Rob James bags three at Ballycrystal

Peadar Mordaunt, Luke Murphy (rider), John Murphy (handler) with Committee Meeting following success in division one of the Goffs Punchestown Sales race at Ballycrystal point-to-point this afternoon.

By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal

The national point-to-point riders’ championship is really hotting up following today’s Island Hunt fixture at Ballycrystal where Rob James rode a treble and is now only one winner (26-25) behind the reigning champion Barry O’Neill in the 2023-’24 championship race. There were also doubles for local handlers Donnchadh Doyle and Matthew Flynn O’Connor who saddled his 25th career point-to-point winner.

The four-year-old mares maiden race was divided and the 16 lengths success of Fruit De Mer was the first leg of a double for the Donnchadh Doyle/Rob James team. Only two of the eight starters finished with Colin Bowe’s Paul Collins (Barry O’Neill up) filling the runner-up position.

The sale race was also divided and division one went to Committee Meeting for the father and son team of John and Luke Murphy from Inch, Gorey. Division two was the first leg of a double for local handler Matthew Flynn O’Connor when Rucker Road ridden by Brian Lawless took advantage by four lengths.

Flynn O’Connor and Lawless were in the winners’ enclosure half an hour later with Je Viens Du Large who had an amazing 56 lengths success as only two finished in the Winners of One race.

Peggy’s Rock (Michael Goff/Mikey Sweeney) led throughout the Open Lightweight Race confined to mares but made a mistake at the final obstacle and was caught at the finish by Millie Supreme – half a length in it – to complete a double for Donnchadh Doyle and Rob James.

The largest field of the day -15 – turned out in the maiden race for five and six-year-old maidens and victory for Cloonainra for handler David O’Brien from Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, and third winner of the afternoon for Rob James.

Derek O’Connor, who won the Foxhunters at Aintree on Thursday, scored on Kara Sacre for the Tipperary handler Sam Curling in division two of the maiden race for four-year-old mares. Six lengths the verdict.

Mickthesoldier was an eight lengths winner of the maiden race for six-year-olds for Denis Ahern of Dungourney, Co. Cork. This was a second point-to-point victory for Michael Kenneally, who had a spell as a flat jockey in the United Kingdom.

It was a good day’s racing, two divides, an 8-race card, the going was ‘soft to heavy’, a nice Saturday crowd and the Aintree Grand National was screened and enjoyed thanks to the Island Hunt team.

Fierce Wexford interest in today’s Aintree Grand National

PAUL HILLIS brought the Aintree Grand National Trophy to Wexford Racecourse following success in 2023. Seen here with track manager MICHAEL MURPHY. Will the trophy be back in the winners’ enclosure at Wexford following today’s big race? (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

The world famous Aintree Grand National takes place today with the big race off at 4pm and there is fierce Wexford interest from the Wexford-bred Corach Rambler attempting to win the race for the second time in a row while several Wexford-born jockeys will be lining up for what could be the greatest sporting day of their lives.

This year’s favourite is Corach Rambler (7/1, jockey Derek Fox), a winner a year ago, named after a well-known local soccer team by the River Corach, near Wellingtonbridge, the 10 year old son of Jeremy bred by Paul Hillis, from the Bannow Ballymitty area of south Wexford, who is a partner with three Scottish enthusiasts in a winning syndicate known as The Rambler.

Last year Corach Rambler succeeded in the world’s toughest steeplechase to a great reception and wearing the favourites tag, but the runner-up also had a Wexford connection. Vanillier was ridden by Sean Flanagan from Robinstown, New Ross. Vanillier (10/1) will line up this afternoon again with Flanagan in the saddle.

Other Wexford jockeys in action in the big race this afternoon includes Jordan Gainford, Caim, who takes the mount on front runner, Coko Beach (22/1); Panda Boy (10/1) is the mount of JJ Slevin, Caim, Enniscorthy, who won his second Irish Grand National a few weeks ago at Fairyhouse; and Sean O’Keeffe, Harveystown, Taghmon, is on the 50/1 outsider Adamantly Chosen.

London-based property millionaire and amateur jockey David Maxwell, 45, rides Ain’t That A Shame (40/1) trained by Henry de Bromhead in the neighbouring county of Waterford and he has very close Wexford connections. He is son of Judy Maxwell (née Spring), formerly of Ballinadara House, Enniscorthy, who was my neighbour in our school days, who married and settled in Downpatrick, Co. Down, a long number of years ago. Judy’s Dad, Julian Spring (1922-1987) was Master of the Bree Hunt for many years and he also hunted the Wexford’s and The Island.  

