11 Wexford winners on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

Two point-to-point fixtures today – at Bartlemy in Co. Cork and Grennan, Co. Kilkenny – and an amazing eleven winners for Wexford stables including a four-timer for Colin Bowe, three for rider Jack Hendrick, doubles for Bertie Finn, Brian Lawless, Donnchadh Doyle and Barry O’Neill and the Doyles from Ballindaggin, Donnchadh, Sean and Cormac, saddled a winner each.

JACK HENDRICK … three winners today at Grennan, Co. Kilkenny.

Jack Hendrick rode a treble at Grennan to bring his seasonal total to 21 winners. The Mayglass rider got off the mark on newcomer Chance Another One, by five lengths for Cormac Doyle and the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership in division two of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Hendrick teamed up with Sean Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus (division two) race and they shared a 12 lengths victory with Similar Story in the colours of Gearoid Doyle. Hendrick’s treble was achieved on Alvarez Eclipse for Waterford handler Declan Queally in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus. Jack Hendrick now has 55 career victories to his credit.

Donnchadh Doyle saddled Ireland’s Call who was a four lengths winner of the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings in the colours of the Monbeg Syndicate and Brian Lawless was the winning rider.

Lawless made it a double on the day at the Kilkenny track aboard La Vega Moon for the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle in division two of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. The winning distance was one and three-parts of a length. Donnchadh Doyle ended the day with 260 career handling victories to his credit.

Colin Bowe saddled four winners. Two at Kilkenny with Bertie Finn riding and two at Cork with champion Barry O’Neill up. He is now on the 38-winner mark for the season.

Newcomer Bob O Rhino scored by one and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares and Young Jack took the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings by two and a half lengths at Kilkenny.

In Cork, Bowe and O’Neill won both divisions of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings; Itsnoteasy by an impressive 16 lengths in division one and newcomer Inox Allen by two lengths in division two.

Rob James saddled newcomer Realta Liath (ridden by Derek O’Connor) who had three lengths to spare at the finish of the maiden race for four-year old mares. Harley Dunne saddled both the runner-up and the third, Lustfull Lady and Giver The Holie, respectively, but he was compensated in the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings by Chauffeur Driven (Finian Maguire up) who secured a one and a half lengths. The second division was won by newcomer Harbour Highway, handled by Michael Goff at Clondaw, Ferns, ridden by Michael Sweeney. Five lengths the verdict.

Andy Doyle wins ‘Best Actor’ award

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Drama Group’s Andy Doyle has been acclaimed ‘Best Actor’ at the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival Awards 2023 announced a short time ago.

ANDY DOYLE … Ireland’s Best Actor 2023. (Pic; Wexford Drama Group).

It was an emotional and exciting moment when the veteran Enniscorthy-born actor, who won many awards in a lifetime of stage performances, was announced the winner for his exceptional role in ‘The Father’ which was this year’s production from Wexford Drama Group.

Director Paul Walsh also received a Director Award and Wexford Drama Group took the Abbey Theatre Award for ‘The Father’ which comprises of an invitation to perform the play at The Peacock Theatre in Dublin on the June bank holiday weekend, which is a huge theatrical honour.

The winners of the 2023 festival were Dalkey Drama Group with ‘The Bog of Cats’, Runner-up, Ballyduff Drama Group, Waterford, with ‘The Welcome’ and in third place was Thurles Drama Group with ‘The Seafarer’.

Rubbish Film Festival “a resounding success”

By Dan Walsh

The first-ever Wexford Rubbish Film Festival for Transition Year Students in Secondary Schools was held on a pilot basis this year with entries from five participating schools across the county, and it has been described as “a resounding success.”

The festival, which challenged students to create a one-minute short film on an environmental theme such as, climate action, reducing waste, and sustainability, was facilitated by Createschool and supported by the Environment Section of Wexford County Council.

The festival received a great response from the schools, with students showing their creativity and innovation in producing short films that were both educational and entertaining.

Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District presented trophies to two of the three winning schools. Colaiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge, who won the Best Film Award for their film entitled ‘You Can’t Run and Gorey Community School won Best Poster Award for ‘Fast Fashion’.

Cllr Kenny thanked all the schools for their support and said; “The students showed great creativity and skill in their use of film to develop and express their views on a range of climate action and sustainability topics.”

Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell, representing Wexford Borough District presented the award for Best Runner Up Film to Selskar College, Wexford, for their film ‘How Would You Like It’. Mayor Bell congratulated all the students involved and stated that “it was inspiring to see students deliver their message and raise awareness of environment issues amongst their peers.”

Peter Baxter of Createschool said; “We are delighted with the success of the Rubbish Film Festival. The students have shown great creativity, and their enthusiasm for environmental issues has been inspiring. We hope that the festival will encourage more young people to take action to protect our planet. The Best Film and Best Poster will now go forward to represent Wexford at the National Awards in Co. Meath. Fifty-two schools and over seventy entries from six counties are competing for the National Awards.

