Cheering crowds at the Wexford races

A packed crowd in one of the stands at Wexford Racecourse yesterday evening.

By Dan Walsh at Bettyville Park

The cheers echoed far beyond the stands at Wexford racecourse last evening (Friday) where a bumper attendance enjoyed brilliant jump racing in pleasant summer conditions.

Only one locally trained winner and that was Ricky Langford (8/1) trained at Tinahely for the Kings Horses Syndicate by Philip Rothwell who got home in the Tote Handicap Hurdle by two and a quarter length under jockey P.addy O’Hanlon.

Top trainer Willie Mullins saddled Friends (4/6 fav.) to win the mares flat race with champion amateur Patrick Mullins up, Clairmc (5/2 fav.), who won at the last Wexford fixture, scored again by a neck in the Neville Hotels Handicap Chase for Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue. Runner-up was Berliet Express (Simon Torrens) depriving trainer Philip Rothwell of a double on the evening.

Kilkenny trainer Ray Cody saddled Fancy A Cosmo (15/2) with Donagh Meyler up and an easy 14 lengths success in the opening maiden hurdle. John C. McConnell, who was simultaneously saddling a winner at his home track in Bellewstown, had a Wexford winner in Kinbara (13/8 fav.) and jockey Ben Harvey in the maiden hurdle.

Rachael Blackmore enjoys riding at Wexford and notched up another winner on Henry de Bromhead’s Ballyadam (evens fav.) in the beginner’s chase. Paul Nolan’s Joyeux Machin (Sean Flanagan) finished third after a blunder at the final fence.

John ‘Shark’ Hanlon made the journey from Bagenalstown to saddle Take All (17/2) in the handicap chase and it was all worthwhile with the James Cleary owned and bred gelding getting up by half a length in the hands of Jody McGarvey.

It was a very successful midsummer meeting, the largest crowd at Wexford since the post-Covid lifting of the attendance ban, the weather was brilliant, and a great sporting and social atmosphere.

The next Wexford races take place on Friday evening, August 11th, which will feature the annual ladies fashion competition that is always popular.

Ballyellis 1798 ambush commemoration

THOMAS KENNY and MARY CAHILL making preparations for next Sunday’s 1798 commemorations at Ballyellis ’98 Memorial.

By Dan Walsh at Ballyellis

Marking the 225th anniversary of the Rebellion of 1798 a commemoration will take place next Sunday at the site of an ambush marked by a memorial on the R725 Gorey-Carnew road close to the Wexford-Wicklow border and the organisers welcome everybody who may wish to attend.

Events will commence with 11am Mass in Askamore Church and events at Ballyellis crossroads are expected to get under way around 12.30pm.

The ceremony is expected to include a pike march, laying of wreaths, talks from a local historian and a folklorist, in the presence of pike groups and re-enactors, everybody is invited, whether participant or interested party, and there will be refreshments afterwards in Carnew.

The impressive Celtic cross on the Carnew-Gorey road carries the following inscription, as Gaeilge agus as Beala; “This cross was erected to preserve and perpetuate the memory of the men of Wexford and Wicklow who defeated the Ancient Britons and other British Forces at Ballyellis June 29th 1798. Grant them, eternal rest, O Lord. Erected by the Askamore and Ballyellis ’98 Association. June 29th 1941.”

The United Irishmen scored one last victory over the Crown Forces on the Wexford/Wicklow border when they lured a 200-man cavalry unit called The Ancient Britons from North Wales into a three-sided ambush in Ballyellis.

The site of the ambush was on a bend in the road bordered by high, thick ditches of crab and thorn on both sides, a high wall belonging to a deer park and a dyke five feet deep, close to the Ballyellis House on the estate of Sir Jervis White Jervis.

In the ambush and pursuit of the military, the Ancient Britons lost over 60 troops, including a French émigré, and two officers were killed. No rebel casualties were reported.

A grave bearing the remains of the Ancient Britons is located a short distance away.

Friday evening races at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Midsummer racing comes to Bettyville Park tomorrow (Friday) evening with seven contests, three over hurdles, three steeplechases and a bumper with a Willie Mullins newcomer named ‘Friends’ wearing the favourite’s tag, and the action gets underway at 5.05pm.

The total entry is 79 with most of the major stables represented and some local stables hunting for a share of the prizemoney too, and the forecast for ground conditions is ‘good’.