RNLI 200 Concert in the National Opera House

Pictured at the launch of RNLI 200 Concert; A Celebration of Volunteers, Their Families and the Community taking place in the National Opera House, Wexford, on May 23rd. (Pic; RNLI/Lorraine Galvin).

By Dan Walsh

RNLI 200 Concert is a special commemorative event marking the 200-year legacy of the RNLI and pays tribute to the brave volunteers who crew the boats, their families who make sacrifices, and the communities that support them. It takes place in the National Opera House, Wexford, on May 23rd next.

RNLI 200 promises to be an unforgettable journey through history, showcasing the courage and dedication of RNLI volunteers. The one night only spectacular will feature a diverse range of performances, including song, dance, spoken word, and video presentations.

Audiences will be treated to stories ranging from the foundation of the RNLI to epic rescues carried out by RNLI crews along the South East of Ireland, namely Courtown, Wexford, Rosslare Harbour, Kilmore Quay and Fethard RNLI.

Local talents such as George Lawlor, Tony Carthy, Chris Currid, The Craic Pots, Wexford School of Ballet and Performing Arts, and Dara Pierce Ballet Academy will grace the stage alongside nationally recognised artists like renowned piper Mark Redmond and tenor Glenn Murphy.
Under the baton of composer Liam Bates, the evening promises to be a symphony of emotion and celebration. Adding to the star-studded line-up, Celtic Thunder star Ryan Kelly and Celtic Woman star Chloe Agnew, and fresh from their sell out performance at the National Concert Hall, The Sea of Change Choir, will make a special guest appearance, with more surprise guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

RNLI 200 is set to captivate audiences with its blend of entertainment and heartfelt tribute. Proceeds from the event will go to the RNLI. Tickets for RNLI 200 are priced at €30 each and are available for purchase from www.nationaloperahouse.ie.

All set for Ballycrystal races on Saturday

By Dan Walsh

It’s all go for tomorrow’s point-to-point fixture at Ballycrystal, near Kiltealy, with 146 entries for the six races run under the auspices of the Island Hunt. The first race is at 2pm.

The going is described as “soft to heavy” and the weather forecast for the region is “mainly dry” on Saturday.

Island Hunt were due to unveil a new course at Peppards Castle, between Kilmuckridge and Ballygarrett on the east coast, but persistent heavy rainfall ruled out this exciting prospect and the fixture was switched to Ballycrystal.

The organisers are hoping for a good attendance, it is a strong programme, and a great day’s point-to-point is guaranteed.

Bishop prays for the farming community

By Dan Walsh

BISHOP of FERNS .BISHOP GER NASH.

Bishop Ger Nash has expressed his support and compassion for those in the farming community and other sectors who are experiencing difficulties because of the prolonged spell of poor weather.

He asks everyone in the Diocese of Ferns to join with him in praying for favourable weather and also in praying for all whose work or livelihoods depend on the weather conditions.

Bishop Nash’s prayers comes after nationwide media coverage was given to a Mass held in St. Brigid’s Church, on Monday evening with Very Rev. Joseph Power, parish priest presiding, and the congregation included The Reverend Canon Trevor Sargent, Rector of the Bunclody Union.

Fr. Power said a member of the public approached him to lead prayers over the wet weather situation. “The Mass was well attended and brought in a crowd from different faiths,” concluded Fr. Power.

Wexford faces serious coastal erosion issues

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Coastal erosion along the Wexford coastline is high on the agenda again following recent storms and persistent heavy rainfall and the difficulties affecting seaside communities was raised at last Monday’s April meeting of Wexford County Council held at County Hall, Wexford. Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach, presided.

During the recent Storm Kathleen, at Seaview, near Kilmore Quay, up to three metres of cliff disappeared into the sea! An access route serving Connibeg Cottages and Lismore Cottages, installed by Wexford County Council less than two years ago, is now out of commission because of erosion, while there are real worries about the future of the houses themselves.

Senior Engineer with Wexford County Council, Gerry  Forde said the average loss of coastline over the years was about half a metre per year, but in recent times this has increased significantly.

CLLR LISA McDONALD

“Over the weekend here, we lost about three metres at the edge of the access road and the access road to seven of the houses here has gone,” he said.

Storm activity during the last number of years has increased, bringing more erosion to soft coasts such as south Wexford.

