€23.7m to build 60 homes in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has been awarded funding approval of €23.7 million for 60 homes at a 3.5-acre greenfield site in Killeens on the outskirts of Wexford town.

The name of the development is An Roschoill, named after a copse or ‘a small group of trees.’

A high-quality streetscape has been developed, with 3 storey houses facing Min Ryan Park, forming a built edge to the park. Sustainable Urban Drainage systems will be used throughout the site, to reduce the impact of surface water and increase biodiversity.

Speaking at the announcement Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan commented; “This is a very significant investment in Housing in County Wexford.  I look forward to this and more projects like it and the positive impact it will have on families in the county.”

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe said; “This landmark scheme represents a significant drive forward in housing delivery in Wexford. These 60 homes will be extremely energy efficient, high quality and will create a sustainable community on this important site. Min Ryan Park is a key amenity and this development will strengthen and enhance the built environment surrounding the park.”

JAMES BROWNE TD. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said “We are now delivering social and affordable homes at a scale not seen since the 1970’s, but supply is key. That’s why I am ensuring that this Government is investing record money to ensure local authorities like Wexford County Council have the resources to build the new social and affordable homes we need locally.

“This project in the wonderful local area in Killeens is exactly the kind of development we want to see happening across the country – high-quality local authority new build homes. I commend Wexford County Council for their work on it, and I’m delighted that this significant government funding can now help to make these homes a reality,” concluded Minister Browne.  

This is the largest ever investment by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under the SHIP (Social Housing Investment Programme) scheme in County Wexford.

This pilot social housing scheme uses an innovative high-density, low-rise typology in line with the governments’ Sustainable and Compact Settlement guidelines.  It will deliver a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed units, creating a sustainable community and high quality, energy efficient homes.

All of the properties have own door access and 20% of the units are adaptable lifetime homes. The development will comprise 12 x 1 bed units, 24 x 2 bed units, and 24 x 3 bed units.

The project has been designed by Shay Cleary Architects and Cullen Payne Architects.

Lone sailor rescued off Kilmore Quay

KILMORE QUAY RNLI LIFEBOAT launches and takes to the sea. (File Pic; RNLI/Dave Moloney)

By Dan Walsh

Kilmore Quay RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat launched early today on Monday morning to assist a lone sailor aboard a 12-metre yacht experiencing engine failure.

At the request of the Coast Guard, the volunteer crew launched at 3.21 am to assist a lone sailor when his yacht experienced engine failure approximately nine nautical miles south-east of Kilmore Quay.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 3.54 am. Sea conditions at the time were described as moderate. Weather conditions were good, cloudy with westerly wind Force 5 to 6.

Having checked the person on board was safe and well, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the yacht back to the nearby harbour at Kilmore Quay arriving at 05.47 am.

Speaking following the call out, Eddie Byrne, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said; “We would like to commend the sailor for raising the alarm when they knew they were in difficulty. It is always the right thing to do, and we wish them well on their onward journey.”

Remembrance Day in Gorey

Pictured at the Remembrance Day Service in Christ Church, Gorey, on Sunday were (left to right); Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, Melanie O’Reilly, Honorary Consul, French Embassy, for Wexford, Verona Murphy TD, and Ceann Comhairle Dáil Éireann, and Cllr Darragh McDonald, Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

By Dan Walsh

The annual Remembrance Day Service took place in Christ Church, Gorey, yesterday (Sunday) conducted by The Venerable Mark Hayden, Rector of Gorey Group of Parishes.

Music was provided by the Arklow Shipping Silver Band and St. Michael’s Pipe Band, Gorey.

The attendance included Superintendent David O’Sullivan, Sergeant Evelyn Redden and Inspector Darragh Jennings from An Garda Siochána, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, Barry Brennan TD, Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge District Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen and Cllr Darragh McDonald, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and representing the French Embassy this year, Wexford-based Honorary Consul, Melanie O’Reilly.

There was representation from the IUNVA (Irish United Nations Veterans Association) Post 3, Gorey, NWSPCA (North Wexford Society for the Protection of Animals), and large support from the public. The church was packed for the ceremonial occasion.

‘They shall not grow old as we grow old: age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them…. When you go home, tell them of us and say; for your tomorrow, we gave our today.’