The atmosphere will be enhanced through the GAA Raceday activities that will bring a large crowd to the track, but there is plenty of space for many more and Wexford Racecourse would like to welcome as many as possible. The card is as follows;

5.05pm; The Shamrock Enterprises Maiden Hurdle of €10,500. 2 miles 4 furlongs 150 yards. (14 runners.

5.40pm; The TOTE Handicap Hurdle of €10,500. 2 miles 170 yards. (14 runners).

6.13pm; The Pat Farrell Memorial 5th Maiden Hurdle of €10,500. 2 miles. (14 runners).

6.48pm; The MSK Silversands Beginners Chase of €11,500. 2 miles 3 furlongs 170 yards. (7 runners).

7.23pm; The Molloy Metals Wexford GAA Raceday Handicap Chase of €22,000. 2 miles 3 furlongs 170 yards. (8 runners).

7.58pm; Nevilles Hotels Handicap Chase of €11,500. 2 miles (9 runners).

8.28pm; The Mercedes-Benz Mares Flat Race of €10,500. 2 miles 4 furlongs 150 yards. (13 runners).

Ballymoney beach victim named

By Dan Walsh

The woman who collapsed and died while swimming at Ballymoney Strand near Gorey, last Tuesday, has been named locally as Maria Falls (née Cummins), (63), from Leany, Ardattin, Co. Carlow.

MARIA FALLS

Ms. Falls, a former officer with the British Navy, was on the beach with a friend when she got into difficulties shortly after 8pm.

She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. Her remains were taken to University Hospital Waterford.

Predeceased by her husband George, father Richard, mother Eileen and brother Sean. Maria will be sadly missed by her close family, neighbours, friends and her pets. R.I.P.

Reposing in Byrne’s Funeral Home Crablane (Eircode R93 PW29) on Friday from 2pm-8pm. Removal on Saturday morning at 11.30am, to Mount Jerome Crematorium Dublin, for cremation service at 1.30pm.

Sea Sunday in Courtown

By Nicky Deacon

Courtown RNLI’s fundraising committee are to host a family fun day next Sunday on the North Pier in Courtown.

Blessing of the boats and a short ceremony recognising and remembering those who lost their lives at sea will commence at 2pm.
This will be followed by an afternoon of fun for all the family. There will be lots of stalls selling plants, books, bottles and cakes, strawberries and cream.
There will be music in front of the boat house and face painting for the children, plus a monster raffle with all proceeds going to the RNLI. Tickets will be €5 for three strips and the raffle will take place in the Taravie Hotel at 5pm.
Courtown RNLI’s fundraising committee and volunteer crew look forward to welcoming everyone to their family fun day.
All proceeds raised will go to Courtown RNLI Lifeboat station.

30-house scheme begins in Gorey

Moving in at the old St. Joseph’s school site on Gorey’s Wexford St. where a 30-unit housing development is planned.

By Dan Walsh

There is good news coming from Gorey with the development of 30 housing units commencing on the old St. Joseph’s school site on Wexford Street in the town centre.

The contractor Mythen Construction from Foulksmills, Co. Wexford, is on site and engaged in the preparatory work.

Commenting to WexfordLocal.com Cllr Joe Sullivan is relieved. “This is a development that I have worked hard on for the past five years, and will I believe go some way towards addressing the chronic housing need we have in north Wexford and indeed nationwide while bringing new life and vibrancy into an old and historical area of Gorey on Wexford Street with Centenary Place just across the road.” 

Swimming tragedy at Ballymoney Strand

A woman in her 60’s has died while swimming at Ballymoney Strand near Gorey.

The incident occurred when the woman encountered difficulties shortly after 8pm yesterday (Tuesday) evening.

The woman was quickly recovered from the water but was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.

Her remains were taken to University Hospital Waterford for a post-mortem examination.

No further information is available currently.

Ballygullen remembers 1798

FR JOHN MURPHY (David Hughes) leads the march to Ballygullen 1798 Memorial site this evening.

By Dan Walsh at Ballygullen

It must have been a terrifying and bloody laneway between Holyfort and Craanford two and a quarter centuries ago – to the very day – but the 1798 battle site at Ballygullen was resurrected in commemoration and remembrance with a pike march, wreaths laid, and prayers recited, this evening (Tuesday).

Thundery showers made for unpleasant weather conditions across North Wexford, but there was an eerie reverence at Ballygullen as the heavy clouds separated to allow a proud community honour those who fought for freedom in 1798 with dignity and pride.

