Changes at Enniscorthy council

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Council meeting

At the May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Aidan Browne, led tributes to Bernie Quigley on her promotion to Senior Staff Officer and informed the members that this was her final meeting before taking up a new role in the Procurement Department.

BERNIE QUIGLEY … best wishes on her promotion from members and colleagues

However, Ms. Quigley was back taking notes at today’s June meeting in Enniscorthy as the District Manager, Claire Lawless, is on holidays.

Members thanked Ms. Quigley for her hard work and support over the last number of years and wished her the best of luck in her new position. And Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin wished Ms. Quigley the best in her new role and stated that “Wexford’s gain is Enniscorthys loss.” In the meantime, staff attended a pleasant “send-off” occasion in Stamp’s Bar, Enniscorthy, recently.

Also at the May meeting, Claire Lawless, District Manager took the opportunity to mark the retirement of Fran Breen, popular and obliging Foreman in the Enniscorthy Municipal District. It was noted that Mr. Breen had worked in Enniscorthy for 36 years. The Elected Members wished Mr. Breen the best of luck and health in his retirement. The Director of Services wished to be associated with these sentiments and added that he will be greatly missed in the Enniscorthy Municipal District. A presentation was made to Mr. Breen in the Bailey, Enniscorthy, recently.

Steeplechase card at Wexford races

By Dan Walsh

The first of a two-day summer race meeting at Bettyville Park, Wexford, tomorrow (Tuesday) has a seven-race card – all over the big fences.

Ground conditions are described as ‘good’, there is a chance of rain in the morning, but highest temperatures should reach 21 degrees. The first race is off at 1.40pm.

THE CARD; 1.40pm; Welcome To Wexford Beginners Chase of €11,000. 2 miles. 3 furlongs 170 yards. (14 runners).

2.12pm; August 11th Ladies Day Novice Chase  of €12,500. 2 miles 3 furlongs 170 yards. (5 runners).

2.47pm; visitwexford.ie Handicap Chase of €10,000. 2miles 3 furlongs 170 yards (16 runners).

3.22pm; Forth Mountain Trails Beginners Chase of €11,000. 2 miles (7 runners).

4pm; Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase of €18,000. 2 miles (7 runners).

4.37pm; Support Irish Injured Jockeys Handicap Chase of €14,500. 3 miles 1 furlong 70 yards. (10 runners).

5.17pm; Country Fest August 13 Opportunity Handicap Chase of €10,000. 3 miles 1 furlong 70 yards (16 runners).

Wexford welcome as Rose Tour returns

WEXFORD ROSE Bronagh Hogan and ROSE OF TRALEE Rachel Duffy pictured with Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, CLLR GEORGE LAWLOR at the Wexford Rose Tour launch. Pic; Dominick Walsh Photography.

By Dan Walsh at County Hall, Wexford

Wexford County Council has announced the exciting return of the Wexford Rose Tour and roses from the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival will enjoy three days of adventure and fun this August. Details were announced at a press reception at County Hall, Carricklawn.

Organised by Visit Wexford the tour is supported by the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, and the local tourism industry are proud to showcase the best of what County Wexford has to offer from thrilling adventure, iconic locations, ancient castles, fun sad castle and much more.

Wexford Rose, Bronagh Hogan from Clonroche, is very excited to welcome her 31 Rose sisters to  south-east coastal county and become acquainted with those who are supporting her on her journey as the 2023 Wexford Rose.

Speaking at the launch, Paul Finegan, General Manager of Ashdown Park Hotel, said:“We are honoured to be the official hospitality partners again this year as the Ashdown Park Hotel hosts the Roses on the return of the Wexford Rose Tour 2023. We are really looking forward to welcoming the Roses who will travel from all over Ireland and across the world to visit and stay with us at the 4-star Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey during the duration of the tour.

Steve Cronly, The Rose of Tralee International Festival Operations Director, said: “Going off the magnificent hospitality we were greeted with in County Wexford during last year’s Wexford Rose Tour, we are most excited to return this August. It will bring Roses from all over the world together for the first time as they arrive for two magnificent days of fun in sunny Wexford. We would like to thank Wexford County Council, the Ashdown Park Hotel, Visit Wexford and the wonderful tourist attractions across Wexford for welcoming the Roses to enjoy their time here as they make unforgettable memories across the county.” 

