Tributes to legendary showjumping star Con Power

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of the legendary showjumper, Captain Con Power, (71), of international fame who is universally acknowledged as one of the finest riders of his generation and enjoyed a sparkling career during the 1970s and 1980s.

A native of Loftus Hall, Fethard-on-Sea in south-west Wexford Con married Margaret Latta, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, and they set up an equestrian home at Derrypatrick House, Summerhill, Co. Meath.

CON POWER

Beginning his career in the Army Equitation School in 1973, he developed into one of the world’s best riders, with notable successes at Aachen, New York and Toronto, while he was the leading rider at the Dublin Horse Show in 1976 and 1979.

Con will forever be remembered for being part of the dream team who won the Aga Khan trophy three times in a row, in 1977, 1978 and 1979, famously being the only rider to ride three different horses.

He will never be forgotten and leaves an incredible legacy on equestrian sports in Ireland. His son Robert, affectionately known as Robbie, also enjoyed a spectacular career in the saddle as a National Hunt jockey, winning many of the top races including the 2007 Aintree Grand National on the 33/1 winner Silver Birch for Gordon Elliott and the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Sizing John, while daughter Elizabeth has also forged a successful Eventing career, and won the five-star RDS Stakes at the Dublin Horse Show in 2019.

Deepest condolences to his wife Margaret, Robert and Elizabeth, Lovingly remembered by his family, daughter-in-law Hannah, sisters and brothers; Ann, Pat, Ted, Mandy, Vonnie, Vivienne, Pierce and Helen, extended family, friends and neighbours. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

World angling event is a great catch for Wexford

Teams from nine counties competing in the World Championship Shore Angling 2024 in Wexford were on parade at the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at the Irish National Heritage Park

The World Championship Shore Angling 2024, featuring YOUTH (under 16) and JUNIORS (under 21) categories takes place on the Wexford coastline until November 9th showcasing the talents and passions of young anglers from around the globe in a competition that promises excitement, camaraderie, and the spirit of sportsmanship against the backdrop of Ireland’s stunning coastline.

The teams arrived at Hotel Curracloe yesterday and all nine counties participated in a colourful parade held at the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig this afternoon.

“This event is a celebration of sportsmanship, where we gather not only to compete but also to forge new friendships, challenge each other, and revel in each other’s company,” said Pat Walsh, President of the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, who added; “Ireland boasts some of the finest shore angling spots in Europe, promising an exciting competition ahead.”

The nine countries competing are Ireland, Croatia, France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, England, Netherlands and Portugal. The fishing competition will begin on Tuesday and last for four days. 

Eleven beaches will be used during the seven-day championships at Kilgorman, Old Bawn Beach, Ballinoulart, Morriscastle, Ballinesker, Curracloe, Rosslare, Rostoonstown, Ballyhealy, Burrow Kilmore and Murrough Beach in Co. Wicklow.

Headquarters is located at Hotel Curracloe. The championships are brought to Wexford by the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers.

Woman missing from her home in Gorey

UPDATE, Tuesday, November 5th; Aoife O’Callaghan, 31 years, who had been missing from Gorey, Co.Wexford since 31st October 2024, has been located safe and well. We would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 31-year-old Aoife O’Callaghan has been missing from her home in Gorey since last Thursday, October 31st.

AOIFE O’CALLAGHAN

Aoife was last seen in the Phoenix Park in Dublin at approximately midday that day.

Aoife is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches tall with a slim build, long brown hair and blue eyes.

When last seen, she was wearing a black top and jacket with dark trousers and white runners, carrying a purple bag.

Gardaí and Aoife’s family are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone with information on Aoife’s whereabouts is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 053 9430690, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Wexford winners at Kilkenny and Limerick

By Dan Walsh

The opening maiden race for four-year-olds at Damma House, Kilkenny, was divided and division one was a close affair between two Wexford contestants. Victory went to Soldier In Mayo (Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neill) by a neck with Kool Kid (Michael Goff/Harry Goff) filling the runner-up spot.

BARRY O’NEILL and COLIN BOWE (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Division two was a different scenario as Conman John, handled and ridden by Rob James, came home a clear 20 lengths ahead of the field.

Owner/handler Shane Roche from Cleariestown in his second season as handler saddled his first winner Leading Endeavour who sailed home by 20 lengths under Barry Stone in the maiden race for mares aged five-years-old and plus.

There was a mid-day start at Rathcannon, Co. Limerick and the opening four-year-old maiden race was divided and there was a close finish – a head victory for newcomer Road Exile handled by Cormac Doyle for the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and ridden by Jack Hendrick, who scored his 90th career winner.