Families triumph at New Ross races

Jumping the fences at picturesque Knockmullen House races near New Ross today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Knockmullen House, New Ross

Favorable conditions marked today’s Wexford Hunt point-to-point at Knockmullen House, New Ross, where smaller stables enjoyed success and two families made lasting memories.

Sometimes the best is left till last! Such was the outcome of the concluding maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards contest for geldings confined to novice riders that ended in a family fairytale when Erigmoor scored by nine lengths and provided Blackwater rider Jamie McCarthy, (19), with his first point-to-point success. Owned by his mother, Shirley McCarthy, and handled by his father, David V. O’Brien the success was warmly greeted. Jamie rides out with Michael Goff (who had a winner at Dromahane today) who was present to witness Jamie’s first success, and he paid tribute via WexfordLocal.com saying; “Jamie rides out with us. He is a lovely young lad. We are all delighted for him.” 

JAMIE McCARTHY from Blackwater rides his first winner. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

James Walsh from Tinahely rode his 80th career point-to-point winner on Honey Come Quick in the maiden race for mares five-years-old and upwards. Bred by his owner, Seamus Osborne from Carnew, and handled by his son, Sean Osborne, it was a popular family success, and the connections were delighted.

Eamonn Doyle from Ballindaggin is only in his second season as a handler, but he saddled his 10th winner when Rob James booted home Kenzo Des Bruyeres to impressive 18 lengths victory in the Winners of One Race. “He will go for ‘a winners’ if not sold,” said the handler afterwards.

Aidan Fitzgerald who trains at Borris in neighbouring Carlow supplied the winner of the maiden race for four-year-old mares, Queens Charm ridden by Troy Walsh. “She worked at home brilliantly. I think she is very good. We waited for the soft ground. The track is in great condition. She is off to the sales now,” said Fitzgerald afterwards.

Wicklow rider Brian Lawless enjoyed a double aboard Jardin De Tunis for Ballycrystal handler Matthew Flynn O’Connor in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and Grey Balls Of Fire owned and bred by Maurice Sheehy from Wicklow and handled by Dominic Sheehy by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Dominic Sheehy, (31), worked in the film industry in Canada, before turning his hand to training and Grey Balls Of Fire was his first winner. His stables are at his father, Maurice Sheehy’s place at Ballyfree House in Glenealy, Co. Wicklow.

More point-to-point action at Dromahane, Co. Cork, this afternoon and two Wexford handled winners. Harly Dunne, who enjoyed success at Quakerstown with Port and Brandy on Saturday made it a ‘double’ for the weekend when Emiko ridden by Frankie Murphy scored by 14 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.

Two newcomers fought out the finish of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings with Red Acres Max, from Michael Goff’s Ferns stables getting the better of Colin Bowe’s Soul Asylum by ‘a head’. The handler’s son Harry Goff was on the winner while his neighbour, Bertie Finn, was on the runner-up.

Point-to-pointing returns to the South-East next Sunday when the Wicklow Hunt races are scheduled for Fairwood, Tinahely. Entries close on Tuesday.

93 entries for Sunday’s New Ross races

By Dan Walsh

Point-to-point races at Knockmullen House on Sunday.

Ninety-three entries are set for the six scheduled Wexford Hunt point-to-point races at Knockmullen House, New Ross, tomorrow (Sunday).

The first race is off at 12.30pm.

Latest news on the going is “Soft, yielding to soft in places.”

The card consists of five maiden races, including one confined to novice riders, and a Winner of One race.

Racing took place at Quakerstown, Co. Clare today (Saturday). Dawn Of Light, bred, owned and handled by Richard Busher, Kilmore, scored a 20 lengths victory in the four-year-old mares maiden race ridden by Josh Berry.

There was also success for Harley Dunne. He saddled Port and Brandy ridden by Frankie Murphy, winner of the maiden race for five-year-old mares plus. Two and a half lengths the verdict.

€230m Terminal 7 opens at Rosslare Europort

CUTTING THE RIBBON at the opening of Terminal 7 at Rosslare Europort this morning were (left to right); Deputy Verona Murphy TD, Minister James Browne TD, Minister Jack Chambers TD, Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and Cllr Ger Carthy, Chairman of Rosslare Municipal District Council. (Pic; OPW).

