CFR response to serious incidents in Enniscorthy town

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy Civil Defence and Enniscorthy Red Cross volunteers have amalgamated to establish a Community First Responder (CFR) Group for Enniscorthy town.

The group consists of trained volunteers from both organisations who will respond to cardiac arrest and choking incidents in Enniscorthy town. The group is made up of volunteers who are first aid trained and is a joint initiative of the two organisations who are working closely with the National Ambulance Service (NAS).

Jonathan Lynch said; “The National Ambulance Service is delighted to work with Wexford Civil Defence and Enniscorthy Red Cross to bring

a Community First Responder scheme to the town. We are grateful to the volunteer members who have given so freely of their time in preparation for this and upon activation will join over 260 other first responder schemes nationwide in responding to cardiac emergencies within the community in support of the Ambulance Service”.

The volunteers will be alerted to calls by National Ambulance Service (NAS) via a mobile application, once two volunteers are available, they will respond utilising the existing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) which are located around Enniscorthy town and where installed by the Enniscorthy defibrillator initiative group.

CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy District Council.

Speaking at the Launch Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr. John O’Rourke said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the Enniscorthy Town CFR group. It is a welcome step towards helping communities to take immediate action in emergency situations. This early attendance could literally be the difference between life and death where every minute counts. I would encourage members of the community to join the group to help save more lives and foster a sense of community resilience.”

The CFR group will utilise existing AEDs which have been located at various locations around the town, and will go ‘LIVE’ from next Monday, May 27th, and will respond to calls received from the National Ambulance Service.

If anyone is interested in joining the Group, please contact Peter O’Connor, Civil Defence Officer, email cdo@wexfordcoco.ie or Paddy Redmond, Enniscorthy Red Cross, email adu.wexford@irishredcross.com.

North Wexford beaches are the best in Ireland

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting at Civic Centre, Gorey

With the summer season attempting to settle despite flash flooding and a thunderstorm that severely damaged several roads in the Ballycarney and Ferns area of the county today (Tuesday), at the monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council the members were firmly focussed on tourism and promoting the seaside attractions along the east coast.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe expressed his disappointment that Ballymoney North Beach has lost its Blue Flag status, and he called on the relevant Department to rectify the situation. WexfordLocal.com understands that no application was made by Wexford County Council this year due to the poor quality of the water.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said the water quality failure at Ballymoney is an issue for Uisce Éireann and stated that the blame lay with the Arklow wastewater treatment facility and was affecting beaches in North Wexford. “Some of the best beaches in Ireland are in Co. Wexford,” concluded Cllr Devereux.

There was a warm welcome for the new dryloo toilets facing into their first summer season at Cahore where the carparking area is soon to get a fresh surface and new markings.

Cllr Mary Farrell called for ‘bigger bins’ at Morriscastle. She claims the existing bins are overflowing as day trippers leave so much rubbish behind them and she wondered if bigger ones that closed in when full could be secured?

Cllr Oliver Walsh made a case for dog poo bins in the Balyconnigar and Knocknasilloge coastal areas.

Cllr Devereux asked about ‘vandal proof’ bin bags from Courtown to the barrier heading towards the North Beach. This would also reduce the activity of the bird’s helping to spread the rubbish.

Cllr Joe Sullivan supported Cllr Devereux. He said the Courtown bins are always overflowing, and he felt they needed to be emptied on Sunday afternoons. Regarding the suggestion that people should pick up their rubbish and take it home with them, Cllr Sullivan quipped; “When did you ever see anyone bringing home an empty pizza box?”

Cllr Willie Kavanagh pointed out that shop owners and food outlets were responsible for maintaining litter bins outside their premises and that they should do more.

However, it was pointed out that whatever about people leaving rubbish and litter behind them, Wexford County Council has a responsibility to clear up the rubbish and dirt left behind and maintain hygienic and clean communities.

NB; The Blue Flag awards for 2024 were presented at a ceremony in Galway on Monday and Wexford’s Blue Flag beaches are Morriscastle, Ballinesker, Curracloe, Rosslare Strand and Carne.

Enniscorthy Council pays tributes to Cllr Kathleen

Pictured at the final meeting of the five-year term of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the Presentation Centre (left to right, Back Row; Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services), Neville Shaw (Senior Engineer) and Claire Lawless (District Manager). (Front Row); Cllr Jackser Owens, Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Edel Nolan, (Administration Officer).

