Plans for the 1798 Summer School

By Dan Walsh

Details of events associated with the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion have been announced with the highlight expected to be the National 1798 Summer School at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy taking place May 26th-28th.

With a range of historic talks, guided walks and tours and cultural events on the schedule, the Summer School offers engaging events for the local community and visitors to Enniscorthy alike.

The opening night will take place in the Presentation Arts Centre with keynote speaker, Dr. Kevin Whelan, on the topic ‘The 1798 rebellion in Wexford: what should we think about it now?’. Following the lecture, the Fr. Murphy Centre at Boolavogue is hosting an evening of song at The Harrow and all are encouraged to attend.

Saturday will see a series of guided walks and tours around Enniscorthy town, Enniscorthy Castle, The National 1798 Rebellion Centre and Vinegar Hill. Saturday evening will see the Bygone Days Story House commemorate the Battle of Oulart Hill with stories and songs in this picturesque and poignant location.

Three talks will be held at the Presentation Arts Centre on Sunday, beginning with the Battle of Arklow by Christopher Power, who will have copies of his book available on the day. Local archaeologist and historian, Barry Lacey, will provide a rural view of the Rebellion with ‘Who fears to speak of 98′ exploring the legacy of the 1798 rebellion using the Ballycarney area as a case study. Dr. Margaret Ward of Queens University, Belfast, will finish the afternoon with ‘Through women’s eyes: two centuries of rebellion in Ireland’ and an in-depth look at the role of women during the fight for Irish independence.

Sunday evening will welcome Paddy Cullivan to the Presentation Centre stage for ‘The Murder of Wolfe Tone’, a compelling one-man show, sure to educate and entertain.

Additionally, on June 9th, Enniscorthy will be pleased to host a visit from the French Ambassador to Ireland, Vincent Guérend, in conversation with historians Liam Chambers of University of Limerick and Brian O’Cléirigh of Oulart on ‘The Ideals of Revolution: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité – how the French Revolution impacted Irish Rebellion’ at the Presentation Arts Centre. Music will be provided before the conversation by the Irish and French musicians of The Allabar Trio. This event is kindly hosted in conjunction with the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association and Melanie O’Reilly.

All events are free to the public, thanks to funding provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, but most events must be booked in advance at www.presentationcentre.ie

Complete schedule and programme information can be found at www.1798centre.ie

25 car parking spaces planned at Bellefield Road

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council today announced to WexfordLocal.com the proposed development of a new public realm space at Bellefield Road, Enniscorthy.

An artist’s impression of a new public realm planned for Bellefield Road, Enniscorthy.

The development will be on land which is being made available to the Council for public use by the Rapparees Starlights GAA Club, adjacent to the new car park entrance to the GAA complex.

In a statement, Wexford County Council confirmed that “it will provide 25 new car parking spaces for public use, a playground for younger children, seating areas, landscaping, a pedestrian crossing and public lighting.

“This public space will enhance this part of Bellfield Road and provide further community benefit by the provision of a link path to the new walking track and sensory garden, currently being developed by the club as part of their ambitious master plan.  

€200m tender approved for Rosslare Europort

CLLR LISA McDONALD, CATHAOIRLEACH Rosslare Municipal District Council welcomes today’s news at Rosslare Europort.

By Dan Walsh

A €200m plus tender for significant upgrade works at Rosslare Europort has been approved by government.

Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District Cllr. Lisa McDonald has warmly welcomed the government’s agreement that will see major investment in Rosslare Europort. 

These upgrade works are necessary to provide permanent Brexit infrastructure at Rosslare Europort to ensure compliance with EU Customs, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and official food controls legislation, thereby providing protection for the EU single market.

“I welcome the announcement from government today,” Cllr McDonald said; “The port will be brought up to Tier One status which will act as a significant economic driver for the district I represent as well as the entire county and country.

“It is essential that we have proper facilities and resources in place so that Ireland can play its part in ensuring that the EU Single Market continues to function efficiently and effectively following Brexit,” she concluded. 

Gorey Visitor Centre facing May closure?

GOREY VISITOR CENTRE is facing closure at the end of May.