Duncormick rider Eoin Staples enjoyed success in the famous John P. McManus colours on odds-on favourite Priory Park trained by Edward O’Grady who was three lengths winner of the Open Race confined to novice riders.

Next Sunday, November 10th, the Wexford Foxhounds will stage its autumn point-to-point fixture at Knockmullen House, New Ross. First race at 12.30pm. Entries close with p2p.ie on Tuesday next.

Music is silent and lights out at ‘The Stores’

The Wexford Centenary Stores this Saturday night. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford

There is massive shock in social circles in Wexford town with the devastating news that Wexford’s iconic late night and music venue – The Centenary Stores on Charlotte Street – is closed.

First opened in 1988 by the late Michael Tierney ‘The Stores’ as it was affectionately called was one of the South East’s best known nightclubs.

The Centenary Stores was one of several high-profile properties taken over by an investment company back in 2022, and sadly the once-booming business has been in decline in recent times.

Many of the staff have been employed at ‘The Stores’ for over 20 years and there is a lot of uncertainty in the air. One employee told WexfordLocal.com; “We still don’t know what’s going to happen to the staff?”

Paying tribute to Michael Tierney on his sad passing, the Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell said; “Michael Tierney was a massive employer. He will never be forgotten in Wexford, and he shouldn’t be.”

Having established The Centenary Stores in 1988, for many Michael and Adrienne changed the landscape for hospitality in Wexford town and brought it into the modern era.

“I think ‘The Stores’ was kind of the start of nightlife in Wexford really,” long-term colleague of Michael’s and publican Liam Sinnott said. “It got the ball rolling for modern day nightlife in that whole area. It opened in October of 1988.”

The closure of The Centenary Stores ends a glittering generation of nightlife in Wexford town and is a reflection on a changing society, but thankfully it leaves so many people with happy memories of great nights at ‘The Stores’ over about three decades!

Man (44) missing from Wexford town

UPDATE Monday, November 4th: Daniel Pender, 44 years who was missing from his home in Wexford since Thursday, October 31st, 2024 has been located safe and well.

Gardaí are appealing for information on the whereabouts of 44-year-old Daniel Pender who is reported missing from his home in Wexford town since Thursday, October 31st, 2024.

DANIEL PENDER

Daniel is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches tall with a large build. He is bald with a dark brown beard and green eyes.

When last seen, he was wearing a black t-shirt with a large print on the back, denim shorts, black and white Nike runners and a black Adidas backpack.

It is believed that Daniel may have access to a grey Ford Puma car with partial registration 211-WX.

Gardaí and Daniel’s family are concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with information on Daniel’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

‘Points’ success keeps on coming!

By Dan Walsh

Today’s point-to-point action was at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary and winners from three separate Wexford stables were recorded.

Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe took the opening maiden race for four-year-old maidens with newcomer Adamas in the colours of Brian Acheson. The winning distance was five lengths and Adamas is now likely to go to the track.

BARRY STONE…winner at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Jonathan Fogarty from Gaynestown Stud, Cleariestown, saddled newcomer Hank West in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and the pleasant outcome was an eight lengths victory. Another newcomer who will be heading for the sales and was ridden by Barry Stone.

The third Wexford handled winner at the Tipperary track was Sainthilaire owned and handled by Pierce Power, Lofus Hall, Fethard-on-Sea who had a four lengths victory in the five-year-old geldings’ maiden race and was ridden by Jack Hendrick.

Two point-to-points tomorrow (Sunday) at Damma House, Kilkenny and Rathcannon, Limerick. Plenty of Wexford participation at both tracks.

Michelle O’Neill bids for a Dail seat

By Dan Walsh

While it will be the end of next week before the polling day date on Friday, November 29th is officially announced by the government the General Election campaign is ‘unofficially’ in full flight in the two constituencies serving Co. Wexford – Wexford constituency (4 seats) and the new South Wicklow North Wexford constituency (3 seats).

Fianna Fáil has selected former international referee Michelle O’Neill, (46), as their candidate for the Wexford constituency. She will be joined on the party ticket by outgoing TD and Minister of State James Browne.

MICHELLE O’NEILL (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Ms. O’Neill stood for Deputy Verona Murphy’s Independent Alliance in last June’s Local Elections in the Wexford Borough District where she received 368 first preference votes. 

Ms. O’Neill said that the party’s investment in female sport was a key aspect in her decision to run. “Fianna Fáil believes in the power of women in sport and that has been shown by the overall percentage of women on boards across the sport sector. I am someone who has broken glass ceilings throughout my career, I pledge to continue to do that,” she said.

