Askamore Art Exhibition teeming with talent

At the opening of the annual Askamore Art Exhibition in the Community Centre tonight (Wednesday) were (left to right); Cllr Pat Kennedy; Helen Kearney, Chair Askamore Community Council; Una Cahill, Assistant Arts Officer, Wexford County Council; Eilish Kilbride, Secretary Askamore Community Hall; and Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Askamore Community Hall

The 7th annual Askamore Art Exhibition was officially opened in Askamore Community Centre Hall tonight (Wednesday) by Una Cahill, Assistant Arts Officer at Wexford County Council and opens to the public tomorrow (Thursday).

Ms. Cahill was on her first visit to Askamore and she was very impressed at walls filled with 93 exhibits using a mixture of acrylic, watercolours, crochet, digital illustration, oil, collage, mixed media and other works. There are 40 artists featured.

“You have something very special here. This is really cool,” said Ms. Cahill who declared the exhibition officially opened in the presence of a large attendance.

Helen Kearny, Chair of Askamore Community Council acted as master of ceremonies; welcomed the attendance, complimented the volunteers who brought the exhibition to life, congratulated the artists and expressed admiration for everybody involved. “We are astounded by the level of talent in Askamore,” she proudly proclaimed.

Exhibitors at Askamore includes the work of Alison Hayden, Dave Pearson, Mary Donohoe, Margaret Kenny, Theresa Hogan, Pauline Browne, Annie Butler, Megan Ryder, Eliza Dolan, Evie O’Hagan, Ella Fannin, Suzanne Gaughan, Bridget Monks, Tommy Patchell, John Hempsenstall, Hilary Jacob, Joan Byrne, Aidan Bolger, Miriam Henshaw, Mary O’Toole, Jackie Christian, Kay Kinsella, Suzi Brooks White, Una White, Barbara Jameson, Alison Bayne, Cloida Morris, Brigid Kinsella, Brid Murphy, Breda Byrne, Faye Mulroe, Barry O’Sullivan, Rita Lee, Susan Crampton, Sharon O Bracken, Robyn Stephens and Mary Steacey.

Askamore Art Exhibition runs from Thursday, November 20th to Sunday, November 23rd in Askamore Community Centre 10am to 6pm daily. All are welcome.

Latest book from Brian Ó Cléirigh

CLLR MARY FARRELL (who performed the launch) and BRIAN Ó CLÉIRIGH (author) celebrate the launch of Enchanted to a Stone at Gorey Library on Tuesday evening. (Pic; Sabrina Ffrench)

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Library

Brian Cléirigh’s latest book, Enchanted to a Stone, was launched by Cllr Mary Farrell of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District in a pleasant ceremony at Gorey Library on Tuesday evening.

A native of Oulart and a former translator at Oireachtas Éireann, Brian has spent eight years researching his subjects The De Lacy family during the revolutionary period of 1900-1923 in Oulart, Wexford and Ireland.

Cllr Farrell said; “This publication, which tells the story of the De Lacy brothers and the Oulart Battalion in their role in the events of 1916, is a deeply important piece of work, not just for historians, but for our entire community.

“For me this evening carries a very special significance.  Among those honoured for their bravery at that time are my two grandfathers -James Dempsey and John Hayden,” said Cllr Farrell, who added; “To see their names and their stories preserved within these pages, fills me and my family with immense pride. Their courage and quiet determination continue to inspire us today.

“I want to sincerely thank Brian Ó Cléirigh for his tireless work, for his respect for the truth, and for his care in telling these stories with such dignity,” stated Cllr Farrell who congratulated Brian on his “outstanding achievement” and concluded; “May this book find a home on many shelves and in many hearts across our community. And may we continue to cherish the memory of the men of the Oulart Battalion for their bravery, their sacrifice, and the freedom they helped secure.”

Enchanted to a Stone by Brian Ó Cléirigh, 400 pages, copies will be available from today (Wednesday) at Myles Doyle Select Grocers, Main St, Gorey, price €30. It will also be on sale in all good bookshops.

