Barry O’Neill is back in the lead

By Dan Walsh

BARRY O’NEILL double today and back at the top of the riders’ championship.

Champion point-to-point rider Barry O’Neill is back at the top of the championship table tonight, just 24-hours of being passed out by Rob James double, following double success this afternoon at Tattersalls point-to-point and bring his seasonal tally to 29.

O’Neill was successful aboard newcomer Kalo Athena, running in the colours of Patrick Fortune, Adamstown, and handled by Colin Bowe, who had one and a quarter length to spare at the finish of the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares. Half an hour later and he completed the double partnering Winged Leader for David Christie in the Open Lightweight Race. The verdict was a bit easier this time – nine and a half lengths.

Newcomer Kepler’s Law from the Ballycarney, Enniscorthy stables of Andrew Latta was the 12 lengths winner of the five- and six-year-old geldings maiden race with Jack Hendrick up. Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, was also a winner today. He saddled Manlikemike (Sean Cotter up) to a two lengths victory in the maiden race confined to novice riders.

A second point-to-point fixture took place today at Dromahane, Co. Cork, where rider Sean Staples from Duncormick and handler Paul Martin Pierce from Blackhall Stud, Killurin, shared a double. They captured the maiden race for four-year-old mares with newcomer Fireball Frenzy by one length and added division two of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings with another newcomer, Dalston Lad, who had six lengths to spare. This was Pierce’s sixth winner of the season, which is a career best in his 17 seasons as a point-to-point handler.

Jim O’Neill from Ballindaggin saddled his first winner yesterday in Waterford and added number two today at Cork when Jamsieconn took the honours in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus under Jamie Scallan.

7 Wexford winners at two tracks

By Dan Walsh

A double for Rob James that took him to the top of the point-to-point riders’ championship, a treble for Donnchadh Doyle, doubles for Jamie Scallan and Sean Doyle, and a first winner as a handler for Jim O’Neill were amongst the highlights at today’s point-to-points at two venues that saw seven Wexford winners.

Sean Doyle and Jamie Scallan had a quick double at Curraghmore, Co. Waterford. Eastern Shores was the one and a half lengths winner of the maiden race for four-year-old mares. The four-year-old geldings’ maiden race was divided and they won division two with Moon Rocket. The first division provided Jim O’Neill, who is based at Ballindaggin, with his first success with newcomer El Cairos who grabbed the verdict by a neck under Sean Staples, Duncormick.

JACK HENDRICK enjoyed his 75th career point-to-point victory today in Co. Antrim.

The five-year-old geldings maiden was also divided and Donnchadh Doyle and Rob James took both divisions. Disguised Limit in division one and Jarrive De Mee in division two. As a consequence, Rob James went to the top of the championship table with 28 winners, one more than reigning champion Barry O’Neill.

Donnchadh Doyle saddled his third winner of the day with newcomer Keops Des Bordes by five lengths in the four-year-old geldings’ maiden race at Loughanmore in Co. Antrim, providing Tinahely rider James Walsh with his 75th career success.

Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick also scored his 75th career success at the Antrim venue. Riding for Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, they won the mares’ four-year-old maiden contest with newcomer Lets Mingle.

BREAKING NEWS; It has been officially announced today (Saturday) by the IHRB (Irish Horse Racing Board) that the Bree Foxhounds fixture scheduled for Sunday, April 28th at Monksgrange has been cancelled. Following a track inspection the course was found to be unfit for racing.

€3.2m shared by Riverchapel and Ballymitty

Artist’s impression of Riverchapel Community Complex project (Image; molloyarchitecture)

By Dan Walsh

Over €3 million investment has been announced for projects at Riverchapel Community Complex (€1,797,919) and Ballymitty Community Development (€1,398,035).

“This news for Ballymitty and Riverchapel is a gamechanger for these communities. Two state of the art community centres will be delivered, benefitting the communities for years for come,” Fine Gael TD for Wexford Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com.

It’s the first time in the history of the State that a dedicated fund has been set up to deliver new-build community centres in rural Ireland and part of a €30m to deliver 12 new community centres nationwide.

Minister Heather Humphreys said; “Our community centres bring people of all ages together, whether it be for sporting, educational or social occasions. This funding will assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs and the level of interest has shown that these centres, when complete, will be the heart of many a community.”

The Community Centre Investment Fund was launched in March 2023 to provide investment for new and ambitious community projects in towns and villages.   

These projects are all on brown or green field sites and have all the necessary planning and consents secured so they are already at an advanced stage and ready to commence following a tender process.

Kilrush Drama Group heads for All Ireland

Celebrating the Awards won by Kilrush Drama Group 2024; (Left to Right): Cathy Tighe, Dougie Doyle, John Redmond, Kay Cahill, Raymond Byrne, Niall McGrath (Director) Tommy Kavanagh, Erin Hogan, Dean Furlong, Kevin McEvoy and Lar Duffy. (Pic; Eamon Doran).

