Fountain damage on Friary Hill

By Dan Walsh

An ancient cast iron water fountain on the route of the celebrated Enniscorthy-made film Brooklyn, written by local scriptwriter Colm Toibín, located on Friary Hill with the junction of Lower Church Street was damaged recently.

It looks like the old fountain, one of the few surviving in the town and located on the edge of the footpath, was nudged sideways by a vehicle and is in a distressed state.

It is part of the town’s history and heritage and WexfordLocal.com is asking Enniscorthy Municipal District Council to investigate the damage and, hopefully, restore it as a precious piece of natural street furniture recalling times past.

During the greater part of the 19th century the townspeople relied on their water supply on spring wells, a goodly number of which were situated in the town and its environs.

This source was supplemented in the 1830s when pipes were laid down bringing water from Sheil’s Well in Templeshannon to the west side of the town- across the River Slaney at the same time when the old stone bridge was widened and lowered.

Three fountains were supplied from these pipes. Later two pumps and three fountains, supplied from other sources, were supplied from these pipes. Unfortunately, we are not privy to the location of these pipes.

Following construction of the railway tunnel underneath the town, some of the spring wells were closed and replaced by new fountains. In 1891, Enniscorthy Town Commissioners erected the new reservoir at Drumgoold, costing £2,800, and it is reasonable to assume that the old fountain on Friary Hill belongs to this era. It would have been in use until the late 1950s or early 1960s!

Successful sea rescue off Ballyhealy Beach

KILMORE QUAY RNLI Lifeboat Killarney returning from Ballyhealy Beach on Saturday (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh)

By Dan Walsh

A concerned member of the public made a call to the Irish Coast Guard on Saturday afternoon after three people on a 3-metre RIB were noticed anchored approximately 100 metres off Ballyhealy Beach and Kilmore RNLI Lifeboat was launched immediately.

The weather was sunny but with a strong south westerly breeze blowing Force 6 to 7 causing large waves to form close to the shore.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 3.30 pm. The crew quickly established that the three people on board were safe and well, transferring them to the lifeboat for passage back to Kilmore Quay. A towline was established to the RIB and the lifeboat was soon under way to Kilmore Quay.

Arriving back in the harbour at 4:50 pm, the casualty vessel was secured alongside the marina assisted by the Kilmore Quay unit of the Irish Coast Guard who also took care of the three casualties when they disembarked from the lifeboat. The lifeboat returned to its berth and was made ready for service again by the crew.

Speaking following the call out, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said: “Thankfully, today was a good outcome. The people involved had the good sense to stay on board the boat until help arrived. I would strongly urge anyone heading out to sea to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, and most importantly carry a reliable means of communication, VHF or a mobile phone in a waterproof case, in case you need to call for help. I would also like to thank the Kilmore Quay Coast Guard unit for their assistance today.”

Enniscorthy wishes the Roses well

Local Wexford Rose BRÓNAGH HOGAN with CLAIRE LAWLESS, District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, and members of St. Colman’s Ballindaggin Pipe Band at Market Square, Enniscorthy, today for the Rose Tour Enniscorthy.

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy’s Market Square opened its friendliness for music, luscious red strawberries, and a warm welcome on the final day of the Wexford Rose Tour today (Sunday) and it was a festive occasion to match many of the memorable times in the town centre.

Thirty-two Irish and international Roses were made welcome by Cllr Jackser Owens, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, who enjoyed a rock n’ roll dance with the Texas Rose and countless hugs and smiles from many others.

The bus rolled into town just after mid-day and after a photo shoot at Enniscorthy Castle they were marched to Market Square by the members of St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, where a large crowd greeted them and Liam Sharkey was joined by members of Enniscorthy Rock ‘n’ Roll Club dancers, Martina Leacy’s talented group and the junior scouts for an entertaining session. The Roses joined in from the stage and the craic was mighty during the one-hour long stay.