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting in the Presentation Centre

There was a typical ‘end of an era’ atmosphere at yesterday’s (Monday) May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council where tributes were paid to the retiring Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, others wished each other well in the June 7th Local Elections, while the standard reports and general information was also under scrutiny.

Cllr Codd-Nolan is the only sitting member not seeking re-election after 20 years’ service and there was, perhaps, an emotional farewell as she paid tribute to many people, including Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke, Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Jacker Owens and Cllrs Aidan Browne, Cathal Byrne and Barbara-Anne Murphy; she also thanked the officials, the Press, and especially her own family members who allowed her the space to work on behalf of the people.

Cllr Codd-Nolan said being a public representative is “a tough job attending functions and giving your time to public service” and she added “Enniscorthy is a lovely little town to shop in” and she spoke of “a great ambition for the town.”

The tributes flowed for Cllr Codd-Nolan. Cllr Owens described her as “a personality person”, Cllr Byrne described her as “determined, dignified and respectful”, Cllr Browne admired her “fairness and honesty”, Cllr Murphy wished Cllr Codd-Nolan “a happy retirement with her family and friends.”

Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin joined in the discussion on behalf of the officials and thanked the Cathaoirleach, Leas-Cathaoirleach, and members for their “no nonsense approach” to serving the town and district. She said it was a strange 60 months when the Council withstood Covid when “we were all on zoom”, severe flooding episodes, Brexit and the war in Ukraine. She also added congratulations to Cllr Codd-Nolan.

In conclusion, Ms Godkin stated that the biggest challenge over the next five years is investment in the town (Enniscorthy) centre, while District Manager, Claire Lawless described the outgoing Council as “a pleasure to work with, always efficient and punctual.”

72 candidates declared in Local Elections

By Dan Walsh

Seventy-two candidates have declared to run in the Local Elections on Friday, July 7th and contest 34 County Council seats across six Local Electoral Areas (LEA).

Wexford (7 seats), New Ross (6 seats) and Gorey (6 seats) have the highest number of candidates – 14 each – followed by Enniscorthy (6 seats) and Rosslare (5 seats) with 12 candidates each and Kilmuckridge (4 seats) have six candidates.

The state of the parties is as follows; Independent (24), Fianna Fáil (14), Sinn Féin (11), Fine Gael (10), The Labour Party (6), Green Party (2) and one each for Aontú, Ireland First, People Before Profit-Solidarity, The Irish People and The National Party.

The list of candidates is as follows and are order of the receipt of nomination which closed last Saturday.

WEXFORD LEA; CATHERINE BIDDY WALSH (The Labour Party), VICKY CLANCY BARRON (The Labour Party), GEORGE LAWLOR (The Labour Party), LEONARD KELLY (Non-Party), ROBBIE STAPLES (Fine Gael), STEPHEN POWER (The Irish People), GARRY LAFFAN (Fianna Fáil), DAVE RYAN (Non-Party), RAYMOND SHANNON, EMMET MOLONEY (Fianna Fáil), MICHELE O’NEILL, LORRAINE SMYTH (Sinn Féin), TOM FORDE (Sinn Fein) and DAVY HYNES (Sinn Féin).

ENNISCORTHY LEA; CATHAL BYRNE (Fine Gael), PAT KEHOE (Fine Gael), JOHN O’ROURKE (Non-Party), MAJELLA WALL, CYRIL WHEELOCK (Non-Party), JACKSER OWENS (Non-Party), AIDAN BROWNE (Fianna Fáil), BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY (Fianna Fáil), BRENDAN CAHILL-FLYNN (Green Party/Comhaontas Glas), ALFIE Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN (Sinn Féin), COLETTE NOLAN (Sinn Féin) and EAMONN DOYLE (Non-Party).

KIMUCKRIDGE LEA; OLIVER WALSH (Fine Gael), MARY FARRELL (Non-Party), PADDY KAVANAGH (Non-Party), PIP BREEN (Fianna Fáil), WILLIE KAVANAGH (Fianna Fáil) and DECLAN KENNY (Sinn Féin).

