The Island Hunt point-to-point will be held on Saturday at Peppards Castle (Y25 HY96) between Ballygarrett and Kilmuckridge. The track is in good condition, the weather is expected to be favourable, and organisers anticipate a strong turnout.
The latest going report (Friday) is “yielding to soft, soft in places.”
The first of six races is off at 1pm. The entry is 95, up 18 on last year’s figure of 77 when races were run at Peppards Castle for the first time.
Unfortunately, last year’s racing prevailed in windy and extremely soft ground conditions, however, on the track itself the locals fared well in the results.
It is a left-handed track over a mile with five fences per circuit. The card consists of five maiden races and a Ladies Open Lighweight where an exciting entry is Winged Leader, winner of 34 races in his career, a record on the point-to-point circuit.
Racing takes place at Bettyville Park, Wexford, on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
The closure of the Merck Pharmaceutical Plant in Arklow, announced today, is expected to result in the loss of approximately 100 jobs.
BRIAN BRENNAN TD “My foremost concern is for all of the potentially impacted employees and their families at this uncertain time.”
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com; Deputy Brian Brennan said; “I was deeply shocked to hear the news of the decision to discontinue operations at the Arklow facility by the end of 2028.
“The Merck Life Science facility in Arklow has long been a large employer in the town, with upwards of 100 staff employed there and my foremost concern is for all of the potentially impacted employees and their families at this uncertain time.
“While this is a shock to the people of Arklow and South Wicklow/North Wexford we do have time to work on this to both engage with Merck and to provide support to the workers and to that end I am calling for an urgent task force to manage this issue,” stated Deputy Brennan.
A communications source for Merck Life Science stated that “following a strategic portfolio review of products at our Arklow, Ireland site, Merck has made the decision to discontinue the API portfolio.
“As a result of this decision, it is proposed to discontinue operations at the Arklow facility by the end of 2028, consultation on this proposal will commence immediately.
“This decision has not been taken lightly; it follows careful consideration of various factors including market dynamics, and customer needs. We continue to highly value each of our colleagues’ contributions to ensure operations and output for our customers and patients.
“The site, which was acquired by Merck in 2015, employs approximately 100 people, who will all be impacted by this proposal.
“We are engaging with employees and their trade union representatives (SIPTU) on this matter and providing support as necessary. Employee contracts are unaffected during this consultation period.”
SEAMUS RAFTER BRIDGE at Enniscorthy. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
District Manager Claire Lawless resolved the issue of ‘missing’ flags at Enniscorthy’s Municipal District Council meeting held today at the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre.
The matter arose from the recent meeting of Wexford County Council where twelve Irish flags flying from the Seamus Rafter Bridge over the River Slaney had disappeared from their masts and Cllr Jackser Owens demanded to know ‘who removed them?’ and he was disgusted at such treatment of the tricolour! “They should be left there”, he insisted!
The drama unfolded at the Wexford County Council meeting when Cllr Owens put the question of the missing Irish flags to the meeting and the top table were completely lost. They looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders in unison but could offer no explanation.
Director Services Eamonn Hore failed to understand what Cllr Owens was talking about and suggested he contact Enniscorthy District Manager, Claire Lawless, and she may be able to help?
Today, Ms. Lawless brought calm to the chamber when she revealed that the Council had taken down the flags. “Some of the flags were torn from the storms and we take them down every year at this time,” she declared.
Uisce Éireann has notified customers in Bridgetown, Co Wexford, of a planned outage which is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, October 22nd from 9am until 5pm.
The outage will impact supply to homes and businesses in Bridgetown, Tomhaggard and the surrounding area.
The planned outage is to facilitate several essential leak repairs on a water main in the area.
The repairs are part of extensive works being carried out by Uisce Éireann to alleviate ongoing supply disruptions in the area. To date, 20 leak repairs have been carried out in the area in recent weeks.
Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann apologised for the inconvenience the outage will cause. “We acknowledge the impact that a planned outage has on our customers, and we assure affected customers that our crews will work as quickly as possible to complete the repairs and restore normal supply,” Mr. Lyng told WexfordLocal.com
Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers on higher ground or at the end of the network.
The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
Sub officer Patrick Busher made a presentation to Minister James Browne TD pictured with Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan at the handing over the keys of the new fire engine to Wexford Fire Station on Monday afternoon. Pic: Jim Campbell
By Dan Walsh
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D, has officially launched a new fire appliance for Wexford town and district today.
Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and at a cost of €445,000, the Volvo FE ‘Class B’ fire appliance carries 1,800 litres of water, has an in-built main pump, and carries a variety of equipment including a selection of hoses, ladders, breathing apparatus equipment, hydraulic cutting equipment, chimney fire equipment and first aid equipment.
The vehicle is top of its class. Built in Tullow, Co. Carlow, it can hold six personnel on board, including the driver. The new appliance is based in Wexford town and brings the fleet in town to four frontline appliances.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan commented; “It is very positive to see such great investment into our fire service. This is a crucial, front line emergency service and it is critical that our crews are well equipped, for their safety and for the public. The new appliance will greatly strengthen frontline services for Wexford.”
Minister James Browne TD said; “This is an important milestone for our community in Wexford, and the top-class team we have here at Wexford Fire Station. This state-of the-art appliance marks our ongoing commitment to ensure the highest standards of safety, preparedness and service and the protection of lives and property in our community. The investment will help our firefighters continue their vital work even more effectively.”
Chief Fire Officer, Alan O’Neill welcomed the arrival of the new engine, “The new appliance is a very welcome addition to the fleet, and I would like to thank all parties involved in its’ delivery.”
By Dan Walsh Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi has announced the programme for the 75th Anniversary Wexford Festival Opera in 2026, showcasing the Festival’s unique discoveries over the decades. The Festival will run for 17 days, from Thursday to Saturday, October 15th-31st. It is built around the theme The Best of: one for the head, one for the heart, one for fun. Iris – Pietro Mascagni, 1898 L’equivoco stravagante – Gioachino Rossini, 1811 The Gambler – Sergei Prokofiev, 1929. All three main stage operas were performed during the Festival’s history before the building of the award-winning National Opera House in 2008. They will all appear in new productions together with new critical editions reflecting recent scholarship. Speaking to WexfordLocal.com at the announcement of the 75th programme, WFO Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi said: “The 75th Anniversary is an incredible milestone and a very special birthday for Wexford, and for our Wexford Festival Opera family all around the world. Each opera is a rediscovery, but also a reflection of our own world, where difference can still divide us – and yet, art reminds us that empathy can always unite us.” The 75th Wexford Festival Opera will run from October 15th-31st, 2026. We look forward to welcoming you to celebrate this very exciting milestone. Meanwhile, the 74th Festival is now underway, opening this weekend with the three main stage operas. The Festival runs until Saturday, November 1st.
Master of ceremonies Mick O’Callaghan, Wally O’Neill of Red Books Press, publishers, and author Anne Ireton at the launch of Bohemian Whirlpools in Gorey Library. (Pic; Red Books Press).
By Dan Walsh
Friends, fellow authors and writers assembled in Gorey Library to celebrate the launch of Bohemian Whirlpools,the second book by literary genius, Anne Ireton from Courtown.
Master of ceremonies Mick O’Callaghan said Anne, who worked as a nurse in London and Wexford is a great storyteller with a deep empathetic nature for her fellow human beings.
“I have worked with many people over the years, but Anne is one of the few people I have met who keeps putting everyone else first. She never wants to take centre stage and is full of encouragement for any aspiring new writers,” said Mr O’Callaghan, who added; “Ann is a brilliant wordsmith, and I loved her story telling of the life of her London squatters. She assured me that the story was not autobiographical.”
Mr O’Callaghan continued; “For her second book Anne has dug deep and did exhaustive research and rewriting of material which has culminated in this beautiful book Bohemian Whirlpools.
