Wexford stables enjoy Sunday success

By Dan Walsh

Three Wexford handlers saddled a winner apiece at today’s (Sunday) point-to-point at Cragmore, Co. Limerick and Barry O’Neill extends his lead in the national point-to-point rider’s championship.

SEAN STAPLES rode his 25th point-to-point winner today at Limerick.

Matthew Flynn O’Connor sent Boombox Baby from his Ballycrystal stables in the maiden race for five-year-old mares’ and with Wicklow rider Brian Lawless in the saddle the combination were victorious by four lengths.

The team of Caitriona Goff and Clondaw, Ferns, handler Michael Goff were in jubilant mood as their grey newcomer Clondaw Warrior scored a three and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Michael Sweeney was in the saddle and the sales ring is the next engagement.

Sean Staples from Duncormick celebrated his 25th career success on newcomer Mad Mag for the Blackhall Partnership Stables and handler, Paul Martin Pierce, Blackhall Stud, Killurin, with a one length victory in the maiden race for mares aged six-years-old and older. A winner’s race is likely next on the cards for Mad Mag.

Champion rider Barry O’Neill had one of the easiest winners of his long and successful career – an incredible 64 lengths – on Ramillies for David Christie in the Open Race. The Cheltenham Foxhunters Chase is the main target for Ramillies, but a run in the Naas Foxhunters race is his next task.

Next Sunday’s point-to-point action takes place at Ballinaboola under the auspices of the Wexford Foxhounds and the first race is off at 1.30pm.

Two crashes on Wexford roads

By Dan Walsh

Three people were brought to Wexford General Hospital following a road traffic collision on the N25 at Drinagh shortly after 8pm last evening (Saturday). Three vehicles were involved.

One man was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in County Wexford.

Gardai also attended a separate road traffic collision on the R733 between the Mountain Bar and the crossroads at Redshire Road, outside Wexford town, which occurred at approximately 11.30pm last night (Saturday).

The collision involved a single motorcycle. The male driver (30s) of the motorcycle was seriously injured. He was taken to Wexford General Hospital where his condition is described as ‘critical’.

Investigations are ongoing.

Wexford success up in Down

By Dan Walsh

BARRY O’NEILL

Clearistown handler Mark Scallan saddled his first winner of the season when Break the Boundary, running in the colours of Laura Scallan, came home one and a half lengths to the good in division two of the gelding’s maiden race for five-year-olds at Tyrella, near Downpatrick, Co. Down, today (Saturday).

Ridden by Tiernan Power Roche, Tomhaggard, Break the Boundary held off Jubilant for the Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neill team to make a Wexford stables one-two, and Bowe/O’Neill were also runners-up in division one with Duffry Trixs beaten three-quarters of a length by a local first timer named Ballybrittas.

Barry O’Neill also recorded a winner today. He was aboard Gordon Elliott’s Battleoverdoyen in the Open Race and celebrated with a three lengths victory.

Australian ambassador enjoys visit to Gorey

Yorkshire UK-born Australian Ambassador to Ireland Gary Gray receives a special painting of Poulshone beach sourced at The Gaslamp Gallery, Esmonde St., Gorey, to mark his visit to Gorey by the Wexford County Chamber President Lorcan Kinsella. (Pic; County Wexford Chamber).

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber have informed WexfordLocal.com that they were delighted to host the Australian Ambassador to Ireland, the Honourable Gary Gray, and his wife Pippa at The Hatch Lab, Gorey, last Monday.

“The visit was an excellent opportunity to showcase the diverse range of businesses thriving in County Wexford,” said the Chamber communications department, who added; “During their tour, the Ambassador and his wife had the pleasure of meeting key figures from various sectors, fostering connections and sharing insights.

The attendance included Lorcan Kinsella, President of County Wexford Chamber and Deputy CEO Deirdre O’Flynn and Senator Malcolm Byrne, who facilitated the meeting.

A special thanks is extended to the distinguished guests: Seamus McGuinness CEO, Prim-Ed Publishing, New Ross; Niall Byrne, NMB Architects Ltd, Enniscorthy; Malachy McGlynn Head of Operations, Kersia, Wexford Aquatabs; John O’Connor, CEO The Hatch Lab, Gorey, and Maeve Dunne, Independent Data Protection Officer, MdDm.ie.

