Local winner and steward’s reversal on Day 2 of the Wexford races

The sporting connections of Joecooker celebrate after success at Wexford races today including owner James Doyle, trainer Mary Ellen Doyle and jockey Brian Dunleavy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

The second of the two-day race meetings at Wexford racecourse today (Thursday) was a big improvement on yesterday when the weather caused poor visibility and misery for punters and, like yesterday when Denis Murphy saddled Three By Two (9/1) for the lone local success in the concluding race there was another fine local winner in the final race today.

Joecooker (14/1) prevailed in a tight finish to the INH Flat Race to win for James Doyle and Mary Ellen Doyle from Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, with Brian Dunleavy as the successful jockey. Afterwards, James Doyle, winning owner and brother of the winning trainer, said; “I was expecting him to run well. He probably did see out the three miles in the point-to-point. He had a nice run at Punchestown in a maiden hurdle where he finished fourth and wasn’t beaten by far.

Doyle continued; “We had a runner (Impakt St Georges) in the first today as well who finished fourth and wasn’t beaten far. Point-to-pointing is mainly what we do, but we have a few for the summer for the track. It’s a family run operation between myself, and my sister Ellen and we just run a few on the track that don’t hit the back of the net in point-to-point’s.”

There was a steward’s enquiry that saw placings reversed following the mare’s maiden hurdle. Gers Gigi (11/4 fav.) with Jack Kennedy up, was given the verdict by a nose from Alabama Birmingham (4/1) ridden by Eoin Walsh for Eamonn Delaney, Co. Meath.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference at the last and on the run to the line of this race involving Gers Gigi, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed second and Birmingham Alabama, ridden by E. Walsh, placed first, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Birmingham Alabama had caused interference to Gers Gigi on the run to the line and as a result of this interference had improved it’s finishing position. As a consequence, the Raceday Stewards reversed the placings of the first positions and amended the result to read as follows: Amended Result: First: Gers Gigi Second: Birmingham Alabama. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that jockey Eoin Walsh was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (first offence), they suspended him for two racedays.

Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead, successful with Kudasheva (5/1) in the beginners’ chase yesterday made it a double for the two days when Liebec Nicc (9/4) scored in the opening maiden hurdle. And champion jockey Jack Kennedy also got his name on the scoreboard when he brought home Bigira (7/2) for Mark Fahey by a length and a half in the first division of the handicap hurdle.

There are three fixtures for Wexford Racecourse in August; during the week of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on Wednesday, August 7th and on Friday, August 9th and a third fixture happens on Friday, August 30th. All are evening fixtures.

Delivery of safe, secure and sustainable water for Wexford communities. 

Works are underway for a €19 million upgrade of the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme to provide a more reliable resilient water supply across the town. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann’s capital expenditure on critical water and wastewater infrastructure exceeded €1.2 billion last year, delivering improved drinking water quality to customers, reducing wastewater discharges to the environment and building resilience in Irish water supplies. Its Annual Report 2023, published yesterday (Wednesday), shows a range of key achievements for the organisation including assuming full responsibility for the delivery of all public water services in Ireland, transitioning to a centrally managed national utility.

The Uisce Éireann report shows significant progress in delivery of safe, secure and sustainable water for Wexford communities. Across Wexford network management, Find & Fix, and Leakage Reduction Works are underway as well as significant investment in water and wastewater infrastructure. 
Works are underway for a €19 million upgrade of the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme to provide a more reliable resilient water supply across the town. This project is supported by ongoing works to upgrade aged areas of the water network such as Pearse Road and St. Johns Villas. 
“We’re also making steady progress to upgrade the Creagh Water Treatment Plant Upgrade to benefit over 7,000 customers in Gorey. Similarly, work is forging ahead on the Newtown Water Treatment Plant expected for completion in 2025,” says the Report. 
Work is underway to upgrade Kilmallock Bridge Water Treatment Plant which will be complete by the end of this year. Leakage Reduction Programme works were recently completed in Duncannon and Redmondstown, while the Mayglass (Fardystown) Raw Water Project is ongoing to increase supply capacity for South Wexford. Directive. Works to eliminate raw sewage discharges were completed across 10 sites including Kilmore Quay

On January 1, 2023, Irish Water transitioned to Uisce Éireann and became Ireland’s new standalone water utility. A key focus was establishing the supports and processes to enable the smooth transfer of Local Authority Water Services staff and enabling the successful integration of all employees in the new shared organisation. This ongoing work is vital to fully deliver the benefits of a national utility model with strong local teams delivering in and for communities throughout the country.

