Ferns handler Michael Goff who yesterday saddled his 80th career winner at Kirkistown, Co. Down yesterday (Saturday) continued in winning form at Comea, Co. Tipperary, today (Sunday), when Doyles Hill brought him further success in the maiden race for five-year-olds.
Ridden by Adam Leahy, it was a tight finish with Doyles Hill scoring by ‘a neck’ from the Harley Dunne handled Line Em Up ridden by Tiernan Power Roche. It was handler Goff’s second success in as many days and his seventh victory of the season.
There was also point-to-point action in Tallow, Co. Waterford, today where three Wexford stables won half of the six races run.
ELLEN DOYLE enjoyed success in Tipperary today.
Ellen Doyle from Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy, had her first four-year-old runner of the season, Idaho Valley running in the Baltimore Stables Syndicate, and with Brian Dunleavy in the saddle won the battle on the finish line by ‘a short head’. The winner goes to the sales.
Half an hour later and Cormac Doyle, Ballindaggin, was celebrating following the four lengths success of Fancy Prospect in the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and ridden by Jack Hendrick in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares.
Newcomer Koori Star (Ross Sugrue up), a first runner of the season for Kilmore handler John C. Byrne pulled off a two lengths victory in the maiden race for six-year-old and older geldings. Koori Star is now for sale.
MICHAEL GOFF saddled his 80th career winner at today’s point-to-point in County Down.
Victory for Karma Police in the maiden race for four-year-olds at today’s (Saturday) point-to-point at Kirkistown, near Newtownards, Co. Down, provided Clondaw, Ferns, handler Michael Goff with a milestone 80th winner as a handler in a successful career that began 11 years ago.
Colin Bowe’s Knockduff (Barry O’Neill up) lead for most of the race, but Karma Police, sporting the colours of Caitriona and ridden by Mikey Sweeney took the lead approaching the final fence and galloped to a six lengths victory.
Other Wexford stables were represented, but only the Michael Goff stables were successful on this occasion.
An artist’s impression of refurbishment projects planned for New Ross town.
By Dan Walsh
New Ross Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Sheehan has welcomed the submission by Wexford County Council and the New Ross Municipal District, which will result in the complete refurbishment of the John Street Grain Store in the town.
Cllr Sheehan said: “The project is beyond my expectations and sets out our ambitions for the next generation of New Ross,” and he added; “This is a flagship project for New Ross and for our county, and if it is granted planning permission, this will be a landmark building for New Ross – a beacon of light and hope.”
The project will be developed in two phases: the grain store and the public realm area outside by the river. It is expected the grain store will be five stories: three above and two below ground connecting Bridge Street, North Street and the North Quays.
The Public Realm has to be screened for environmental protection but once completed, will connect the North Quays (which are due to be upgraded) the Greenway, John Street Carpark, the Town Centre and the Active Travel Route out onto the Ring Road.
CLLR MICHAEL SHEEHAN
The first phase includes: A new restaurant inside and pavilion outside for dining by the river in a public square; A suite of hot desks and professional offices for people to work; A new art and community open exhibition space with state of the art features on the street level access; A range of rooms for community and Council usage; An internal gallery for usage with coffee docks and public toilets; A mezzanine garden and sitting area overlooking the river; A beacon that will be casting a light over the whole area, and the development will use materials that reflect the historic nature of the building and the stonework to reflect the quayside nature of the area
The second phase which will go for planning concurrently, may take a little more time due to the Riverside nature of the park, which have public realm seating and dining areas with natural heading and plants that will connect the North Quays, Town Centre, Goat and High Hill and lead up into the car park and the Active Travel route.
Cllr Sheehan said; “I, like my colleagues, have be pushing to get this project over the line since 2017. As County and District Chairman I kept it high on the agenda and I’m delighted to see it proceeding to planning”. This will be an amazing feature for New Ross and shows what can be achieved when our expectations and ambitions are aligned.”