Song Book 2 launches in Gorey

Pictured at the official launch of In the Singing of Songs Book 2 at Loch Garman Arms Hotel, Gorey, were (left to right); Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin, Rachel Ó Fhaoláin agus Éire Ó Fhaolain. (Pic; John Ó Faoláin)

By Dan Walsh

‘In the Singing of Songs’ Book 2 by Gorey based artist, traditional singer, song writer, folklorist, educator and researcher Rachel Uí Fhaoláin was officially launched at the renowned North Wexford Traditional Singing Féile 2025 in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey, with Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Donal Kenny in attendance. 

In the Singing of Songs, devised, facilitated and produced by Rachel Uí Fhaoláin, is an innovative intergenerational project highlighting our living tradition of writing new songs in the traditional style.

Book 1 (2022) contained 33 newly composed songs in the traditional style while Book 2 has 32 new songs, in both Irish and English. The QR code at the back of the book takes the reader to a designated playlist of the new songs being performed by the singers and songwriters involved, and takes us on a special journey from Wexford to Newfoundland and beyond. 

As with Book 1, this new intergenerational collection has a 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵. ‘Ag Canadh trí na Séasúir’ (Singing through the Seasons) contains new songs written by Rachel and her two children Éire agus Chulainn.

This is Rachel’s second songbook produced and published in 2025 under her family publishing press fóġṁar – fóghmhar (fómhar) – harvest. Her 1900s inspired themed songster ‘Glór Naomh Bríde’ (The Voice of St. Brigid) was published earlier in February to coincide with St. Brigid’s Day. ‘In the Singing of Songs’ Book 2, includes beautiful illustrations created by Rachel’s children Éire Ní Fhaoláin agus Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin in response to the new songs while her husband John Ó Faoláin is responsible for documenting the songs through film and audio.

Rachel tells us “One of the highlights for me when I get to the printing stage is making the trip up to my home town of Dublin where my publications are printed. That’s important to me and I get to see where all the magic happens. The scent of it all makes my heart full. Gerry and his production team at Sprint Books are just amazing at what they do. They ‘Print Your Vision’ and I am so excited for what lies ahead.”

‘In the Singing of Songs’ Book 2 costs €20 plus p&p and it would make a beautiful Christmas present. If you would like to purchase a copy of Book 2 and support this important intergenerational project you can do so by emailing Rachel directly at ceolmochroi@gmail.com 

The songbooks are also available in local bookshops throughout Co. Wexford.  

Phase 2 of ‘In the Singing of Songs’ was kindly supported by County Wexford Arts Department and the North Wexford Traditional Singing Circle, through the Artist in the Community Programme 2025.

Cllr Joe received next year’s dates

Pictured at the launch of Community Calendar 2026 are (left to right); Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Wexford County Council; Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Dympna O’Connor, Head of Community, Wexford County Council.  

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council’s Community Team has launched the 2026 Community Calendar and celebrated the occasion held in County Hall, Wexford, by presenting the first copy to Cathaoirleach Cllr. Joe Sullivan.

Speaking about the calendar Cllr. Sullivan said; “It’s fantastic to see the Community Team build on the success of last year’s calendar.  This initiative is an inspiring way to showcase their work and to connect individuals and communities with the supports and opportunities available to them.”

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services with responsibility for Community said; “Now in its third year, the community calendar has become a well-established tradition. We are proud to share this year’s edition, which highlights our ongoing work and celebrates the spirit of Wexford’s communities.”

Dymphna O’Connor, Head of Community added; “As the role of the Community Section continues to expand, so too does the range of supports and opportunities we provide. This year’s calendar highlights the scope of our work and the many ways we’re supporting connection, creativity, learning and wellbeing across the county.”

The Community Team at Wexford County Council includes work under the brands of Wexford LCDC, Healthy Wexford, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, Wexford Age Friendly, Local Community Safety Partnership and Sports Active Wexford.

The calendar includes local photos and key messages and dates each month which the team hope will act as a further support to communities and citizens across County Wexford.

Calendars are available free of charge across County Wexford at local Municipal District Offices, at County Hall and through the Wexford Public Libraries.  The Community Team will also be distributing in the course of their work over the coming weeks.

Water supply returns to Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Repairs to a burst water main impacting supply in Gorey have been completed, and water is returning to affected customers in Gorey, Creagh Demesne and other areas.

