Monksgrange survives and great day for James and Goff

The presentation following the success of Justatan in the Cooney Furlong Winner of Two race at Monksgrange today; (left to right); Matt Gahan, Óisín Goff, Harry Goff, who rode his first ever point-to-point winner, Caitriona Goff (owner), Marguerite Furlong representing Bree Hunt Club and the sponsors presented the cup, Caitlin Goff, Michael Goff (handler), Cian and Billy Goff.

By Dan Walsh at Bree Hunt races at Monksgrange

The Bree Hunt point-to-point at Monksgrange survived an early morning inspection and the fixture went ahead in heavy conditions, much to the delight of local rider Rob James who rode three of the seven winners and the Goff family from Clondaw, Ferns, whose son, Harry (18), rode his first winner and they added an across the card double with success at today’s other point-to-point at Quakerstown, Co. Clare.

Racing got underway with the maiden race for four-year-old mares and a one length success for Jackie Hobbs, ridden by Sean Staples for Paul Martin Pierce. “Bought for €36,000 at Goffs Spring Store Sale Jackie Hobbs will now be destined for the sales,” said the Blackhall, Killurin handler Paul Martin Pierce who was recording his 35th career success.

The maiden race for four-year-old geldings was run in two divisions; The first divide went the way of He Can’t Dance, handled and ridden by Rob James for the Matchmaker Syndicate by two and a half lengths and the second divide was a victory for owner/handler Thomas Byrne from Kilmore who is having a good season with a small string with Chef’s Kiss. Josh Berry was in the saddle and the verdict was ‘a head’ with Michael Goff’s Hurricane Pat coming close with Harry Goff up. First victory of the season for Kilmore’s Josh Berry, but his fifth career success. Chef’s Kiss is another winner sales bound.

The Winner of Two Race was confined to novice riders, and it was a first success for Harry Goff on the Tinahely winning gelding Justatan owned by the rider’s mother Caitriona Goff and trained by his father Michael Goff, so a popular family success and an occasion to celebrate for the Goffs. Four lengths the winning margin.

Another local handler Cormac Doyle saddled the 16 lengths winner of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings Soldier In Milan ridden by Jack Hendrick. Out of a half-sister to the 2011 Grand National runner-up Oscar Time, Soldier In Milan now goes to the Goffs Aintree Sales.

Rob James recorded a double on Kate Of The Lodge for champion handler Colin Bowe, by 16 lengths and only two of the seven starters finished, in the maiden race for mares five-years-old and upwards. The Brian Kenny owned bay mare had fallen on her previous outing at Knockanohill putting champion rider Barry O’Neill on the sidelines for a short spell.

Rob James clocked up his third victory of the day on Kakadu Park for Donnchadh Doyle by four lengths beating Colin Bowe’s Primitic (Bertie Finn) in the final race, the maiden for for six-year-olds and upwards geldings.

Michael Goff also saddled a winner at Quakerstown, Co. Clare, this afternoon; newcomer Jordans Cross ridden by Mikey Sweeney scored by five lengths in division two of the maiden race for four-year-olds.

Cleariestown handler Mark Scallan also succeeded at the Clare track; Star of Diamonds scored a four and a half lengths victory for rider Jimmy O’Rourke, Clonard, Wexford – on his 74th career winner mark -in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Easter prayers for Robert Rackard

By Dan Walsh

An extended congregation is anticipated in St. John the Baptist Church. Caim, today (Easter Sunday) for the Funeral Mass of local businessman and popular member of the community, Robert Rackard.

ROBERT RACKARD in his shop at Caim.

Robert took over the popular shop and pub business in Caim from his late parents, John and Nuala Rackard, and was also well-known and respected as an auctioneer and for his open days at his antiques showroom.

Robert loved the daily interactions with everyone in the community between the shop and the pub. He was always a person to call on for a helping hand or rely on for some kind words of advice.

Robert was so well-known, respected and loved within the parish of Caim and far beyond. His absence will be hugely felt by all that knew him.

His heartbroken family are incredibly appreciative of the support, prayers and offers of condolences from everyone. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

FAMILY NOTICE; Robert Rackard passed away peacefully at his home in Caim, Enniscorthy, surrounded by his loving family. Robert, loving husband of Peggy, father of Ciara, Shane and Donna and brother of Annette, John, Fionnuala and the late William. Pre-deceased by his parents John and Nuala. Sadly missed by his wife, daughters, son, daughter-in-law, sons-in-law, brother, sisters, grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral arriving at St. John The Baptist Church, Caim, on Easter Sunday for his Funeral Mass at 10 o’clock. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Remembering Enniscorthy Easter 1916

By Dan Walsh

THE ATHENAEUM…Headquarters of the Volunteers during the Easter Rising 1916 where the tricolour flew above the building. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The annual commemoration remembering the Easter Rising 1916 in Enniscorthy takes place on Easter Monday and is organised by Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Ceremonies commence with the celebration of Mass in St. Aidan’s Cathedral at 10am followed by a procession to Market Square where the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke will lay a wreath at the 1798 monument in Market Square.  All are welcome to attend.

