WexfordLocal.com

Enniscorthy man has died in Canada

By Dan Walsh

Fond memories and lasting friendship of David McCoy have been revived in his native town of Enniscorthy following the sad news of his lamented death at Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on November 17^th, 2022. He was aged 79 years.

The ashes of David McCoy will be interred in Enniscorthy and the interment ceremony takes place on next Saturday, September 9^th at 11am in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

David was born on August 27^th, 1943, at Lower Church St., Enniscorthy, and is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Katherine, and brothers Eugene and Patrick.

He married his loving wife Eileen in 1974, they lived for a time in Barntown, and they emigrated to Canada from Ireland in 1989.

There have been many tributes from school friends in Enniscorthy and many recall David working with Creane & Creane Ltd, Enniscorthy, M.J. Flood, Wexford and Datapac, Enniscorthy, where he was a salesperson for fax machines and office furniture which was new technology in offices and businesses at the time – before the arrival of computers etc.

David is survived by his three daughters and son-in-law, Siobhan and Tim Tempany, and their children, Kyleigh, Teagan, and Hayden of Calgary, AB, Doireann McCoy of Calgary, AB and Niamh McCoy and Chelsea Knowles also of Calgary, AB; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Brian McCoy of Calgary, AB , and Eoin and Niamh McCoy and their children, Aoibhinn and Fiadh of Waterford Ireland. David is also survived by his brother John and Maeve McCoy; his sisters and brother-in-law, Annette Hagel of Courtenay, BC, and Mary and Jan Van der Stel of Wexford Ireland; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Mass was celebrated at Ascension Catholic Church, 1100 Berkshire Boulevard N.W. Calgary, on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, and family and friends who are unable to attend in person were invited to join David’s service streamed live on the day of the service.

Wexford wins for Neville, Nolan and Bowe

**SEAMUS NEVILLE (trauner), INA NEVILLE (owner), SEAN O’KEEFFE (jockey) and extended family with Brideswell Lad following his sixth career success at Wexford Races.**

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Local trainers kept the punters happy at Bettyville Park on Friday evening with three local winners shared between Seamus Neville of Brideswell, Paul Nolan of Toberona Stables, Davidstown, and champion point-to-point handler Colin Bowe from Kiltealy.

Seamus Neville saddled Brideswell Lad, (11/4) fav, running in the colours of his wife, Ina, and brilliantly ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, Harveystown, Taghmon, and gained a half a length victory in the handicap hurdle. It was a sixth career success for Brideswell Lad and afterwards Seamus Neville said; “He is probably a better horse over fences but it is nice to pick up another hurdle.”

Paul Nolan’s Joyeux Machin (7/2) survived a stewards enquiry into the finish of the novice chase in which the two fences in the straight were omitted due to a low setting sun, bringing success to the Rectory Road Holdings Limited and J. McCauly partnership from Enniscorthy. One and a quarter lengths the verdict and the winner was ridden by New Ross jockey Sean Flanagan.

**BRENDAN WALSH, JORDAN GAINFORD and PAT NOLAN with Wexford winner North Of Nashville.**

Caim jockey Jordan Gainford enjoyed an easy 14 lengths success aboard North of Nashville, (8/1), owned Leo McArdle from Castleblaney. Brendan Walsh, representing winning trainer, Colin Bowe, said: “It was her first handicap chase tonight. She won a point-to-point well on debut and we thought that she was going to be a good lot smarter.

“Her dam was a good race mare and won eight times. She was an impressive winner of her point-to-point and Colin said he’d hold on to her, as he likes to race the odd, good mare and that’s what we thought she was going to be. Up until today she has been disappointing. It was a low-grade race and in fairness the handicapper had given her a chance,” concluded Mr Walsh.

Stadium Talk, (28/1), bred by Tommy James, Camolin, and winner of a point-to-point at Ballinaboola last February for Cormac Doyle and Jack Hendrick, won the mares maiden hurdle by 15 lengths for Meath trainer John McConnell and jockey Ben Harvey.

