New special school for Gorey

By Dan Walsh

A new Special School to cater for young people with autism and complex learning needs up to 18 years of age is expected to be established in Gorey for the 2024/25 School year.

This was after analysis by the National Council for Special Education (NSCE) and the Department found that the level of need in the area could not be catered for by expanding places in existing special schools.

Welcoming today’s announcement, Deputy Paul Kehoe stated; “The number of special education placements continues to grow year on year ensuring that children and young people have access to school places which are appropriate to their needs and this Government is committed to ensuring that every child has a school place appropriate for their individual needs. Special schools play a vital role in this.”

Deputy Kehoe added; “It is only two years since the opening of the €14.5 million, state of the art new building for St Patrick’s Special School in Enniscorthy and it is my hope that this new school in Gorey will serve to complement and support the outstanding work that is being done there and provide our young people with further opportunity in their local area.”

Local Gorey District Cllr Joe Sulivan said; “I would like to welcome the imminent announcement of the provision of a Special Needs School to be based at Gaelscoil Moshiolog Gorey. This school will be a considerable help to people who must transport children to Enniscorthy and Wexford daily. This educational facility is long overdue and is to be warmly welcomed.”

Details in relation to the location, the admission process and the number of places to be offered for 2024/25 school year in each new special school will be confirmed very shortly.

Barry O’Neill is a winner at annual HRI awards

By Dan Walsh

The 21st Horse Racing Ireland Awards were presented in Dublin last night (Monday) and Wexford’s Barry O’Neill from Kiltealy is the Point-to-Point Award winner after a thoroughly dominant season.

BARRY O’NEILL receives his HRI Point-to=Point award from Minister of State Martin Heydon TD in the Mansion House, Dublin on Monday night. (Pic; HRI).

A total of 64 winners in the pointing fields saw Barry crowned champion rider for the seventh straight year as he rode almost double the number of winners of any other rider.

With the assistance of Colin Bowe and David Christie in particular, the Wexford rider could boast a 33% strike rate for the season, his highest to date across 18 seasons of race-riding, and his growing list of regional titles was further enhanced by the addition of the eastern and northern awards in 2023.

Barry O’Neill has ridden 798 career winners and is leading the 2023-24 championship with 19 winners to date.

There was a second Wexford winner at the awards. Poulpeasty native Aidan O’Brien won the Flat Award. A multiple Group 1 winner once again, Aidan won at the highest level in Ireland with Auguste Rodin taking both the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, the trainer’s 100th European Classic win, and the Kingdom Of Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes. Paddington won the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas while also at the Curragh, Savethelastdance won the Juddmonte Irish Oaks, Luxembourg captured the Tattersalls Gold Cup with the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes going the way of Henry Longfellow. Auguste Rodin also gave Aidan a record ninth Epsom Derby success and his 17th winner at the Breeders’ Cup in early November and the following afternoon he was crowned champion trainer for the 26th time.
Horse Racing Ireland Chairman, Nicky Hartery, commented: “Our annual awards give deserved recognition to everyone who makes the Irish racing and breeding industries the outstanding successes they are. I want to thank everyone for their efforts and dedication throughout the year and on this night.”

€164.2m Council Budget for 2024

By Dan Walsh

The members of Wexford County Council have adopted €164.2 million for 2024 at yesterday’s (Monday) Statutory Budget meeting held in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford. This represents an increase of €12.9 million over the 2023 figure.  

The Budget provides funding across the full range of service areas provided by Wexford County Council including social housing, road maintenance, street cleaning, car parking charges, fire services, libraries, burial grounds, parks and a range of other services in towns and villages, seaside and rural locations across the county.

The 2024 Budget also includes additional funding at Municipal District level to provide for additional local developments based on specific priorities in each district.

TOM ENRIGHT Chief Executive Wexford County Council.

In presenting the draft budget Tom Enright, Chief Executive, extended his appreciation to the Cathaoirleach and members of the Council for their continued assistance and support. “This has been hugely important, and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership as we progress through these unprecedented and challenging times and plan, with an air of optimism, for the future on the delivery of high-quality public services for the people of County Wexford.”

“Despite the challenges of presenting a budget for 2024, we very much look to building further on the progress we have made and plans we have in place to develop County Wexford into the future. The Council must and will play a leading role for the development of the county and will work tirelessly to ensure the county will continue to recover from this period of instability and uncertainty and we are very much looking and planning for a brighter and better future for all,” concluded Mr. Enright.

The meeting was reminded of projects developed in 2023 and other projects to be further progressed in 2024 include: Market House, Gorey; John Street Building Regeneration Project (New Ross); Acquisition and master planning of 50-acre site for new South East Technical University; Esmonde Street Gorey Project; Wexfordia Projects at The National Irish Heritage Park, Hook Lighthouse and New Ross Tourism Projects; Enniscorthy Town Centre Tourism Project; Delivery of temporary car park in Courtown; Oyster Lane Car Park, Wexford; Wexford Town to Rosslare Greenway; Enniscorthy Sports Hub. Curracloe Water Sports Activity Facility and Rosslare Strand to Rosslare Harbour Greenway.

