savoured the honour and was modest in his address which outlined where it all started, his climb up the ladder of success and explained that he was about to embark on a new journey. He showed his appreciation to the Mayor and the Council and met, talked and shook hands with everybody in attendance.
Mayor of Wexford Cllr John Hegarty with Billy Roche and his wife, Patty, at the Mayoral Reception in Wexford Arts Centre this evening.
Ben Barnes, Artistic Director of Four Rivers Theatre Company, added his congratulations to Billy Roche and previewed a host of events coming to Wexford Arts Centre such as Billy Roche’s A Handful of Stars which is being revised by Four Rivers in partnership with Wexford Arts Centre to marks its 50th anniversary. The first play in Billy’s The Wexford Trilogy, A Handful of Stars explores how thwarted ambitions can both destroy dreams and shape character in small town Ireland.
First staged at Wexford Arts Centre as The Boker Poker Club in 1986, it appeared at The Bush Theatre, London as A Handful of Stars two years later and described by The Guardian newspaper as ‘one of the year’s great theatre events.’A Handful of Stars is finally coming home in June with a fortnight run at Wexford Arts Centre (6th to 9th June and 11th – 16th June).
Wexford Borough Council District Manager Anthony Bailey acted as master of ceremonies and commenced by greeting Billy Roche, his wife Patty and family and friends and welcoming the large attendance to Wexford Arts Centre this evening.
“We are here to recognise and thank Mr. Billy Roche for his work as a singer, playwright, writer, actor and tutor of aspiring writers,” said Mr Bailey, who added; “It is an opportunity for the Council to celebrate one of our own.”
The attendance included Cllrs Garry Laffan, Maura Bell, George Lawlor, Tom Forde and Davy Hynes, actors Gary Lydon and Dermot Murphy and Conall Morrison, Stage Director.
Yesterday, as part of intelligence-led operations involving Revenue’s Customs Service and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), two separate consignments of herbal cannabis, with a combined weight of approximately 184 kgs and an estimated value of €3,680,000 (subject to analysis) were seized in Wexford and Dublin.
One man in his 60s was arrested by An Garda Síochána following the seizure of 139 kgs of herbal cannabis and is currently being detained in the South Eastern Region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.
In a second operation, one man in his 50s was arrested by An Garda Síochána following the seizure of 45 kgs of herbal cannabis and is currently being detained in a West Dublin Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.
COLIN BOWE… just three weeks away from winning his 12th point-to-point title.
Colin Bowe saddled a winning treble and brought his seasonal total to 30 and is 11 winners clear in the national point-to-point handler’s championship which ends in a few weeks’ time with a most successful day at Dawstown, Co. Cork this Monday May Bank Holiday. This will be his 12th title marking a successful period for the popular Kiltealy yard.
And the battle for the riders’ title was fierce today with a treble for Rob James and a double for reigning champion Barry O’Neill. Tonight, James leads O’Neill, 37-35, with three weeks to go before the 2023-24 championship is decided.
Barry O’Neill got Bowe off to a flying start with a four lengths success on newcomer Walks In June in division one of the geldings maiden race for four-year-olds. O’Neill and Bowe also tasted success in division one of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings when Harrenhal obliged by one and three quarter lengths.
Bowe’s treble became a reality in the mares maiden race for five-year-olds plus when newcomer Simple Times dead-heated with Rob James up.
It was James’ third victory of the afternoon. Earlier he won division two of the maiden race for four-year-olds by one length with Moon Over America which he handles himself at Tomona Stables, Killanne. James’ third winner of the day came on Fort St Angelo for handler Luke Murphy at Corecannon House, Gorey, who scored by a neck in division two of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Fourth winner in his first season as a handler for Murphy.
Denis Murphy saddled Manowest to a half-length victory in the maiden race for geldings six-year-old plus. The winning rider was Shane Cotter. And Gragreen who won the Winner of Two race for Carlow handler William Murphy is owned and bred by Leo Doyle from the Killinick Hunt area of south Wexford.
More road funding is essential for the safety of commuters and motorists in North Wexford, according to local election candidate Darragh McDonald who is calling on Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD to take decisive action on the matter.
“The simple truth is that current funding levels are failing to meet the demands of our infrastructure. Wexford County Council has done its best with the resources at hand, but it’s simply not enough especially if we want to be serious about our rural roads.
DARRAGH McDONALD Local election candidate in North Wexford
“According to guidelines from the Department of Transport, Wexford is expected to resurface about 5% of their roads annually. This is simply out of reach with existing budget constraints and for anyone who has driven our rural roads, is completely inadequate as a goal anyway. We need a total resurfacing of at least 30-40% of rural roads in this part of the county, then we can worry about keeping them maintained.”
“Poor road conditions are not just inconveniences; they are hazards that can lead to serious accidents. This is an area we cannot be complacent in.
“Now, I am calling on Minister Eamon Ryan to step up and follow suit to take decisive action on this matter. We need him to unlock the funds necessary for the upkeep and enhancement of our roads to ensure a safer, smoother future for Ireland’s road network.
“North Wexford is not South Dublin, we have no public transport connecting our villages and towns. The reality is that the vast majority of people still rely on our primary, secondary, and national roads, along with privately owned vehicles, to get around and they should be able to do so without worrying about damage to their car or increased risk of crashes,” concluded Mr McDonald.