“At the recent meeting where it was passed unanimously, I congratulated all the officials involved and pledged now to ensure its success in the forthcoming rounds of funding. This is the future of New Ross,” concluded Cllr Sheehan.
Pictured at the launch of the Affordable Housing Survey, (L to R): Carolyne Godkin, Director of Housing Services, Wexford County Council; Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council; Cllr Joe Sullivan, Chairperson of the Housing Community SPC, and Anita McLoughlin, SEO, Housing Section. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council has launched an Affordable Housing Survey where first-time buyers and other applicants who feel they may be eligible to buy or rent an affordable home are invited to complete the survey.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming welcomed the survey and said; “The survey provides a real opportunity to assess affordable housing need in County Wexford, I would encourage everyone who may be interested in an affordable home to take five minutes to complete the survey.”
Cllr Fleming was supported by the Chairperson of the Housing and Community Strategic Policy Committee, Cllr Joe Sullivan, who stated; “In order for us to plan for future affordable housing demand we need to establish the types of housing and the locations where they need to be delivered.”
Following the publication of an ambitious Housing Delivery Action Plan in 2022, Wexford County Council is progressing plans for the supply of affordable housing in County Wexford for the coming years.
As part of this process, Wexford County Council is seeking to establish the level of interest in potential affordable housing in areas throughout the county.
An Affordable Housing Survey has been launched, inviting those who meet the affordable housing criteria to have their say on their preferred needs. The information will be used to inform the Council on the level of demand, locations preferred, and the house prices that people might be able to afford. It will help the Council to formulate its plans for Affordable Housing Options.
Any affordable housing schemes progressed by the Council in the future will be advertised separately, and a formal application process will apply in accordance with the legislation in place at that time.
The online survey is open now and will close on April 10th.
Pictured at the launch of the War of Independence and Civil War exhibition at Wexford Library tonight (Thursday) were; Barry Lacey, historian-in-residence, Celestine Murphy, Eileen Morrissey, County Librarian, Hazel Percival, Senior Executive Librarian, Susan Kelly and Caroline Barry.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Library
An exciting exhibition recalling the War of Independence and Civil War in County Wexford was officially launched by the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy, in Wexford Library tonight (Thursday).
Cllr Carthy said; “I’m delighted to launch this exhibition,The War of Independence and Civil War in County Wexford here at the County Library. This local knowledge and family held records provides new evidence to add to the historical record of County Wexford. And as important, it also given us the opportunity to put on record the contribution made by families whose ancestors were directly involved in events which led to the formation of our state.”
Hazel Percival, Senior Executive Librarian, County Librarian Eileen Morrissey, who acted as master of ceremonies, addressed the large invited attendance and Barry Lacey, historian-in-charge at County Wexford Public Libraries services outlined some historical details.
This exhibition commissioned by Wexford County Council Library Service and scripted by Celestine Murphy, historian, traces the progression to this War of Independence and Civil War in County Wexford.
This exhibition charts the breakdowns that ultimately led to the outbreak of hostilities in County Wexford following the declaration of the War of Independence from January 21st, 1919, to January 11th 1921. During the truce period from July 11th, 1921, to July 28th 1922 and in the Civil War from June 28th 1922 to May 24th 1923.
In this exhibition for the first time, locally held records, medals, memorabilia, photographs and documents held by families of several of the Wexford people involved are used to tell the history of County Wexford in this period. This data was collected at community archive days held in Wexford and Gorey libraries in 2021 and 2022 where people were invited to bring in their family treasures and tell their stories.
The exhibition can be viewed daily at Wexford Library during library opening hours until Friday, March 15th. All are welcome to attend.
For further information, visit the exhibition at Wexford library or contact the Local Studies Librarian at 053 919 6330 or libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie
Wexford County Council and Women for Election recently hosted an introductory session in the Council Chamber, Wexford County Council to launch a training programme to support women who are interested in running for election in 2024 or in future elections.
Over twenty-five attendees enjoyed a programme of speakers which included Cllr Maura Bell, Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition and Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan who shared her experience of being a female councillor for the past twenty years.