The seven-race card opened with the opportunity maiden hurdle and pillar to post front running success for Boher Road, (7/1), for trainer Jarlath Fahey from Monasterevin and four pound claiming jockey Peter Smithers. Killena trainer Colin Murphy’s 11/8 favourite The Lovely Man (Richard Condon up) was runner-up 19 lengths behind the winner.

Jimmy Mangan travelled from Tallow in west Waterford to saddle No Show (14/1), and with Philip Enright in the saddle scored by one length over Banada Bridge (Sean Flanagan) in the Dan Byrne Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead has an impressive strike rate at Wexford and was amongst the winners again today with Downtown Queen, (7/1) in the handicap chase. Conor McNamara was on board and two lengths the verdict. Jordan Gainford finished up in the runner-up position on Pepperocco.

It was a very successful race meeting. The rain kept away, a good crowd, the track was in great order and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. And the three local winners added to the joys of local punters.

Two more days’ racing at Bettyville Park before the end of the year on the Bank Holiday weekend, Sunday and Monday, October 29^th and 30^th. Mark up those pages in your sports diary.

Road safety issues at Gorey school

By Dan Walsh

Following the retirement of a school warden at a Gorey school with over 700 pupils, serious road safety issues have arisen due to a delay in replacing the school warden because of a bureaucratic process.

The crossing on St. Michael’s Road, opposite the entrance to Bunscoil Loreto, is causing traffic chaos which is exacerbated by students from Gorey Community School who also use the crossing.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has met with the Loreto Principal, Aideen Kennedy, and suggests that “pending a replacement and other safety measures to be put in place Gardaí or a community warden should be assigned at school times.”

“I have received an update from Wexford County Councils Road Safety Officer, but we cannot afford to wait on long drawn out bureaucracic processes, as is the case with so many council-related projects,” said Cllr Ó Súilleabhain, who is Leas-Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

In the meantime, in the interest of safety for everybody, but especially the children, road users, including drivers and parents are requested to be patient and vigilant in relation to safety outside the school until the matter is finally sorted out.

Friday evening racing at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

All roads lead to Wexford Racecourse tomorrow (Friday) for the final evening meeting of the 2023 racing season where 79 entries have been received for the seven-race card comprising of four hurdle races and three steeplechases. The first race is off at 4.15pm.

The going is reported ‘Good, Good to yielding in places.’ Unsettled forecast with up to 12mm (approx.) of rain from Wednesday into Friday morning. Monitoring the situation regarding watering.

The summer season at Bettyville Park has been very well supported this year and hopes are high for a good-sized crowd again tomorrow. Competitive racing is guaranteed.

THE CARD; 4.15pm; The Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle of €12,500. 2 miles 100 yards. (12 runners.

4.50pm; The Dan Byrne Memorial Handicap Hurdle of €10,500. 2 miles 100 yards. (13 runners).

5.20pm; The Download The Boylesports App Handicap Hurdle of €10,500. 2 miles 4 furlongs 100 yards (12 runners).

5.55pm; The Wexford Mares Maiden Hurdle of €10,000. 3 miles. (12 runners).

6.25pm; The Slaney River Rated Novice Chase of €16,000. 2 miles 3 furlongs 140 yards. (6 runners).

6.55pm; The Wexford Racecourse Racing Club Handicap Chase of €11,500. 2 miles 3 furlongs 140 yards. (12 runners).

7.25pm; The Racing Again October 29^th and 30^th Handicap Chase of €10,000. 3 miles 1 furlong. (12 runners).

Sarah (17) exhibits paintings in Tokyo

By Dan Walsh

‘**The Points Race**’ by Sarah McLoughlin (age 17), from Bridgetown College, a prizewinning work in this year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art competition, was selected go on exhibition at the 24th International High School Arts Festival in Tokyo this August.

A prizewinning artwork chosen from this year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition entitled ‘The Points Race’, by Sarah McLoughlin, (17), from Bridgetown College, was one of four Irish paintings exhibited at the 24th International High School Arts Festival which took place in Tokyo recently.