NEW ROSS LEA; BRIDÍN LYNG MOLONEY (The Labour Party), BRIDÍN MURPHY (Fine Gael), HARRY TWOMEY (Fine Gael), MICHAEL WHELAN (Fianna Fáil), MARTY MURPHY (Non-Party), ANTHONY CONNICK (Non-Party), JOHN FLEMING (Fianna Fáil), PAT BARDEN (Non-Party), ANNE FLYNN (Non-Party), MICHAEL SHEEHAN (Fianna Fáil), KAYLEY GOODISON (Sinn Féin), JAMES FURLONG (Non-Party), JOHN DWYER (Non-Party) and RAYMOND FORTE (Non-Party).

ROSSLARE LEA; DAMIEN CORISH (The Labour Party), GER CARTHY (Non-Party), WILIE FITZHARRIS (Fine Gael), JACK BARDEN (Non-Party), JASON MURPHY (The National Party – An Páirtí Náisiúnta), LISA McDONALD (Fianna Fáil), SIMON BOYSE (Fianna Fáil), AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN (Sinn Féin), MICK ROCHE (Sinn Féin), JIM CODD (Aontú), JOE DRUHAN (Non-Party) and FRANK STAPLES (Fine Gael).

GOREY LEA; ASHLING HUDSON (People Before Profit-Solidarity), LORNA FITZPATRICK (The Labour Party), DARRAGH McDONALD (Fine Gael), ANTHONY DONOHOE (Fine Gael), DARREN McGOVERN (Ireland First), CILLIAN BYRNE (Non-Party), JOE SULLIVAN (Fianna Fail), DONAL KENNY (Fianna Fáil), ANDREW BOLGER (Fianna Fáil), JIMMY FLEMING (Non-Party), NICKY BOLAND (Non-Party), ANN WALSH (Green Party/Comhaontas Glas), KEVIN MOLLOY (Sinn Fein) and FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN (Sinn Fein).

  • Independent candidates are denoted by Non-Party or blank beside their name.          

Level again at top of rider’s championship

By Dan Walsh

A single victory at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, point-to-point races today (Sunday) brings Barry O’Neill onto the 39-winner mark, and he is now level with Rob James at the top of the national point-to-point rider’s championship. O’Neill had an eight lengths success on Backonthegoagain for Colin Bowe in the Winners of One.

Johnathan Fogarty saddled newcomer La Dolce Dolly in the maiden race for mare’s five-year-old plus and the outcome was a ten lengths victory in the hands of Barry Stone, Cleariestown.

MICHAEL GOFF …two wins at different tracks this afternoon.

The five and six-year-old geldings maiden was divided and both divisions were won by Wexford stables. After three runner-up efforts Millforce got his victory in division one for Liam and Jimmy Kenny, Craanford, by 15 lengths, and division two was won by Newton Tornado owned and handled by Harley Dunne. The winning distance was four lengths and the 45th career winner for Tiernan Power Roche.

Caitriona Goff, Michael Goff and Mikey Sweeney enjoyed a victory with Red Acres Georgie by 14 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds at Ballindenisk and an hour and a half later made it a double on the day with a 15 lengths success for Peggys Rock in the mare’s open race at Stradbally!

Also at Stradbally, handler Kieran Roche, Adamstown, had a one length victory for owner Michael Kenny with Clearisthewater in the maiden race for five year old geldings. James Murray, Ferns, was the winning rider.

James and O’Neill in neck and neck battle

ROB JAMES (39)
BARRY O’NEILL (38)

By Dan Walsh

Rob James (39) and Barry O’Neill (38) is the latest from the top of the national point-to-point riders’ championship tonight (Saturday) after both riders recorded doubles. There were also doubles for the handler brothers from Ballindaggin, Donnchadh Doyle and Sean Doyle and riders Jack Hendrick and Jamie Scallan.

It was a long day with a 9-race card and three ‘divides’ at Stradbally where Rob James took both divisions of the maiden race for four-year-olds on Klub De Reve by a head for Donnchadh Doyle in the first division and Ultimate Survivor for Sean Doyle in the second division by two and a half lengths. This was the second success of the day for Donnchadh Doyle who also took division one of the maiden race by one length with Golan Loop ridden by Alan Harney.

Jonathan Fogarty from Gaynestown Stud, Cleariestown, marked his best season so far with eight victories and gained his 20th career winner when newcomer Local Derby won division two of the maiden race for four-year-olds ridden by Ross Sugrue.

