Enniscorthy welcomes Blackstairs Blues

By Dan Walsh

The Indian summer temperatures are set to last until the end of this week, at least, just in time to celebrate the 29th annual Blackstairs Blues music festival keeping the sound of music alive at nine lively venues around Enniscorthy.

The festival kicks off on Thursday at 7pm in Enniscorthy Library with the United States solo, delta blues singer and slide guitarist, the amazing Austin Walkin’ Cane.

Walkin’ Cane is in Stamps, Market Square at 6pm on Friday evening; Scotland’s Gus Munro is in The Antique Tavern, Slaney St, at 8pm; Trevor Babajack Steger is in Rackard’s, Rafter St., from 8.30pm; Delta Dogs play Holohans, Slaney Place, from 10pm and Th Flying Monkeys play the late gig at 11pm in Treacy’s Hotel, Templeshannon.

Saturday’s programme kicks off at 2.30pm at Enniscorthy Castle with a guitar workshop featuring Austin Walkin’ Cane, Trevor Babajack Steger and Gus Munro.

At 4.30pm The BC Blues Band play in Holohans; at 5.30pm there is a Jam Session, also in Holohans; Dermot Byrne is solo in the Antique Tavern at 7pm; Trevor Babajack Steger takes to the stage in Stamps at 8.30pm; Peter Moore and Claire Bonass play Dawsons, The Duffry, from 9pm; Gus Munro can be heard in The Hole In The Wall, Market Square from 9.30pm; The Colin Skwirbat Trio are in Rackards at 10pm; The Flying Monkeys are in Holohans at 10.30pm; and the late gig features Austin Walkin’ Cane and The BC Blues Band in Tracy’s Hotel from 11pm.

On Sunday, at 4.30pm, Dermot Byrne and Danny Tobin play Stamps; Colin Skwirbal Trio are in Holohans at 5.30pm; Trevor Babajack Steger is at The Hole In The Wall at 6.30pm; Ben Prevo plays the Antique Tavern at 7.30pm; Gus Munro can be heard in Holohans at 8.30pm; Austin Walkin’ Cane and The BC Blues Band are in Rackards at 9.30pm; and the Blackstairs Blues Festival 2023 winds up with the late gig in Treacy’s Hotel when the Delta Dogs play from 10.30pm.

Man, (80) drowns on Curracloe beach

By Dan Walsh

An 80-year-old man has died after getting into difficulty at Curracloe beach today (Tuesday).

It is understood that he is not from Wexford and was visiting the popular seaside with his family.

He had been swimming at Curracloe when he became ill.

Members of the public rushed to the scene and removed him from the water.

Rescue Helicopter 117 responded quickly but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Garda spokesperson said the coroner has been informed.

Autumn point-to-point dates

By Dan Walsh

The autumn point-to-point fixtures list has been published with the first at Fairwood, Tinahely, on Sunday, October 15th and six fixtures in the south-east region before the end of December.

The fixture list is as follows: Sunday, October 15th; Shillelagh & District Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely. Sunday, October 22nd; The Island Hunt at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy. Sunday, November 12th; Wexford Hunt Races at Knockmullen House, New Ross. Sunday, November 19th; Wicklow Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely. Sunday, November 26th; Killinick Harriers at Lingstown, Tomhaggard. Sunday, December 3rd; Carlow Farmers Hunt at Borris House.

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 17th, 2022. He was aged 79 years.

DAVID McCOY

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

David was born on August 27th, 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 29th and 30th. 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.

CLLR FIONNTÁN Ó SUILLEABHAIN

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 29th and 30th 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 20th.

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.