Thursday is Day Two at Wexford races

Jockey Diarmuid Moloney and the Henry de Bromhead winning team after Freddie Robdal won the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Wexford this afternoon. (Pic; Wexford Racecourse).

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

Today’s all steeplechase race meeting at Bettyville Park, Wexford, when off in difficult viewing conditions where the going was ‘good to yielding’, but fingers are crossed for better conditions tomorrow (Thursday) at the second day of the two-day summer fixture.

Tomorrow, Thursday, presents an inviting evening card of eight races – seven hurdles and an INH Flat Race to finish offer – and the first race is off at 4.28pm. There is an unsettled forecast with showers possible.

Music, craic and good racing is on offer and hopes are high for a large crowd, especially family groups can expect a warm sporting welcome.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com today, Managing Director Ursula Sinnott said; “Thank you to all our valued customers for coming to the (Wexford) races today and we hope you will join us again tomorrow (Thursday) for our evening meeting and the remaining fixtures between now and the October holiday weekend.”

There was just one local winner at today’s (Wednesday) Wexford fixture where misty conditions spoiled the viewing for the brave attendance.

Jockey Richie Deegan from Borris scored his first success for Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh aboard the 2023 Ladies Cup winning eight-year-old mare at Punchestown Festival, Three By Two (9/1) in the colours of Mick McEvoy, Blessington in the concluding handicap chase.

Deegan, on his fifth ride for Murphy, who was absent as he was at the sales, said afterwards; “I do a bit of schooling for Denis, I know his sister Bernadette, brother Peter and their mother Kathleen well so it is nice to ride a winner for them, I live near to them and they’ll get a great kick out of that.”

Clare jockey Diarmuid Moloney registered success on his first ride for Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead on Fredie Robdal (7/2). Riding his first winner since April 2023, relieved jockey Moloney said “that win was a long time coming as I got hurt and couldn’t get going again. Thanks to Henry for getting me going again and you just need the good horses.

Incidentally, Freddie Robdal is named after a minor character from Only Fools And Horses!

Apologies for the poor quality. This is unavoidable due to the misty conditions that prevailed at Wexford races today

A Little Library Book Bag for all children

By Dan Walsh

All children starting school this September are invited to visit their library, pick up a My Little Library Book Bag, in Irish or English, and join the library if they are not already members. Book bags are available at the library throughout the summer. All families are welcome to join the library too, if they aren’t already members. Co. Wexford has five branch libraries located in the towns of Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Wexford.

Pictured at the launch of the Little Library Book Bag in Gorey Library were (left to right); Sinead Carey, Library Assistant, Hazel Percival, Senior Executive Librarian, and Jan Doran, Senior Library Assistant.

My Little Library was independently evaluated with the results showing extremely positive feedback from children and their families and from library staff and early years educators and parents reported that the book bag supported their children’s transition to primary school and gave them a new reason to visit and join the library.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman and Minister Heather Humphreys launched My Little Library Book Bag 2024, in June, which provides every child starting school with free books and invites them to join their local library.

Cllr. Pip Breen, An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council said; “The My Little Library Bag initiative is a wonderful programme offered to all children in Co Wexford starting primary school. Children get to collect a free book, and a library card wallet to keep, from their local library, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross or Wexford town and the children can join their library along with their families, and choose their own books to borrow, all for free, this will be the start of a lifelong love of reading for the children of Co. Wexford.”

