Poetry, prose and live music at Westgate Heritage Centre

(Photo Credits; Wexford ‘What’s On’ Guide.)

Join James McIntyre, Noel Macken, and Álanna Hammel this evening, Tuesday, October 28th at 6pm in Westgate Heritage Centre, Wexford, for an evening of poetry, prose, and live music.

Álanna Hammel presents a bilingual set of poetry and prose, joined by Noel Macken on bodhrán and James McIntyre on guitar. The works move between English and Irish, steeped in the lyrical play of Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and the raw candour of Brendan Behan, this time drawing inspiration from Gabriel Rosenstock to echo the themes of the surrounding WexArt Festival exhibitions.

The trio first came together during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 at Beo i Selskar, where they debuted their unique blend of spoken word and traditional instrumentation. Noel Macken, with his unmistakable presence and long history performing on the streets of Wexford, provides the pulse of the performance, while James McIntyre, a Wexford local via Donegal, brings warmth and texture through his distinctive, melodic guitar playing.

Hammel’s writing has appeared in The Irish Times, The University Times, Trinity’s Journal of Literary Translation, and the forthcoming Eascair Magazine. A founding member of The Purple & Gold Writers’ Collective, the performance sits somewhere between literature and live performance. For fans of Dry Cleaning, Life Without Buildings, and Andy White.

Where? Westgate Heritage Centre, Wexford
When? Tuesday, October 28th, 6pm. Free entry and All welcome.

Bannow Blaze is Wexford’s local winner

The Zero Three Champs Syndicate and their supporters celebrate following the local success of Bannow Blaze and jockey Eoin Staples in the Slaney View Honda Handicap Hurdle at Wexford races today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe, who rode a treble at Wexford on Sunday, returned to his local track today (Bank Holiday Monday) and teamed up with Paul Nolan, who saddled a double yesterday, for more success.

Nolan’s Sageborough (20/1) scored by two and a half lengths in the maiden hurdle with O’Keeffe in the saddle. Nolan was present today but yesterday he decided to travel to Wexford Park to watch his local club Davidstown-Courtnacuddy win the Wexford intermediate hurling title. “We always like coming here and they normally have the ground in great shape. It’s a brilliant track since they went left-handed. It’s been a lucky track for us, so why not come here,” said the Davidstown trainer.

Another popular winner was Bannow Blaze (10/3 fav) running in the colours of the Zero Three Champs Syndicate from the Bannow region. Trained by Jonathan Fogarty at Gaynestown, Cleariestown, and ridden by Eoin Staples, Duncormick, he had two and a quarter lengths to spare in the handicap hurdle. “That was brilliant, the owners are local to me at home. I’m only 15 minutes from here and they are not much further. Johnny and Mikey Fogarty are only a stone’s throw away from me at home. It’s a local winner and I got a good kick out of that,” said Staples.

Wexford’s only Listed Race is the Michael Hickey Memorial Chase and it attracted only four runners. Victory went the way of Blizzard Of Oz (11/8) for the Willie Mullins/Paul Townend champion combination.

Amateur jockey Adam Ryan won the bumper on both days. Today he was on Minella Jury (7/1) for John Nallen who beat Gordon Elliott’s Riskaway by a short head.

Francis Casey made the trip from North County Dublin to saddle Rock Ya Biy Ya (6/1) in the novice hurdle, and it all worked out well with a four lengths success ridden by seven-pound claimer Alix Balfe.

Ring Of Kerry (6/4 fav) won a maiden hurdle for Meath trainer Cian Collins with Danny Gilligan in the saddle.

Fleur In The Park (11/10) had eight lengths to spare at the finish of the beginners’ chase for Tipperary trainer Andrew Slattery and ridden by Cian Quirke.

Today’s Wexford races were well attended, and the weather was much better than Sunday’s fare. It was the last Wexford races of 2025 – the new 2026 season begins on Monday, March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day.

RNLI pays tribute to Buddy Miller

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Buddy Miller, who served many years as a member of Rosslare Harbour RNLI and retired on September 30th 2002. He was aged 87 years.

BRYAN ‘BUDDY’ MILLER

Tributes have been paid by Rosslare RNLI online. “It’s with great sadness that we learnt today of the passing of Bryan ‘Buddy’ Miller and on behalf of everyone at Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat, we extend our deepest sympathy to Belinda, Buddy’s daughter, Ian her husband and all the Miller family.

