WEXFORD RACECOURSE where the stands will be packed for Saturday racing. (File Pic).
SummerNational Hunt racing returns to Bettyville Park, Wexford, tomorrow (Saturday) where a large entry has caused the handicap hurdle to divide thus creating an 8-race card. First race has been brought forward to 1.40pm.
Going is ‘soft’ and the card consists of five hurdle races, two steeplechases and a bumper.
Top trainers Gordon Elliott, Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead all have entries while local trainers including Paul Nolan, Seamus Neville, John A. Berry and Liz Doyle will also be chasing a share of the prizemoney.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, and District Manager Claire Lawless led the way at the Enniscorthy Civic Awards Night ceremony in Enniscorthy Castle.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
Last evening’s Civic Awards Night ceremony was planned for the roof of Enniscorthy Castle, but a weather alert caused the pleasant occasion to switch indoors, which was a good move as a thunderstorm hit the region and torrential rain lashed the town for a number of hours and Met Éireann predicts that it is going to last until at least 3.30am!
District Manager, Claire Lawless commenced proceedings with words of welcome and said; “The Civic Awards Evening is where the elected members of the Enniscorthy Municipal District recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups within the District.”
The protocol is that the elected member who backs the nomination makes the presentation on the night! This year there was a new award. The Council commissioned Pauline Quigley Glass Design from Caim and the first recipients received a fine award that captures the silhouette and backdrop of Vinegar Hill.
First up was Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke with three nominees; The Legends Horseshoe Club, based in Bunclody, who won Division Two at All-Ireland level in 2023. The award was collected on their behalf by John Connors ; Robert Brady on behalf of Wexford A team for winning the All-Ireland 8-Ball Pool championships last year; and Abbie Doyle from Ballymackessey who won a Gold Medal in the All-Ireland Athletics Final in the under 18 Triple Jump. Abbie missed the presentation as she is currently part of the Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage Group and the award was accepted on her behalf by her proud parents, Paul and Edel.
Next up was Cllr Jackser Owens with three nominations. Ann Redmond on behalf of the Wexford Ladies Darts Team, winners of the 2024 All-Ireland championship. Ann is the captain and other team members include Mary Burke, Marie Cash and Marie Kehoe. This was the 4th time for the ladies to win this title following on from 2018, 2019 and 2020.; The Woodsmen Horseshoe Club, formed in Bunclody in 1980, were Division One winners in All-Ireland horseshoe pitching in 2023. Receiving the award were Michael Redmond, Liam Bond and Paddy Connors; Charlie Dixon won the 65kg All-Ireland boxing title in 2024. The 13-year-old boxed in the National Stadium and won his first national title. He missed the presentation but was represented by his family who accepted the award on the champion’s behalf.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy had four nominees. Sean Nolan won the World Handball title in 2019 and 2023, won five European titles, including the French and UK Open, and Sean aspires to compete in the Olympic Games in 2028! Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Group were third in the All-Ireland One Act Drama Finals in 2023. An amazing feat for first time Director Michael Dunbar and the cast of Josephine Byrne, Lisa McCann and Margaret Farrell and lights and sound designer and operator Grace Dunbar. Chairman Rory Kinsella and Sinead O’Gorman accepted tonight’s award; Dannan Long from Kiltealy and a member of Enniscorthy Athletics Club had an outstanding season nationally and internationally in 2023 and was a European finalist in the under 20’s men’s relay; Shauna Kearney won at the National Elite Boxing Championships. A busy mother of two young children and a member of Bunclody Boxing Club.
Cllr Aidan Browne nominated three boxers beginning with Evan Thorpe who won the 38.5kg All-Ireland title and is a member of St. Aidan’s Boxing Club, Ferns; and two from Sacre Couer Boxing Club, Enniscorthy, Oisin Goff, winner of the Boy’s 52kg All-Ireland title, and a three times Irish champion and son of Mick and Caitriona from Monageer; and Sean Kelly, winner of the Boy’s 43kg, three times Irish champion, from Bunclody and son of John Kelly who is a coach with Sacre Couer club.
Cllr Cathal Byrne congratulated two winners; Michael Dolgilevics from Bellefield Springs, Enniscorthy, winner of the Boy’s 54kg All-Ireland title in his first-year boxing, and Oscar Mordaski on winning the Boy’s 29kg All-Ireland title. He is from Kilmyshal. Both Michael and Oscar are members of Sacre Couer Boxing Club,
The final recipient was Maria Nolan, nominated by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, who will attend her final meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council next Monday after 20 years’ service as she is not running in the forthcoming local elections. Maria Nolan was honoured through the publishing of three books and two short films and for her membership and leadership of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Group and for her voluntary work with numerous community groups in her native Enniscorthy.