By Dan Walsh

The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER), Jack Chambers TD, together with Kevin “Boxer” Moran TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), attended the official opening of the new Customs and Border Control Complex at Rosslare Europort this morning.

The construction of the new complex, referred to as Terminal 7, is one of the biggest capital infrastructure projects of its kind delivered in Ireland. The final cost of the project, which has been delivered on time and to budget, will be in the order of €230 million. The new facility will handle post-Brexit checks on goods coming into the country from outside the EU.

The project consists of the construction of 34 new buildings, including the replacement of temporary infrastructure and processing facilities which have been in place since new regulations came into effect with Brexit at the beginning of 2021.

Speaking at the official opening today, Minister Chambers said, “Critically, this essential new infrastructure guarantees Ireland stable and continued access through Rosslare to the EU single market and its population of 450 million people.”

This project was developed on behalf of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Health/Health Service Executive and the Department of Justice/An Garda Síochána, together with facilities provided for Iarnród Eireann.

Book launch marks Bunclody church 250th anniversary.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, BUNCLODY. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

St. Mary’s Church of Ireland in Bunclody is marking its 250th anniversary this Friday evening with a Choral Evensong in the church at 6.30pm. Afterwards, a book launch will take place at 7pm in the adjacent Sunday School.

To commemorate the occasion, the church asked Oliver Deacon to write a detailed history. His book, Celebrating 250 Years; St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Bunclody, Co. Wexford, will be launched by Professor Kevin Whelan of Clonegal and the University of Notre Dame.

Right Reverend Canon Trevor Sargent, Rector of Bunclody Union of Parishes, will chair the event. Everyone is invited, and the publication will be available at a discounted price, followed by a reception.

Celebrating 250 Years; St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Bunclody, Co. Wexford by Oliver Deacon will be available for purchase at the launch for a special introductory price of €20. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go directly to the Church Spire Repair Fund.

BRIEF HISTORY; Newtownbarry (the old name for Bunclody) was constituted a parish on May 3rd, 1776, when 22 townlands were taken out of Templehambo.

On May 4th, 1770, the Hon. Barry Barry give a lease of one acre for a churchyard for the parish. A church was built at that time and was subsequently enlarged. Afterwards additions were made to the memory of the Hall-Dare family at nearby Newtownbarry House, who also presented a new organ.

Another significant occurrence happened on June 28th, 1802, when John Barry gave a fee farm grant for the parish at a yearly rent and the Glebe House was built there in 1808.

Source; Ferns Clergy and Parishes by Rev. James B. Leslie published by The Church of Ireland Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd, DUBLIN, 1936.

Death of Enniscorthy based businessman

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy is mourning the sudden passing of Biju Varavumkal Sreedharan, an Indian-born businessman in his mid-50s who founded The Holy Grail culinary group in Co. Wexford.

BIJU VARAVUMKAL SREEDHARAN

Biju’s culinary journey began in 1992 at the Taj Group of Hotels, a prestigious 5-star hotel chain in India. He spent several years honing his craft there before moving to Saudi Arabia, where he worked at the Hayatt Group for five years.

Biju then moved to Ireland, where he has spent the last 20 years refining his skills and sharing his passion for fusion cuisine with diners.

He initially founded the renowned The Holy Grail brand in Ballindaggin village. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Head Chef at 13, Market Square, Enniscorthy, where he maintained a daily presence. Additionally, he owned restaurants in Bunclody, Wexford town, Gorey, and New Ross.

A highly experienced and regarded chef he was known for creating fusion dishes, enriched by knowledge gathered during his culinary career which began in India and spanned over 30 years.

Beyond his culinary work, Biju served as President of the Enniscorthy Indian Association and supported various organisations, including Kerala House and Barntown Badminton Club.

Ar dhéis De go raibh a h-anam.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Bijumon Varavumkal Sreedharan, Pottersway, Carley’s Bridge, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford ​​​​​​​& The Holy Grail Bar and Restaurant, Enniscorthy. Biju passed away on 4th November 2025 unexpectedly at his home. Dearly loved husband of Bindu. Father of Aswin and Archana. Cherished son of Screedharan and Amninni and much loved brother of Manoj, Bino and Shijo. Sadly missed by his loving family, relatives, friends and colleagues.