MAIN STREET, GOREY. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Following repairs, it typically takes two to three hours for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage.

It may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers on higher ground or at the end of the network.

Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked affected customers for their understanding while these repair works were being carried out.

“Uisce Éireann acknowledges the disruption that can be caused by an unplanned outage such as this one and we wish to thank customers in the area for their patience while these repairs were underway,” Mr Lyng told WexfordLocal.com at 4pm this evening

Ed Murphy is new Chamber President

ED MURPHY, President of Wexford County Chamber pictured with CEO, PAULA ROCHE. (Pic; Wexford County Chamber)

By Dan Walsh

The annual general meeting of County Wexford Chamber has taken place and announces the appointment of Ed Murphy as its new President, with immediate effect.

At the annual general meeting Ed outlined his vision for County Wexford Chamber, which follows on from his current work, which includes advocating for the business environment in Wexford as well as increasing support for entrepreneurs and businesses which contribute so much to the local community, and which is often not appreciated by Government and understood by the public.  

One of Ed’s first jobs will be the launching of the Chamber’s Strategic Plan 2026-2028 in early December. Ed is keen for the Chamber to partner with relevant parties to achieve the Chamber’s objectives to foster economic growth.

These key objectives will be all about helping create the ecosystem with many initiatives to help new and existing businesses to thrive and create high quality jobs for our young people to live, work, and stay in Wexford. 

Ed also looks forward to profiling the many Wexford business success stories to provide inspiration to others and illustration of Wexford as a fantastic location and supportive environment for businesses. 

Ed Murphy is an entrepreneur and investor, currently the founder of GreenTech HQ Innovation Hub in Enniscorthy and co-founder and chairperson of Platinum Home Care, one of Ireland’s fastest growing businesses. 

A native of Clongeen in south Wexford, Ed worked in the UK, Australia, and the US before returning to Ireland and joining Snap Printing as an equity partner and chief executive. Later, Ed was chief executive and co-owner of Home Instead Senior Care and the video game retailer, CeX. 

Returning to Wexford a few years ago, Ed set up GreenTech HQ, which is a not-for- profit passion project to drive economic growth and help create worthwhile and future-driven jobs in the county.

GreenTech HQ has provided space, mentoring and business programmes to over 40 businesses in 2025 as well as hosting business and community events for hundreds of people. 

He recently launched The Food Studio in GreenTech HQ, a collaborative and networking space for food entrepreneurs, producers and innovators across the South East, with the aim of providing advice and mentoring in food marketing, as well as photography, videos and podcast services. 

Barry Walsh wins two at Tinahely

BARRY WALSH thrilled punters with a double success at his local Fairwood, Park, Tinahely, this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely

Local rider, Barry Walsh from Ballyday, Gorey, scored his first-ever double success at his local track at Fairwood, Tinahely, this afternoon, and Philip Rothwell, who trains next field to the track also saddled a double at the Wicklow Hunt point-to-point.

Barry struck winning form on Singing Casamento for his father, John Patrick Walsh, who came home three and a half lengths to the good in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus.

Walsh’s double was completed aboard Philip Rothwell’s Long Road who had eight lengths to spare at the end of the maiden race for six-year-olds plus.

Rothwell, who trains beside the Fairwood track, and wasn’t present as he was racing at Navan, completed a training double when Galon De Vauzelle won the Open Race by 13 lengths and a third winning ride for Phidelma Elvin from Kildare.

The four-year-old maiden race provided a promising success by Make Me Smile, ridden by Frankie Murphy, and trained at Redbridge Stables, Duncormick by Michael Murphy. Commenting afterwards handler Murphy said; “He is a well-bred horse, he gallops and jumps, has a high level of ability and he goes to the sales. He will win a big chase either in Ireland or the UK on soft ground,” his proud handler predicted.

Carlow handler Aidan Fitzgerald is enjoying a winning streak and his luck continued today with Jonzac in the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings maiden. Afterwards, Fitzgerald gave the credit to his Kilkenny rider Troy Walsh. “Troy is riding very well and it all down to him,” he claimed.