‘A Fleadh for All’ coming to Wexford town

Phil Murphy, Anne Mercipill, George O’Connor, Betty Connors, John Roche, Grace Murphy, Scott O’Reilly and Corra O’Donovan pictured at the launch of this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann pictured on Wexford Quay today..(Pic; Andres Poveda).

By Dan Walsh

The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 traditional music festival scheduled for August 4th-11th was officially launched at the National Opera House, Wexford, tonight (Saturday).

The event, organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and hosted by the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee is expected to attract over 500,000 visitors, and this year’s theme, ‘A Fleadh for All’, reflects its inclusive nature, welcoming both seasoned attendees and first-time visitors.

The festival will bring together 15,000 musicians, dancers, singers, and storytellers from diverse communities across Ireland, showcasing traditional Irish music, dance, and culture.

Cathaoirleach of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe, said; “We’re honoured to have our beloved town play host to this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. This celebration is a tribute to the volunteers, businesses, musicians, Comhaltas branches, and the global community, all of whom will contribute to making this year’s event unforgettable. The Fleadh is a festival for everyone, inviting both those who have experienced a Fleadh before and those who have yet to discover its magic. We’ve been working towards this Fleadh for many years, and we can’t wait to showcase the rich Wexford culture of music, song and dance with the world!”

Fáilte Ireland Tourism Officer for Ireland’s Ancient East, Aileen Dowling, said; “As proud event partners, Fáilte Ireland is thrilled to celebrate the Fleadh Cheoil 2024 in Wexford this August! Rolling out the red carpet for visitors from near and far, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Fleadh and sharing all the wonders of Ireland’s Ancient East.”

Speaking on the Fleadh’s arrival in Wexford, Director-General of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Labhrás Ó Murchú, said; “The 2024 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann promises to be one the most spectacular Fleadhanna of all time. Against the backdrop of historic Wexford – famous in music, song and story – up to 600,000 Fleadh fans from all over the world will assemble for one of the greatest cultural festivals in the world. The economy will benefit by over €60,000,000, and Irish culture will be substantially enhanced.”

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is kindly supported by Wexford County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Wexford Credit Union. RTÉ and TG4 will once again act as broadcast and live broadcasting partners respectively.

7.30am track inspection at Monksgrange

By Dan Walsh

There will be a 7.30am inspection on Sunday morning at the Monksgrange point-to-point track where the Bree Hunt have a scheduled fixture.

Reports from the track describes the ‘going’ as “Soft to Heavy, Heavy in Places.”

The final fence at Monksgrange. (File Pic. WexfordLocal.com)

Due to the forecast of 7mm of rain on Saturday and further rain on Sunday, a 7.30am inspection will take place on Sunday morning.

The popular fixture received a strong entry – 143 – with the largest entry at 50 for the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

There was a point-to-point at Ballyknock last Wednesday and a Wexford handled winner at the Cork-based Killeagh Harriers venue where the going was ‘heavy’.

Spinningayarn scored a ten lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings for the Monbeg Partnership, Sean Doyle and rider Jamie Scallan beating Cormac Doyle’s Tree Top Tyson ridden by Jack Hendrick.

€85,000 worth of cannabis seized in Wexford

Ten people have been arrested and around €85,000 worth of cannabis seized as part of Operation Thor across Wexford on Good Friday.

A search of a house in the north of the county uncovered a grow house where officers confiscated around €43,000 in cannabis.

Another €42,000 worth of cannabis seized was seized in a separate residential search in the south of the county.

As part of the operation, 10 people have been arrested and charged in relation to a number of offences including burglary, possession of drugs for sale or supply, criminal damage and theft.

Four people, one woman in her 30s and three men, two in their 30s and one in his 40s, appeared before special sittings at Carlow and Kilkenny District Courts yesterday.

A man in his 20’s is due to appear before the courts today. Four men and a woman have also been charged and bailed to appear before the courts later.

Sinn Fein Easter Commemorations

By Dan Walsh

Sinn Féin Loch Garman are holding a series of Easter Commemorations across Co. Wexford this weekend, commencing today (Easter Saturday) with the Riverchapel Easter Commemoration at Ardamine Graveyard and the final resting place of Seán Etchingham. It takes place at 12 noon and the guest speakers are Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin and Kevin Molloy, Gorey Local Election candidate. Another commemoration takes place at Ballymore, Camolin at 7pm.

JOHNNY MYTHEN TD (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The Wexford Town commemoration takes place on Easter Sunday. Participants will assemble at Crescent Quay Car Park at 12 noon and events will move to Crosstown for 1pm. The main speaker will be Johnny Mythen TD.

Easter Monday events commence at Murrintown where participants will assemble at 12.15pm.

Enniscorthy commemoration is also on Easter Monday, assemble at the Rafter Bridge at 2pm. The main speaker is Kathleen Funchion TD and Ireland South European Election candidate.