“Buddy started his involvement with Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat in 1971 as Deputy Launching Authority up until 1983. During this period, he also served as crew on occasions.

“Buddy succeeded his father Cecil as Honorary Secretary in 1983. This position he held until his retirement in 2002.

During his period with Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat, Buddy saw three lifeboats stationed there,

1969-‘79 Solent Class , Hope Roberts.

1979-‘84 Solent Class, George Urie Scott.

1984-2001 Aran Class, St Brendan.

In September 2002, Buddy received a highly coveted Certificate of Service from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for his service as Deputy Launching Authority 1971-1982 & Honorary Secretary 1983-2002(31 years)

He also received a Vellum of thanks for his 31 years of service.

“Buddy was a courageous man who left a wonderful legacy in Lifeboating. Again our sincere condolences to all his Family, some of whom continue in his footsteps. Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.”

Buddy was a good friend in my early broadcasting days and I will always remember that following the interview logged here in 2002, he brought me with the crew out to sea on the lifeboat and circled Tuskar Rock and on the return voyage I was privileged to be asked to “steer the boat” back to Rosslare Harbour.

AUDIO ADDITION; Dan Walsh interviews Buddy Millar at the time of his retirement from Rosslare RNLI. First broadcast on ‘Midweek Voices’ on South East Radio, October 2022.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Bryan (Buddy) Miller, Tagoat, Co Wexford, peacefully at Kerlogue Nursing Home, Wexford on Saturday 25th October 2025. Beloved husband of the late Helen and loving father of Belinda. Sadly missed by his daughter, son-in-law Ian, brothers, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many dear friends.
Funeral at 11am on Wednesday 29th October in St. Iberius’ Church, North Main Street, Wexford. Y35 R3WN.

Private family burial afterwards at St. Peter’s Church, Kilscoran.
Donations in lieu of flowers to RNLI Ireland – Just Giving

First day treble for Sean O’Keeffe at Wexford two-day races

Pictured following Morell River’s victory at Wexford today are (left to right); Sean O’Keeffe (jockey); Mary and Brendan Fitzpatrick (owners and breeders of Morell River; Indigo Doolan (groom), Sophie Carter and Brendan Walsh, assistant trainer to Colin Bowe. Pic; Wexford Local.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe was the local hero at Wexford races today where he rode three winners. Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan saddled a double.

O’Keeffe scored first on The Big Clubman (11/2) for Paul Nolan by two lengths in the maiden hurdle, followed by a victory on Cathryns Ruby (28/1) for Carlow trainer Patrick Foley in the handicap hurdle. Winner number three was for Colin Bowe’s Kiltealy stable on Morell River (11/2), also in a handicap hurdle.

Paul Nolan was at Wexford Park watching the hurling, so he missed the success of The Bug Clubman, and he made it a double with Gin Tonic (7/2) who beat Open Secret, for Gordon Elliott and Jordan Gainford, in the maiden hurdle with Cleariestown jockey Conor Stone-Walsh in the saddle.

The beginners’ chase was won by John P. Manus’ Uhavemeinstitches (12/1) ridden by Mark Walsh and Henry de Bromhead saddled Nuvotic (3/1) to take the handicap chase with Darragh O’Keeffe in the saddle. Incidentally, Paul Nolan’s Release The Beast finished runner-up with Sean O’Keeffe up!

Dungarvan trainer Declan Queally was in Galway where he had a winner, but he made it a double on the day when Mozzies Sister (7/4) won the four runner mares hurdle rather easily by 13 lengths ridden by Alex Harvey.

And there was a real surprise in the ‘bumper’ when the Willie Mullins trained Lady Lena with son Patrick in the saddle was beaten ‘a head’ by Ballymoreen (9/2) trained by Mark Quigley in Laois and ridden by Adam Ryan.

The two-day October Bank Holiday races at Wexford continues tomorrow (Bank Holiday Monday) with seven races, the first is off at 1.17pm. The feature race is the Listed Michael Hickey Memorial Chase.

Five Wexford ‘points’ winners

By Dan Walsh

Two point-to-point meetings at Tattersalls, Co. Meath and Curraghmore, Co. Waterford went ahead today (Sunday) and there were victories for five Wexford handlers.