Elizabeth Hore, Director of Service Economic Development & Planning at Wexford County Council, said:“Tourism in County Wexford has undoubtedly seen continued success with the county consistently reaching the highest hotel occupancy in Ireland over the past three years. With both domestic and international visitors in mind, we would love to continue this success and really share the love for this beautiful county in Ireland’s Ancient East. The brand partnership between Wexford County Council, Ashdown Park Hotel and the Rose of Tralee International Festival opens doors and offers unique opportunities for the sunny southeast in a modern, fun and exciting way by supporting and promoting the Wexford Rose Tour, especially with its return.”

New houses launched at Rosslare Strand

Opening Phase One of the Rosetown Housing Development at Rosslare Strand on Friday last.

By Dan Walsh

Minister James Browne told WexfordLocal.com that it was a pleasure to officially launch Phase One of the 23-houses at Baile an Róigh at Rosetown Housing Development, Rosslare Strand with Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal last Friday.

Minister Browne said this is a €9 million investment in 32 social houses in Rosslare Strand, and on the same occasion, the sod was turned on Phase Two and the work is being undertaken by Mythen Construction.

Attendance included Cllrs Ger Carthy, Jim Moore, Jim Codd and Frank Staples, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, CEO of Wexford County Council Tom Enright and Manager of Rosslare District Nóirín Cummins.

Man (30s) charged with robbery at Kilanerin

Murphy’s GALA Store and Post Office in the centre of Kilanerin village where a robbery took place on Saturday.

A man in his 30’s who was arrested and charged following a robbery at Murphy’s Gala Store in Kilanerin yesterday (Saturday) appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court today (Sunday).

It appears that soon after 1pm while staff were serving a customer and the till was open when the man, who was armed with a knife, grabbed some cash and fled the store. However, outside another member of staff had closed a gate and blocked his car so he couldn’t drive away.

It appears he fled on foot around the village, but locals were alerted to his actions and pinned him down where he was held until Gardaí arrived and he was arrested and taken from the scene.

No injuries were reported.

Enniscorthy battle on Rebellion Day

The Red Coats were back on the streets today as Enniscorthy commemorated Rebellion Day.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The strong smell of gunpowder, the crackle of gunfire and the boom of the cannon rang out over Enniscorthy this afternoon for the annual Rebellion Day commemorations.

Events began at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre for Camp Day with stalls, food, a display of weapons and information about them from the ’98 era and music in pleasant summer conditions.

There was a march of pikemen and red coats along John Street to Market Square where a large crowd gathered to watch re-enactors exchange gunfire in a spirit of commemoration exhibiting living history.

The inter-action continued at the bottom of Slaney Street and along the Capt. William Barker bridge onto the Vinegar Hill side of the town before dispersing at Abbey Square.

Participants included Lord Edward’s Own group, the Battle of Ashbourne Historical Re-enactment Group, In Humbert’s Footsteps from Mayo and the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.

It was a well organised event with everything going according to plan and a large crowd turned out in the streets to appreciate the display of history and heritage.

1798 events continue on Wednesday evening with The Longest Day commemoration on Vinegar Hill while next Sunday there are commemorations at Killanne, starting at 1pm and Ballymurn beginning at 3.30pm and the public is welcome to attend.

O’Neill and Bowe are champions again

Pictured at the annual Point-to-Point racing awards night in Hotel Minella, Clonmel, are (left to right), Brigid O’Neill, Barry O’Neill, Colin Bowe and Fiona Bowe.

By Dan Walsh

The 42nd annual Point-to-Point racing awards were presented at a function in Hotel Minella, Clonmel, last weekend where two Wexford sportsmen were feted – champion rider Barry O’Neill and champion handler Colin Bowe.

Barry O’Neill is The Irish Field Champion rider for the sixth time with 64 winners from 195 rides which is a strike rate of 33%. He had eight falls during the season. He also took the Horse Racing Ireland Northern Championship and the Horse Racing Ireland Eastern Championship.

Other Wexford riders who shared in the 2022-23 season success were Rob James (32), Jack Hendrick (22), Bertie Finn (15), Luke Murphy, Tiernan Power Roche and James Walsh (9 wins each).

Kiltealy-based Colin Bowe is the Race Displays Ireland Leading Handler – his 9th title – with 46 wins from 233 runners representing a strike-rate of 20%. Bowe only needs only four more winners to hit the 500-career winner mark and it should be noted that 41 of his 46 successes in the 2022-23 season were ‘maidens’.

Other Wexford handlers who performed well includes Donnchadh Doyle (25), Sean Doyle (19), Denis Murphy (15), Mary Ellen Doyle (11) and Harley Dunne (10).