The five-year-old maiden race also divided; division one was won by Onyerbike, owned and bred by Jimmy Devereux and trained by his son, Vincent at Rostoonstown, Tomhaggard by three and a half lengths for Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke and division two was the first leg of a double for rider Jack Hendrick on Denis Moore’s Mr Gower. Hendrick’s double came on Jay Bee Why for Antrim handler Warren Ewing.

A second point-to-point fixture took place today at Taylorstown, Co. Down, and two Wexford stables fought out the finish of the four-year-old geldings maiden. There was only a ‘head’ in the difference as Orderoftheday prevailed for Donnchadh Doyle and rider Jamie Scallan beating Colin Bowe’s newcomer Smokeringinthe dark and Barry O’Neill. Later Jamie Scallan scored a double on Ronnies Rules for Sean Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-old plus geldings, and it was another close finish – a head wins it!

Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe got back on the winning track in the maiden race for five-year-old mares plus with newcomer Natus Vincere and O’Neill made it a double on Winged Leader for David Christie by two and a half lengths in the Open Race.

Plenty more action on Sunday with a second day at Stradbally and more divides as there is a huge entry and Ballindenisk also races.

Sean Flanagan’s Wexford double

Dan Walsh Reports from the Wexford Races

Sean Flanagan gave the local crowd plenty to cheer about at well-attended Wexford races this afternoon where the Robinstown, New Ross jockey registered a double success on an extended 8-race card.

Flanagan teamed up with Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan with Kiltealy Park, (100/30) who won her maiden over the same course and distance 23 days ago, and the combination scored by ten lengths for brothers Colm and Niall Browne from Waterford the mare’s handicap hurdle.

Speaking afterwards Paul Nolan’s brother James said; “She was good today. Sean said she jumped better than she did the last day. She nearly threw it away the last day with a mistake at the second last, We were slightly worried about the ground because we felt better ground the last day brought out an improvement.”

Flanagan’s second winner of the afternoon came on Mahler Appeal (9/2) for Kilkenny trainer Garrett Power in the handicap chase with a dozen lengths the margin.

Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell was also in winning form. He saddled Plain Or Battered (5/1) who won a photo-finish verdict with Carlow jockey Conor Owens up in the handicap hurdle.

Cork jockey Darragh O’Keeffe enjoyed a double in successive races A Nod To Getaway (4/1) for Paul O’Flynn and Junot (9/2) for Cork trainer Michael Winters.

Next day’s racing at Bettyville Park takes place on Wednesday, May 29th and it’s an evening fixture.

Summer sports exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle

History making international referee MICHELLE O’NEILL and South East Radio commentator and sports presenter LIAM SPRATT at the launch of the summer exhibition held at Enniscorthy Castle this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

A new summer exhibition entitled THEIR FINEST HOUR Sporting Greats of Wexford was officially launched at a pleasant ceremony in Ennicorthy Castle this evening by well-known commentator and sports presenter with South East Radio, Liam Spratt.

Mico Hassett, Manager at Enniscorthy Castle, welcomed the guests and said this year’s summer exhibition has a sporting theme put together by castle staff and it can be viewed during opening hours at the castle until the end of September.

Liam Spratt said he was delighted to formally open the exhibition and he alluded to “the diversity of sport in Wexford.” He spoke of the great Wexford names in a variety of sports, stated that Wexford has always been and continues to be one of the greatest sporting counties in Ireland and he complimented the castle for this fine exhibition that keeps sporting memories alive.

There was also an outline of local sporting memories from local activist Maria Nolan, who although admitting that GAA was closest to her heart, she recalled great family moments attending Enniscorthy Greyhound track and Coursing meetings in her young days.

The attendance included Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and his fellow members Cllr Aidan Browne and Jackser Owens. Minister James Browne was also present and so too former TD John Browne. An interesting attendee was Michelle O’Neill, a candidate in the Wexford District for the upcoming Local Elections, who the first woman match official at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 and first woman match official at the Soccer World Cup.   

Wexford’s 8-race card on Saturday

By Dan Walsh

WEXFORD RACECOURSE where the stands will be packed for Saturday racing. (File Pic).

Summer National Hunt racing returns to Bettyville Park, Wexford, tomorrow (Saturday) where a large entry has caused the handicap hurdle to divide thus creating an 8-race card. First race has been brought forward to 1.40pm.

Going is ‘soft’ and the card consists of five hurdle races, two steeplechases and a bumper.