“Of note is the commitment to fostering international relations, as plans are underway to introduce local businesses and County Wexford Chamber to Chamber of Commerce in Perth and Western Australia.

“This exchange of ideas and experiences will undoubtedly lead to exciting opportunities on both sides of the globe and the County Wexford Chamber extends its gratitude to the Australian Ambassador and his wife for their visit and look forward to strengthening these newfound connections for the benefit of County Wexford’s business community.”

Other details of Mr. Gray’s visit are sketchy, but he was met by Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, and Philip Knight, District Manager, at Gorey Council Chamber. He also met with Alice Doyle, newly elected Deputy Vice-President of the Irish Farmer’s Association, and visited Gorey Central School, Naomh Éanna GAA Club. Later in the day he attended Wexford County Council buildings in Carricklawn, Wexford.

Plans for Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Committee will hold an open meeting this evening (Tuesday 23rd January) at 6pm in the Enniscorthy Municipal District Offices, Market Square. 

New committee members are needed to help organise the festival and new ideas are welcome. 

“We need your support, and we need our community to come on board. Please come along and help make it a great St. Patrick’s Day for Enniscorthy,” said a spokesperson for the committee.

Tonight’s water restrictions in Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

ENNISCORTHY (File Pic).

Night-time water restrictions will be in place in Enniscorthy from 11pm tonight (Monday) until 7am tomorrow morning (Tuesday, January 23rd) and these restrictions are essential to maintain a daytime supply following operational difficulties due to the recent cold weather. 

With the freezing temperatures in recent days replaced by much milder conditions over the weekend, the rapid thaw has led to a further increase in leaks and bursts throughout the network. Areas particularly affected include: Enniscorthy, Gorey Regional, Wexford town, South Regional, Sow, New Ross, Fardystown. Uisce Éireann appealing to the public to report leaks and help reduce water loss to protect local supplies in Wexford.

The public can help too by checking any property under their responsibility for burst pipes and leaks, and reporting leaks in public areas so that repairs can be prioritised. In particular, people are asked not to leave taps running and fix dripping or leaking taps. 

Regional Operations Manager Jim Fitzgerald told WexfordLocal.com; “Water is a precious resource that must go through a complex and costly treatment process before it is safe to drink. Our crews are on the ground working to tackle leaks and we are asking the public for their support by preventing avoidable loss of water.”

Report any leaks in the public network to Uisce Éireann’s customer care centre or on water.ie, so that we can prioritise repairs and dispatch crews to carry out critical repairs.

Fishing vessel in trouble off Baginbun Head

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on Friday morning at 11.11am to assist a broken down 24-ft fishing vessel.

FETHARD RNLI Lifeboat (File Pic RNLI)

The volunteer crew made their way to Baginbun Head in force 3/4 winds and choppy sea conditions.

After assessing the situation and learning that the boat had suffered a gearbox problem, the Helm of the lifeboat, Thomas Stafford, decided that the safest course of action was to tow the boat, with the crew onboard, to the safety of Fethard Harbour.

Speaking after the call out, Volunteer Deputy Launch Authority Pete Barry said; “The crew went to sea, well prepared, with a means to call for assistance. It shows the importance of having the right equipment to call for help when you see someone in trouble on the water or you are in difficulties yourself. The number to dial is 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Great opportunities in the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency?

By Dan Walsh

Gorey-based Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne has become the first candidate to declare his intention to contest the next General Election in the newly created south Wicklow-north Wexford constituency with Arklow and Gorey as the biggest towns and three Dáil Éireann seats to be decided.

The new Wicklow-Wexford constituency announcement has been heavily criticised by locals in Wicklow and Wexford and by public representatives and some TD’s who argue that it is unfair due to the large area that will be represented by three TD’s and there is further anger that Co. Wexford will be divided into ‘north’ and ‘south’ and the effects it will have on Local Authority decisions in both counties and on those who will find themselves representing the electorate in different constituencies!

However, Senator Byrne feels “it can be a positive thing,” and speaking to BreakingNews.ie said; “I think it presents a new opportunity. There are lots of common issues between the people in both Wicklow and Wexford” and he believes “there was a logic to the decision of the Independent Electoral Commission.

“I certainly think for people in Arklow, Gorey, all the villages and rural communities right across the new constituency, there is a new opportunity there. It’s important that we elect representatives that can be effective at national level to raise issues of concern to our communities, and I hope to be one of them,” said Senator Byrne.