The march to Ballygullen was led by David Hughes dressed in the priestly attire of Fr. John Murphy aboard a beautiful white horse. Renowned Gorey piper John Cullen followed ahead of pike groups from Boolavogue, Monageer, the host group Craanford-Monaseed, and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.

At the memorial erected in 1940, Rev. Brian Whelan from Craanford read the prayers and Very Rev. Felix Canon Byrne from Monaseed laid a wreath. Wreaths were also laid by two young people, Richie and Paudie Doyle.

Historian Barry Lacey recalled some of the history, Padraig Kenny sang Boolavogue and John Cullen played Amhrán na bFiann on the pipes and another chapter in the history of Ballygullen and the 1798 Rebellion dissolved quietly to a close.

The master of ceremonies was Cllr Donal Kenny who offered a warm welcome to everyone, thanked the participants and the organisers, he made special mention of Richard ‘Dick’ O’Sullivan who put endless energy in arranging the commemoration and the sun set with refreshments for everyone in Craanford Community Centre afterwards.

Kilmore Quay lays wreath at 1798 memorial

Laying the wreath at the 1798-1998 memorial at Kilmore Quay were Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council with the historians/speakers who participated in the Summer School, Bernard Browne, Ray Corish and Eamonn Barrett. (Pic; Seamus O’Keeffe).

By Dan Walsh

A series of events have taken place in Kilmore Quay to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rising commencing with an impressive oration delivered by Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, who outlined how “the ideals of the United Irishmen of 1798 are so relevant and meaningful to this day.”

The Cathaoirleach also laid a wreath at the memorial stone commemorating the bicentenary of the 1798 rebellion at Kilmore Quay.

The wonderful day began with music by the Danescastle traditional group in the sunshine with the Saltee Islands as the poignant background.

There followed the Last Post and Reveille performed to perfection by trumpet soloist Anthony Nolan, the raising of the United Irish Flag and the playing and singing of Amhrán na bhFiann.

It was next into the Stella Maris Centre for refreshments before settling to listen and take part in what turned out to be a magnificent Summer School based on the theme of Three Landlords, Three Castles, Three Leaders which examined the roles played by Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey, Cornelius Grogan and Dr. John Colclough in the rising of 1798.

Wonderful words were spoken by historians Ray Corish dealing with Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey, Bernard Browne informing the audience of Dr John Colclough and Eamonn Barrett’s thoughtful insight into Cornelius Grogan. These were all landed gentry who gave their lives for their ideals and deserve to be honoured and remembered.

Later the attendees travelled to the cemetery in Mayglass where a wreath was laid at the grave of Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey and a poem was read by the Bard of Mayglass, Fintan Murphy.

The Summer School played to a full audience where the master of ceremonies, Cllr Jim Moore acknowledged the participation of his fellow Cllrs Ger Carthy and Frank Staples, District Manager Nóirín Cummins, Wexford County Council, the musicians and all who helped to make the event so successful, not least the three excellent speakers.

Paying tribute to the Rebellion of 1798 in Mayglass graveyard were Fintan Murphy, Bernard Browne, Cllr Frank Staples, Cllr Lisa McDonald (Cathaoirleach), Cllr Jim Moore, Anthony Nolan and Noirín Cummins (District Manager). Pic; Seamus O’Keeffe.

Yacht crew rescue off Greenore Point

ROSSLARE HARBOUR RNLI with the yacht under tow into the harbour (Pic; RNLI/ROSSLARE HARBOUR).

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Harbour RNLI was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist two people on board a 12-metre sailing yacht with a fouled propeller half a mile from the Splaugh Buoy on Saturday morning.

The lifeboat was launched at 9am and reached the scene off Greenore Point fifteen minutes later.

The yacht’s crew were wearing flotation devices and were safe and well.

The sea was calm in a force 2 to 3 wind. The weather was fair, and visibility was good.

A decision was made to tow the vessel to Rosslare Harbour, a tow line was secured, and the vessel was safely berthed alongside the fisherman’s wall at 10.12am.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Tony Kehoe, Rosslare Harbour Deputy Launching Authority said; “We commend the yacht’s crew for wearing their flotation safety devices and for carrying communication equipment. It is essential that sailors contact the Coast Guard when in difficulty. We also commended a local fisherman for his crucial intervention in ensuring a safe, speedy, and safe conclusion to the service.”