€4million for Wexford Library Services

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council Library Service benefits from €4 million under new Department of Rural and Community Development Libraries Capital Programme Investment.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, said; “County Wexford will stand to benefit from the Libraries Capital Programme with funding of €1.7 million towards an extension and refurbishment of New Ross Library and a contribution of €262,500 toward a new mobile library vehicle. The match funding to complete these projects will be provided by Wexford County Council through the Councils Economic and Community Capital Investment Programme and will bring the total investment to over €4 million.”

EDDIE TAAFFE, Interim Chief Executive Wexford County Council said; “This funding is recognition of the important contribution that libraries make to local communities here in County Wexford.

Interim Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe said; “This funding is recognition of the important contribution that libraries make to local communities here in County Wexford. Our libraries are a valued and trusted civic space, providing free and universal access to information and literacy. They provide opportunities for life-long learning through their wide-ranging programme of events, services, up-to-date book stock and e-Resources.”

Mr Taaffe told WexfordLocal.com that “the new mobile library will replace the existing 24-year-old vehicle that services North County Wexford,” and he added; “In a rural county such as Wexford, mobile library services are an essential way of expanding the reach of the library service into our rural communities. They help combat loneliness and social isolation faced by our older citizens as well as providing an essential literacy service to our rural schools.”

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. John Fleming welcomed the news and stated; “This funding will make a big difference to the lives of existing library users throughout the county.”

Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, Cllr. Anthony Connick was equally positive about the news, stating; “The team in New Ross Library deliver a fantastic service to the people of New Ross. The community and visitors to the town of New Ross will enjoy a warm, welcoming and bright space that will increase the quality of life for all who visit”.

The new mobile library will allow for many of the new literacy promotion initiatives that are being provided by the library service to be made available to pre-schools and primary schools around the county”.

The existing New Ross Library was opened in 1982 as a purpose-built library. The refurbishment and extension of the existing Library will almost double the existing space.

The existing library opens for 43 staffed hours per week but there is an ambition to increase this significantly when the new library opens. The total project cost will be in the region of €3.4 million.

Paul Nolan makes the headlines at Wexford

Bumper winner Farfromnowhere with Jack Hendrick (jockey), Paul Nolan (trainer), Ciara Walsh (goom) and some supporter’s at Wexford races today.

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Local trainer Paul Nolan took four horses to his native track at Bettyville Park, Wexford, this afternoon and made the racing headlines and delighted the local punters ending up with two successes and two runner-up positions.

It all got off to the perfect start when Kiltealy Park (15/2) scored a half a length victory under Sean Flanagan from Robinstown, New Ross, in the mares’ maiden hurdle. Running in the colours of the Browne Brothers Partnership from Waterford, the five-year-old was winning for the first time. Kiltealy Park was placed in three point-to-points for handler Colin Bowe and this was her third run for Nolan.

The Master of Toberona Stables, Davidstown, had to wait until the final contest of the day – the bumper – to complete the double when the six-year-old mare Farfromnowhere (9/1) ridden by Jack Hendrick got in front by a neck and then had an anxious wait until cleared following a steward’s enquiry. Competing for joint owners, David Flynn and John Brennan, Farfromnowhere won her only point-to-point at Tattersalls last October.

Sam Magee (6/4 fav) for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead ran Nolan’s charge Givehimthehonour (Conor Stone-Walsh up), who lead for most of the novice hurdle, into the runner-up spot and Tranquil Sea (Sean Flanagan up) fared likewise for Nolan as Mossy Fen (13/2), owned and trained by Mark Molloy from Thurles got up by half a length under Liam Quinlan in the handicap hurdle.

There were three steeplechases on the card. Bocelli’s Voice (9/2) won the beginners chase for Dermot McLoughlin and jockey Ben Harvey; Doyen Ta Win (15/2) took the mares beginners chase for Waterford trainer Declan Queally and jockey Kevin Sexton; and the handicap chase was won by Shadow Rider (11/10 fav) in the famous John P McManus colours trained by Padraig Roche and ridden by claimer Aidan Kelly from Monasterevin.

Wexford Racecourse Managing Director, Ursula Sinnott, made a special presentation to champion jockey Paul Townend in recognition of his big races successes this season at Cheltenham, Aintree and Leopardstown and wished him well at next week’s big Punchestown Festival meeting.

Behind the scenes the new stables were used for the first time and plenty of praise ensued. Horse boxes are now parked in the centre of the track and the runners are taken across to the new stables. The plan worked well on day one.

Next scheduled fixture at Bettyville Park is Saturday, May 18th. Looking forward to it already.

Top trainers and jockeys are coming

By Dan Walsh

All of the leading national hunt yards in the country have runners at Wexford races where the first meeting of the season gets under way tomorrow (Thursday) with a seven race card and the first is off at 4.05pm.

Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, Henry de Bromhead and Gavin Cromwell have all got entries as does local trainers Paul Nolan and Philip Rothwell, likewise the leading jockeys will be in action including Paul Townend, Jack Kennedy, Rachael Blackmore and Patrick Mullins and local jockeys Sean Flanagan, Sean O’Keeffe, Jordan Gainford, Conor Stone-Walsh and James O’Sullivan.