SENATOR MALCOLM BYRNE

Swinging into election mode, Senator Byrne, said; “The reason I’m running is I’ve been involved in organisations in the community all my life and I believe that I understand both the urban and rural needs of the new constituency,” and he added; “My first step is to hopefully secure the nomination of my party to contest that, and if successful, to convince the people of south Wicklow and north Wexford to support me.”

Apparently, Senator Byrne has chosen to focus on the next General Election despite having being nominated by his Fianna Fáil colleagues for the European Elections in June. He wants to focus on the new constituency of Wicklow and Wexford!

“It’s a big area, and as people who live here know, after the last General Election there was no TD elected form the south Wicklow or north Wexford areas. Geography obviously matters, but I think what’s particularly important is that whoever we elect can perform at a national level, being able to enact legislation that makes a difference in the country but to also represent the area effectively.”

“In the case of Arklow, with the wastewater works currently being completed, there is huge potential for that town to grow rapidly now as well,” said Senator Byrne, who added; “Ensuring that we get the matching services for both Gorey and Arklow with that rapid growth is vital. We also must balance that with the needs of a lot of the rural communities and villages like Kilmuckridge, Bunclody, Ferns and Carnew, they will continue to need investment and sustainable rural communities.”

Road collision in Castlebridge village

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí in Wexford are seeking information about a serious single-vehicle road traffic collision that occurred in Castlebridge Village, on Saturday.

Shortly after 7pm, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted after a car left the road and struck a wall on the R741 at Castlebridge.

The sole occupant of the car, a 30-year-old male, was seriously injured in the collision. He was taken from the scene by ambulance and is currently receiving treatment at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. No other persons were injured.

Investigating Gardaí appeal to anyone with dash cam footage or who witnessed the collision to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station at 053 9165200 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

Rob James ‘winning in the rain’ at Ballycrystal

By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal

Weather conditions were atrocious at the Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point fixture at Ballycrystal today, but it didn’t bother local rider Rob James who was thrilled with a treble while a few local handlers also triumphed in the wet and windy conditions that never relented during the six races.

ROB JAMES enjoying the wet and windy conditions at Ballycrystal today after he rode three winners at his local track.

James got his winning streak off to a perfect start on Little Miller in the Aidan Byrne colours handled locally by Robert Tector at Coolbawn, Rathnure in the maiden race for five-year-old mares by one and a half lengths holding off Matthew Flynn O’Connor’s Jewel of Windsor (Brian Lawless up).

Matthew Flynn O’Connor, on whose family land the races were run, and rider Brian Lawless had compensation for the first race runner-up position in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings when Melbourne Shamrock scored by one length.

Donnchadh Doyle’s Monbeg stables, just down the road from the Ballycrystal was in great form with a double success, both ridden by Rob James. Millie Supreme did the business by eight lengths in the maiden race for six year olds and upwards, and Patriotik was first home as only two finishers survived in the maiden race for five-year-old and upwards confined race. An easy 20 lengths were the verdict.

Denis Murphy from Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, was also on the winners’ list. He saddled Backinaction in the maiden race for geldings aged six years and older and with Jack Hendrick, Mayglass, in the saddle they shared a four lengths victory.

Toni Quail, who is associated with the Colin Bowe stables was given the leg up on Sam Curling’s De Nordener and enjoyed a six lengths success in the Winners of Two race. The Ladies Cup at the Punchestown festival in the Spring is a future target for De Nordener.

Only two races were run before today’s point-to-point at Carrigarostig, Co. Cork, was called off due to severe weather conditions and both prizes were collected by Wexford stables.

Bluey, handled by Billy Codd, Churchtown, Mayglass, and running in the colours of his daughter-in-law, Robyn Codd, was impressive when scoring by 11.5 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old mares. A second career winner for rider Shane Cotter.

Timesareachanging scored by three quarters of a length in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings for the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd team, handled by Colin Bowe and ridden by Bertie Finn, Oulart, who has now lost his five-pound claim.

Barry O’Neill was involved in today’s early action at Ballycrystal ahead of packing his saddle and riding boots and dashing to Thurles racecourse where he enjoyed an eight lengths victory on Ferns Lock (8/15 fav.) for David Christie in the hunter chase.