Sponsored by the International Foundation for Arts and Culture, the International High School Arts Festival is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious exhibitions to take place in Tokyo annually.

Described as ‘a showcase for the world’s best young artistic talent’, it featured some 500 artworks by students from around the world.

New 3-seat Wicklow-Wexford constituency

By Dan Walsh

The Electoral Commission Constituency Review Report 2023, launched today, recommends the formation of a new 3-seat constituency called Wicklow-Wexford.

This constituency should comprise 41 electoral districts with a population of 49,743 from north Wexford and 31 electoral districts with a population of 35,708 from south Wicklow. The Wicklow-Wexford constituency would have a population of 85, 451.

To facilitate the new constituency of Wicklow-Wexford it was decided to reduce the two 5-seat constituencies of Wicklow and Wexford by one seat each and added an additional seat to create this new 3-seat constituency.

Three constituencies are now contained in the counties of Wexford and Wicklow and will be operable for the next General Election. The new boundary between the Wexford constituency and the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency will follow the north electoral divisions to include Kilmuckridge, Wells, Monageer, Ballycarney, Castledockrell, Ballindaggin, Rossard and Bunclody

The Deeps Bridge to remain closed

**THE DEEPS BRIDGE at Killurin before the restoration work began last January. (File Pic).**

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has announced a temporary road closure extension to The Deeps Bridge over the River Slaney between Crossabeg and Killurin from tomorrow (Thursday) until Friday, October 20^th.

The bridge was closed last January to facilitate extensive restoration and specialised reinforcement work at a cost of €2 million, but WexfordLocal.com understands that complications have arisen forcing the two months extension to the work schedule that is expected to add an extra €500,000 to the final bill.

Road closure and diversion signs already in place will remain until October and Wexford County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by the repair work.

HISTORY OF THE DEEPS BRIDGE; This 1915 bridge crosses the River Slaney at a point known as called The Deeps, close to the ruins of the Deeps castle. The present bridge was a replacement for a timber trestle bridge erected in 1842-’44 under the direction of the County Surveyor, James Barry Farrell.

The Deeps bridge consists of five spans, each of 30 feet approached by a 216 feet long embankment on the eastern side terminating in a masonry embankment.

On the western side there are five spans, four of 30 feet and one of 19 ft. 6 ins. Between the spans is a bascule type steel lifting span of 40 feet opening to maintain the navigation, placed between two fixed sections.

The bridge was designed by the Dublin consulting firm of Delap and Waller and erected in 1915 by the British Reinforced Concrete Engineering Company. The lifting span was supplied by the Cleveland Engineering Company.

Source; River Slaney from source to the sea, by John Duffy, pub. 2006.

Eileen’s Macra Friends’ Reunion

Under the chairmanship of Sean Byrne, formerly of Kilrush Askamore Macra, and with Geraldine Doyle, formerly of Kilmuckridge Macra as secretary, a committee of ex-Macra members have organised a BBQ in memory of the late Eileen Doyle, née Graham.

Eileen was a very popular and highly respected member of Camolin Macra, who served in many positions, including as County Secretary. EIleen was awarded a National Leadership Award for her diligence and hard work on behalf of Macra.

The reunion of Eileen’s many friends during the Macra years will take place in Askamore Community Centre on Friday, September 22^nd at 8:30pm. Tickets cost €20, with all proceeds going to North Wexford Hospice and St. Vincent’s Private Hospital.

Tickets are available from Sean Byrne, Noel Kinsella, Patrick Hipwell, Ger Lyons, James Byrne, Edel Gahan, Tom Doyle, and others. They can also be purchased directly from the Committee’s Secretary Geraldine Doyle, who can be contacted on 087 9227931.