Cliona Connolly, Environment Awareness Officer at Wexford County Council said; “The Rubbish Film Festival is a fantastic initiative that demonstrates the creativity and enthusiasm of young people in Wexford, and we congratulate all those involved in making it such a success.”

Gorey protest at loss of respite services

Families and individuals outside St. Aidan’s Day Care Centre at Millands, Gorey, this morning, to publicly voice their annoyance and frustration at a decision to close respite services at Mulcahy House.

By Dan Walsh

Families and individuals turned out in good numbers outside St. Aidan’s Day Care Centre at Millands, Gorey, this morning, to publicly voice their annoyance and frustration at a decision to close respite services at Mulcahy House, Árd Lios, for a 12-week period from May 1st.

In a letter sent to service users and their families, Assistant Chief CEO James Traynor, said;  “We had hoped that a return to how we would normally operate in Mulcahy House was sustainable from January 1, 2023, when we reopened but, due to staffing vacancies across the service and in Mulcahy House itself, we cannot work to the standard we are used to, nor provide the level of service. These recruitment challenges have potential to put the individuals we support at a greater risk than we are able to mitigate at this present time, and we have the responsibility to operate a safe and effective service, this has always been our primary concern.

“We deeply regret that we have not been in a position to respond to requests for specific dates for respite, however, this is a direct result of the staffing shortages we are dealing with,” said the statement, which added; “We aim to work to a plan that will make our respite service more sustainable in the longer term, and we will review how we currently provide respite during this period of closure. We have advised the local HSE Disability Manager of the closure.”

Families of service users are devastated by the decision to deny North Wexford of respite services for three months which resulted in a public protest planned for this morning, which went off peacefully with a large attendance sending out a strong message to the HSE.

Tributes to Gorey actor Garry Lombard

GARRY LOMBARD (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Although a solicitor by profession, Garry Lombard was best known for his lifetime of devotion to theatrical matters, both on and off the stage, and the thespian community are shocked at the news of his passing on Wednesday night. He was aged 84 years.

A founder and director of Gorey Little Theatre, Garry was an award-winning actor who was involved in over a hundred productions. One of his personal proudest performances was starring on stage with his son, Garrett Lombard, in the play Tuesdays with Morrie at last year’s summer plays series in Gorey Little Theatre.

Garry was also a director of the South Leinster Drama Festival, an executive member of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland, an associate of the Leinster School of Music and Drama and a member of the Association of Drama Adjudicators.

Many tributes have been paid. A statement issued by Gorey Little Theatre said; “We are truly heartbroken at the passing of our beloved Garry Lombard. Garry was a founding member of Gorey Little Theatre. He was one of the finest actors Wexford has ever had. His passion for theatre was immense and his support and guidance over the years has been incredible. A wonderful mentor to all and especially younger actors starting out. He had a great wit and sense of humour and the best of company. A wonderful friend, a true gentleman of a very special kind. A beautiful life to be celebrated. Our thoughts are with Veronica, Aoife, Garrett, Rionagh, Ross and Tomàs, his gorgeous grandchildren, extended family and friends.”

This writer has great memories of Garry Lombard; “Over many decades I broadcast many radio interviews and published newspaper articles, usually around times of festivals and events happening at Gorey Little Theatre and Garry was always available and the consummate professional who appreciated the opportunity to promote Gorey Little Theatre and encourage patrons to recognise the importance of the theatre to the town,” said Dan Walsh.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of GARRY LOMBARD, Avenue House, The Avenue, Gorey; Garry died peacefully on the 4th May at Gorey District Hospital surrounded by his loving family and the staff of Gorey Hospital.

Beloved husband of Veronica and loving father of Aoife, Garrett, Rionagh, Tomás, Ross and the late baby Niamh, brother of Marian, Tommy, Johnny, Maeve and the late Brian. Will be deeply missed by his wife, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, grandchildren Geroid, Realtín, Phoebe, Grace, Niamh, Donal and Cuan-Garry., son-in-law P.J., brothers-in-law Tommy, Freddie, Peter, sisters-in-law Margie, Frances, Angela, Rena and Bernadette, extended family, relatives, and friends. May He Rest In Peace.

Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey on Friday from 2 pm until 6 pm. Removal from his Home on Saturday 6th May at 1.30 pm to St. Michael’s Church Gorey for Funeral Mass at 2 pm followed by Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Gorey.

Family Flowers only please. Donations if desired to the Friends of Gorey District Hospital. House Private Please.

Issues with Clonroche drinking water

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Eireann has detected 13 exceedances for pesticides in the public drinking water supplies in Clonroche in 2022 as part of its public water supply monitoring programme.

The Clonroche water supply abstracts raw water from local boreholes which are vulnerable to runoff from land.

Uisce Éireann is asking users of any herbicide or pesticide products to continue to consider the vulnerability of their local drinking water supplies to pesticide contamination and the importance of these supplies to local homes and businesses in the community.