CLLR MAURA BELL, Chairperson of Wexford Women’s Coalition.
Wexford County Council Archivist Gráinne Doran gave a talk on Ellen ‘Nell’ Ryan who was the first female councillor elected to Wexford County Council in June 1928. Nell had also been a member of Wexford Board of Guardians (and chairman of same in 1920) in addition to her active participation in the revolutionary struggle, 1916-23.
Brian Sheehan, CEO of Women for Election stated; “We all know of extraordinary women who are the lifeblood of communities and community organisations across Wexford County and this programme will encourage and support many of these women to bring their community knowledge, experience, and skills to where decisions about their communities are made – Wexford County Council.”
The training programme aims to inspire and encourage women to stand in the upcoming Local Elections in June 2024, or in the future and is part of a national programme to achieve gender balance in politics. It also is aimed at the team behind the candidate as there are many ways to support female candidates.
With just six women of the 34 Councillors in Wexford, it is believed there is a distance yet to go and there is a ‘one-in-five-year’ chance in the coming local elections in June to begin to redress this imbalance.
“The launch event showed a huge appetite among women in Wexford to serve their communities by entering local politics and also showcased the great work being done, cross-party, by the Women’s Coalition on the Council,” stated Mr. Sheehan, who added; “This next election cycle carries a great opportunity for the voters of Wexford to reshape their local council, and to make significant inroads in addressing the imbalance on the council, where just 18% of the councillors (6 of 34) are women.”
Further information on the training programme is available from http://www.womenforelection.ie and at wwww.wexfordcoco.ie.
Pictured at the sod turning ceremony for the Bellefield Development Project were; Brian Kehoe, Development Committee, Tom Enright, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, Sam McCauley, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Minister James Browne, Pat Quigley, Project Manager, Ger McVeigh, Chairman Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club, Michael Doyle, Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club (at the back), Cllr Jackser Owens, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Caoimhe O’Rourke, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager.
By Dan Walsh at McCauley Bellefield Park
Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club, Enniscorthy, Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Municipal District held a sod turning event at Bellefield GAA grounds today (Tuesday) on €1.5 million private-public-community investment programme that will transform the community and sporting facilities on offer.
Chairperson of Rapparees Starlight’s GAA Club, Ger McVeigh welcomed guests including Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke and the elected members, Minister James Browne, Chief Executive Tom Enright, project team members and council officials to the facility to officially celebrate the ambitious programme and in particular to mark the commencement of works under phase two.
Cathaoirleach Cllr O’Rourke described the project as “an exciting development for Enniscorthy and an enormous benefit for the entire community of Enniscorthy”. “This project is a testament to collaboration, innovation, and the dedication of everyone involved and as we turn the soil let it be a symbol of shared determination to create an inclusive community space that will benefit generations to come,” concluded Cllr O’Rourke who jointly turned the sod, aided by his niece Caoimhe O’Rourke, with Ger McVeigh of Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Tom Enright spoke of the long-term benefit that the new facilities will bring to Enniscorthy. “Wexford County Council is pleased to be part of this wonderful project that will bring real, long-term health and wellbeing benefits to the wider town of Enniscorthy. These new facilities are a testament to the added value that can be brought to a project when private, public and community investment is aligned and coordinated.
“I wish to thank the Chairperson of the Rapparees Starlight’s and the Club for embarking on such an ambitious project and to particularly recognise the very generous contribution of Sam McCauley, which made this project a reality. Wexford County Councils contribution is focused on realigning and reimagining the entrance to this facility from the public road – by significantly enhancing the safety of the approach and entry/exit of the facility through a new pedestrian crossing and off-street public car parking we will transform the Bellfield Road area. The Council will also support the development of the new playground via the Department of Rural & Community Developments Community Recognition Fund, which we will formally announce soon,” concluded Mr Enright.
