Call for more funding for safer roads in North Wexford

By Dan Walsh

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.

Wexford winners at Cork and Galway

By Dan Walsh

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.   

Iarnród Éireann’s Health and Safety Awards

By Dan Walsh

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 most kindhearted 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.

Man in his 50’s missing in Gorey

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.

O’Neill and James dominate on Saturday

By Dan Walsh

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.

Enniscorthy celebrates a Rockin’ weekend

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.

Barry O’Neill rides his 800th winner

By Dan Walsh

BARRY O’NEILL rode his 800th point-to-point winner today in Fermanagh.

Six times national point-to-point champion rider Barry O’Neill from Kiltealy reached another milestone in his career at Necarne, Co. Fermanagh, this afternoon where he achieved his 800th career success and his 30th victory during the current 2023-24 season which has only a few weeks left.

O’Neill was aboard Kingston Coole for local handler David Christie who carried him to an 11 lengths victory in the mare’s maiden race for five-year-olds.

There was a second local success at the northern track. Cash Cut owned and trained by John Edward Walsh, Preban, Tinahely, and ridden by his son James scored by two and a half lengths in the Winners of Three race.

Following in the hoofprints of Singing Banjo in the La Touche Cup yesterday there was further Wexford success at the Punchestown Festival today (Friday) when Private Ryan (9/4) won the Bishopscourt Cup by two and three quarter lengths.

Trained at Ballindaggin by Sean Doyle Private Ryan was the mount of Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard, and the dual point-to-point winner and is now successful under the Rules. “That’s brilliant. We had him as a young horse, and we sold him. He appeared in Doncaster last year, he had never raced for Nicky Henderson as the syndicate fell out, and Henry (Chamney), a local farmer, was looking for something for this race.

“By luck we stumbled across this lad and he fitted the bill well so it all worked out. It’s like a dream come true for this man, he’ll absolutely love this, said Sean Doyle, who added; “You even see it here yesterday, young Barry Walsh rides out for me and he won the La Touche. It’s all about about getting a kick and it’s absolutely brilliant when it works.”

Oil discovered on Wexford beaches

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council are investigating reports of traces of oil washing up on beaches and possible oil deposits on some wildlife along the Wicklow and Wexford coastline.

Wexford County Council Environment Staff, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Coastguard and other relevant agencies are actively monitoring the situation. It is understood that helicopter surveillance was utilised today (Tuesday) in an effort to detect any sources that may be causing the problem.

Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of oil deposits on Wexford beaches or any evidence of traces of oil on Wildlife to customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie or on 053 9196000.

BALLYCONNIGAR BEACH fighting coastal erosion (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

WexfordLocal.com has failed to receive any official answer to the whereabouts of a fishing trawler stranded on the Blackwater Sandbank following a drugs incident last September. It was treated as a crime scene.

Two men, who are not Irish nationals, were arrested after their fishing trawler suspected to be carrying a large haul of cocaine ran aground on a sandbank off the Blackwater coast.

The sandbank is not visible from the beach but enquiries amongst the local population or the authorities have failed to ascertain whether the vessel may have been salvaged or abandoned, and if the latter was the case, perhaps, that is the source of the oil leak?

Singing Banjo plays the field at Punchestown again!

SINGING BANJO with trainer and jockey Barry John Walsh aboard returns to the unsaddling enclosure following success at Punchestown. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at the Punchestown Festival

At 14 years old Singing Banjo (28/1) was the veteran in today’s renewal of Ireland’s longest steeplechase at four miles one furlong and 11 yards the La Touche Cup at the Punchestown Festival and he pulled off a memorable success for his rider Barry John Walsh, who was saddling his first winner since receiving a trainer’s licence.

Speaking afterwards, Barry who trains at Ballyday, Gorey, said; “He loves the ‘banks’ and we aim him for these races the whole time. The ground was just against us all season, we want good ground. He won on firm here when taking the Ladies Cup and La Touche in one week (April 2021). I was delighted to see it drying a bit here yesterday. He’s lightly raced, and we’ll see how he comes out of this. He’s declared for Saturday and we’ll see tomorrow how he is.”

A family horse in every sense of the word, Barry’s father John used to train point-to-pointers with a large degree of success over the years. Singing Banjo won his point-to-point at Tinahely in 2016, scored that memorable Punchestown Festival double in 2021 and in June of the same year he was a winner at Wexford races.

Enniscorthy gets into Rockin’ Food mood

By Dan Walsh

Preparations are ongoing for the 2024 Rockin’ Food Festival which switches its launch away from the town centre to the Riverside Park Hotel on the Promenade and festivities will light up the Friday night skies with fireworks display and music by a group with the curious title Loose Arrangements from 8.30pm. The big Ferris Wheel will also be in full swing on Friday.

This is 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.

On Saturday and Sunday, there will be Live Chef Demonstrations in The Food Marquee (not sure where that is located at the time of writing?) where renowned chefs will take the stage to showcase their culinary expertise, sharing insider tips and tricks to inspire home cooks and foodies alike.

Saturday: 12pm – 12.30pm: The Baking Goddess, Lorraine from Daisy Cottage Farm – Scone Baking for the little ones with the Baking Goddess, book your space online.

12.30pm – 12.45pm     Maxim Costa, Earth Food – How chocolate can be healthy for you!

12.45pm – 1pm    Clovelly Coffee – From Sydney to Wexford, the story of locally roasted Clovelly Coffee from Joe O’Connor.

1pm – Paul Hynes, La Cote Restaurant and The Cheeky Cod, Wexford – One of Wexford’s best chefs, Paul Hynes serves up some seafood favourites with an Italian twist from The Cheeky Cod and La Cote Restaurant in Wexford

2pm Kevin Dundon – One of Ireland’s favourite chefs returns (he was in the Castle grounds last year) to the stage with some of his favourite seasonal dishes combining the best of Wexford produce

3.15pm – 3.30pm  Mor Taste – Less sugar, more taste – Wexford Food producer, Felix (?) talks us through his healthier alternative jam.

Sunday; 12pm – 1pm  Alan Kennedy, Kennedy’s Craft Butchers All about Meat! – Craft Butcher Alan Kennedy educates us on selecting the right cut of meat, how to cook it and getting the best from your local butcher!

1pm – 2pm    Junior Bake Off. Who will be crowned Junior Master Baker? 2pm – 3pm      Shane Smith. A regular on RTE’s The Today Show, award winning baker Shane Smith returns to the stage using the best of local ingredients for sweeter tastes!  (One lucky attendee will take one of his creations home!)

3pm – 4pm    John Whelan, The Devils Menu – Join the cult of fun and food with The Devils Menu as he spices up some local strawberries from Wheelock’s with red wine and Meadowfield Farm Goats Cheese!

4pm – 5pm    Wexford FC Bake Off  Food & Football fusion – Wexford FC Bake Off with some special surprise guests!

Families can look forward to a plethora of kids’ events and activities, ensuring little ones are entertained throughout the festival. From Puppet Shows, Paw Patrol Cookie Hunt, Disco with the Minions and Trolls to a range of interactive arts and crafts workshops to exciting games, there’s no shortage of fun for the young ones. 

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.

For more information and to book tickets, visit http://www.rockinfoodfestival.ie.