It was the final day of the Wexford Rose Tour and it began with a walking tour through the laneways of New Ross discovering the town’s Medieval murals before heading for Enniscorthy. However, there was a special stop in Clonroche village the home of Wexford Rose Brónagh Hogan who was serenaded by the locals, got the kiss of good luck in the Rose of Tralee competition from her Granny, and carries the good wishes of local Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council.

CLLR KATHLEEN CODD-NOLAN gives her best wishes to the Wexford Rose BRÓNAGH HOGAN at today’s tour in Enniscorthy’s Market Square.

Speaking during Friday’s Wexford Town Tour, Cllr Fleming said; “We congratulate and celebrate with the Rose of Tralee International Festival who will celebrate 63 years as a family-friendly, world-class festival.” 

International Festival Director Anthony O’Gara told WexfordLocal.com; “We are forever grateful for the way that everyone involved – lead by our sponsors Wexford County Council and hospitality partner the Ashdown Park Hotel – has delivered such an incredible experience for this year’s Roses. The smiles on the Roses’ faces while they toured County Wexford and the way that the tourism and hospitality industry came together with the local community in each town shows why County Wexford is such a popular tourism destination.” 

The last stop on their exciting itinerary was Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club today (Sunday) where they enjoyed a Taste Wexford lunch before taking to the green for golf tips from members. Some were lucky enough to view the stunning golf course from the golf buggies! 

The Rose of Tralee International Festival will be broadcast live on RTÉ One at 8pm on Monday and Tuesday, August 21st and 22nd. For more information on the Wexford Rose Tour 2023 as well as the full itinerary, click on Rose of Tralee International Festival roseoftralee.ie 

From the foothills to the sea

Cathy Lee, Chairperson of the Ahare River Biodiversity Group, and Dr Fran Igoe, LAWPRO, displaying the new publication; The Ahare River from Croghan to Castletown; Water, Wildlife, People and Place at the Castletown River and Nature Festival on Saturday.

By Dan Walsh at Castletown

One of the highlights of yesterday’s (Saturday) Castletown River & Nature Festival was the launch of a detailed local publication The Ahare River from Croghan to Castletown; Water, Wildlife, People and Place, which is destined to serve as a local encyclopedia of knowledge and awareness in the North Wexford community.

Cathy Lee, Chairperson Friends of the Ahare River and Biodiversity Group, writes; “There is much beauty, biodiversity, history and folklore associated with the Ahare River catchment and we hope to share some of this with you (the reader) in this publication.”

The foreword to the publication is penned by well-known broadcaster, author and proud Castletown resident, Joe Duffy. “My family has been coming to this beautiful part of Wexford for over 25 years. The people of this area are welcoming, friendly, and hospitable. The area itself is unique, rare, and very beautiful -it has to be treasured,” writes Joe Duffy in his opening remarks to a positive article.

Contributors include Dónal O’Keeffe, Catchment Scientist, Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO); Emer Russell, Principal, Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown, Gorey; Jeshua Taucher, Project Manager Seal Rescue Ireland; Faith Wilson, Ecologist; Ken Whelan, Fisheries Scientist, author and radio personality; Donnchadh Byrne, Senior Fisheries Environmental Officer; a contribution from the 1938 National Folklore Collection, reflections from the river bank from Andy Kelly, and a winning story from Ellen Dixon (aged 12) 6th Class Scoil Naofa, Castletown, and much more.

As an introduction there is some important geography. “From the foothills in the west of the Catchment to the sea at Castletown, the streams from Rathpierce Hill and Croghan Mountain form the Inch and Clonogue River. Flowing through green and fertile countrywide, these rivers join together to form the Ahare, also known as the Kilgorman or Inch River. It then flows through the flood plain at Ahare before entering the Irish Sea at Kilgorman on Clone Beach in North County Wexford.”