SAM McCAULEY speaking at today’s ceremony at McCauley Bellefield Park
Sam McCauley reflected on his long association with the club, commended the project team for the trojan work, stating that “the proposed development of the front entrance will be effectively a shop window to the rest of the club facilities.”
The Project Manager, Pat Quigley, who gave a detailed outline of the entire development, said “this element of the development is in partnership with the Rapparees Starlight’s Club and Wexford County Council and will provide a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Enniscorthy that promotes the health and well-being of the whole community.” Minister James Browne spoke in appreciation for the public private project and expressed the gratitude of Enniscorthy for Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club and Wexford County Council working together for the good of the community.
The overall project will see investment of over €1.5 million, with collaboration from the local community and the Rapparees Starlight’s Finance Committee raising €400,000; Wexford County Council providing funds of €400,000 and a greatly appreciated donation from local businessman Sam McCauley of €600,000.
The first phase, which is approaching completion, included the development of two new pitches, fencing and associated drainage works, main infrastructure for a sensory garden as well as a community walking track complete with lighting. Major ESB works were required with the removal of six poles and cables brought underground to a newly installed ESB pillar station. Funding for this phase was provided by philanthropic donation from local businessman and long-time club member, Sam McCauley, and renamed, McCauley Bellefield Park.
The second phase of the project, which is commencing February 2024, is a public-community partnership and will include the development of a new statement entrance for the Club, together with 25 new public carparking spaces, new footpath with bollards, fencing, public lighting and signage. A new pedestrian crossing on the Bellefield Road will be delivered as part of phase two, as well as a new pocket garden with seating and a playground for young children. Funding for this second phase will be from the Rapparees Starlight’s Club in association with Wexford County Council.
Uisce Éireann has today (Tuesday) announced it will be recruiting for 700 new jobs across the country and are inviting candidates in Wexford to apply for what they describe as “an exciting career with Ireland’s National Water Authority.”
These exciting opportunities will be available in the next year, with positions ready to be filled immediately.
The roles span a range of disciplines, offering a chance for professionals, tradespeople at all levels, recent graduates, and skilled workers to contribute to their local communities while building rewarding careers. Uisce Éireann is committed to providing ongoing training, and attractive compensation and benefits packages to ensure a secure and fulfilling work experience.
Speaking at the announcement, Uisce Éireann’s People and Safety Director, Dawn O’Driscoll said; “As we continue our development as Ireland’s national water authority with responsibility for the delivery of public water and wastewater services nationwide, we are delighted to be announcing 700 new jobs for candidates across the country. We’re filling an exciting range of roles in all counties, including front-line operations, science and engineering, administration, communications, management and IT.
“This is the largest recruitment announcement made by Uisce Éireann to date and reflects the scope and scale of the activities we are carrying out nationwide. These new positions will not only offer a chance to make a tangible difference to your community but will provide plenty of opportunities to develop your career in a growing organisation. We are looking for people with diverse skillsets to play their part in delivering transformative water services that enable their local communities to thrive.
“At Uisce Éireann, we are proud to provide all employees with equal opportunities and we continue to demonstrate our full commitment to creating an open, diverse and inclusive workplace that enables all our people to achieve their full potential.”
Uisce Éireann encourages interested individuals to visit www.water.ie/careers to explore and apply for the exciting opportunities available in their local areas.
Gorey-based Fine Gael election candidate, Darragh McDonald, has made a submission to the Garda Commissioner emphasising “that Garda resources in North Wexford are well below the national average and need urgent review.”
DARRAGH McDONALD Fine Gael election candidate in North Wexford
“Over the last number of months, as part of my election campaign, myself and my team have knocked on over 7,000 doors across North Wexford ranging from town streets to rural farms and there is a universal concern that while the local Gardaí in place are fantastic, overall resources in the areas are not sufficient,” stated Mr McDonald, who added; “I have also discussed the issue with members and retirees of an Garda Síochána and their expert view is similar.”