Anne Ireton has travelled that road and produced Bohemian Whirlpools showing her great talent for writing, her determination and sheer brilliance as you will discover when you read this excellent novel,” concluded Mr O’Callaghan.
Veronica Lombard, long-time friend and a doyennne of the literary and dramatic life in Gorey who read an excerpt
Mary Keogh Hansen a member of Hollyfort Writers did a reading, as did Odhran Somers who recently has published his collection of poetry called Finally Finite .
Anne Colgan of Wordsmith writers’ group Gorey read an excerpt.
Anne Ireton called on Jackie Hayden to speak and formally launch Bohemian Whirlpools.
She thanked Jean, Martina and all at Gorey library for hosting the launch.
The event concluded with music by Alec Wilson and some refreshments.
Bohemian Whirlpools by Anne Ireton, edited by Alanna Hammel, 334 pages, paperback, €18, published by Red Books Press, available at Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford.
DENIS MURPHY, who trained his 300th winner, and SHANE COTTER who rode a double happy with their success at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely
Today’s point-to-point at Fairwood, Tinahely, was held in pleasant autumnal conditions where the highlights were doubles for Denis Murphy, Shane Cotter and Barry O’Neill, while Jessica Grant (19) from Kilmacow, Mullinavat rode her first winner.
Denis Murphy saddled a pair of winners – Finisk Pride by seven lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds and Empire Soldier by five and a half lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Both were ridden by Shane Cotter.
Empire Soldier gave handler Murphy is 300th point-to-point success. In his 19th year as a handler Murphy trains at Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, and has made a fantastic start to the new season with four winners in the first three weeks!
Champion Barry O’Neill also scored a double. He was aboard Ersudaly for Colin Bowe in the maiden race for five-year-old mares and added the Open Lightweight Race on the Gordon Elliott trained Chemical Energy by six lengths.
Tipperary raider Iorens won the Mares Winner of One race for handler Sam Curling and rider David Doyle.
Kilkenny rider Jessica Grant enjoyed her first win from six point-to-point rides with an easy 15 lengths victory on Roman Parish handled by David O’Brien from Piltown. Jessica rides out for O’Brien and at Colin Bowe’s stables in Kiltealy.
There was also point-to-point action at Umma House, Co. Westmeath where Adamstown handler Kieran Roche saddle a double and both were newcomers.
Taranis in the Michael Kenny colours won by half a length in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and the same combination clinched the double with Arklow by 12 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares. Both were ridden by Donal O’Connor from Mallow.
Dutton Law in the Aidan Byrne colours scored for handler Robert Tector, Coolbawn, Rathnure, and rider Brian Lawless by an impressive 32 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.
Rob James and Eamonn Doyle shared winning ways with Kenzo DesBruyeres who beat the field by 22 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
The Island Hunt point-to-point takes place at Peppardscastle, Kilmuckridge on Saturday, October 25th. First race at 1pm. Entries close on Wednesday.
Revenue officers seized approximately 202.50 kgs of cocaine at Rosslare Europort on Saturday.
The illicit drugs, with an estimated value of approximately €14.2 million, were discovered when an accompanied freight unit had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France, was stopped and searched by Customs officers.
A man in his 30s was arrested by An Garda Síochána and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in the South East Region.
This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.
If businesses, or members of the public, have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.
Member and exhibitor Ian Moriarty at Wexford Camera Club’s Photography Exhibition. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Camera Club exhibition
The popular Wexford Camera Club Photography Exhibition is open at the Friends’ Meeting House (Loch Garman Band Hall) on High Street near the National Opera House.
The exhibition features approximately 50 of the best photographs chosen by members from their annual collection.
The club commends Enniscorthy Camera Club for their assistance and the Loch Garman Band for hosting at their premises
Founded in 1979, Wexford Camera Club meetings are held every second Monday evening, and new members are welcome at any time of the year.
The exhibition is a fringe event for the Wexford Festival Opera and is well worth a visit. It continues until Sunday, November 2nd.
WexfordLocal.com 