Good day for Wexford stables at Punchestown

By Dan Walsh

Ellen Doyle, Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, has made a good start in the four-year-old maiden races since the beginning of the year and she added to her tally when she saddled newcomer They Want Me, running in the Baltimore Stables Syndication colours scored by two lengths under Brian Dunleavy at Punchestown point-to-point today (Saturday).

Matthew Flynn O’Connor, Ballycrystal, Kiltealy saddled Additional Time in the gelding’s maiden race for five-year-olds and he was rewarded with a six lengths success under Brian Lawless. Sixth winner of the 2023-’24 season and 20th career success for handler Flynn O’Connor.

SEAN DOYLE saddled a winner at Punchestown today.

Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, is also having a winning streak and he led in another winner today as Private Ryan came home five lengths ahead of the field in the Confined Hunt Winners race ridden by Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard.

The father and son team of James and Vincent Devereux from Tomhaggard enjoyed success with Kerlogue by two lengths in the maiden race for gelding’s aged six years and over to give Shane O’Rourke, Foulksmills, his 55th career winner.

And Rob James rode a winner. He was aboard Eyes Off Annie, the four lengths victory in the mares five-year-old plus race was for Kildare handler Ian McCarthy.

Ballindaggin man (25) dies in Bali

By Dan Walsh

A Wexford community has been plunged into shock and mourning following the tragic news that Val Brooks, (25), Wheelagower, Ballindaggin, has died suddenly in what is believed to be a drowning accident in Bali.

VAL BROOKS

Val Brooks emigrated to Australia about a month ago and his heartbroken parents, Val and Anne, are liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs to obtain more details.

Val was a talented tradesman and worked and worked at Karl Cullen Fitted Kitchens, Enniscorthy, and JV Kitchens in Tullow.

Many tributes have been paid. “Val was a young man heading off to Australia to make a new start in his life. It’s a terrible shock,” stated local parish priest Fr. Jim Fegan.

Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan said “everybody is just shocked and devastated” by the tragic news and she added; “I know Val senior is involved in the Ballindaggin Pipe Band and the entire family is very well thought of in the local area.”

A family notice has been posted records “the untimely death has occurred abroad of Val Brooks, Meadow Breeze, Wheelagower, Bunclody. Beloved son of Val and Anne and loving brother of Patricia, Catherine and Seán. Deeply regretted by his Mam, Dad, sisters, brother, brothers and sister-in-law, Eugene, Mikey and Aisling, Nanna Pender, nephews Michael, Paudie, Tadhg and Donal, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours and friends. Predeceased by his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Reposing at his home on Thursday (29th February) from 10am. Funeral arriving to St. Patrick’s Church, Kiltealy, on Friday afternoon (1st March) for his Funeral Mass at 3pm. Burial afterwards in Kiltealy Cemetery.

Kilmore Quay water scheme is completed

KILMORE QUAY WASTEWATER PLANT is completed (Pic; Uisce Éireann)

By Dan Walsh

A new community sewerage scheme is completed in Co. Wexford. Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council today (Thursday) announced the completion of the Kilmore Quay project which follows the successful completion of new wastewater infrastructure investment in Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon. 

The project which involved the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and sewerage infrastructure has ended the discharge of municipal raw sewage into the quay and harbour areas, which will see enhanced water quality.

Uisce Éireann’s Paul Fallon told WexfordLocal.com; “The end to the discharge of municipal raw sewage will greatly enhance the amenity value of these coastal waters for the local community and visiting tourists, and protect the environment. In addition, the new treatment plant will provide additional capacity to support growth and development in the area for a population equivalent of approximately 850”.

The completion of this critical infrastructure will ensure compliance with national and EU regulatory standards relating to the treatment of urban wastewater.

John Sisk & Sons Ltd. delivered the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Kilmore Quay is among 31 towns and villages around the country benefiting today from cleaner waters and enhanced amenities due to the construction of new treatment plants where none existed previously. 

Safety concerns in Ballycanew village

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

Five talented schoolchildren from St. Enda’s National School, Ballycanew, supported by the Principal Seamus Dempsey appeared before public representatives of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council at the monthly meeting held in the Council Chamber at Civic Centre on Tuesday where they made a sincere and well researched plea for better safety measures outside the school.

Mr Dempsey told the meeting that there are 240 children in the school from Ballycanew, Kilmuckridge, Craanford and Monamolin areas, and 160 families are dropping off their children every day. “There is gridlock sometimes, we are like the village that time forgot, but we want to make our village safer for children to come to school,” stated Mr. Dempsey.

The children publicised a local survey which focussed on the busy R741 Gorey to Ballycanew road that is approached by a long straight from the Gorey side which causes speeding from some drivers and sometimes irresponsible road users neglect the 50km/h speed limits through the village and ignore the traffic lights on the pedestrian crossing outside the school entrance.