It is very rare to have a point-to-point weekend without a Doyle winner and Donnchadh kept the Ballindaggin family flag of success at its highest point today when Kamille Au Kanada in the Monbeg Syndicate colours worn by Rob James came home by a clear 16 lengths in the Winner of Two race. “He has plenty of ability. He could go for a bumper or he may be sold,” stated Donnchadh afterwards.

Racing also took place at Turtulla, Co. Tipperary, today, where Cleariestown rider Barry Stone returned from injury and on his first ride of the new season won the maiden race for four-year-old geldings by three lengths on Tendoo for Cleariestown handler Jonathan Fogarty.

Next Sunday, November 23rd, Killinick Harriers point-to-point takes place at Lingstown, Tomhaggard. Entries close on Tuesday.

Water service interruption in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a burst water main and restore water to impacted customers in Gorey, Creagh Demesne, Clonattin, and the surrounding areas. 

“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers for their support while repair works are underway,” said a spokesperson for Uisce Éireann. 

Repairs are expected to be completed this evening (Sunday). Typically, it takes three to four hours following repairs for normal supply to be restored to all customers affected by an unplanned outage.

However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the network recharges.  

New €12.7m Teagasc Johnstown Castle Centre opens

The official opening of the National Agricultural Sustainability Research and Innovation Centre (NASRIC) took place at Johnstown Castle. The event was officiated by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD. Pictured (l–r): Dr David Wall, Head of Enterprise at Teagasc Johnstown Castle; Liam Herlihy, Chair of the Teagasc Authority; Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director; Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and Dr Karen Daly, Head of Department, Environment, Soils and Land Use. (Pic; Teagasc).

By Dan Walsh

The new Teagasc National Agricultural Sustainability Research and Innovation Centre (NASRIC) at Johnstown Castle were officially opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, on Friday.

Set within the Johnstown Castle campus the 2000 m2 state-of-the-art laboratories represents a significant national investment of €12.7 million and a strong commitment to improving the sustainability of the Irish agriculture.

Building on decades of world-class research conducted at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, the new laboratories at NASRIC will further support research excellence in water quality, soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon farming, nutrient efficiency and farmland biodiversity to provide tools and actions for sustainability on Irish farms.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Martin Heydon TD said; “The investment in this facility at Teagasc demonstrates Ireland’s leadership in science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture. The work carried out here will be critical in helping our farmers produce high-quality food while protecting our natural resources and meeting climate targets.”

Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director, highlighted the importance of this new facility at Teagasc: “Research at Teagasc Johnstown Castle has long been synonymous with soil science and environmental research and the expansion of research laboratories with NASRIC builds on that proud heritage. These facilities will expand capacity in research and innovation at Teagasc and enhance the Teagasc Climate Centre’s research and innovation activities in support of meeting sectoral targets around climate and biodiversity.”

Reflecting on the significance for Johnstown Castle, Head of the Teagasc Environment, Soils and Land Use Department, Dr. Karen Daly said; “Today represents an investment in people and collaboration and will enhance the ability of research and technical staff at Johnstown Castle to continue to deliver excellence in their work for Teagasc.’’

Head of Enterprise at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, Dr. David Wall, emphasised that the research outputs from Teagasc Johnstown Castle are critical to support farmers and the agricultural industry to enhance the resilience of their soils and production systems while protecting the environment.

“These new research laboratories and the cutting-edge analytical instruments within them, are being used by the researchers to identify solutions to many challenges and to develop technologies and practices being adopted on farms now and in the future,” concluded Dr. Wall.

Sunday Tinahely races goes ahead

Point-to-point races at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, begins at 12.30pm tomorrow (Sunday). (Pic; File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

The Wicklow Hunt races will proceed tomorrow (Sunday) at Fairwood Park, Tinahely. There are 70 entries, and the first of six races is off at 12.30pm.

Confirmation came this afternoon after IHRB representatives walked the track. The inspection had been delayed by 24 hours due to an Orange Rainfall warning for the area.

The IHRB reports that “the track has taken the rain very well” and is fit for racing. The ground is described as ‘soft’.

The weather for the next 24 hours is expected to be ‘dry’.

The Wicklow Hunt is looking forward to a good day’s sport and are expecting a good attendance. The Eircode for Fairwood Park is Y14 X523.