Pictured at the housing seminar held in Ferrycarrig Hotel; (left to right); Diarmuid Houston (Senior Planner, Wexford County Council), David O’Doherty (Housing Building Finance Ireland), Cllr John Fleming (Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council), Eddie Taaffe, (Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services, Housing), Leonard Daly (Construction Industry Federation Southeast Chairman), Cllr Joe Sullivan (Chair of Housing & Community SPC), and Liz Hore (Director of Services, Planning).
By Dan Walsh
The Governments ‘Housing for All Programme’ aims to increase the delivery of different forms of housing to meet different needs – with several measures aimed at people who are currently unable to meet their housing needs but who, with help, could purchase their own home.
To support the county Wexford housing programme, Wexford County Council recently hosted a ‘A Breakfast Briefing on Affordable Housing Delivery’ in the Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford, with invited speakers presenting an overview of the national schemes and funding streams.
Opening the event, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. John Fleming said; “Affordability and the chance to own a home is a key element of our housing policy. Wexford County Council is actively working on developing an affordable housing programme over the coming years, – today’s event will hopefully highlight some of the opportunities available to deliver our shared housing ambitions.”.
Construction Industry Federation’s Southeast Branch Chairman Leonard Daly welcomed the members and commended Wexford County Council for arranging the briefing. Noting the available housing programmes in place to support the delivery of affordable homes, A critical factor in the increase in housing commencements was the ability of housebuilders to commence with confidence.
Chief Executive, Eddie Taaffe provided a detailed outline of the governments funding programme and housing delivery models, noting the housing collaborative opportunities between the local authority and the construction sector. “We want to develop enduring partnerships to make delivery as simple as possible,” added Mr Taaffe.
Director of Services for Housing delivery, Carolyne Godkin outlined details of the County Wexford Affordable Homes Programme, with plans to deliver a pilot Affordable Housing scheme in Ramsfort Park, Gorey, and future projects currently in development, including the ‘St. Walerans’ Masterplan – which hopes to deliver over 170 units in this mixed housing scheme.
Ms Godkin concluded; “Today was an opportunity to directly engage with the sector. In the coming weeks Wexford County Council will actively engage the market seeking expressions of interest for the provision of housing developments by developers and building contractors for delivery of affordable housing across County Wexford.”
The event included members of the Wexford County Council, officials from Planning and Housing Delivery Teams, Construction Industry Federation members, Housing Building Finance Ireland and property professionals from across the county.
Gorey will host Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman with an exciting weekend of Fleadh-based events which is a qualifier for competitors to progress from county level, taking place in Gorey, to the Leinster level (this year in Wicklow town from July 12th-14th), and finally to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, in Wexford town from August 4th-11th.
Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman takes place in Gorey Community School from Friday to Sunday, inclusive, May 17th-19th. Competitions will span across four age categories: Under12, 12-15, 15-18, and senior, encompassing a wide array of Irish traditional instruments such as fiddle, flute, harp, uilleann pipes, banjo, accordion, concertina, along with dance and singing. Ensembles including duets, trios, grúpa cheoil, marching and céilí bands will also compete, drawing particularly large crowds, especially the céilí bands.
Exciting events like a window competition and a traditional Irish Music Busking Competition will take place on Saturday from 11am to 3pm throughout the town and will add to the atmosphere of Gorey for the weekend ahead!
An exhibition of old photos from the 1962 Fleadh in Gorey will be held in the foyer at Gorey Civic Offices, offering insight into the town’s rich Fleadh history. Additionally, a first-hand account of the event by local man, Tomás Keegan, who participated in the 1962 event, will be documented for this exhibition.
Fleadh Cheol Loch Garman 2024 and Fringe Fleadh Cheoil County Events was launched by Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Pip Breen, in Gorey Civic Offices on Thursday evening. Eddie Taaffe, Chairman of Wexford Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann Committee also addressed the gathering.
The official launch was followed with musical entertainment from CCÉ Gorey/ Ballygarrett and performances from International Uilleann Piper Mark Redmond. Refreshments were served.
Wexford County Council as a leader in the economic, social, and cultural development of Co. Wexford, has negotiated a new 3-year strategic partnership with the National Opera House and Wexford Festival Opera. The agreement is designed to provide overall support to the House and Festival, together with promoting community participation and increasing access to the National Opera House for local communities.
Supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town in August 2024 and 2025 as well as a developing several social inclusion outreach initiatives will be key elements of the partnership and builds on the long-standing relationship between the National Opera House, Wexford Festival Opera and Wexford County Council and will facilitate a further focus on artistic content, audience participation, cultural awareness and educational opportunities promoting access for all.
Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council said he was “delighted to support this continued partnership with our world class National Opera House which we are so blessed to have on our doorstep.”
“We are excited and thankful to Wexford County Council for the continued sponsorship which will help provide a forum for the Wexford community to share projects involving education, community relationships and the arts. We already have a full programme planned for this year, and with this sponsorship we will be able to continue to do this for the next three years”, stated John Warburton, General Manager, National Opera House.
Director of Services at Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin said; “I am pleased to see Wexford County Council’s new 3-year partnership take shape. Both the Festival Opera and National Opera House are key tourism assets for our county and play a critical role in supporting professional arts forms as well our emerging and developing arts practitioners across community and amateur fields as well.”
Attending Wexford County Council monthly meeting for the final time today were retiring members (left to right); Cllrs John Hegarty, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Diarmuid Devereux, Maura Bell and Jim Moore. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council May meeting
Five dedicated members of Wexford County Council who by their own decision will not be declared candidates in the Local Elections on June 7th attended their final meeting at Council Chamber, County Hall today (Monday) where tributes were paid for loyal local authority service to retiring Cllrs Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Jim Moore, John Hegarty, Maura Bell and Diarmuid Devereux.
Cathaoirleach Cllr John Fleming reminded the members that this was the final meeting before the election, and he paid tribute to all the members and officials and everyone who contributed to the council over the past five years and this included the ‘famous five’ who are not seeking re-election.
Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe expressed thanks to the members not running again and he applauded their hard work and courtesy and wished them well “not so much retirement, but in the next phase of your lives.”
The annual general meeting of Wexford County Council takes place on Friday, June 21st where new members will form the next chapter in the evolution of Wexford County Council.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES; Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, a Fine Gael representative from Ballycarney and member of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, created her own place in local authority history when she became the first woman to serve a full term as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and she also served as Leas-Cathaoirleach in 2013-’13. First elected in 2004.
Cllr Jim Moore from Kilmore and a former Mayor of Wexford has 20 years’ experience in public service and as a Fine Gael member served as a member of Kilmore Quay Development Association for many years, is a former CEO of the National Parent’s Council Post Primary Group, served as Chairman of WWETB and is currently Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District.
Cllr John Hegarty from Kilanerin played senior football with Wexford and was a Fine Gael member of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District where he served a term as Cathaoirleach. He is Deputy Principal of Wexford CBS and is serving this third term on the local authority and now lives in the Wexford Borough District. He is currently Mayor of Wexford.
Cllr Maura Bell is a member of The Labour Party and served a term as Mayor of Wexford, only the third woman in history to hold the honour. Elected in 2019, Cllr Bell was involved in the tourism industry and for almost 20 years held the post of Manager at the Irish National Heritage Park.
Cllr Diarmuid Devereux has served one term as a Fine Gael member in the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District. A former Wexford County GAA Board Chairman, voluntary CEO of Gorey Chamber of Commerce and 26 years’ service with Telecom Éireann are amongst his accomplishments.
EDDIE TAAFFE new Chief Executive of Wexford County Council (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh at County Hall, Wexford
Eddie Taaffe is the new Chief Executive of Wexford County Council. His appointment was approved by the elected members at a special meeting held in County Hall today (Monday) and follows a recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service.
A native of Rosbercon, New Ross, Mr Taaffe has held the position of Interim Chief Executive since February this year, following the retirement of his predecessor Mr. Tom Enright.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. John Fleming said; “I wish to extend our congratulations to Eddie. A Wexford man at heart with Wexford blood in his veins. He is taking up the role at a good time with the start of a new term. I wish him well in the role.”
Commenting on his appointment Mr. Taaffe told WexfordLocal.com; “I am honoured and privileged to be formally appointed as Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, particularly as this is my home county. I look forward to continuing to work with the elected members and staff, striving to make Wexford the best place to work, live and do business for all our citizens.
Mr Taaffe added that his key priority will be the delivery of the Council’s Economic, Social and Community Development Programme to attract and maximise economic investment, create greater employment opportunities for our citizens, “The continued delivery of social and affordable housing is also a key priority for the Council and I look forward to working with all stakeholders to achieve these objectives,” he concluded.
EDDIE TAAFFE’S Curriculum Vitae; Eddie Taaffe first joined Wexford County Council in 1997 as an Assistant Engineer in the Environment Section. Since then, he has held various Engineering posts such as Senior Resident Engineer on Courtown Main Drainage Scheme, Senior Engineer in the Roads Section and Borough Engineer with Wexford Borough Council. He has also held the post of Director of Service since 2011 with responsibility for various council sections such as Water Services, Environment, Emergency Services, Corporate Services, Human Resources and Capital Development. He has also spent time working as Director of Planning and Transportation with South Dublin County Council. More recently, between 2020 and 2023, Mr Taaffe was seconded to the Local Government Management Agency where he led the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office. He has a degree in Civil Engineering and in Public Management. Mr Taaffe has also taken on the role of Chairperson of the Fleadh Executive Committee ahead of Wexford’s hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 in August.