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

The staff at Gorey Visitor Centre located in the historic Market House on Gorey’s Main Street say, “they are devastated to share news of the impending closure of Gorey Visitor Centre.”

The public were informed of developments at the Centre when a notice was placed on the window last week, signed by the staff of Gorey Visitor Centre, and while there are concerns from the public there doesn’t appear to be any official response.

Many regard the closing down of the Visitor Centre as the summer season approaches to be a negative tourism blow for Gorey and North Wexford.

A call for a statement by WexfordLocal.com has received no reply to date, and therefore, the public are in the dark regards the future of North Wexford tourist information and the promotion of works by local craftspeople who enjoyed their works on display in the Centre over many years.

The staff at Gorey Visitor Centre said; “We do not want to say goodbye and were so disappointed by this decision. We truly believe that this centre is a valuable asset to the community, supporting local artists and assisting visitors to the Gorey area. We will do our best to support the artists until the end, which we have been informed is the end of May. We would love to remain in service to our community.”

The public is advised to contact Wexford County Chamber with their concerns and enquiries.

More Wexford winners on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

Today’s point-to-point at Dromahane, Co. Cork, had three ‘divided’ races and all were won by Wexford stables. Doubles for Benny Walsh (handler/rider) and Denis Murphy.

The four-year-old geldings’ maiden race was ‘divided’ two ways – the first division was won by newcomer Captain Bellamy for Gaynestown Stud Partnership and Cleariestown handler Jonathan Fogarty who extended his lead at the finish to score by 14 lengths with Barry Stone riding his 25th career winner.

Rob James, recently returned to the saddle following injury at the end of February, was back in the winners’ enclosure following a three lengths victory on newcomer Off The Jury which he also trains for the Matchmaker Syndicate. This was the 30th winner of the season for James.

BENNY WALSH … double as rider and handler combined at Dromahane today.

Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, saddled the winners of both divisions of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Division one went to Binge Worthy by one length under Jack Hendrick and division two was captured with Wild Side of Life who had four lengths to space and ridden by Joey Dunne.

A massive entry for the five-year-old plus mares’ maiden race forced three ‘divides’ and all three went the way of Wexford stables. Barry O’Neill brought home Colin Bowe’s NT Field Minnesota by one length in the first division and both division two and division three were won by veteran handler/rider Benny Walsh from Crossgales, Tomhaggard. First up was Harry’s Hope running in the colours of Jenny Walsh by four and a half lengths and gaining the double was Lightening Mahler owned by Seamus Osbourne, Wicklow, who achieved the same margin – four and a half lengths.

Bowe and O’Neill carry on winning

BARRY O’NEILL and COLIN BOWE… doubles today in Fermanagh and on track to maintain their respective championship titles.

By Dan Walsh

The respective handler and rider reigning champions, Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill, each recorded a double at today’s (Saturday) point-to-point at Necarne, Co. Fermanagh, and are assured of retaining their titles when the season ends next month.

O’Neill and Bowe joined forces with Josie Alice for a one length success in the mare’s maiden race for five-year-olds plus and then something completely unusual occurred at the conclusion of the maiden race for gelding’s six-year-old plus.

The race ended in a dead-heat between Bourbon N Kentucky for Colin Bowe with Oulart rider Bertie Finn up and the David Christie handled Nevermindthestranger ridden by Barry O’Neill! This was O’Neill’s 360th career winner and 30 for the season for Bowe’s Kiltealy yard.

Tiernan Power Roche, Tomhaggard, won the maiden race for four-year-olds on newcomer Springt De La Mare for owner/handler Harley Dunne by two and a half lengths and off to the sales now.

Donnchadh Doyle saddled his 20th winner of the season when Great Pepper for the Monbeg Syndicate scored by three-parts of a length with Alex Harvey in the saddle in the Winner of Three race.

And it is worth acknowledging the great run of Flash de Touzaine from Liz Doyle’s Crossabeg stables in today’s Corals Scottish Grand National at Ayr. Ridden by Richie Deegan, who finished third, beaten three lengths and a neck behind the winner, Kitty’s Light (4/1 jt-fav).