Alex O’Keeffe, (17) of the well-known Harveystown racing family near Taghmon, rode his first winner on newcomer Our Peggy by 10 lengths for the Gaynestown Stud Partnership and handler Jonathon Fogarty in the maiden race for four-year-old mares at Tattersalls.

JAMIE SCALLAN rode his 90th winner for SEAN DOYLE at Curraghmore today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Another newcomer Pitch And Toss had a four lengths success for Cormac Doyle – his second winner in two days – in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. Joint champion rider Rob James took the mount.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill were also successful at the Meath venue. Radiator Springs scored by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus mares.

Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard, rode his 90th winner at Curraghmore today. He was aboard newcomer Girl Friday for the Monbeg Partnership and Sean Doyle in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. Two lengths the winning distance.

Father and son, Michael and Harry Goff from Clondaw, Ferns, enjoyed a two lengths success with newcomer Loch Ness Pineau in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings at the Waterford venue.

Bank Holiday racing at Bettyville Park

By Dan Walsh

The popular October Bank Holiday weekend racing fixtures take place at Bettyville Park, Wexford, tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday and weather conditions are favourable.

Sunday features an eight-race card with the first race off at 12.30pm. The first two races are steeplechases followed by five hurdle races and finishing up with an INH Flat Race.

Top trainers Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, Henry de Bromhead, Gavin Cromwell all have strong entries while Wexford stables with runners include Paul Nolan, Colm Murphy, Liz Doyle, Seamus Neville, Colin Bowe, P.J. Rothwell, John A. Berry, Wille Martin and Dermot Day.

Monday’s fixture is a seven-race card with the first race off at 1.17pm.

Double for O’Neill at Peppards Castle

By Dan Walsh at Peppards Castle

Yellow Warning, trained by Ellen Doyle at Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy,and ridden by Brian Dunleavy, won the four-year-old maiden race at today’s Island point-to-point at Peppards Castle by a short head under pleasant autumn sunshine.

Yellow Warning pipped Jetaway Mountain in the Jay Brennan colours and trained at Blackwater by Martin Corrigan with Shane Butler in the saddle. It was the closest finish of the day.

BARRY O’NEILL and COLIN BOWE were amongst the winners at Peppards Castle.

Champion rider Barry O’Neill scored a double and leads the national point-to-point rider’s championship with eight winners since the beginning of the new season.

First up for O’Neill was aboard Idaho Expresso for the David Christie stables in the maiden race for five- and six-year-old mares and half an hour later added the five-year-old geldings maiden contest on the Colin Bowe trained Ponte Verda in the colours of Maria Kavanagh from Arklow. Six lengths to spare for the latter.

Double Ten in the colours of the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership scored by seven lengths under Donal O’Connor for the Cormac Doyle stables in the four-year-old maiden auction race.

Cormac Farrell from Bunclody saddled Kings Jet who snatched a ‘neck’ victory under Clare rider Emily Costello in the Ladies Open Race. A tilt at the Cheltenham Foxhunters is the next target for Kings Jet.

Hearts And Spades from the Kildare stables of Ian McCarthy won the six-year-old plus maiden race under Galway rider Eoin Mahon who was returning from injury.

Youth Conference held in Wexford

At the Comhairle na nÓg conference in County Hall were Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllrs Patricia Byrne and Michael Sheehan, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and members of Comhairle na nÓg. (Pic;Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Over 100 young people from schools and youth groups attended the Wexford Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference last Thursday at County Hall, Wexford.

The annual Youth Conference gives young people in County Wexford a platform to highlight local issues and work with Comhairle na nÓg on solutions.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan and Cllr. Patricia Byrne both addressed the event and gave the young people the opportunity to understand the weight and value of their opinions as members of Comhairle na nÓg.

Cllr Sullivan said; “As Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council I am delighted to support this continued partnership with Comhairle na nÓg which has gone from strength to strength. We encourage young people’s views and take them on board when developing policies for the betterment of the lives of all the citizens of County Wexford.”

New representatives have joined the Wexford Comhairle na nÓg and will represent County Wexford youth for 2025–2026. This group will assess the issues raised at the Youth Conference, consider possible solutions, and promote ways for decision makers to include youth perspectives in shaping society.

Avril O’Sullivan, Comhairle na nÓg Co-Ordinator said; “Comhairle na nÓg provides young people with local and national opportunities to have youth voices included in the design and delivery of policies, strategies and services. Young people volunteer their time, effort and skills to make meaningful change.