Reposing in Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy(Y21 H3K5) tomorrow (Saturday) from 2o’ clock to 7 o’clock. Repatriation to India will take place following this where his Funeral Service will be held.

Enniscorthy hosts Wexford Chamber Summit

By Dan Walsh

Excitement is growing ahead of the County Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit, scheduled for Thursday, November 20th at the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy.

This flagship event is set to bring together some of Ireland’s most influential business leaders for a day of insight, inspiration, and connection.

Hosted by well-known broadcaster and barrister Ciara Doherty, the summit will feature a compelling programme designed to explore the future of leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on strategic leadership, innovation, and people management from a diverse range of speakers and panellists.

One of the highlights of the day will be a fireside chat on Strategic Leadership in an AI Environment, featuring the General Manager of a leading global technology company. This session promises to offer timely insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping leadership across industries.

The first panel discussion, titled “Leading Through People: Retention, Culture and Capability,” will include contributions from Professor Veronica Campbell, President of South East Technological University; Geraldine Heavey, Executive Director of Enterprise Services at ESB; Wexford native Eamonn Sinnott, former General Manager of Intel Ireland; and Dan Barry, Regional Director for the Southern Region at Enterprise Ireland. Together, they will explore how organisations can build strong cultures and retain top talent in today’s competitive landscape.

The second panel, “Leading Through Innovation: Tech, Trade and Transition”, will feature Joanne Somers, Managing Director of Johnsons Celtic Linen; Chris Parle, Commercial Director of Midland Tyre Services; Brian O’Neill, Head of Direct Insurance at Zurich Insurance; and Leanne Davey, Senior Director of Clinical Product Solutions at Waters Technologies. This discussion will focus on how businesses can embrace innovation and navigate change in a global marketplace.

The summit will also shine a spotlight on two standout local enterprises. Kent Stainless will be showcased for its strength in steel manufacturing, while Stafford Irish Spirits will share its story of growth and opportunity in the drinks sector.

In addition to the thought-provoking sessions, attendees will enjoy a two-course lunch, wine tasting with The Old Roots, networking opportunities, and prize-giving. The event is proudly sponsored by ESB and County Wexford Chamber Skillnet.

Tickets are priced at €80 for Chamber members and €100 for non-members, and can be booked online at www.countywexfordchamber.ie

Rosslare–Fishguard twinning agreement

Rosslare Municipal District Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ger Carthy, and Fishguard & Goodwick Mayor, Cllr William Shaw, have formally entered into a twinning agreement between Rosslare and Fishguard & Goodwick in Wales.

By Dan Walsh

Since the Fishguard-Rosslare ferry began in 1906, the Wales-Ireland route has thrived, connecting communities and families on the popular and historic 54-mile Irish Sea crossing.

And a new chapter of friendship has developed. Rosslare Municipal District Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ger Carthy, and Fishguard & Goodwick Mayor, Cllr William Shaw, have formally entered into a twinning agreement. This partnership will enable both portside communities to collaborate on a range of projects over the coming years.

Culturally both towns share a rich heritage that is worth celebrating and sharing, from traditional festivals to local arts and music scenes there will be numerous opportunities for cultural exchange that can enrich the lives of both.

The objective of the twinning relationship is for the provision of the conditions for the development of mutually beneficial co-operation between the public, community and business entities in their areas, with a particular consideration for institutions, which are involved in fostering culture.

Cllr Ger Carthy stated; “The proposal to formally twin Rosslare Municipal District with Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council is an exciting step towards fostering a deeper connection between the two communities. By building on the already strong relations between the councils, this twinning aims to promote cultural exchanges, educational initiatives, and shared tourism ventures that can enrich both regions.”

The agreement was signed on board the Stena Nordica on the Irish Sea as a delegation including Cllrs Ger Carthy and Jim Codd, Nóirín Cummins, District Manager, and other Rosslare Municipal District officials along with members of the Kilmore Scouts voyaged between Rosslare and Fishguard.

The delegation also participated in the annual commemoration to remember the lives that were lost at sea on the SS St Patrick on the morning of June 13th 1941 when bombed by a German plane 15 miles off the Welsh coast.

Poignant ceremonies were held both in Fishguard and aboard the Stena Nordica and included the symbolic gesture of dropping wreaths into the sea, serving as a tribute to the souls lost in the tragic sinking of the vessel.