For more information and to collect your Little Library Book Bag do please call to your local library or contact Wexford County Council Library Service by phone at 053 9196561 or by email at libraryheadquarters@wexfordcoco.ie

Two summer racing days at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

There is a two-day summer midweek feast of jump racing at Bettyville Park, Wexford, on Wednesday and Thursday where ground conditions are ‘good’ and the entries are large.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, the card consists of seven steeplechases and the first race is off at 2.28pm.

Thursday is an evening card of eight races – seven hurdles and an INH Flat Race at the end – and the first race is off at 4.25pm.

Hopes are high on both occasions for a large crowd, especially family groups can expect a warm sporting welcome.

Celebration of Wexford and French culture

Pictured at the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association event at Wexford Arts Centre were (left to right); Catherine McPartlin, Treasurer; Cllr Jim Codd, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District; Lorcan Kinsella, President Wexford Chamber of Commerce; Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council; Melanie O’Reilly, Honorary Consul and secretary of Wexford Normandy Cultural Association; His Excellency, Vincent Guérand; Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor; Maura Bell, Wexford Normandy Cultural Association, and Eamonn Murphy, Director, Wexford Enterprise Association/Tradebridge. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre

The Wexford Normandy Cultural Association held a special event in Wexford Arts Centre this evening with the dual purpose of welcoming the new Honorary Consul for Wexford and saying farewell to His Excellency, Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland who will be leaving at the end of his posting.

Monsieur Guérend spoke fondly of his visits to Wexford (“this must be 10 or 12 visits now”, he said) and embraced the close association and friendship between Wexford and France and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome always accorded to him and the staff at the French Embassy.

Monsieur Guerend congratulated the Secretary of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association, Melanie O’Reilly, on her appointment as Honorary Consul of France in South East Ireland and based in Wexford.

The announcement was made by the Ambassador at Bastille Day celebrations at the Ambassador’s residence in Dublin, but today’s event was the inauguration of Ms. O’Reilly in her new representative role, and she was made a presentation in her adopted Wexford.

Honorary Consul MELANIE O’REILLY and H.E. Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland exchange credentials at Wexford Normandy Cultural Association event. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Ms. O’Reilly is the fourth Honorary Consul in Ireland and it is a fitting tribute to Melanie and to the importance of the links between France and the South East of Ireland. Toutes nos félicitations Melanie!

A fluent French speaker, Ms. O’Reilly was thrilled to receive the accolade of Honorary Consul, she thanked the Ambassador and the French Embassy and said she looked forward to carrying out her duties and consolidating the friendship between France and Ireland.  

Leo Coy, Chair of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association paid tribute to the Ambassador whom, he said; “Really liked Wexford and its Norman connections and visited us many times, during his time in Ireland.”

Ms. Maura Bell acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed the Ambassador and his staff and invited guests and detailed the background to the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association. Cllr Jim Codd made a special presentation to Monsieur Guérend- a large bowl of delicious Wexford strawberries!

The attendance included Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Jim Codd, Deputies Brendan Howlin, Verona Murphy and Johnny Mythen, Senator Malcolm Byrne, Lorcan Kinsella, President Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Maree Lyng, Chair of Wexford Rotary Club, Eamonn Murphy, Director Wexford Enterprise Association/Tradebridge and officials of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association.

Refreshments were provided and Wexford Arts Centre was the perfect venue for the pleasant ceremony.

Enjoy swimming at Booley Bay

By Dan Walsh

The DO NOT SWIM notices erected at Booley Bay Beach, near Duncannon, four days ago has been lifted.

Wexford County Council this morning, in a statement, said; “The results of the repeat bathing water samples at Booley Bay fall within acceptable standards. Following consultation with the HSE, Wexford County Council is now lifting the bathing prohibition with immediate effect.”

Last Thursday, a DO NOT SWIM warning notice was posted at Booley Bay Beach in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.

More information on bathing water quality can be obtained on http://www.beaches.ie

New South Wicklow North Wexford constituency selection convention

By Dan Walsh

The newly formed South Wicklow North Wexford Fine Gael Constituency will hold its first ever General Election Selection Convention tomorrow night (Monday) at 7.30pm in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey.