Bishop calls for ‘generous response’

By Dan Walsh

Following a meeting with local representatives from the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Bishop Ger Nash has called for ‘a generous response‘ to the annual Church Gate Collection which will take place after all Masses in the Diocese of Ferns on the weekend December 16th/17th.

Bishop Ger Nash pictured with SVP members Brian Keenan, Eileen Godkin and Brian McGonigle at the launch of the annual Church Gate Collection appeal.

This year’s Annual Appeal is focused on providing help to struggling parents who wonder how they will provide a Happy Christmas for their families.

Bishop Nash has commended the work of so many volunteers who give so selflessly of their time to assist with the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul throughout the Diocese and beyond and has asked Mass goers to respond as generously as they can to the upcoming collection.

With nationwide calls for help already at almost 200,000 to date this yearthe Society expects calls at the end of this year to well exceed last year’s record number of 230,000.

Lorcan Kinsella is Chamber President

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber has announced the appointment of Lorcan Kinsella as its new President, a position effective since the recent annual general meeting and viewed as a significant milestone in the Chamber’s history, symbolising a new era of leadership and innovation.  

LORCAN KINSELLA President of Wexford County Chamber.

Mr. Kinsella envisions a Chamber that is at the forefront of digital transformation, supporting local businesses in adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. His leadership is expected to usher in a new era of growth, collaboration, and sustainability for the Chamber and its members, with a focus on the Chamber’s Strategic Vision, namely:  
– Promoting sustainability in business and the wider community. 
– Representing and growing the Chamber’s membership. 
– Advancing economic development in County Wexford. 
– Encouraging tourism, culture, and the nighttime economy. 
– Supporting workforce development and education initiatives. 
– Community Engagement and Future Aspirations.  

Lorcan Kinsella, Founder and CEO of Brand Nova Digital, brings a rich tapestry of experience and achievement to the presidency. His company, an award-winning digital marketing agency based in New Ross, specialises in UI/UX eCommerce website design, search engine optimisation, and digital marketing data analytics software.

His journey to the Presidency began in 2017 when he was invited to join the board of the New Ross District Chamber. His invaluable contributions there led to a seat on the committee responsible for the historic amalgamation of the County Wexford Chamber. Following the successful amalgamation, Mr Kinsella was elected Vice President of County Wexford Chamber.

Four nights of Craanford drama

Described locally as “an unforgettable theatrical experience” and a stage event not to be missed, Craanford Drama presents Martin McDonagh’s acclaimed play, “The Cripple of Inishmaan” for four nights in Craanford Commmunity Centre.

For a mere €10 admission, witness the talent of the cast, featuring Priscilla Mullen, Margaret Nolan, Clodagh Kenny, Ollie Doran, Patrick Lennon, Deirdre Malone, Ger Doran, Seamus Burnell, and Eoin McMahon. The characters, from Aunt Kate to Cripple Billy, are brought to life in a compelling narrative that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Set to captivate audiences at the Craanford Community Centre on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, December 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th and curtains up at 8 pm, this production promises an evening filled with laughter, drama, and superb performances.

Murphy’s winning ways continue

By Dan Walsh

DENIS MURPHY…a winner on Saturday and Sunday.

Denis Murphy from Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, who handled a winner at Lingstown yesterday continued his run of success at Borris House today (Sunday) where he saddled Port Joulain and scored a six lengths victory under Jack Hendrick in division one of the four-year-old geldings maiden race.

Billy Bates and John Martin Walsh from the Kilmore Quay area were also amongst the winners at the Carlow track. The Gypsy Davey scored by three and a half lengths in the five-year-old geldings maiden race ridden by Jimmy O’Rourke, Clonard, Wexford,

Rob James emerged as the sole finisher on Ask Mike, handled by Michael Butler, Piltown, in the maiden race for six-year-olds and over in difficult weather conditions at Borris House.

Point-to-pointing also today (Sunday) at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, where champion rider Barry O’Neill enjoyed an easy 24 lengths victory on Hathaways Cottage for Fermanagh handler David Christie.

Light Up the Night Road Run

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

Almost 300 trucks, tractors and motorbikes, vintage and modern, brought seasonal joy and excitement to Enniscorthy tonight (Saturday) as the Light Up the Night Road Run rolled into town having set out from Oylegate village.

The assembly was in Oylegate where the Christmas Lights were officially switched on before the colourful convoy were dispatched along the N11 with The Promenade beside the River Slaney at Enniscorthy as the collection point.

It was a scene of flashing lights, symbols of Santa and reindeers, and a reminder that Christmas is with us all once again. It was very well organised and apart from some inconvenience to traffic through the town, patience and tolerance and goodwill prevailed at all times and An Garda Siochána were on duty to ensure public safety.