The Ahare River from Croghan to Castletown; Water, Wildlife, People and Place, A4 size, 20 pages including cover, published by Streamscapes, Bantry, Co. Cork, available from any member of the Ahare River Biodiversity Group.

Louisa wins the fashion stakes

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Racecourse

LOUISA MURPHY, Ladies Day winner at Wexford Racecourse (Pic; Patrick Browne).

It was Ladies Day at Friday evening’s Wexford races and there were plenty of fashion doing the rounds although the weather was misbehaving at times, but it was a pretty occasion of glamour, colour, social intercourse and good fun.

The judge was celebrity fashion expert Marietta Doran, who admitted that “there was plenty of talent to choose from and picking a winner was not an easy decision, but there has to be a winner!”

The popular winner was Ferns hairdresser Louisa Murphy, who lives in Tramore, and was given a rousing round of congratulatory applause when she received her prize in the parade ring after the sixth race.

The other four finalists were Catherine Byrne, St. Mullins, Mary Hamilton from Gorey, Veronica Murphy from Ballyhack and Alice J. Kelly from Blackwater.

The Ladies Day event was sponsored by Slaney View Motors and Ferrycarrig Hotel in association with New Mood Boutique.

Two local successes at Wexford races

The Latta family pictured with Thisistheway following success in the concluding INH Flat Race (left to right) Yvonne, Andrew, Charles and Lucy. Also pictured are John Gleeson (jockey) and Lisa Carton, (groom).

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

It was Ladies Day at Bettyville Park last evening (Friday) where a large crowd packed the stands to cheer their selections and to witness some fine finishes, a few favourites keeping the punters sweet, and success for two local training establishments.

The Latta family from Ballinakill, Ballycarney, have a long winning association with Wexford, and they were celebrating after the home-bred filly Thisistheway (9/1) scored by an impressive four and a quarter lengths victory in the INH Flat Race for trainer Yvonne Latta with young Waterford amateur John Gleeson on board. The winner was led up by Lisa Carton, Bunclody, who works for the Latta stables.

The Touch of Luck Syndicate, consisting of nine members from the Cleariestown area of south Wexford, had their special moment when Iridesent (7/1) prevailed by half a length for trainer Jonathan Fogarty and jockey Kieran Callaghan in the handicap chase.

Jockey Keith Donoghue had a double up after the opening two races. He was aboard Dutch Scultz (9/4) for Gavin Cromwell in the maiden hurdle and half an hour later partnered Navigator Jack, (10/3 fav.) for Slieverue trainer Eoin Griffin to a nine lengths victory in the second maiden hurdle on the seven-race card.

Philip Enright was on the winning favourite Sarah Beara (7/2 fav.) in the handicap hurdle winning by five and a half lengths for Cashel trainer Sam Curling. Caim jockey JJ Slevin was third on Ocean Legacy.

Jack Kennedy and Gordon Elliott took the beginners chase with Riaan (6/1) and the two-mile handicap chase was won by Royal Juniper (11/2) for Tony Martin and Peter Carberry. The latter was the most exciting finish of the day with less than two lengths separating the first four to finish.

Great evening’s racing. A bit showery that changed the going. Large crowd and 10 lucky punters managed to assemble the correct jackpot combination, and each left the track richer by €1,790. Well done to all.

The next race meeting at Bettyville Park is an evening fixture on Friday, September 1st.

Death of Enniscorthy businessman

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of well-known Enniscorthy businessman, Pat Casey, (69), 20, Slaney Street, who was also a great community activist and was a founder member and former chairman of Slaney Search and Rescue.

PAT CASEY

Mr. Casey worked for the family business, MF Casey Jewellers, set up by his late parents, Maurice and Betty Casey, after they purchased the former family business and home of renowned poet Anthony Cronin (1923-2016) on Slaney Street in the early 1950s.

A most popular member of the community, news of Pat’s death has been greeted with shock and sadness and condolences are extended to his sorrowing family and friends. R.I.P.