Mr McDonald. using CSO data, states that the combined number of Gardaí in Gorey and Courtown is 56 and he notes that; “If we look specifically at Courtown Garda Station it operates on a part-time basis with just one Garda resource allocated to the station to cover for a population of over 4,365 people and must be one of the worst resourced Garda stations in the country.
“As many will remember Gorey Garda station was downgraded from a district headquarters in 2013 losing its Superintendent, and since then has been a sub-district of Enniscorthy. I believe this decision was a serious mistake which could not have been supported by statistics and all politicians in the county significantly failed in pushing back hard enough against this at the time,” said Mr McDonald, who concluded; “If the Commissioner cannot rectify the situation immediately, he should clearly outline the criteria for an increase in resources and how often reviews are undertaken so we in North Wexford can clearly understand why we are in the situation we are in.”
John O’Dowd, Tony Black, Bertie Finn (rider), Tara Doyle and Pat Doyle (owner and handler) with Lady Mags following her success in the mares’ maiden race at Ballinaboola, New Ross, today (Sunday).
By Dan Walsh at Ballinaboola
Eighty-four of the 140 entries stood their ground and faced the starter at today’s Wexford Foxhound’s well attended point-to-point at Ballinaboola, New Ross, resulting in a nine-race card and doubles for handlers Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, and Colin Bowe, Kiltealy, and Tomhaggard rider Jamie Scallan.
The first four-year-old maiden race of the year ended in a photo-finish with the Billy Connors owned, Colin Bowe handled, and Barry O’Neill ridden Korkoran securing victory by a head from Let Me Go Boys (Michael Murphy/Darragh Higgins with Seaview Rock (Robert James/Eoin Staples) a head back in third place after a tremendous battle over the last two obstacles.
The first division of the afternoon came in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with 25 declared. Sean Doyle and Jamie Scallan initiated the first of their double success with The Final Word getting home by a neck from Old But Gold (Denis Murphy/Jack Hendrick), while Forty Coats, owned and handled by Andrew Latta at Ballinakill, Ballycarney, had a slightly easier task in winning division two by four lengths with Harry Swan in the saddle. Immediately afterwards, Harry, who is son of former champion jump jockey Charlie Swan of Istabraq fame, hurried away to Leopardstown where he had a ride in the bumper.
The maiden race for five and six-year-old mares was next to be divided. The Go Left Ben Syndicate and handler Benny Walsh from Tomhaggard were in celebration mood after Two Fingers West carried Barry Stone, Cleariestown, to a four lengths victory in division one, while the second division was highlighted by an impressive six lengths victory for Lady Mags, running in the colours of owner/handler Pat Doyle from Courtown and ridden by Bertie Finn, Oulart.
Sean Doyle and Jamie Scallan achieved their double for the day with Willitgoahead in the maiden race for six-year-olds. Doyle also saddled the runner-up Soldier Of Rock (Ross Sugrue) and there was only ‘a head’ between them at the finish. This was Sean Doyle’s 140th career winner as a handler.
Sixteen runners gathered in the paddock for the maiden race for seven-year-olds and upwards when it was realised that the race was confined to novice riders. A division ensued with two races of 10 runners each. The first divide was won by Haggard on his tenth outing, in the colours of Piercestown owner, Thomas Coleman, ridden by Eoin Staples from Duncormick and making a double success on the day for handler Colin Bowe. The second division went to Memories Never Die for west Cork rider Finbar Brickley and handled in Co. Meath by Nigel Slevin.
The final race of the day was the Winners Race Unlimited with six runners where Peggy’s Rock went to the front from flag fall under Michael Sweeney, never looked in any danger and was eight lengths clear crossing the finish line. Afterward handler Michael Goff from Clondaw, Ferns, said of his winner; “She is a good mare. She made it a good gallop and she was quick at her fences,” and the stable hopes to have a good future with her.
There was also point-to-point action at Bellharbour, Co. Clare, today where Donncha Doyle saddled his 265th career winner as Jakar Du Moulin was the one and a half lengths winner of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and ridden by Rob James.
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