The Doyle brothers from Ballindaggin – Donnchadh, Sean and Cormac – were in winning form today with one success each at two point-to-point fixtures in Galway and Cork.
At Bartlemy Donnchadh Doyle got off to a flying start with newcomer Lady Kluck coming home one length to the good under Brian Lawless in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. Next it was the turn of Cormac Doyle in the second division of the gelding’s maiden race. He saddled by newcomer Sober Glory, gave Jack Hendrick the leg up leaving the parade ring, and he booked his place in the sales ring soon when coming home to a two and a half lengths victory.
SEAN DOYLE and JACK HENDRICK were amongst the winners today.
Meanwhile, the action had begun in Loughrea and Sean Doyle won the opener – mares maiden race for four-year-olds – with newcomer Hard Dealt by two lengths and Jamie Scallan was in the saddle.
Handler John Paul Berry whose stables are at Ballyboy, Tomhaggard, had a brilliant afternoon winning both divisions of the four-year-old geldings maiden race; Division one went to Catherine Mannion’s Kingkong Ciergues with Ross Sugrue up and 14 lengths the winning margin and Ross Berry was aboard Shirley Berry’s Joltin N Jivin to achieve the double by five lengths.
And finally, the champion team of Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe struck winning form with Deilskin by five lengths in the winner of two race.
Lucy latta receiving trophy from HM Queen Camilla at Badminton Horse Trials (Pic; Irish Eventing Times)
By Dan Walsh
Part-time event rider Lucy Latta, (27), from Ballycarney, Enniscorthy,has achieved one of the greatest results in the history of Irish eventing, after posting a runner-up finish at the prestigious Mars Badminton Horse Trials in England today. Eight faults on RCA Patron Saint in today’s jumping phase enabled Latta to rise to second from an overnight position of third in the 75th edition of the competition. Latta was agonisingly close to ending the 59-year wait for an Irish victory, from Major Eddie Boylan’s triumph on Durlas Eile in 1965. Not alone was this Latta’s first time participating in one of the jewels of the global eventing calendar, this was her first ever five-star competition. Astoundingly, she is a part-time athlete with a full-time job as a brand manager of a drinks company and RCA Patron Saint, who goes by the name of Paddy when not on the day job, is the only horse Latta rides. Few would have chosen Latta from the Irish representation to join the group at the start of the week but she and the outstanding 13-year-old gelding relished the conditions to take the eventing world by storm. “What a week,” said Latta, still trying to take it all in. “I’d have bitten your hand off if you told me this would have happened at the start of the week. “I couldn’t have asked for any more from him. He’s the best cross-country horse there is, and I had a good round (today). “I can dream about the Olympics, I would love to think I could go,” said Lucy, who concluded “My horse was phenomenal this week, and there’s still loads to improve on with him, in the dressage, and things to clean up in the show jumping.”
BALLYCOGLEY PLAYERS were placed third at the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone. (File Pic.)
By Dan Walsh
The premier award didn’t come the way of any of the three Wexford finalists in the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival which concluded in the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone last night, but the Ballycogley play ‘Out of Order’ took third place overall and there were award winners and nominations that impressed the Wexford contingent.
Best Stage Lighting Award went to Cian Redmond, Wexford, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role went to Sean Carthy, Ballycogley.
There was an award for each nominee for the Bride Rosney Award for the Most Outstanding Newcomer and the nominees included Shay Hannon (Ballycogley Players), Joseph Sunderland (Bridge Drama Group) and Naoise O’Connor (Wexford Drama Group).
Fr Pat Mernagh (Ballycogley) was nominated for Best Actor while both Paul Walsh (Wexford) and and Pat Whelan (Bridge) received nominations for ‘Best Director’. Celine Treacy (Ballycogley) was nominated for a Best Stage Management award. Sophie Blaney Parslow (Wexford) was Best Supporting Actress nominee.
Six of the nine finalists were from Co. Wexford, and a few weeks ago Kilrush Drama Group won the Confined All Ireland trophy with Niall McGrath at the helm, so overall a fantastic year for thespians and the masters of stagecraft across Co. Wexford. The Perpetual Trophy (1st Place) went to Ballyduff Drama Group, Waterford, with ‘The Ferryman’.
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