In a statement on social media Slaney Search and Rescue paid this fine tribute; “It was with deepest sadness that we heard yesterday of the untimely passing of our beloved member Pat Casey. Pat has been with Slaney Search and Rescue since its inception. Over the years he has worked tirelessly for the organisation, holding many positions on our Committee including Chairman. But probably Pat’s greatest talent was training our new members. From introducing them to the operation of the boats to showing them how to stand up in a dry suit, Pat was the man. He will be sorely missed.“

FAMILY NOTICE; Dearly loved husband of Margaret Kavanagh Casey, loving father of Marguerite and John, adoring grandfather of Patrick and John, beloved son of the late Maurice and Betty and much-loved brother of Betty, Maurice, Stephen, Christina, Marie and the late John and Catherine.

Sadly missed by his loving family, Marguerite’s partner Jimmy, John’s partner Azraa, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May He Rest in Peace

Reposing at Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy, on Saturday from 12 noon until 7pm and on Sunday from 2pm with removal at 6.30pm to St. Aidan’s Cathedral.

Funeral Mass on Monday at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Enniscorthy.

Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to Slaney Search & Rescue.

Ladies Day Friday at Wexford races

Seventy-nine runners have been declared for the seven-races Friday evening race meeting at Bettyville Park and the scene is set for a great sporting occasion. The first race is off at 4.55pm.

The latest update on the track is “good to yielding and a mainly dry forecast.” They are monitoring the situation regarding watering.

A bumper attendance is expected because it is Slaney View Motors and Ferrycarrig Hotel Ladies Day in association with New Mood Boutique. The guest judge is well-known fashion commentator Marietta Doran, no stranger to Wexford racecourse, she’s been here before, and nobody better to bring out the best in glamour and colour and style to the social side of racing at Wexford.

Fashion commentator MARIETTA DORAN and DAN WALSH at Wexford races July 2019. Working together again on Friday. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

THE CARD; 4.55pm; Think Print & Design Maiden Hurdle of €10,500, 2 miles 160 yards. (11 runners).

5.30pm; Traynors of Wexford Handicap Hurdle of €10,500. 2 miles 4 furlongs 100 yards. (12 runners).

6.05pm; Country Fest Wexford August 13th Handicap Hurdle of €11,000. 3 miles. (13 runners).

6.40pm; O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey Beginners Chase of €12,000. 2 miles 3 furlongs 170 yards. (11 runners).

7.15pm; Elevate Financial Planning Opportunity Handicap Chase of €11,500. 2 miles 3 furlongs 170 yards. (11 runners).

7.50pm; Racing TV Members Handicap Chase of €11,000. 2 miles. (10 runners).

8.25pm; Irish Stallion Farms EBF (M) INH Flat Race of €11,000. 2 miles 160 yards. (11 runners).

New addition to Bree Hill Walking Trails

BALLYBRITTAS DOLMEN will be open to visitors on the Bree Hill Walking Trails from next Sunday.

By Dan Walsh on Bree Hill

Ballybrittas Dolmen, hiding low down on the western slope of Bree Hill, dates from around 1800 BC, and far and away the oldest man-made building in Co. Wexford and next Sunday it takes on a new identity when the Ballybrittas Dolman Trail is officially opened to the public.

It is an ambitious extension to the existing Bree Hill Trail and the meeting point is Bree Community Centre for the opening ceremony at 12.45pm by Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. Local archaeologist Colm Moriarty will give a talk about the dolmen at the site.

Credit is given to Bree Trail Committee; a sub-committee of Bree Development Group and the extension was completed due to €50,000 grant funding. The project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Wexford County Council.

Writing in my book, Bree; The Story of a County Wexford Parish (edited by the late Gerry Breen and long out of print) in 1980, my sources for research on the Ballybrittas Dolmen was the Early Irish History Department at UCD, Dublin.