Enniscorthy Rockin’ till August

MARK KAVANAGH, Vice-Chairman of Wexford Food Family, CLLR AIDAN BROWNE, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, who performed the official launch, and CLAIRE LAWLESS, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager at the launch of the 2023 Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival held in Enniscorthy Castle on Friday night.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

There was an air of celebration and festivity at the official launch of the 8th annual Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and details of this year’s event were unveiled at a special launch at Enniscorthy Castle last evening (Friday).

Festival Chairman, Eric Barron explained that the festival organisers are excited to collaborate with local musicians, chefs, and food producers to curate an unparalleled experience that celebrates the essence of rock ‘n’ roll music and the culinary arts.

Mr Barron said that about 70 food vendors from all over Ireland will attend; the idea of the festival is to support local food producers, there will be a fireworks display to open the festival on The Promenade, courtesy of Colm Neville and the Riverside Park Hotel, the big Ferris Wheel is returning and celebrity chef Kevin Dundon will be in town.

Mr. Barron said last year’s festival brought 50,000 visitors to the town and he envisages that “this year’s event is going to be even bigger and even better for the town.”

It was pointed out that the full programme of events hasn’t been finalised, but plenty family fun activity will bring Enniscorthy to life on the August Bank Holiday.

Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council praised the event and wished the organisers well. Mark Kavanagh, Vice-chairman of the Wexford Food Family also addressed the large, invited attendance and encouraged everybody to support local produce and expressed his delight at being part of the festival.

The festival aims to bring together a diverse community, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared passion for music and food.

The organisers have designed an all-inclusive event with families in mind.  There will be a variety of free and low-cost activities, games, and kid-friendly food options, ensuring that families can enjoy a memorable day out together.

Visitors can expect a diverse Artisan Food, Drink & Craft market, a booming food marquee showcasing the best of Wexford culinary talent and food producers and a Rock ‘n’ Roll Gig Trail of over 30 live gigs around the town throughout the weekend.

The Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival attracts a huge number of visitors to Enniscorthy throughout the weekend and plays an important role both socially and economically for Enniscorthy and the wider community. For many, it is the highlight of the summer festival calendar for locals and visitors to County Wexford.

17 new homes launched at Enniscorthy

Cutting the ribbon at Droichead Carley, Enniscorthy, this morning.

By Dan Walsh at Droichead Carley, Enniscorthy

A new 17-house project at Driochead Carley, at a cost of €205,000 per unit, located beside the Ross Road roundabout at Enniscorthy, was officially launched by Minister James Browne TD and Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council today (Friday).

Minister Browne said he was delighted to acknowledge Byrne and Byrne Construction and its team for a fantastic delivery of real high-quality homes in the proximity of Enniscorthy town, and all the services that are needed.

“And for the families who are provided with these homes – this is not just about bricks and mortar – its an opportunity for these families to be able to establish a place that is their home,” said Minister Browne, who added; “And to be able to set out stories, to be part of the local community, the local schools, the local sports clubs and its absolutely about to see people to have that opportunity to grow up in a community in these really high quality houses.”

Adding his congratulations, Cllr Aidan Browne, said “this is a state-of-the-art housing development and it is wonderful to see all housing units meet an A-rated energy efficiency standard and all 17 units are based on universal design.”

CEO Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, was delighted to welcome some of the new Council tenants to the launch and he remarked “when its being built it is a house; when occupied they become homes.”

CEO Tom Enright took the opportunity to give an update on the housing situation and here is what he had to say:

The attendance included Deputy Paul Kehoe, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllrs John O’Rourke, Jackser Owens, Cathal Byrne, Barbara-Anne Murphy and Kathleen Codd-Nolan. Michael Drea, County Secretary acted as master of ceremonies.

Tributes were also paid to McMahon and Associates, Nolan Consultants, the team at Wexford County Council, and in particular, Shay Howell who provided the architectural work, Carolyne Godkin and Claire Lawless at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and all who saw the project reach today’s launch stage.

Man (56) missing from Enniscorthy

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 56 year old Fran Murphy who is missing from the Enniscorthy area since Wednesday evening, June 14th 2023.  

FRAN MURPHY

Fran is described as being 5’8 with a broad build, short grey hair and brown eyes.  

When last seen, he was wearing brown shorts, a blue and green t-shirt with white runners. It is believed Fran was driving in his black Skoda Superb vehicle which has a 141-KY registration plate.  

Anyone with any information on Fran’s whereabouts are asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.