By Dan Walsh

Multi-award winning Kilrush Drama Group’s Hooked by Gillian Grattan, directed by Niall McGrath and featuring Kay Cahill, Erin Hogan and John Redmond have won seven out of eight Festivals on the Drama Circuit

Kilrush Drama Group topped the leader board of the Confined Drama All Ireland League Tables, with Niall McGrath in his first time directing, winning seven Best Director Awards to date. Their hugely popular production of Hooked has wowed both adjudicators and audiences alike. The Group also won a host of Awards to date, including Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, Best Technical, Best Lighting, Best sound and Best Set.

There are two chances to see pre-All Ireland performances just days away. This amazing production will be performed in St. Bridget’s Hall, Carnew, this Monday and Tuesday at 8pm.

Very best of luck as they go on to perform in The Confined All Ireland Drama Finals on Thursday, April 25th in Mountmellick.

5 rescued on angling trip to Saltee Islands

By Dan Walsh

Five people aboard an angling charter boat were rescued this afternoon after a rope became entangled in a propeller south-east of the Saltee Islands.

KILMORE QUAY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coast Guard at 1pm today. Under the command of Coxswain Trevor Devereux with four crew members on board and it arrived on scene at 1.30pm. Having checked all on board were safe and well, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow.

The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay, arriving at 2pm. Weather and sea conditions were described as good at the time.

Speaking on the call out Kilmore Quay Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace said; “It was great to see all on board wearing life jackets and having followed the correct procedures when they got snagged. Stray ropes or nets floating in the water can be a hazard to any vessel in this way.”

Wilkie Way experience opens in Enniscorthy

Wilkie Way (Wilkie Slí as Gaeilge) Enniscorthy’s latest tourist attraction.

By Dan Walsh

The ancient steps that link Castle Hill with Church Street opposite Enniscorthy Castle has been renamed Wilkie Way (Wilkie Slí as Gaeilge) and was officially launched recently by Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

WexfordLocal.com has compiled the following information explaining who is Wilkie and what is the significance of his fame and contribution that merits a section of street steps named in his honour.

BIOGRAPHY; SAM ‘Wilkie’ THORPE (1909-2005); Sam Thorpe was one of seven children born to Annie (née Ryan) and Michael Thorpe of The Shannon, Enniscorthy.

He married Mary Donnelly of Ross Road and they had one son who sadly died in infancy, Michael.

Sam served as a gunner in the 3rd Battalion with the Irish army on Spike Island in Cork for seven years. He was always very proud of this achievement and in his later years was a member of ONE (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel). Following his army career, Sam worked at Armstrong’s general merchants store in Enniscorthy, worked on the railway, and in his later years he travelled the roads working on a lorry for Davis’s Mill.

But it was through his sporting achievements that Sam’s name was most familiar. He played hurling and football for Wexford and Leinster in the early 1950s. Two weeks ago before his sad passing he was honoured for this sporting achievements at a GAA function held Ferrycarrig Hotel. He was also played soccer with Cork United during his years in the army.

In his sporting book, The Greatest Hurling Decade, the legendary historian Nicky Furlong paid tribute and wrote; “Wilkie Thorpe in fact never played for Wexford after the summer of 1953. This colourful crowd entertainer from Vinegar Hill had contributed his rich talents to both hurling and football at the highest inter-county and club level for twenty years.”

Cllr Joe Sullivan urges Minister to attend GRA conference

By Dan Wash

North Wexford’s Cllr Joe Sullivan is calling on Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to take up the invitation and attend the GRA Annual Delegate Conference taking place in Westport, Co. Mayo and support An Garda Siochána management and rank and file membership in equal measure.

In a statement issued earlier today, Cllr Sullivan, who served as a member of An Garda Siochána, 1985-2014, said; “I wish to highlight my disappointment in Justice Minister Helen McEntee’s decision not to attend the GRA Conference. This course of action chosen by Minister McEntee clearly sets out the fact that she stands four square behind Commissioner Harris (who is not invited) despite the fact that 98% of rank and file Gardai have no confidence in his leadership.

“I believe that by attending this forthcoming conference Minister McEntee would have a perfect opportunity to meet with the ordinary frontline members of An Garda and have them articulate their concerns in an open and frank manner without the presence of Commissioner Harris who if one is to listen to on the job Gardai is contributing to the current low morale and general discontent amongst Gardai.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN

“I am firmly of the opinion that Minister McEntee’s course of action in this case is effectively taking sides in this case the management side against almost 11,000 men and women who daily put their lives on the line to ensure that we, the citizens, can live a peaceful life in the security and knowledge that they are there to protect us and our rights,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “It goes without saying that An Garda Siochana enjoys more public support than any other law enforcement agency in the world, this has been built up due to good work trust and loyalty between the people and the Gardai over the last 102 years..”