The Ballybrittas Dolmen belongs to a group of megalithic tombs called ‘portal dolmens’, so called because the massive stones holding up the large capstone, that could weigh anything from 20 to 100 tons weight) are sometimes arranged in the shape of a porch.

It is said that the site at Ballybrittas is a classic site for portal dolmens – on the side of a townland close to a hill – in this case the River Boro, a tributary of the River Slaney famed in local poetry and verse.

Nothing is known of the dolmen makers apart from the tombs they built were for their dead. They would have had no writing, or no metals at all, although they might have been aware that metals existed.

Today, I survived the 6.2km (3.9 miles) trail, via Bree Hill, steep slopes in both directions and not for the faint-hearted, but the panoramic views from the east coast, across south Wexford and towards New Ross were pin-sharp accompanied by 26 degrees and brilliant sunshine.

Wexford racing concerns on Minister’s desk

By Dan Walsh

Over 40 horse trainers and point-to-point handlers currently operating in Co. Wexford are calling on Wexford-based Minister for State at the Department of Justice with responsibility for law reform, James Browne TD, expressing concerns around the future broadcasting of Irish race meetings and the gambling advertising watershed ban which is proposed in the Gambling Regulation Bill.

The correspondence, which has the full backing of the Irish Racehorse Trainer’s Association, released to the media, and seen by WexfordLocal.com begins as follows; “We, your constituents, represent over 40 yards and support close to 400 full and part-time employees as well as creating a very substantial amount of indirect employment.”

“You (Minister Browne) may not realise but over the last two years Wexford-based trainers and handlers have been responsible for the sale of horses to the value of over €45 million. It is a great source of pride to us that our efforts and success have resulted in a major boost to local economies throughout the county, especially within the last decade. 

“In recent weeks we have become aware of the Gambling Regulation Bill which is likely to be passed into law later this year. As a body we wholeheartedly support any form of gambling regulation and anything that can be done to protect the vulnerable and most at risk in our society is paramount. So before proceeding any further we want to impress upon you our belief that the Gambling Regulation Bill is a necessary and positive addition to legislation in Ireland. 

“However, lately there have been reports in the media that the dedicated horse racing subscription channels – Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing – are seriously worried about their ability to continue broadcasting Irish race meetings to an Irish audience in light of the gambling advertising watershed ban which is proposed within the Gambling Regulation Bill.

MINISTER JAMES BROWNE… Wexford racing interests have expressed concerns about some issues in the Gambling Regulation Bill.

“Television coverage, which encompasses the two aforementioned channels along with RTE, TG4 and Virgin Media, represents one of the key pillars in our ability to market the sport and, as importantly, our bloodstock. So, if racing were to disappear from our screens, we believe it would have a detrimental effect on both the hugely successful Irish racing industry and our pivotal point-to-point sector which underpins local economies throughout Wexford.

“The ability to watch live racing pictures from Irish tracks is still a comparatively new phenomenon but it is one which is now a vital component to the overall health of the racing industry. It enables the sport to seamlessly reach its core fan base while also helping to attract new business to all in our local area and beyond.

“Therefore, we are seriously worried that if racing was to disappear from our television screens because it is no longer commercially viable for these channels to broadcast here at home, it would represent a terrible blow to our livelihoods not to mention the impact it would have on local economies throughout the county. 

“Fundamentally It will greatly undermine our ability to sell horses to anybody but overseas clients as Irish interest in Irish racing would unquestionably diminish sharply in the absence of live television pictures. 

“Minister, we would plead with you avoid what is an unintended consequence of this extremely worthwhile and necessary piece of legislation and work towards creating the sort of exemptions already place in other jurisdictions such as Australia and Britain that will allow these TV channels (that are already behind paywalls) to work in a commercial environment where it is attractive for them to continue to broadcast Irish racing here in Ireland and not just to a UK audience where no similar commercial restrictions apply.”