Local Cllr Lisa McDonald told the meeting of Wexford County Council that the coastline is “very vulnerable due to the heavy storms hitting the southeast coast lately.” Cllr McDonald said; “Our coastline here is not rocky, it’s very vulnerable, it’s very soft, very soft soil. “We’ve been known for our golden beaches but now we’re seeing large chunks of our coastline being eaten up by each storm.”

Planning permission was granted to the council yesterday (Monday) for further rock armour work, to add to the protection work carried out two years ago, but it now needs to go to tender.

“The process is too slow,” Cllr McDonald said. “We need the OPW to keep the speed up because climate change has sped up and if it doesn’t keep pace with climate change, we’ll see large chunks disappear into the sea,” she added.

MINISTER PATRICK DONOVAN, CLLR JIM MOORE, CHAIR ROSSLARE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT, CLLR GER CARTHY and local residents at Seaview, Kilmore, today where severe coastal erosion has occurred. (PIC; OPW first published WexfordLocal.com November 2021).

On Monday, members agreed a proposed Part 8 planning development which involves “the protection of approximately 300 metres of cliff frontage at Seaview beach with integrated ramp access to the beach. This protection consists of rock armour revetment to the to the existing cliff face” and other works.

Cllr Ger Carthy felt that “we (the Council) are not taking coastal erosion seriously.”

Cllr McDonald said that access to the beach at Ballyhealy is gone and many more up the coast and she lamented “a lack of taking this seriously.”

Cllr Jim Moore said that Seaview has been a long-standing issue and he claimed, “there is a race against time to prevent making matters worse.” He continued; “Seaview is under threat. Neighbouring beaches are under threat. Repeated storms will put other people at risk. What is the Council going to do?”

Director of Services Carolyne Godkin appreciated what the members were saying, and the Council is engaging with multiple groups. “A temporary road has gone. The pinch point for access is under review at the moment.”

Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe said the Council will activate this scheme as quickly as possible. It will cost tens of millions of euro to get things done and Mr Taaffe confirmed that engineers have visited the scene.

Cllr Jim Codd raised issues around Cullenstown beach and Mr Taaffe recalled 25 years ago when he worked in coastal environment and is familiar with issues at Cullenstown beach.

Cllr Joe Sullivan told the meeting that Kilmichael, north of Courtown, has taken “a battering” and he felt there was no major plan for coastal erosion in North Wexford. “It is a large area of soft coastline, said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “Kilpatrick has lost 100 acres in the past 35 years.”  

Clonroche Amenity Park planting project 

At the Clonroche Amenity Park planting programme were (left to right); Front row; Kay Stafford, (Anchor) Jim Redmond, (Clonroche Development Association) Tom Furlong, (Clonroche Development Association) Richard Mulcahy, Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Michael Sheehan, New Ross Municipal District, Martin Kelly, (Clonroche Development Association), and Robert O’ Connor, Forestry Services. Back row; Philip Rossiter, (Anchor) and John Fitzpatrick (Anchor).

By Dan Walsh

Clonroche Amenity Park has been planted with 2,500 native trees in the company of Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Michael Sheehan, New Ross Municipal District, members of Clonroche Development Association, members of the local community, Richard Mulcahy and representatives from the Forestry Services were in attendance.

Cllr John Fleming welcomed all and said; “It was great to see Clonroche Amenity Park planted with native trees as part of the 100 million Trees project.” He thanked the Clonroche Development Association, Richard Mulcahy, Wexford County Council and Uniphar for making this project happen. He paid a special word of thanks to all in the local community for their commitment and dedication in keeping the park and the village of Clonroche looking so well’. 

Richard Mulcahy said; “We are delighted to partner with Clonroche Development Association and bring the total number of young native trees planted to just over 200,000 across 99 sites.” He thanked Uniphar for their sponsorship for the 2023 / 2024 planting season and stated that the planting in Clonroche Amenity Park will provide so many benefits to the local community and for biodiversity. 

McDonald addresses mental health and agriculture at Ard Fheis

By Dan Walsh

Two motions centered around Youth Mental Health and Agriculture submitted by Local Election candidate Darragh McDonald through the Gorey branch of Fine Gael were passed at the parties Ard Fheis held in Galway last weekend.

DARRAGH McDONALD A candidate for Gorey district in the forthcoming Local Elections who addressed delegates at last weekend’s Fine Gael Ard Fheis in Galway.

The first motion was heard at the Building Healthy Communities Session and called on the government to address Youth Suicide in Ireland and to standardise mental health education in schools.

Mr McDonald said “mental health challenges and suicide is on the rise in this country. We need to acknowledge that we have not done enough to address this and must urgently put in place the proper supports to both fix the backlogs in our professional mental health services, and improve education so we can help identify when we ourselves, our friends and our family need professional help.”