Visiting Aussies enjoyed Enniscorthy

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE presenting a framed painting of Enniscorthy to CLLR BRAD BUNTING marking the visit of delegates from Blacktown City Council to Enniscorthy over the weekend.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Council Chamber

“Thanks for the hospitality. We had a great time here”, the words of Kerry Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Blacktown City, speaking on behalf of a delegation from the New South Wales, Australia, who enjoyed a weekend in Enniscorthy at a special presentation event held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Arts Centre today (Monday).

Cllr Brad Bunting referred to plans for indigenous projects in Blacktown and “to make it a better place to live.” He concluded by saying; “we need to keep politics out of it and try to do the right thing for the community.”

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke, who had shown the visitors around Enniscorthy at the weekend thanked them for their friendship and good company and looked forward for both cities working together for a better future.

Cllr O’Rourke hosted a civic reception for the delegation in Enniscorthy Castle on Friday evening, which included the signing of a ‘Sister City Friendship Agreement’ between Enniscorthy Municipal District and Blacktown City Council – committing each Council to officially recognising both Vinegar Hills in commemoration events as well as a commitment to fostering new connections across the areas of tourism, sport, arts and culture.

Kerry Robinson thanked both his own team and the local district and council staff for the effort put into the delegation’s itinerary.

Referencing the differences in scale between Blacktown City and Enniscorthy town, Mr. Robinson also emphasised that the importance of the Sister City relationship was about finding and building on the community, education, arts & cultural aspects that the two areas share; noting one the City Councils longest Sister City Relationships is with an area twice the size of Wexford County, but with a population a little over 7,000.

There was a reference to the historic Battle of Vinegar Hill link. The first battle fought on Australian soil between government troops and rebel forces of European heritage was fought in and around Rouse Hill, located in the Blacktown City area, on March 5^th 1804. As the ringleaders of the rebel forces were Irish, the battle became known as the Vinegar Hill Rebellion or the Battle of Vinegar Hill.

Today, the city of Blacktown is home to over 400,000 people, with approximately 5% of those identifying as having Irish heritage. While the exact location of the battle is no longer known, in 1988 a permanent memorial was unveiled commemorating the Battle at a spot in the Castlebrook Memorial Park.

The delegation from Blacktown City Council, led by Cllr Brad Bunting (representing the Mayor Tony Beasdale) and CEO Kerry Robinson, enjoyed visits to key tourism locations, including Johnstown Castle and the Irish National Heritage Park, as well as making business connections with local elected members, local schools, Wexford Campus of SETU and Co Wexford GAA.

Joe Dixon begins his 8-day climb

**JOSEPH DIXON taking to the high hills in preparation for his eight-day charity hike in The Dolomites.**

By Dan Walsh

Next Saturday, Joe Dixon from Gorey will begin his eight-day trip to the Dolomites with at least eight others from around Ireland. It’s in aid of Cycle Against Suicide.

The eight days will include five days of official trekking covering up to 14km per day with climbs of up to 800m, in one of the most stunning landscapes in the world.

Joe is in training, completing at least two mountain trails, a total of 20km, every weekend and some fitness work during the week.

Joe is well known to many in North Wexford for his charity work for raising awareness around mental health. He is a huge supporter of Cycle Against Suicide’s Headstrong Schools Programme, along with the Buddy Programme and the other work of the charity.

The Headstrong Schools Programme is aimed at teenagers to encourage resilience, mental health awareness and seek help through a peer-on-peer learning ethos.

It is well known that Joe is a passionate fundraiser from his work with Cycle Against Suicide, he has hosted four Splash-a-thon’s, which involve cycling in a pool, has hosted the National Orange Tie Ball twice and has brought a number of cycle events to the area.

Joe is dedicating this walk to his son Fergus who passed away tragically in 2010.

Joe is determined to be fitter and to take on even more challenging climbs than last year.

Joe would like to thank his family and friends for their support and encouragement and to the members of the walking group, the Scrambled Legs.

If people wish to donate to Joe Dixon’s charity do so by going to idonate.ie/fundraiser and searching for Trek With Joe for Cycle Against Suicide.