Good Friday for Wexford stables

By Dan Walsh

Three point-to-point fixtures went to post yesterday (Friday) where the Fairyhouse meeting in Meath was a marathon 10-race card and Wexford stables won nine of them, including a treble for champion rider Barry O’Neill.

O’Neill and Colin Bowe got off to a winning start with Qualimite coming home 30 lengths clear in the first division of the four-year-old mare’s maiden race. Harley Dunne took a fall in that race and stood himself down for division two where he saddled Jamsmine Bliss who jumped a clear round and scored a one and a half lengths success. It was a spare winning rider for Tiernan Power Roche.

JACK HENDRICK .. a double at Tralee on Friday.

O’Neill and Bowe scored a double when Practice Run galloped all over his rivals in the first division of the four-year-old geldings’ maiden race. One and a half lengths the verdict. Division Two went the way of Shirley Berry’s Everyonesacritic, handled by Johnny Berry at Lingstown, and confidently ridden by Ross Berry. Close one, only half a length in it, but that will do!

Barry O’Neill achieved a double on the day aboard Lough Owel for Gordon Elliott in the first division of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Six lengths the distance.

Bertie Finn from Oulart joined forces with David Christie in the Open Race confined to novice riders and they shared a sweet four lengths victory with Bold Enough.

Paul Pierce from Blackhall Stables, Killurin, saddled a double success. First up was Ingenie ridden by Eoin Staples who had two and a half lengths to spare at the end of the maiden race for five-year-olds plus and then won the first division of the five-year-old plus unplaced maiden race with Dream Boy, a second winner for Ferns rider James Murray and two lengths the winning distance.

Division two of this contest ended in a steward’s enquiry. Lightkeeper (Barry O’Neill) for Gordon Elliott came home first by seven lengths, but following the enquiry the verdict was given to Stylish Recruit owned by James Mernagh, Davidstown, handled by Susan O’Gorman at Adamstown and ridden by Barry Stone.

BARRY STONE was amongst the winning riders at Fairyhouse.

There was also a point-to-point at Tralee where rider Jack Hendrick enjoyed a double success. Hendrick partnered Histornic to a two and a half lengths success in the maiden race for four-year-olds for owner/handler Denis Murphy of The Ballagh Stables and later was given the leg up on Lejune Bresil by John ‘Shark’ Hanlon in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus that concluded with a ten lengths victory. This brings the Mayglass rider, who has 17 winners for the season and is in big demand by yards, across the half-century mark; 51 career wins following today’s double.

There was a family success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings’ race where Cuchullan’s Son got home by half a length for Pat O’Rourke, Clonard, Wexford, and partnered by his son James.

Brilliant weekend for Wexford stables and riders, but the biggest disappointment is that Sunday’s fixture due to be run at Monksgrange under the auspices of the Bree Hunt Club was called off earlier this week. This decision would be a factor in the huge fields and divides at Fairyhouse and Tralee on Friday, but the home teams keep on winning… 

Call for restoration of Courtown beach

Coastal erosion and damage to the beach at Courtown. “Bring back the beach,” say the locals (File Pic; April 2021)

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

“We want to move forward and see progress using local knowledge to make good decisions,” members of Courtown Business Association told the elected representatives at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber, Gorey.

Three members of the popular seaside resort Association – Karl Fleming, Tom Flanagan and Imelda Willoughby – were welcomed to the meeting by the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Donal Kenny, who promised council support for the betterment of Courtown going forward.

The biggest concern raised was “getting back the beach”. It was claimed that there is no lifeguard at the Burrow, the seaside is not safe. and they called for “putting the beach to where it was” while working with the Council.

There was a call for the completion of the Gorey to Courtown footpath. It was said that the footpath as far as the Cow House Bistro has “revolutionised people’s lives and helped businesses” as people could walk and feel safe, however, the roadway from the Ounavarra bridge to the Brickyard Hill was described as “treacherous”.

There was a suggestion that the Council may water the flowers during the summer – this would help businesses with their busy schedule – and there is a need for waste bins. There are not enough bins, and a reminder that a compactor bin was burned!

Cllr Andrew Bolger supported “beach nourishment” The new carpark on the old Bayview site got a mention. Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked for a community warden at the weekends.  

Grand National trophy visits Wexford racecourse

At this morning’s visit of the Randox Grand National 2023 trophy to Wexford racecourse were; (left to right); Ian Carty, Stephen O’Keeffe and David O’Keeffe (ground staff), Donie O’Brien, Wexford Racecourse, Paul Hillis (breeder) sharing the trophy with Michael Murphy (Track Manager), Ursula Sinnott, Secretary Wexford Racecourse, John Henry, Poolcourt Ltd (sponsor) and Denis Hickey, Wexford Racecourse.

By Dan Walsh at Wexford racecourse

The prestigious Randox Grand National 2023 winner’s trophy won by Corach Rambler (8/1) in the world’s toughest steeplechase at Aintree racecourse last Saturday paid a special visit to Bettyville Park, Wexford, this morning, in a celebration of the local horse breeding industry.

Corach Rambler is a nine-year-old son of Jeremy bred by Paul Hillis from the Bannow-Ballymitty area of south Wexford, who is also a dedicated supporter and sponsor at Wexford racecourse and this morning’s display of the trophy was about the entire racing community sharing in the celebrations following an historic occasion for Wexford.

It was a pleasant occasion for refreshments and a photo-shoot attended by directors of Wexford racecourse and the ground staff joined in.

John Henry represented Poolcourt Ltd, long time sponsors at Wexford races and they are back in that generous role at the next fixture on May 20th.

Corach Rambler, who has won the long-distance chase at the last two Cheltenham Festivals (2022 and 2023), ran in the colours of The Forge Syndicate, was handled by John Martin Walsh, Scar Stables, Duncormick, and ridden by Sean Staples when winning his point-to-point at Monksgrange on September 27th 2020.

He was sold to Michael Scudamore for £17,000, is now at the Scottish stables of Lucinda Russell, and has earned over £700,000 on the racetrack. Corach Rambler is not only a local legend now, but an equestrian great with his name etched in the history of steeplechasing.

What’s next for Gorey’s Esmonde Street?

ESMONDE STREET under flood water on November 3rd 2022. (File Pic)

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

A two-way carriageway, two cycle lanes, new footpaths, landscaping, pedestrian crossings, a front of school zone, and much more, costing in the region of €2 million and likely to be entirely funded by Wexford County Council is under discussion for Esmonde Street, Gorey.

The plan was outlined in a presentation by Brian Galvin and Rory Curtis of Wexford County Council and today’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council. Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Kenny presided.

There was a variety of opinions when it came to a general discussion amongst members but there was full support for a facelift for Esmonde Street.

Criticising the proposed bicycle lanes in opposite directions, Cllr Andrew Bolger said he found “it was illogical to ride a bike down a bicycle lane, dismount and carry the bike across to the other side of the street, mount up and continue the journey!”

Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “Esmonde Street is a brand created over a period of time” and he never experienced any extravagant traffic issues on Esmonde Street.” He felt a facelift was needed and believed that what the businesses and restaurants and people of Esmonde Street think of the plan should be a priority for Wexford County Council.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe believed that reducing car parking spaces by 16 wasn’t the best idea and he was opposed to two cycle lanes – he felt one was enough!

However, Mr Galvin said it was best practice and more user friendly to favour walking and cycling and this would be reflected in the Gorey Local Area Plan.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin was concerned about “greenway trees” facing removal while Cllr Pip Breen expressed concerns about replacing “old granite” with concrete. Cllr Mary Farrell had some comments to make about disabled parking spaces, but she also acknowledged that “Esmonde Street is a valuable brand.” Cllr Willie Kavanagh also contributed.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux recalled that it is five and a half years since the business community approached the CEO (Tom Enright) to do something about Esmonde Street. He said there were some excellent proposals, and he would be fighting for you (the people of Esmonde Street) to spend that €2 million.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Kenny said there were “more good, than negatives” in the proposals suggested. It was claimed that all funding would be coming from Wexford County Council although some grant schemes could be explored.

Cllr Kenny concluded that it would be important to push on with the detail design!