In today’s point-to-point at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, newcomer No Flies On Her in the colours of Gearóid Doyle and handled by Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, scored a two lengths success in the maiden race for four-year-old mares ridden by Jamie Scallan.
Barry O’Neill was also on the winner’s scoresheet. He was aboard newcomer Coumeenoole for Jonathan Fogarty and the Gaynestown Stud team at Cleariestown who was a one and a half lengths winner of division one of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
JAMIE SCALLAN
Bertie Finn from Oulart teamed up with Gearóid O’Loughlin, Kiltealy, and enjoyed success with Cahier’s Den, who had two lengths to spare at the finish of division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
Paul Martin Pierce headed west to Galway, saddled up newcomer Sir Gauzy, and got the verdict by a neck with Sean Staples, Duncormick, in the saddle in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Pierce is enjoying his best ever season with nine wins and today’s victory marked his 40th career handing total.
Donnchadh Doyle and the Monbeg Syndicate were also winners when Er Dancer, ridden by Alan Harney in the Open Race confined to novice riders, scored by four lengths.
Two members of the team from Rosslare Europort were worthy winners at the Iarnród Éireann Health and Safety Awards which took place last Wednesday, May 1st.
Vicky Maltby, a Security Officer with O.C.S was the winner of the Contractor of the Year category. Her dedication and willingness to assist in any situation didn’t go unnoticed and those who nominated Vicky describe her as “One of the mostkindhearted and helpful people in Rosslare Europort.”
Kay Doyle, Director of Health and Safety, Iarnród Éireann and Vicky Maltby, OCS, Rosslare Europort.
Vicky has helped members of the public who found themselves in distressed states as well as helping with medical emergencies and always with calmness and professionalism.
Paul Lynch a Tug Master driver at Rosslare Europort was the winner of Central Services Individual of the Year. Nominators said: “Paul is in integral part of the team and his willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed. His safety knowledge is exemplary, and Paul is happy to pass on what he knows to new employees, always stressing the importance of always performing duties in a safe manner”.
Speaking at the awards, Director Health and Safety for Iarnród Éireann, Kay Doyle said: “We congratulate Paul and Vicky on receiving their well-deserved awards. At Iarnród Éireann, safety is our number one priority and Paul and Vicky demonstrate our core value of; Always Safe daily”.
The Iarnród Éireann Health & Safety awards recognise people from across the organisation who have excelled in the areas of health and safety over the last 12 months. Individuals and teams have been awarded for their commitment to the betterment of health and safety through their actions and innovations.
Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Kenneth Hall, 50 years, who is missing from his home in Gorey.
Kenneth was last seen in Gorey Town on Thursday, May 2nd at approximately 10am.
Kenneth is described as approximately 5 foot 8 inches in height with a stocky build, brown hair, and brown eyes.
When last seen, Kenneth was wearing a black jacket, runners and blue jeans. He was also carrying a black backpack.
Anyone with any information on Kenneth’s whereabouts is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 053 942 1222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
The point-to-point rider’s championship intensified at the second day of Necarne, Co. Fermanagh, today (Saturday) where Barry O’Neill (32 wins) secured a double and Rob James (34 wins) rode his 340th career victory. Yesterday, at the same track, Barry O’Neill recorded his 800th career success.
Rob James joined with the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle, saddling his 280th career winner, when newcomer Tiptoptim galloped to a seven and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
Barry O’Neill got off the mark on Winged Leader, trained by Fermanagh handler David Christie and victorious for the seventh time this season in the Open Race.
Halo Athena, owned and bred by Patrick Fortune, Adamstown, a previous winner at Tattersalls last month made it two wins from two runs for Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill in the Winner of Two race. The verdict was four lengths.
Minister JAMES BROWNE, who launched the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival, and CLLR JACKSER OWENS, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, at the official launch reception in Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, last night.
By Dan Walsh at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy
The reflection of the fireworks on the River Slaney, the revolving bright lights of the giant Ferris Wheel and the glitter and glamour of the hurdy-gurdy’s lit up the Friday night sky in Enniscorthy as the town celebrates the start of the 9th annual Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival.
The 2024 festival was launched last night with a reception in the Riverside Park Hotel where the Festival Chairman, Eric Barron, welcomed everybody, promised a wonderful “family friendly festival” and thanked the sponsors, Wexford County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Ancient East, Enniscorthy Credit Union, Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy & District Chamber and Enniscorthy Castle for their loyal support.
Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Jackser Owens praised the organisers and welcomed people to accept the hospitality and friendliness of the town over the Bank Holiday weekend.
AUDIO ADDITION; Launching the festival, Minister James Browne was full of praise for the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival at Enniscorthy.
Trish Doyle, speaking on behalf of Enniscorthy Credit Union said they were delighted to be associated with sponsorship of the Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival, wished the organisers well and hoped that people will enjoy the festivities.
Saturday and Sunday offer an opportunity to ramble through the winding medieval streets of Enniscorthy and take in a variety of tastes and flavours from over 70 Artisan Food and Craft vendors. There will be live chef demonstrations in the Food Marquee featuring well-known culinary artists including Kevin Dundon and Paul Hynes.
Families can look forward to a plethora of kids’ events and activities, ensuring little ones are entertained throughout the festival.
Kids can enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Classes in The Market Square on Saturday at 12.30pm and even participate in the Junior Bake Off, judged by Shane Smith. There will be live outdoor music throughout the weekend in Market Square with the best of Irish and International Rock ‘n’ Roll bands.
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