Council members were supportive and promised active action on the matter and Cllr Diarmuid Devereux pointed out that four elected members in the room on the Special Projects Committee on transport so they should be able to do something positive for Ballycanew and its future safety.

Cllr Mary Farrell was critical of “driver behaviour” but felt that the safety of children is paramount. Cllr Andrew Bolger hoped to “make it a better place to live and make the school a safer place. Cllr Anthony Donohoe said he had heard all ‘the usual clichés’ and urged the Council to “prioritise” the Ballycanew traffic chaos. “There is an accident waiting to happen here, so let’s take action,” stated Cllr Donohoe.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen thanked the children and their principal for the brilliant presentation while Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin concluded that it was “the best presentation he had ever seen in this chamber”

Ferns Diocesan Pilgrimage in May

From May 16th to 21st this year many people will make the journey to Lourdes as part of the Ferns Diocesan Pilgrimage led by Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Ger Nash.

“As Covid disrupted our gatherings for a few years, we now look forward to welcoming our assisted pilgrims, our youth and youth leaders and the hospitalité once again to join with us as a Diocesan family,” said Bishop Nash, who added; “Together, we can reflect on our spiritual journey and realise that God is there waiting for us with open arms.”

The Pilgrimage Director is Fr. Odhran Furlong and the Spiritual Director is Fr. Brian Broaders.

For booking and further details contact Marian Pilgrimages on 01 8788159.

Will Gorey relocate the Bus Stops?

Could the Main Street bus stops be relocated further up the street closer to the Garda Station? (File Pic; Gorey Main Street).

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

The relocation of the Bus Stop from Main Street in Gorey town was raised again today (Tuesday) at the monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre. Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen presided.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe raised the matter of relocating the bus stops off the Main Street and he sought information on the matter. He believed that the relocation would be to the Railway Station, as has been mentioned on previous occasions, however, Roads Engineer Joanne Kehoe informed the meeting that the relocation was under review, but consideration is being given to moving the bus stops to the vicinity of Gorey Garda Station.

The matter stays there for the moment, but the District Manager’s (Philip Knight) Report records that a meeting took place between Wexford County Council officials and representatives from Gorey Chamber of Commerce whose members raised several suggestions that they felt may enhance the town. Top of the list was to relocate the bus stops from Main Street to the railway station, but it now appears that the likely relocation is to the Garda Station/Christ Church less active area of Main Street.

The Chamber also suggested to the Council to consider purchasing lands adjacent to Esmonde Street for the provision of car parking, carry out work on Esmonde Street during the night, improve lighting on Paul Funge Boulevard, pursue available land that is currently for sale on The Avenue and improve all footpaths by giving them a thorough clean

Gorey’s Cllr Bolger supports rural policing

By Dan Walsh

Cllr. Andrew Bolger has stated that he is glad to see the Garda numbers have recently increased in Gorey and Courtown. “It’s a campaign that I have been lobbying now for several years and matters I have addressed previously being brought up again. It’s an important issue.

CLLR ANDREW BOLGER

When first becoming a councillor, Cllr Bolger remembers writing to then-Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, about the lack of Garda resources. “Not much has changed it’s gotten worse. Fine Gael should look internally. They have held the senior Justice portfolio since 2011.”

Cllr. Bolger states that “while Fine Gael held the ministry in 2013 Gorey lost its Garda District status and became a sub-station of Enniscorthy. “I would say that makes us a poor relation when the resources are divided out. It was the wrong decision. I have a keen interest in the administration of justice because my background is in law, I fear that the spotlight is now on policing in Dublin. I would urge Minister Helen McEntee not to forget the rural stations, said Cllr. Bolger who acknowledges that the allocation of Garda numbers falls to the Garda Commissioner.

In conclusion, Cllr Bolger stated; “I’m asking for Minister Helen McEntee and the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to consider the lack of resources in North Wexford and put the will into reinstating Gorey and Courtown as more than a sub-station of its neighbour in Enniscorthy.”

Enniscorthy town centre in the news

RAFTER STREET looking well today.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal Council meeting

Referring to the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan, which is now with An Bord Pleanála and the Part 8 planning process, Cllr Jackser Owens raised some concerns at today’s (Monday) meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the Council Chamber in the Presentation Centre. Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke presided.

Cllr Owens told the meeting that “taking out 23 parking places in Market Square is a bad decision, however Cllr Aidan Browne felt “it is a great plan, and we should be positive about it.”