The South Wicklow North Wexford Constituency was formed following the Electoral Commission Review Report of 2023. With a population of over 85,000, this 3-seater Constituency currently has no sitting TDs and the upcoming election will be the first opportunity to elect representatives from the area.

With the retirement of veteran TD Deputy Paul Kehoe, and South Wicklow never having returned a Dáil Deputy, a new generation of candidates will be put forward to contest the upcoming General Election, which must happen before March 2025.

Two people have been nominated to the Selection Convention as candidate(s) for the Fine Gael Party in the upcoming Election: Brian Brennan and Cllr Peter Stapleton

CANDIDATE PROFILES

BRIAN BRENNAN

BRIAN BRENNAN is a Gorey-based businessman and hotelier who previously owned and ran the Brennan Hotel Group which owned the Arklow Bay Hotel. Brian has founded and supports six orphanages in Sri Lanka.

He is heavily involved through his family in local sports in Arklow and Gorey including: Arklow Rocks Parnell’s, Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney, Arklow Rugby and Naomh Eanna GAA, Gorey Rangers Football and Gorey RFC. Brian previously was a title sponsor of the Wicklow GAA Senior, U21 and Minor Teams.

His priorities include sustainable long-term development of Arklow and Gorey, developing and supporting local businesses and ensuring agriculture remains at the heart of the local economy

TAOISEACH and FINE GAEL LEADER SIMON HARRIS TD with CLLR PETER STAPLETON.

CLLR PETER STAPLETON was elected to Wicklow County Council in June 2024, as a first-time councillor. Peter lives in Tinahely and has deep roots to the area through Duffy’s of Hacketstown, a business founded by his great-grandfather. Though no longer in operation the importance of business and agriculture to all in the region was instilled in him from a young age and both remain core policy areas of his.

Peter graduated from UCD with first-class honours in Business and Law, before training as a chartered accountant and working in finance in Dublin and London. He returned to Ireland to manage his family’s landscaping business.

Peter is a keen sportsman and plays for Tinahely GAA where he also acts as Club Treasurer. He has hit the ground running as a councillor, calling on the council to tackle vacancy and dereliction, while lobbying for more funding for roads and footpaths in rural areas.

His priorities include helping local business and agriculture, developing and improving housing and infrastructure, reducing taxation and supporting towns and villages and reinvigorating local communities.

Body of man (40’s) discovered in Gorey

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

The Garda Press Office has confirmed to WexfordLocal.com that Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a body in Gorey earlier today (Sunday).

GOREY GARDA STATION (File Pic)

The body of a man (in his 40’s) was discovered shortly before mid-day at a residence in the Clonattin area of the town.

The Office of the State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course, the results of which will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
The scene remains preserved for technical examination. No further information is available at this time.

Gap Arts Festival 2024 launched

At the launch of the Gap Arts Festival 2024 in Gorey Civic Offices were; (left to right); Cllr Nicky Boland, Garrett Keogh. Festival Director, a character from the festival and Cllr Joe Sullivan.

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Offices

The 14th annual Gap Arts Festival takes place in Ballythomas, Gorey, on the weekend, August 8th-11th and the official launch took place in Gorey Civic Offices last Tuesday with Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and other elected members and Garrett Keogh, Director and other members of the Gap Festival Committee in attendance.

“Thanks to great audience support this year this theatrical festival will be extended to three nights”, said Garrett Keogh, who added; “This festival has adapted spaces indoors and out, bringing professional performances and art to this community place in the in the hills of north Wexford at Ballythomas.”

A new documentary, ‘Croghan’s Gold’ about the Wicklow Gold Rush of 1795, commissioned by The Gap Arts Festival and financially supported by the Wind Farm Community Fund will be screened each night before the Dublin Theatre Company’s new play ‘Madeira’, featuring Geraldine Plunkett who played Mary Moran in Glenroe, The Clinic, and so much more, features in this year’s play.

The weekend will also feature photographic exhibitions, late night family movie under the stars, local history, talks, music etc. For more information contact http://www.GapArtsFestival.com