Plans to redevelop Enniscorthy town centre

MARKET SQUARE, ENNISCORTHY. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

An update on the Enniscorthy Town Centre Regeneration Project and the redevelopment of the old Murphy Flood’s Hotel site in the town centre were contained in reports presented at the March meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre, last Monday. Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke was in the chair.

It was reported that Wexford County Council Planning Department, in collaboration with Special Projects, has developed a strategic plan for Enniscorthy town centre, which was adopted at the Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting in December 2022.

Regeneration works to the Market Square, Enniscorthy Castle Quarter and Templeshannon will form part of a forthcoming Call 4 URDF application.

The Part 8 process for Market Square and town centre street enhancement was commenced on October 4th 2023, which was designed by Moloney O’Beirne Architects & Roughan & O’Donovan Consulting Engineers. Following a public submission, An Bord Pleanála have requested further information from Wexford County Council in relation to the proposed development. This was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on December 18th, 2023.

Preliminary design work on the Enniscorthy Castle Quarter project has now also commenced and it is intended to submit a Part 8 planning application for this in Q2 2024. ODKM Architects have been appointed to undertake concept master planning design services for the Templeshannon Regeneration Project. This masterplan will be completed in time for the forthcoming URDF application.

In other information regards the Murphy Floods Redevelopment Wexford County Council has acquired the former Murphy Floods Hotel site, and adjacent derelict properties, in Enniscorthy Town Centre. The Council now seeks to advance a proposal to redevelop this vacant plot, which has previously secured Part 8 consent in July 2022. O’Connor Sutton Cronin Consulting Engineers were appointed in May 2023 to undertake full stage design services for the demolition and site preparation elements of the scheme.

A tender competition to appoint a works contractor for the demolition works onsite has commenced and tender assessment is nearing completion. Phase 1 works are anticipated to commence on site in Q2 2024, which is in the April-June period.

NOTE; Q2 is a reference to the period April- June. The year is divided into four Q’s (quarters) which is the estimated time scale language used in official reports from Wexford County Council.

Courtown seaside village welcoming and safe

COURTOWN HARBOUR

By Dan Walsh

A North Wexford public representative is urging people to visit, support and enjoy what Courtown Harbour has to offer over the Easter Weekend and the summer months.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Cllr Joe Sullivan said that over the past number of months at various meetings of public bodies such as Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Wexford County Council, Wexford Joint Policing Committee and social media postings by elected and non-elected politicians he has noticed that “Courtown Harbour is been portrayed as at worst as crime ridden place, or at best a place where law enforcement could be enhanced.

“I would have to take issue with the above in my opinion I believe Courtown Harbour is a safe and welcoming place to visit and indeed I would encourage anybody visiting North Wexford over the coming Easter Weekend to include Courtown Harbour and indeed the general Courtown area in their list of destinations to visit during their stay.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN

Cllr Sullivan says Courtown has a number of attractions which are well worth a visit including, Active Tribe Leisure Centre, The Seal Sanctuary, Courtown Woods where one can go on a foraging tour with Lorraine of Gallivanting Tours and get a detailed insight to the plant life that exists in the woods.

While walking in the woods one will encounter the ancient Kilbride Cross and can view the historic Ballinatray Bridge from the level of the Ounvarragh River as it flows to the sea. If you are into walking or hiking the Courtown-Kiltennell trail will bring you three kilometres north on a peaceful journey through woodland.

In Courtown Village itself you will find the usual seaside attractions Amusements, Ice Cream outlets, Coffee Shops, Restaurants, Public Houses, Gift Shops and indeed a turf accountant should you want to have a punt while there. A short walk across the footbridge will bring you to the newly refurbished Plaza Area beside the RNLI Station and Gift Shop. This is a relaxing seaside area with ample seating provided to unwind.

“I believe that Courtown has for far too long been in receipt of far too much negative publicity about policing and crime. It is now time based on facts to send out a positive message that Courtown is a safe welcoming seaside village where tourists to the area are safe and their visit is appreciated and respected,” concluded Cllr Sullivan. 

Iarnród Éireann Easter arrangements

The tunnel at Enniscorthy (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Iarnród Éireann advises customers that a revised timetable will be in place this Easter weekend on all routes.
Customers are advised to check times before travel from Good Friday, March 29th to Easter Monday, April 1st, inclusive for revised schedules, at www.irishrail.ie or at the Iarnród Éireann app.
Customers are asked to note, in particular, the following works taking place over the Easter weekend. Saturday 30th March to Easter Monday 1st April inclusive, Grand Canal Dock to Bray. A series of works including track renewal, overhead line renewal, and train protection system works will take place between Grand Canal Dock and Bray.  As a result, DART services between Grand Canal Dock and Bray will be suspended. Dublin Bus and Go Ahead will accept rail tickets on relevant services. DART services will operate between Howth/Malahide and Grand Canal Dock, and between Bray and Greystones.
Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort Intercity will involve bus transfers between Dublin Connolly and Greystones. Iarnród Éireann apologises to customers for the inconvenience caused by these essential works. Revised times on many routes, including a Saturday schedule on DART and revised Saturday schedule on Commuter services. Check times for all routes at www.irishrail.ie or the Iarnród Éireann app.