Cllr Sullivan alleges that the current Commissioner appears to be over-zealous and rigid in his application of the rules regulations and disciplinary procedures which appears to be causing unrest amongst the rank and file members.

“Where better for the Minister to acquaint herself with these issues than at the Annual Delegate Conference. I would therefore call on Minister McEntee to take up the invitation and attend the Annual Delegate Conference and support An Garda Siochana management and rank and file membership in equal measure, he concluded.

Lone sailor rescued at Rosslare

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Harbour RNLI were alerted at the request of the Irish Coast Guard after a vigilant member of the public raised the alarm that a 22-ft yacht with one person onboard, appeared to be drifting towards rocks at the mouth of the Boatsafe adjacent to Rosslare Europort.

ROSSLARE HARBOUR RNLI LIFEBOAT (Fie Pic; RNLI/Rosslare)

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched the all-weather lifeboat at 9.15am on Monday morning.

Upon arrival at the scene, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation and decided in consultation with the sailor that as they were unable to make any safe progress, the vessel would be towed to the nearest safe port.

Speaking following the call out, Tony Kehoe, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Launch Authority commended the member of the public who raised the alarm. “The member of the public’s actions was crucial in preventing a possible serious incident this morning and we commend him for his swift actions. We would remind anyone who sees someone or a vessel in trouble at sea, to never hesitate to call for help by dialling 999 or 112,” concluded Mr Kehoe.

No load of bollards planned for Gorey

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

The upcoming Local Elections (June 7th) had a lively impact on Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in the Civic Centre, Gorey, and there is scarcely a community in the huge double district that didn’t figure with members calling on the Council officials for progress and activity on roads, streets, beaches, anti-social behaviour, illegal dumping to mention but a few!

The meeting opened with the chastisement of Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin which could enter local folklore as “the misleading letters episode” that made the headlines in Kilmuckridge district recently, first discussed at the April meeting of Wexford County Council and taken to the top of the agenda by Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen.

Many members joined in the tense discussion, but Cllr Ó Súilleabháin held his defence and admitted that “a mistake was made” before raising safety concerns outside Coolgreany National School. “Children’s safety is my concern,” he concluded. Cllr Anthony Donohoe raised the state of the road from The Gap to Loggin and Cllr Joe Sullivan suggested that businesses in Esmonde Street be supplied with an information leaflet to keep them informed.

Cllr Andrew Bolger was full of praise for Matthew McGrath who campaigned for “the access for all and age friendly improvement works” at Ballymoney beach. Sadly, the Environment Report states that “Ballymoney beach has not reached the water quality standard for the Blue Flag and therefore will not be awarded the Blue Flag in 2024.”

Cahore featured strongly during the meeting from the completion of the controversial new Dryloo toilets – they have been opened more times than they have been flushed! – to some rock armour that is necessary and repairs to weather damage in the car park.

Cllr Mary Farrell was vocal on the dumping of mattresses, dumping household rubbish, questions about CCTV and the dreaded aftermath of dog fouling and the impact on those who must pick it up! A rapid response unit was suggested.

Cllr Willie Kavanagh claimed the roads in the Kimuckridge area are up to standard. He experienced the Derry road in The Ballagh following recent improvements and stated; “it was a pleasure to drive on.”

Cllr Ó Súilleabhain raised the question of “parking on footpaths” and the inconvenience to wheelchair users, the elderly and local residents, with particular emphasis on events at Sean O’Byrne Park, but Senior Roads Engineer Joanne Kehoe suggested that this matter be taken up with Traffic Wardens or An Garda Siochána in future.

“Tell the residents to report it to the warden or contact the Garda station,” said Ms. Kehoe who stated that these complaints arise all the time from housing estates to the Main Street, and if she responded to each complaint the entire streets would be covered in bollards? She declared; “I am not putting a load of bollards around Gorey.”

Old water mains replaced in Rathaspick

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, has replaced almost 3km of old water mains with new modern pipes in Redmondstown to provide a more reliable water supply and reduce high levels of leakage. 

The completed works took place along the L-7046 and N25 in Redmondstown and ended along the L-3040 in Rathaspeck.

Outlining the benefits of the national Leakage Reduction Programme in Co. Wexford, Joe Carroll, Uisce Éireann Portfolio Manager, told WexfordLocal.com: “Many of these old, damaged pipes were prone to bursts and high levels of leakage, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing them with modern pipes reduces the amount of drinking water lost through leakage and brings an all-round improvement to the water network for the local community and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.

Mr Carroll; “This essential work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most enabling these communities to thrive.”

“This project was undertaken by the Direct Labour Water Service Team in Wexford in conjunction with Uisce Éireann and is a prime example bringing the local knowledge and experienced skillset of all water services staff together to build a truly national organisation delivering improved and more efficient water services to our communities, supporting housing, economic development and job creation across the country,” concluded Mr Carroll.