Top trainers Gordon Elliott, Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead all have entries while local trainers including Paul Nolan, Seamus Neville, John A. Berry and Liz Doyle will also be chasing a share of the prizemoney.  

Enniscorthy Civic Awards Night

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, and District Manager Claire Lawless led the way at the Enniscorthy Civic Awards Night ceremony in Enniscorthy Castle.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

Last evening’s Civic Awards Night ceremony was planned for the roof of Enniscorthy Castle, but a weather alert caused the pleasant occasion to switch indoors, which was a good move as a thunderstorm hit the region and torrential rain lashed the town for a number of hours and Met Éireann predicts that it is going to last until at least 3.30am!

District Manager, Claire Lawless commenced proceedings with words of welcome and said; “The Civic Awards Evening is where the elected members of the Enniscorthy Municipal District recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups within the District.”

The protocol is that the elected member who backs the nomination makes the presentation on the night! This year there was a new award. The Council commissioned Pauline Quigley Glass Design from Caim and the first recipients received a fine award that captures the silhouette and backdrop of Vinegar Hill.

First up was Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke with three nominees; The Legends Horseshoe Club, based in Bunclody, who won Division Two at All-Ireland level in 2023. The award was collected on their behalf by John Connors ; Robert Brady on behalf of Wexford A team for winning the All-Ireland 8-Ball Pool championships last year; and Abbie Doyle from Ballymackessey who won a Gold Medal in the All-Ireland Athletics Final in the under 18 Triple Jump. Abbie missed the presentation as she is currently part of the Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage Group and the award was accepted on her behalf by her proud parents, Paul and Edel.

Next up was Cllr Jackser Owens with three nominations. Ann Redmond on behalf of the Wexford Ladies Darts Team, winners of the 2024 All-Ireland championship. Ann is the captain and other team members include Mary Burke, Marie Cash and Marie Kehoe. This was the 4th time for the ladies to win this title following on from 2018, 2019 and 2020.; The Woodsmen Horseshoe Club, formed in Bunclody in 1980, were Division One winners in All-Ireland horseshoe pitching in 2023. Receiving the award were Michael Redmond, Liam Bond and Paddy Connors; Charlie Dixon won the 65kg All-Ireland boxing title in 2024. The 13-year-old boxed in the National Stadium and won his first national title. He missed the presentation but was represented by his family who accepted the award on the champion’s behalf.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy had four nominees. Sean Nolan won the World Handball title in 2019 and 2023, won five European titles, including the French and UK Open, and Sean aspires to compete in the Olympic Games in 2028! Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Group were third in the All-Ireland One Act Drama Finals in 2023. An amazing feat for first time Director Michael Dunbar and the cast of Josephine Byrne, Lisa McCann and Margaret Farrell and lights and sound designer and operator Grace Dunbar. Chairman Rory Kinsella and Sinead O’Gorman accepted tonight’s award; Dannan Long from Kiltealy and a member of Enniscorthy Athletics Club had an outstanding season nationally and internationally in 2023 and was a European finalist in the under 20’s men’s relay; Shauna Kearney won at the National Elite Boxing Championships. A busy mother of two young children and a member of Bunclody Boxing Club.

Cllr Aidan Browne nominated three boxers beginning with Evan Thorpe who won the 38.5kg All-Ireland title and is a member of St. Aidan’s Boxing Club, Ferns; and two from Sacre Couer Boxing Club, Enniscorthy, Oisin Goff, winner of the Boy’s 52kg All-Ireland title, and a three times Irish champion and son of Mick and Caitriona from Monageer; and Sean Kelly, winner of the Boy’s 43kg, three times Irish champion, from Bunclody and son of John Kelly who is a coach with Sacre Couer club.

Cllr Cathal Byrne congratulated two winners; Michael Dolgilevics from Bellefield Springs, Enniscorthy, winner of the Boy’s 54kg All-Ireland title in his first-year boxing, and Oscar Mordaski on winning the Boy’s 29kg All-Ireland title. He is from Kilmyshal. Both Michael and Oscar are members of Sacre Couer Boxing Club,

The final recipient was Maria Nolan, nominated by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, who will attend her final meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council next Monday after 20 years’ service as she is not running in the forthcoming local elections. Maria Nolan was honoured through the publishing of three books and two short films and for her membership and leadership of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Group and for her voluntary work with numerous community groups in her native Enniscorthy.