Fishing boat towed ashore

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Harbour RNLI came to the aid of a man after his 16-foot inflatable fishing boat got into difficulty off Ballytrent Beach on Tuesday.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard shortly before 6pm and made its way to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were described as “fine and dry with a slight wind and calm seas.”

Once on scene, the crew observed that the man was safe and well. The vessel was towed to the nearest safe port at St Helen’s Harbour.

Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “We were delighted to be of assistance this evening and bring the man safely back to shore. We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a lifejacket, always carry a means of communication such as a mobile phone or VHF radio. Always let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

New Coast Guard Station needed in Courtown?

By Dan Walsh

Twenty-three persons are working out of the “unfit for purpose” Courtown Coast Guard Station that consists of a single room operation with no toilet facilities and common changing facilities for both male and female crew members.

That is according to Courtown Coast Guard Officer, David Swinburne, who added; “We are basically sharing a ten by twenty-foot room. We are using the same sink to make tea and coffee as we are for washing up after incidents. It is worse than horrendous and just not fit for purpose.”

Mr. Swinburne has been informed by his Coast Guard Unit Sector Manager that the Office of Public Works were awaiting a letter from Wexford County Council to confirm that they had no suitable sites for the facility and, once that was received, the purchase of the private site could proceed. However, with the busy summer period looming and there is no sign of further movement.

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL CEO, TOM ENRIGHT

CEO of Wexford County Council Tom Enright said that the matter ultimately rests with the OPW. “We’re very keen that the Coast Guard station situation is addressed and there is a site found for them so that they can have a suitable place. The Council very much supports that, but this is a matter for the OPW to find a site for them. It’s not for the Council,” stated Mr Enright.

The CEO added; “We currently don’t have a site that’s suitable available but there is a proposal to potentially do a land transfer for the old Bayview site. If the Bayview site comes into the ownership of the Council, we would look to make part of that available to the Coast Guard. Obviously, that is dependent on whether that transaction would go through,” said Mr Enright.

The proposal for the swap falls to a Section 183 decision and needs to go on the Council agenda and be voted on by the members of Wexford County Council before any decision is made.

“If there is to be a land swap done with the Bayview site, that will have to get planning approval. There may well also be a decision to be made by An Bord Pleanála. You’re looking at 12 to 18 months by the time there is any decision made. If that site was coming available, you’re looking at a year, a year and a half until something can start. That may not fit with the timeline of the OPW and Coast Guard so if they have found something suitable, I would encourage them to go ahead,” said Mr Enright.

53,300 litres of alcohol seized

Some of the consignment seized at Rosslare Europort (Pic; Revenue).

By Dan Walsh

53,300 litres of alcohol including cans of Carlsberg Special Brew, Stella Artois, and Tyskie brands were among the 53,300 litres of alcohol with a market value of €220,000 seized by revenue officers over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

The seizures were executed in four separate operations at Rosslare Europort between Thursday and Bank Holiday Monday.

On Thursday, revenue officers seized approximately 25,392 litres of Oranjeboom, Carlsberg Special Brew, Tyskie, and San Miguel with a retail value of approximately €101,250, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €47,500.

The consignment arrived in an accompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. The trailer carrying the alcohol products was also seized.

The following day officers seized approximately 26,092 litres of Oranjeboom, Zywiec, Stella Artois, and Zubr with a retail value of over €104,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €48,700.

This consignment arrived in an unaccompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. Again, the trailer carrying the alcohol products was also seized.

On Friday 1,066 litres of wine with a retail value of approximately €13,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €7,000, was seized. This consignment arrived in an unaccompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France.

Finally, on May Day Monday, officers seized approximately 778 litres of beer (Kamenitza, Wymehco and Paropka) with a retail value of over €3,100, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €1,500. These beverages were discovered in an accompanied trailer that had arrived from Dunkirk, France.

Investigations into all four seizures are ongoing. These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information regarding such activities, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

Bree Macra in another national final

Pictured from left to right are PJ D’Arcy (coach), Sarah Byrne, Jordan Feeley (Chairman), Grace Kehoe, and James Byrne (coach).

By Dan Walsh

The Bree Macra Public Speaking team of Chairman Jordan Feeley, and speakers Sarah Byrne and Grace Kehoe, who have secured a spot in the All-Ireland Public Speaking Final.

This will be the third All-Ireland Final this year for Bree Macra, as Jordan and Sarah were part of the All-Ireland Runner-up Novice Debating team, and Sarah was All-Ireland Runner-up in the Impromptu Public Speaking.

Grace, a newcomer to Bree Macra, is the daughter of Michael Kehoe of The Moyne, Enniscorthy, who holds a record five county titles in the Public Speaking competition.

The team competed in the semi-final on March 22nd in Bennettsbridge. They spoke on the subject; “Free Speech Does Not Exist Anymore.”

The All-Ireland Final will take place on May 13th in the Maritime Hotel in Bantry at 5.30 pm, where the team will be competing against Clonakilty Macra for the All-Ireland title.