“Wexford Comhairle na nÓg are currently working on the issue of youth health and are making efforts to achieve positive change in a complex area. Through their participation in Comhairle the young people form new friendships, enhance their teamwork, communication, public speaking and research skills, and of course, have fun,” added Ms. O’Sullivan.

Director of Services for Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin said; “Comhairle na nÓg is the recognised structure for participation by children and young people in local decision making across all 31 local authorities of the country.

“The structure allows young people to identify and progress topics of importance to them; fosters political interest and importantly helps deliver a youth-led change process to improve the lives of young people in the County,” added Ms Godkin.

Gold for Blackwater, Wexford and Enniscorthy

ENNISCORTHY County Third and a Gold Medal in the SuperValu Tidy Towns’ competition. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Blackwater are the Co. Wexford winners at the SuperValu Tidy Towns, runners-up are Wexford and third place goes to Enniscorthy and all three received Gold Medals at the national awards ceremony held in Croke Park this afternoon.

Silver medals went to Rosslare Strand, Rosslare Harbour, New Ross and Gorey. Duncormick and Bree took bronze while Ballindaggin got an Endeavour award.

BLACKWATER winner of the County Tidy Towns’ and a Gold Medal. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

CATEGORY A

Duncormick      384 (Bronze Medal)

Ballyduff          372

Foulksmills      372

Ballyfad            240

CATEGORY B

Blackwater        394 (County First and Gold Medal)

Bree                   382 (Bronze Medal)

Kilanerin           374

Clonroche          371

Kilmuckridge     369

Ballycanew         344

Ballymurn           335

Hollyfort            334

Killanne              334

Askamore            325

Coolgreany         323

Carrig-on-Bannow 320

Bridgetown         309

Ballycullane       308

Marshalstown     308

Wellingtonbridge 300

Courtnacuddy     298

Oylegate             294

Campile              279

Ballindaggin      256 (Endeavour Award)

Ramsgrange        239

WEXFORD County Second and a Gold Medal in SuperValu Tidy Towns’ competition (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

CATERGORY C

Rosslare Strand 382 (Silver Medal)

Rosslare Harbour 381 (Silver Medal)

Ferns                   369

Bunclody             328

CATEGORY E

New Ross             376 (Silver Medal)

CATEGORY F

Enniscorthy        386 (County Third and Gold Medal)

Gorey                   375

CATEGORY G

Wexford                393 (County Second and Gold Medal)

Casting your vote in Presidential Election

By Dan Walsh

The election for President of Ireland to replace Michael D. Higgins will be held on Friday, with voting open from 7am to 10pm.

The important message to the public is to participate in the electoral process and make use of your right to vote, as such opportunities are infrequent.

On the ballot paper will be three names; Connolly, Gavin and Humphreys, in that order, and a little photo beside them to help the gender illiterate! All information is good.

Leading up to election day has been dull and unexciting and the danger is that of a stay away election and the statistician’s tell us that a low turnout can upset their poll predictions.

So, let’s get to the candidates. Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys have been out and about actively campaigning although the amount of time they spent canvassing in Wexford didn’t last any longer than a normal dinner break for the rest of us!

Then why should they come to Co. Wexford when the government partners imposed the party whip on their councillors and blocked the path of others seeking a nomination through the local authority process.

This leads to Jim Gavin, who struggled in the televised debates and withdrew from the campaign early on. Shortly after he announced his withdrawal late on a Sunday night, WexfordLocal.com reported, based on reliable sources, that Gavin’s name would still appear on the ballot paper.

Gavin’s posters remain up, with new ones reportedly appearing on poles. A vote for Gavin will be used in the count process.

Could Gavin’s strong showing in the Presidential Election finally generate public interest if he finishes first or second? It’s unlikely, but with Fianna Fail’s influence and disillusioned voters who refuse to participate, it’s still possible.

If Gavin tops the poll – and while it may be a sensational outcome, and it is not insurmountable – I believe he will accept the seven years tenure of the Arás?

If Gavin were to top the poll and refuse the office of President, a new election would be triggered under the Constitution and must be held within 60 days.

Despite a lacklustre build-up and low turnout, the Presidential Election could deliver a dramatic and unexpected outcome. Make sure your vote counts.