Tánaiste Mícheál Martin said that he was “delighted” to welcome Michelle O’Neill as the party’s additional candidate.

Ms. O’Neill, who is originally from Enniscorthy, but grew up in Bree, retired from refereeing last month, and had a long and decorated career. In 2019, she became the Irish person to officiate at a FIFA World Cup Final, overseeing the United States’ 2-0 victory against the Netherlands.

Blackwater are Tidy Towns’ winners again!

By Dan Walsh

Renowned for generations as ‘Beautiful Blackwater’, the characteristic coastal village has retained its title as Co. Wexford’s tidiest village and were rewarded with the Gold Medal at the Supervalu National Tidy Towns 2024 awards presented in Croke Park, Dublin, this morning.

BEAUTIFUL BLACKWATER (Pic; Courtesy of Blackwater Tidy Towns’ Facebook page)

Wexford town were runners-up with Enniscorthy filling third position, both celebrating as recipients of Gold Medals. Gorey and New Ross were both awarded a Bronze Medal. Ballindaggin secured an Endeavour Award.

The official report said; “Blackwater is a very pretty village, and it was your adjudicator’s delight to acquaint themselves with its charms on their first visit.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said; “As in previous years, the standard of competition was exceptional this year in all categories, with 904 entries received overall from the almost 1000 active groups nationwide. I want to pay tribute to all the winners today across all the various categories.

“In particular, I want to recognise the vital role of volunteers across the country who are working so hard all year round to ensure our communities are vibrant, sustainable places to live, work and visit,” said Minister Humphreys.

Minister Humphreys also announced a special allocation of €1.5 million in funding to support the work of Tidy Towns groups in their continued efforts to make their towns and villages better places to live, work and visit. Since 2017, the department has provided almost €11 million in funding to support the activities of these groups.

SUPERVALU TIDY TOWNS 2024 – COUNTY WEXFORD

CATEGORY A; Duncormick 368, Ballyduff 362, Foulksmills 356.

CATEGORY B; Blackwater 383 (County Winner and Gold Medal), Bree 369, Clonroche 363, Kilanerin 357, Kilmuckridge 353, Ballycanew 352, Ballymurn 327, Hollyfort 321, Killanne 321, Askamore 314, Coolgreany 313, Carrig-on-Bannow 300, Ballycullane 396, Bridgetown 394, Courtnacuddy 289, Wellingtonbridge 289, Oylegate 285, Campile 257, Ballindaggin 231 (Endeavour Award), Ramsgrange 220.

CATEGORY C; Rosslare Harbour 364, Rosslare Strand 363, Ferns 356, Bunclody 315.

CATEGORY E; New Ross 361 (Bronze Medal).

CATEGORY F; Enniscorthy 371 (County Third and Gold Medal), Gorey 362 (Bronze Medal).

CATEGORY G; Wexford 375 (County Second and Gold Medal).

New passenger vehicle check-in opens at Rosslare Europort

New car check-in at Rosslare Europort (Pic; Iarnród Éireann)

By Dan Walsh

A state-of-the-art passenger check-in facility has opened at Rosslare Europort, set to revolutionise passenger experience and create a seamless transition from land to sea for port users, signifying the latest milestone achieved for the port in the delivery of its ambitious masterplan. 

Part of the largest ever investment in the history of Rosslare Europort, this brand-new passenger vehicle check in facility includes;

  • over 14,000m2 of new queueing lanes
  • new passenger rest and recreation facilities
  • new passenger information systems
  • a smarter and more efficient check in experience with the new smart port system
  • a first-class customer experience for port users

The opening of the new passenger vehicle check-in facility comes only a few weeks after the opening of a new Freight Check-in area at Rosslare Europort which has streamlined freight movement around and through the Port, saving time and congestion in and around the Port.

With a quick and seamless port experience now offered for both freight and passenger vehicle port users, Rosslare Europort is well on track to continue its recent expansion and realise the goals outlined in the port Masterplan.

In addition to delivering the streamlined freight and passenger check in facilities at the Port:

  • Works are continuing at pace on construction of the new Terminal 7 infrastructure, the new permanent border control post being delivered at the port in partnership with the Office of Public Works. These works are set for completion in late 2025.
  • Project designs are being finalised for Rosslare Europort’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub with a view to planning being lodged with An Bord Pleanála before the end of this year. Subject to planning being granted and funding being allocated, it is expected that construction will commence in late 2025/early 2026.