Cllr Owens also raised concerns about the ‘pedestrianisation’ of Rafter Street from 10 am to 5.30pm daily. Cllr Owens noticed a lot of traffic using the street during the day and, not for the first time, he was critical of refuse vehicles removing ‘stinking rubbish’ while people were using outdoor facilities for their morning coffee and a chat. “It is disgraceful,” said Cllr Owens, who wondered; “When is the Council going to look at the situation and have it stopped.”

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan referred to “the rough surface” on Rafter Street and said; “it is dirty and should be cleaned.” Engineer Neville Shaw said the streets are given a major clean twice and year and the next scheduled clean is coming soon.

Rafter Street has been progressive in recent times. After 12 years dereliction at the old Dunnes Stores site, HomeSavers moved in there at the end of 2020, a new pharmacy opened, and along with a variety of long established businesses it is a busy and welcoming shopping environment.

There is also a pending population growth with the encouragement to target the reuse and refurbishment of vacant residential floors of mixed-use buildings and plans to re-populate ‘over the premises’ property in the town centre.

Safety concerns at school pencil bollards

Safety concerns expressed at Enniscorthy Municipal Council meeting over St Aidan’s Parish School pencil bollards on Convent Road.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal Council meeting

The Active Travel team who completed the ‘Safe Routes to School’ design and plans at St. Aidan’s Parish School is to be summoned before the next meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council to address concerns around the pencil bollards, which have become a feature at the school entrance recently.

The matter came before today’s (Monday) monthly meeting of the Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre when Cllr Jackser Owens submitted a motion calling “to have the barrier rails put back on the path outside St. Aidan’s Parish School.” Cllr Owens had raised the matter at the monthly meeting of Wexford County Council last week.

Cllr Owens said there were about 900 students in the school, he is unhappy about the pencil bollards, which are about one metre apart, and he called for the barrier, which he claims has been there for about 70 years, (???) to be put back in place.

Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke reminded the members that all six had agreed to the proposal at the November meeting, 2022, and said it was ‘a health and safety issue’. Back then the adoption of the plan was proposed by Cllr Owens and seconded by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and was accepted and financed under the Green Schools scheme supported by An Taisce, the National Transport Authority and Wexford County Council.

Cllr Aidan Browne spoke about safety outside the school and agreed “we did all vote for it.” Cllr Murphy added it was a “safety issue” and stated the barrier was removed to prevent a crush injury.

At this point, Cllr Cathal Byrne proposed to “bring the Active Travel team before the next meeting to address concerns. “Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan seconded.

The pencil shaped bollards were amongst the safety measures proposed for the school zone in the ‘Safe Routes to School at St. Aidan’s Parish School’ and it was claimed in the plan that “Pencil bollards on footpaths highlight the front of school and prevents parking on the footpaths.” It also proposed the replacement of guard rails at the front of school with narrow planters and pencil themed bollards.

The work has included the addition of speed ramps, raised pedestrian crossing, changes to the paving surface within the school zone, widening of footpaths, micro art on footpaths, the iconic pencil bollards, and a periodic speed limit of 30km/h on Convent Road.

Another double for Jack Hendrick

Runners taking the bend at picturesque Tinahely point-to-point races today.

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood, Tinahely

For the second successive day Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick has ridden a double, yesterday at Oldcastle, Co. Meath and today (Sunday) at the Bray Harriers point-to-point held in excellent weather conditions at Fairwood, Tinahely.

Hendrick was aboard The Jukebox Kid who made it easy in the heavy conditions to score by 16 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings for the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and Ballindaggin handler Cormac Doyle.

Monbeg Farm Racing, Cormac Doyle and Jack Hendrick shared the double success when Borna Gem came home two and a half lengths to the good in the mares’ maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards. Both winners are heading for the sales.

Jack Hendrick is now in third place with 13 winners for the season behind Barry O’Neill and Derek O’Connor.

The maiden race for four-year-olds concluded in an eight lengths victory for Heroes Rise handled by John Paul Brennan, Moonasootha, Camolin, running in the colours of Marie Brennan, and ridden by Tinahely rider James Walsh, who was bred next to the Fairwood track by P. Rothwell.

Portlaoise rider Holly Dunne will remember her trip to Tinahely, today, where she rode her first winner, Plan of Attack for Benjamin Halsall with two and a half lengths to spare.

Joanna Watson was also on the winner’s list. She partnered Wise Move for owner/handler John O’Donovan from Mallow and scored by four lengths in the Winners of Two race.

The maiden race for six-years-old and upwards geldings’ race was won by Ocodango Boy handled by Peter McCreery in Kildare and a third winner for Lee Shanahan, (21), from Tallaght, Dublin,

There was also a point-to-point in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary today where the father and son team of Liam Kenny, handler, and James Kenny, rider, Craanford, Gorey, were successful with newcomer Saint Malinas by two and a half lengths in the fibe-year-old geldings maiden race.