This is an annual event organised by Oylegate Vintage Club, supported from groups from several parts of the county, and is a fundraiser for Pieta. The organisers were overwhelmed by the financial support, but also encouraged by the huge crowds, mostly families with young children, who braved cold to wrap up and enjoy the spectacle.

Lingstown Saturday races successful

By Dan Walsh at Lingstown races

An additional point-to-point fixture at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, today (Saturday) went off well with a satisfactory crowd and doubles for handler Matthew O’Connor-Flynn and riders Jack Hendrick and Brian Lawless.

ROBERT TECTOR saddled a winner at Lingstown today.

Matthew O’Connor-Flynn from Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, saddled the winners of both ‘divides’ of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings, both ridden by Brian Lawless. Nine ran in each division with Tumuch, a €65,000 bargain at the Derby Sales, taking division one by 12 lengths and half an hour later Going Live clinched the double with four lengths to spare.

Owner Kathleen Murphy from Ballinagore, Blackwater, who enjoyed success with Lough Derg Spirit over the Banks Course last Sunday, was back in the Lingstown winners’ enclosure today following the eight lengths success of River Agent handled by Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

This was the first leg of a double for Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick at his local track. Hendrick was aboard Majestic Force for Robert Tector’s Coolbawn, Rathnure stables in the maiden race for mares aged five-years-old and upwards. Likely to go to the sales now, Majestic Force was very impressive with a 28 lengths success in the soft ground conditions.

SHANE COTTER rode his first winner at Lingstown races today.

Air of Entitlement was impressive with a 16 lengths success for Colin Bowe in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. In the absence of the handler, rider Barry O’Neill said; “she loves and soft ground and is a great jumper.”

Billy Codd from nearby Mayglass saddled Special Prep in the Open Lightweight Race confined to novice riders and a two and a half lengths victory provided Cork rider Shane Cotter with his first winner.

Claire O’Connell made the journey from Ashbourne, Co. Meath to saddle Born Braver, who was successfully a few weeks again at Knockmullen House and the home-bred added another Wexford track success by ‘a neck’ in the Winners of Two Race for Cork rider John Barry.

It was a good day’s racing. The start was delayed by half an hour following a heavy night’s frost, one race was divided, and the seven-race card went off safely before darkness fell despite a very heavy shower.

Racing tomorrow (Sunday) is run under the auspices of the Carlow Farmers at Borris House with a large entry and an early start – 11am the first flag falls. 

New folklore book launched in Gorey

At the launch of The Folklore of Wexford in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey, were (left to right); LIZ BURNS, Wexford County Arts Officer, MICHAEL FORTUNE who researched and compiled the publication and MICHAEL DOYLE, South East Radio, who performed the official launch.

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

A new publication embracing living folklore, traditions, stories and calendar customs, compiled by well-known folklorist Michael Fortune under the title The Folklore of Wexford was launched before a packed attendance in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey, tonight (Friday).

The official launch was performed by South East Radio presenter Michael Doyle, who is also Chairman of the Taghmon Historical Society, who reflected on some of the stories in the book, many that he was familiar with, and he complimented Michael Fortune on the book which is filled with observations, accounts, images and films.

There was support from Wexford Arts Officer Liz Burns who stated that the publication was produced by Michael Fortune with the support of the Arts Office and Wexford County Council under their ‘Creative Communities Programme’ and North Wexford Historical Society.

Gerard Fleming, Chair of North Wexford Historical Society Committee, who acted as master of ceremonies, said; “As our traditions and memories are now fast fading with time and the march of technology, we hope that this volume preserves some of Michael’s vast collection and gives the reader pleasure in remembering and sharing these with family and friends.”

Mr Fleming also noted “the QR codes throughout the book are a modern invention and are an interactive and engaging link for you to hear the real voices of your kinspeople sharing their stories and memories from the furrows of our ancient land and the heath-stones of our ancestors.”

Michael Fortune said; “The folklore of Wexford is something which I grew up with in Ballygarrett. It runs deep and is personal. I have a deep connection to the stories and the people and as a result an obligation to represent their voices in the truest way possible.”

In conclusion to a pleasant evening, Michael Fortune expressed his appreciation of the support and shared the great news that almost all copies are sold out, but the greater news is that more is been published and will be available next week and would make the Christmas present!

He thanked Michael Doyle, Liz Burns, Cllrs Pip Breen and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Gerald Fleming and the members of North Wexford Historical Society. There was music from Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann craobh Gorey-Ballygarrett, songs from Aileen Lambert and their talented children, Eppie. Nellie and Nan. Refreshments followed.

The Folklore of Wexford Vol. 1 by Michael Fortune, 128 pages, illustrated. A folklore.ie production in association of the North Wexford Historical Society. ISBN; 978-1-7398403-3-4