The second motion was heard at the Agriculture and Food Session and called on the government to recognise the increased pressure on small and medium sized farms to make a living. The motion also called for a change in approach towards Ireland’s agricultural community with a focus on streamlining regulatory reporting and simplifying incentives for investments in green technology.

“We need to recognise and respect our agricultural community including farmers and contractors. I’m no farmer, but from canvassing throughout North Wexford, I’ve had the pleasure of talking to many who work in the sector. What I’ve seen is a community passionate about our land and their work and, who are far more in touch with the environment than I could ever hope to be,” said Mr McDonald.

Speaking on a potential General Election run on June 7th next, Mr McDonald told WexfordLocal.com; “I want to go where I can best represent the people of Gorey and North Wexford. My priority is the local elections, without success in them there is no general election run for me. Like in sport, there are steps in qualifying for the biggest events. Anyone who thinks you can or should go straight to the top without first proving yourself to the electorate is very naive, that type of politics belongs in another generation.”

Numerous ‘misleading’ letters creates anger in Kilmuckridge

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting

The monthly meeting is centre stage for Wexford County Council, but today’s (Monday) renewal at County Hall, Wexford, exploded into a tense verbal battle between the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District when Cllr Pip Breen, the current district chair raised a matter that “reflected badly on the members of Gorey Municipal District.

Cllr Breen told the meeting that “we had our meeting on the 26th of March and the next morning numerous letters went into the Kilmuckridge district telling people what they received on headed note paper by the Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin and it was totally erroneous and misleading, telling people they got money they had requested, not what they were granted.

CLLR PIP BREEN Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

Cllr Breen continued; “That fact that it only went out in the (Kilmuckridge) distrct – it didn’t go to Gorey – I’m deeply disappointed at what has happened. I have spoken to my two colleagues in the Kilmuckridge district and they have all got complaints from the people who were affected by this. I think an explanation is needed! Fionntán Ó Súilleabhaáin has been a councillor for 10 years, he should have known better than to send out letters that are totally erroneous.”

Cllr Mary Farrell concurred with Cllr Breen and stated that numerous groups were informed they had received huge amounts of money. “They were thrilled and looking forward to spending the money and suddenly it wasn’t there,” said Cllr Farrell, who was supported by Cllr Oliver Walsh who was disappointed that “what should have been a good news story for Kilmuckridge district was turned into a bad news story.”

CLLR FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN Leas-Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

Cllr Ó Súilleabhain, who is recovering from the flu and was speaking via zoom, gave a detailed explanation saying he did not sign as “Leas-Cathaoirleach”, had a busy day, was working on two separate Excel spread sheets on a screen and made a genuine mistake. Many people in this room make mistakes.”

He continued; “I apologised immediately to the five groups concerned and a letter of apology has been sent out and I apologise here again today” he also added that he had received insulting phone calls.

But the matter didn’t end there. Cllr Breen, supported by Cllr Farrell disputed that five groups were contacted and put the number at 20. “You have broken a serious code of ethics,” stated Cllr Breen.

Cllr Farrell said it was disingenuous and point scoring to say that there was an election coming up, but suggested that maybe the councillor was being “fearful of his opponents.”

Cllr Willie Kavanagh stated that he had received phone calls from about ten organisations and added; “I think this is a serious breach of protocol that should be reported to SIPO for investigation.”

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming concluded that “this was a good story that turned into a bad story. I am very disappointed.”   

“I have already apologised three times,” added Cllr Ó Súilleabhain.

War Exhibition opens at County Hall today

By Dan Walsh

An Exhibition titled The War of Independence and Civil War in County Wexford opens today (Monday) in The Street at County Hall, Wexford, and will be available until May 3rd and can be viewed during office hours.

The Civil War in Ireland ended on May 24th, 1923, following five years of unrest and political, economic and social turmoil. People lost their lives, their family and friends, property and way of life.

CLLR GER CARTHY

This exhibition commissioned by Wexford County Council Library Service and scripted by Celestine Murphy, historian, traces the progression to the War of Independence and Civil War in County Wexford.

The Leas Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy told WexfordLocal.com; “I’m delighted to bring this exhibition, “The War of Independence and Civil War in County Wexford’ here to County Hall. This new information collected provides new evidence to add to the historical record of County Wexford. And as important, it also gives 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.”

This exhibition is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 initiative.

For further information, visit the exhibition at Wexford County Hall or contact the Local Studies Librarian at 053 919 6330 or libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie