A male cyclist in his 40’s was injured after coming off his bicycle following a collision with a car on the Courtown Road, near Gorey, shortly after 7pm this evening (Wednesday).
Emergency services were quickly on the scene and paramedics tended to the injured party on the side of the road before the National Ambulance Service engaged the services of the Air Corps 112 Air Ambulance Service and conveyed the man to a Dublin Hospital for further treatment.
It is understood that the man may have suffered a badly broken leg and other injuries. It is hoped he will make a full recovery.
Pictured are Peter Byrne, Jordan Feeley, Grace Kehoe, Mary Byrne, and PJ D’Arcy. Missing is Sarah Byrne, who competed in the semi-final, and coach James Byrne.
Bree Macra Public Speaking team of Chairman Jordan Feeley, and speakers Mary Byrne and Grace Kehoe, have emerged victorious in Macra’s Public Speaking All-Ireland Final last Saturday week.
Jordan Feeley put on a stellar performance to win Best Speaker. The team spoke on the topic “Young People Need to Rise Up and Be Heard“. Bree Macra extends its congratulations to the team and would like to thank the team’s coaches, James Byrne, PJ D’Arcy, and Peter Byrne, for the countless hours of work they invested in the team.
This was an especially nostalgic moment for PJ D’Arcy and Peter Byrne, who won the trophy themselves in 1970 and 1980 respectively.
Four district public representatives have united with Courtown Regeneration Partnership in a call for further public scrutiny of the proposed land transfer discussed at the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting held in Blackwater Community Centre on Tuesday, May 16th.
In a statement issued by the Courtown Regeneration Partnership and Cllrs Andrew Bolger, Diarmuid Devereux, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin and Joe Sullivan it is claimed that “the recent district meeting to vote on the disposal of Courtown’s main carpark raised many more serious questions than it answered” and adds; “The proposal put before members at the meeting by Director of Services is even more contentious than first thought.”
CLLR DIARMUID DEVEREUX
It advocates giving away the carpark, a substantial parcel of prime seafront land, to TYOL Bayview Ltd for development as well as an additional smaller parcel of land adjacent to the old Bayview site.
Cllr Devereux said; “We need to make it clear that despite claims classifying this transaction as ‘a straightforward swap’, what is actually being proposed here is the free gift of a substantial parcel of Courtown’s public land to a developer for private speculation. This should be questioned, and people will be justifiably angered if they feel they are being short-changed.”
Echoing Cllr Devereux’s concerns, Cllr Sullivan added “Frankly we’re absolutely baffled as to why prime public land like this would be given away for nothing? If it’s decided that the carpark site should be made available for hotel development, then why in God’s name is it not being put on the open market to obtain the best price for local taxpayers?
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN
“What’s being proposed is a total bonanza for the developer. Has the site been advertised to other prospective developers? Why is one developer so favoured? Surely the Council could be sued by aggrieved competitors? Why not the safer option of offering a Letter of Comfort to the preferred developer assuring a transfer only when and if a planning application is successful,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.
CLLR ANDREW BOLGER
Cllr Bolger alluded to legal concerns around the transfer. “Land and related rights in Council possession are held in trust for the public. It is vital that the sale or transfer of such a valuable asset should be subject to thorough process. Having spoken to the Director about the ‘land swap’, I am aware that the information provided, in the memo, was what generally is provided in a Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 disposal. However, owing to the contentious nature of this Section 183 vote, I will be seeking further assurances on ‘first refusal’ of the property. We will be asked to vote on this transaction and all I’m trying to do is to seek protection for the Council should a Section 183 be carried.”
Furthermore, in response to questions about the commercial value of the site, Councillors expressed disbelief at the ridiculous low-ball valuation of 220-260k being placed on the carpark by Wexford County Council.
Cllr Ó Súilleabháin, noting that they saw no documentation corroborating the 220k valuation, dismissed the figure: “The valuation touted at the meeting is clearly way off. A ring around Commercial Land Valuers and a quick look at comparable seafront development land prices elsewhere in the South East would place the value far, far in excess of that. Under Section 183, it’s incumbent on the Council to obtain the best market price or value when disposing of Council-owned land. What’s going on here?” he asked.
CLLR FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN
He also pointed out a vague clause in the proposal that particularly alarmed him and his fellow Councillors. Apparently, the Council would have a right of first refusal to buy back the site if the development did not go ahead.
“So potentially we could have an outrageous situation where the Council transfers to the developer a huge development site for free and then buys it back from him 12 months later at a vastly inflated price! “he said.
While Courtown Regeneration Partnership and the four Councillors have reservations about the suitability of the carpark for hotel development and still insist that a feasibility study is essential, they stressed that “we all want regeneration and jobs in Courtown and we’re working together with CRP to begin the process of planned, sustainable economic and environmental renewal. That’s why a decision on such a key Courtown site merits our considerable attention and more investigation. Too much is at stake.”
Representing Courtown Regeneration Partnership Linda Sinnott, an observer at the meeting, agreed with the four Councillors’ reservations: “The wishes and needs of the Courtown community are still being ignored. There are serious shortcomings in this whole process which need addressed. Councillors must be equipped with proper information and documentation before approving or otherwise the sale or transfer of this Council-owned land”.
Together, in the public interest, CRP and the four Councillors will be seeking answers from the Executive as a matter of urgency.
FERGUS GALVIN, Chair, addressing delegates at the Water Quality Seminar held in Duncannon Community Centre (Pic; Wexford County Council)
By Dan Walsh
Over 50 people from the across the government sectors as well as the National Federation of Group Water Schemes were in attendance at Duncannon Community Centre for the quarterly meeting of the South Eastern Regional Operational Committee on Water Quality recently.
Chaired by Director of Services, Fergus Galvin of Waterford City and County Council and supported by the Local Authority Waters Programme, the Southeast Regional Operational Committee is one of five committees which supports Ireland’s efforts to address the decline in water quality and protect public health and the valuable resource that clean water is for all.
Issues of concern discussed at the meeting included the protection of bathing and shellfish waters and public health along the Wexford coastline, agriculture across the counties and actions that Irish Water are undertaking to protect water quality.
Also attending the meeting were representatives of Southeast Technical University who outlined their work in collaboration with Wexford County Council and BIM.
Michael Goss of Úisce Eireann gave an overview of the significant upgrades being undertaken by Irish Water and the underground mapping of drainage networks in Wexford and across the region.
A key focus of the meeting was the Duncannon Blue Flag Farming Communities Scheme EIP which is a collaboration of farmers that is led by Wexford County Council and other bodies involved in the scheme include Teagasc, Geoff Barry Agricultural Consultants, Tirlán, Bord Bia and IFA that play a vital role in achieving the main objectives of the EIP.
Eoin Kinsella, Agricultural Scientist with Wexford County Council gave a presentation of the excellent work being undertaken by the project and the participant farmers to protect the water quality of Duncannon beach and its Blue Flag.
Cathal Somers, Agricultural Support and
Advisory Service advisor with Teagasc, gave a fascinating account on the benefits that multi-species swards can give when managed to suit the local farm situation. These include the requirement for much lower nitrate fertiliser application, better climate resilience of the crop, higher protein content, greater biodiversity and often a savings to the farmer.
The absence of a water treatment plant at Ramsgrange is still an issue and it was agreed that it would be advantageous to bring this into the Arthurstown wastewater treatment plant as soon as possible.
Agencies represented on the day included the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Uisce Éireann (Irish Water), Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), BIM, Inland Fisheries Ireland, National Federation of Group Water Schemes, Teagasc, EPA, and the County Councils of Wexford, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow, Kildare, Offaly and Laois.
FETHARD RNLI Inshore D Class Lifeboat was called out on Saturday (Pic; RNLI/Fethard)
By Dan Walsh
Two sailors raised the alarm after their 20-foot boat encountered engine difficulties and broke down north of Templetown Bay at Stonewall Bay, south of Duncannon, on Saturday afternoon.
Fethard RNLI were requested to launch their inshore D class lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at approximately 2.45 pm.
Weather conditions at the time were good with flat calm seas, a Force 1 south easterly wind with good visibility and some cloud.
On arrival, the crew observed that both onboard were wearing lifejackets and were safe and well. Having assessed the situation, a decision was made to tow the vessel to the nearest safe port at Passage East.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com following the call out, Fethard RNLI Helm Mick Roche said; “The two onboard reacted as they should when they encountered engine problems and raised the alarm, and we would commend them for being prepared by having a means of communication and for wearing their lifejackets. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” he concluded.
Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat towing a RIB to safety from the Saltee Islands last Saturday (Pic; Elaine Walsh/RNLI)
By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay RNLI responded to two separate requests from the Irish Coast Guard for assistance to pleasure crafts in the vicinity of the Saltee Islands over the weekend. Weather and sea conditions were good on both occasions.
The first call was at 2 pm on Saturday to assist a rigid inflatable boat (RIB.) with five people on board that had lost steering. The lifeboat launched at 2.18 pm and made its way to the south side of the Great Saltee where the crew of the RIB. had managed to tie on to a buoy and await assistance. All on board were safe and well. The lifeboat crew established a towline and brought the boat back to Kilmore Quay arriving at 3.12 pm.
At 5.30pm on Sunday evening, the crew responded to assist a lone sailor on an 8-metre yacht approximately six nautical miles southeast of Kilmore Quay. The yacht had experienced a navigation system failure. Arriving on scene at 6 pm and after checking the person on board was safe and well, a towline was established. The yacht was brought back to Kilmore Quay harbour arriving at 7.25 pm.
Kilmore Quay RNLI Coxswain, Eugene Kehoe, told WexfordLocal.com; “Even the best maintained equipment can sometimes go wrong, so it is important to always be prepared for when it does happen as these people were. They did the right thing in calling for help when they did. I would urge anyone heading out to sea always carry a reliable means of communication, VHF, or a mobile phone in a waterproof case in case you need to call for help and always wear a life jacket. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” he concluded.
Planting a native Irish Rowan tree in the grounds of Kennedy Park school to mark National Biodiversity Week 2023.
By Dan Walsh
To mark the official launch of National Biodiversity Week (May 19th-28th), Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor, planted a native Irish Rowan tree in the grounds of Kennedy Park National School in Wexford town.
Cllr Lawlor was delighted to perform the official launch and said: “This week is all about connecting people with nature and the benefits of protecting and enhancing our biodiversity.
“Spending time in nature can improve health and well-being. Biodiversity initiatives currently being undertaken by Wexford County Council include the gathering of scientific baseline data on wetlands, ecology and barn owls,” added Cllr Lawlor.
Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell said; “National Biodiversity Week is also about learning and having fun. Many of the events are family friendly and there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Catherine McLoughlin, Heritage Officer with Wexford County Council, pointed out that “A simple action that we can all take as individuals or communities to help biodiversity is to reduce the frequency of mowing of lawns and grass. This action will help all of our pollinators and more information on this can be found at http://www.pollinators.ie’.
The attendance included Deputy Principal Sylvia Wickham and the children of Kennedy Park National School Green Committee.
Nationwide and Wexford events can be found listed in the National Biodiversity Website at https://biodiversityweek.ie/ .
Colin Bowe had a weekend treble, two of them ridden by Ross Berry, at the final weekend of the 2022-’23 point-to-point season.
Today at Inchydoney, Bowe saddled Seattle Seahawk in the colours of Maria Kavanagh, Arklow, to a nine lengths success in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus ridden by Ross Berry (21), son of John A. Berry, a former rider who won three national championships and rode over 300 winners.
COLIN BOWE… Champion handler for the 11th time.
There was only one Wexford winner on the second day of Ballingarry and that went to Colin Bowe’s home bred Croi Corcra in the colours of Patrick Fortune, Doonooney, Adamstown and a first winner for Sophie Carter by eight lengths in the Mares Winner of Three race.
I must apologise to loyal readers that I missed out on a winner for Colin Bowe and Ross Berry at Ballingarry in yesterday’s (Saturday) report. Stranger Danger dead-heated with Focus Point (Dan Hyde) with Bold Enough (Barry O’Neill) third, beaten a neck, in a thrilling finish to the Open Race. Over the weekend three wins for Colin Bowe and a double for Ross Berry).
Back at Inchydoney in West Cork, today, Chief Lady, handled by Rob James had a three lengths success in the maiden race for four-year-old mares giving James Cousins, (17), from Kilmore his first point-to-point victory.
Harley Dunne saddled newcomer Marcus Furius in the race for four-year-old maiden geldings and with Tiernan Roche Power up had 14 lengths to spare at the finish. The gelding was bred by Stephen Cousins, Camolin.
Georgie Burgess, a catchy name obviously inspired by Roddy Doyle’s character in The Snapper left his mark on the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with a one length success for Michael Goff’s Clondaw, Ferns, stables with Michael Sweeney up.
I’ll arrange a summary of the point-to-point season soon but the main points are that Colin Bowe (46 winners) wins his 11th handlers title and Barry O’Neill (64 winners) retains the riders’ championship and was also leading rider for the season in the North (25 winners) and the East (28 winners).
There was point-to-point action today at Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary, where Harley Dunne saddled the first two home in the maiden race for four-year-old mares and there was only a neck separating them.
HARLEY DUNNE saddled first and second in the same race at Balingarry today.
Seventeen years old Frankie Murphy from Skibbereen was on the winner Breaking Silence and Tiernan Power Roche rode newcomer Cant Touch This.
There was a winner for Garrett Murphy and the Turbine Syndicate from Tullycanna, Ballymitty, as Boys Will Be Boys scored by one length under Shane O’Rourke, Foulksmills, in the four-year-old maiden auction race.
And Sean Doyle saddled his 19th winner of the season – Moves Like Monty by an impressive 14 lengths – with Ross Sugrue in the saddle in division two of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
Two meetings tomorrow (Sunday); a second day at Ballingarry and also action from Inchydorney.
Jockey James Kenny and winning connections with World Of Fortunes following his success in the mares bumper at Wexford today.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
It was a family day at Wexford racecourse this afternoon with a large attendance in summer conditions and a fair amount of local involvement on the seven-race card and some good competitive racing.
Amateur jockey James Kenny from Craanford rode his eighth career winner on the track when bringing World Of Fortunes (6/1) home with six and a half lengths to spare in the concluding mares bumper. The five-year-old chestnut mare is owned by Michael Broderick from Ballymore Eustace and is trained by the winning jockey’s father, Liam Kenny, near Gorey. Runner-up was Familiar Dreams ridden by Jamie Codd and in third place was Colm Murphy’s Rhaenyra ridden by James O’Rourke from Clonard, Wexford.
Champion trainer Willie Mullins was successful in the mare’s maiden hurdle with Cinsa (4/11 favourite) ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, Harveystown, Taghmon.
J P McManus has a good record at Wexford, particularly in the steeplechases, and today was no different when Goodnightngodbless (17/2) ran out to a 10 lengths success in the handicap chase for trainer James Motherway and was ridden by Charlie O’Dwyer, son of former top jockey Conor O’Dwyer who grew up close to Wexford racecourse.
Gordon Elliott supplied the winner of the mares handicap hurdle with Fruit Blossom (11/2) ridden by Keith Donoghue.
There was a long shot success in the Sulzer Wexford Celebrating 50 Years in Business handicap hurdle in Corkbeg (18/1) ridden by Denis O’Regan from David Harry Kelly’s Fethard, Co. Tipperary stables.
Edward O’Grady’s Ceroc (15/2) won the handcap hurdle with Philip Enright up and Tangental from Colm Murphy’s Killena, Gorey, stables finished in third place for J J Slevin.
Watch House Cross (11/4) took the novice chase for the trainer and jockey combination, Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe.
The day’s Tote aggregate was €92,857.26 compared with €90,802.79 last year. The jackpot of €3,769.73 was not won. The next races at Wexford is on Wednesday, May 31st – just 11 days away!
WexfordLocal.com 