The going is “Yielding, yielding to soft in places. Possibility of light showers (3mm approx) prior to racing. Hurdle track is 19 yards from innermost line and Chase track is 3 yards from the innermost line. Fence 1 (the last fence) will be omitted. (Information Source; Horse Racing Ireland).

Wexford Racecourse is hoping for a reasonable sized crowd as this fixture is the first one of the season and compensation for the loss of earlier scheduled fixtures on March 17th and April 5th which were both lost after incessant rain rendered the track unfit for racing on both dates.

Jude (7) wins top prize in Texaco Art Competition

By Dan Walsh

Seven-year-old Wexford student artist, Jude Gregan, from St. Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill, Gorey, has won a top prize in this year’s 70th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

Jude won a Special Merit Award for her artwork entitled ‘Jungle Leopard’, which Final Adjudicator, Gary Granville, Professor Emeritus of Education at the National College of Art and Design, said “demonstrated high levels of skill and imagination”.

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates to the very first Competition held in 1955.

This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Wexford and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.

New Ross achievements are acknowledged

By Dan Walsh

An attendance of more than 200 attended a Civic Reception organised by New Ross Municipal District in the Brandon House Hotel recently where 18 individuals/groups from the district previously nominated and endorsed by the members of New Ross Municipal District were honoured.

CLLR ANTHONY CONNICK, Cathaoirleach New Ross District Council. (Pic; Wexford Local.com)

Presentations of a framed, newly commissioned, bronze piece depicting the New Ross crest were presented by the New Ross councillors to each recipient.

Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, Cllr Anthony Connick, described “a fantastic opportunity to showcase and recognise excellence in sporting achievements of the sportsmen and sportswomen of the district, whilst it is also fitting to express gratitude and appreciation of the vast number of superb volunteers and community groups for their tireless efforts in serving their communities.”   

The full list of the recipients honoured with a Civic Award are as follows…

EXCELLENCE IN SPORT: New Ross Rugby Club – Ladies Team, New Ross Boat Club, Sean Lyng, Ballycullane Ploughing Association, Gusserane Ladies Football Team, Michael (Mikey) Kent, Geraldine O’Hanrahan’s GAA Club – Poc Fada Winners, Derek Roche, New Ross Rugby Club – Junior Team (under 16 boys), Kai Butler, Evan Bailey and Denny Bookle.

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY; Alan Bailey, Rathnure Pantomime Society, Cloughbawn FC, Clonroche Poulpeasty Meals on Wheels, Rathgarogue Community Cooperative Society and Courtnacuddy Development Group.

Monck Street opens under roof canopy

By Dan Walsh

The official launch of the first street in any Irish town to have a retractable roof canopy for its entire lengths has happened at the 80-metres long Monck Street in Wexford town. It cost over €1.5 million.

The Monck Street Canopy is the final part of a major regeneration scheme that has transformed the once congested narrow street into a carefree pedestrianised zone where locals and visitors can chill for a while and enjoy a feast of local hostelries and food offerings.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr John Hegarty welcomed “this unique addition to Wexford town,” and His Worship added, “I hope it is something that will add to the experience for locals and visitors alike as they come to enjoy this vibrant and thriving part of our town.” 

Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Interim Chief Executive Wexford County Council said; “This is a new and innovative scheme for Wexford town and hopefully will lead the way in making our town centres even more vibrant and attractive places to come and visit.  We are particularly thankful to the National Transport Authority and Fáilte Ireland for the support they have provided in turning this vision into a reality for all to enjoy.  The Monck Street area will be a vibrant and popular place during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August and for the next two years”.  

MONCK STREET and its new retractable canopy roof – the first of its kind in Ireland (Pic; Wexford County Council).

Mr. Alan O’Shea, Senior Executive Engineer, Active Travel commented; “The Civil works involved in the pedestrianisation of Monck Street -Wexford’s newest pedestrianised street – was funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel Programme to a value of €1,230,099 as part of a multi annual spend.

Head of Ireland’s Ancient East Brian O’Flynn said: “One of Fáilte Ireland’s key objectives is to encourage tourists to explore and stay in the region for longer, increase spend and help to drive revenue for local businesses. Wexford is an important part Ireland’s Ancient East and we’re pleased to further enhance this destination with the newly opened Monck Street Outdoor Dining Infrastructure, funded by Fáilte Ireland’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme and developed in partnership with Wexford County Council. Outdoor dining is now a permanent feature of our hospitality offering and we are committed to supporting businesses to facilitate this for longer periods throughout the year.”

HISTORY OF MONCK STREET; Monck Street takes its name from General George Monck, Duke of Ablemarle, who was granted the land and ferry rights in the 1650’s.

It was previously known as Ferryboat Lane, from where the ferry to the opposite bank of the river departed prior to the construction of the 1794 bridge. It was renamed Monck Street in the late 1700s.

The Borough Council changed the name to McDonagh Street in 1920, but this name failed to be ratified in the plebiscite of 1932.

Would it have been a clever idea to rename it Ferryboat Lane now that it becomes a social hub for tourism and recreation beneath the canopy of everyday social intercourse?

(Source; “The Streets of Wexford” by Nicky Rossiter, first published by Nonsuch Ireland, 2009, ISBN 978 184588 959 3).   

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.