Sunday racing returns to Tinahely

By Dan Walsh

Sixty-seven entries were received for the first point-to-point of the new season in the South East that takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, run under the auspices of Shillelagh & District Hunt.

Ground conditions are reported as “good” and the first race is off at 1pm.

The card consists of four maiden races (one confined to novice riders), an Open Race and a Mares Winner of One.

JACK HENDRICK will be out of action through injury until after Christmas. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

One promising rider missing from the scene until after Christmas is Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick, who has 109 winners to his credit.

Jack is on the sidelines following a fall at Listowel in late September when he suffered a serious injury. “I fractured my left humerus in three places and fractured my shoulder joint as well,” said Hendrick, who underwent surgery and is doing physio and added; “I’m not feeling too bad now.”

Meanwhile, point-to-pointing took place today (Saturday) at Loughanmore, Co. Antrim which produced four Wexford winners in the first four races.

Denis Murphy saddled newcomer Eskyland in the maiden race for four-year-old mares’ and she ran home five and a half lengths clear of the field with Shane Cotter up. Eskyland now goes to the sales.

Jonathan Fogarty saddled his first winner of the new season – newcomer Golden Heart in the Gaynestown Stud Partnership colours by half a length under Finian Maguire in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Now in his 14th year as a handler, this was the Cleariestown-based handler’s 40th point-to-point success.

Hello Fortune won for the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares. Two and a half lengths the verdict. Rob James the successful rider.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill teamed up to win the mares maiden for five-year-old plus with Kano De Thaix. One and a half lengths the distance.

 Fireworks launch for Wexford Festival Opera

The best seat in the house for the annual Wexford Festival fireworks earlier this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Opera Festival 
Thousands gathered on Wexford Quay in mild October weather for the official opening of the 74th Wexford Festival Opera and its traditional fireworks display tonight (Friday). Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi opened this year’s festival to mark her 30th anniversary with Wexford Festival Opera.
Italian-born Rosetta, now an Irish citizen, expressed her gratitude for Wexford and its famous opera festival as she was delighted to launch the 2025 Wexford Festival Opera. She was given a huge cheer from the large attendance.
There were also contributions on the main stage from Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Garry Laffan, and Paul Cleary, Chairman of Wexford Festival Trust. Maurice McCarthy acted as master of ceremonies.
There was a full house at the opening main stage opera, Verdi’s Le trouvère, in the National Opera House. 
Earlier that evening the Community Opera, A Little Midsummer Night’s Dream, had its first of five sold-out performances.  
The much-loved Lunchtime Recitals are back for the 74th Wexford Festival Opera, taking place in the O’Reilly Theatre and the 18th century St Iberius Church, each venue offers its own special atmosphere. Over 13 recitals, and Festival artists will share a wide variety of music, from operatic arias and lieder to oratorio, concert works and popular song.

Wexford Festival Opera runs for 16 days and ends on Saturday, November 1st.

Enniscorthy historic landfill site

LUCAS PARK landfill site to be transformed into a public space. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Library

The old municipal landfill site at Lucas Park outside of Enniscorthy on the N30 Enniscorthy-New Ross road is so compact and environmentally matured that people pass it daily without noticing that it exists!

The site was revisited last night at a public consultation held in Enniscorthy Library as part of The Creative Ireland programme at Wexford County Council that has teamed up with the Environment Office to consult with the communities living close to the sites about their vision for what they could become in the future.

Cultural producer Karla Sanchez and Engineer Rory O’Mahony lead a consultation workshop, inviting the communities to share their thoughts and ideas.

Using innovative consultation methods, the sessions aim to encourage progressive thinking about what might be possible on the sites.

I am not going to reveal the suggestions put forward towards the consultation process, however, the environment, protection of wildlife and a public amenity is sure to emerge.

Lucas Park landfill site, referred to locally as ‘site of the old town dump’, is a two-hectare site that served municipal waste for 40 years from 1940 until it closed in 1980.

Located on the River Urrin it is also near the Slaney Valley SAC and Wexford Harbour and Slobs (SPA) Specially Protected Area.

The site contains an estimated 69,300m3 of waste to depths of 4-11 metres and is currently planted with trees and vegetation.

It is not too late to forward suggestions as to the future of Lucas Park; contact rory.omahony@wexfordcoco.ie

Four sites are under consideration Carcur near Wexford Town, Lucas Park near Enniscorthy, Ballykeerougue near Campile in the New Ross Municipal District and Gorteen near Inch in the Gorey Municipal District.

Meetings at Carcur and Lucas Park have taken place, but Ballykeerogue, Campile, on Friday, November 7th at 7pm in Campile Community Hall and Gorteen, Gorey is on Saturday, November 8th at 4pm in St, Mogues Community Centre, Inch are to come!

Email elizabeth.howard@wexfordcoco.ie for the Ballykeerogue and Gorteen sessions.

Traffic delays in Wexford on Friday evening

WEXFORD BRIDGE AND QUAY FRONT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford town is going to be busy tomorrow evening (Friday) as the town prepares to welcome the 74th Wexford Festival Opera with fireworks and the opening ceremony taking place on Wexford Quay at 7.15 pm.

Wexford Gardaí are advising of a temporary closure of Wexford Bridge from 7.10 pm to 7.30 pm.

Oulart and ‘across the river’ supporters heading for the minor hurling final between Oulart and Glynn-Barntown with a 7.30 pm throw-in at Chadwicks Wexford Park are asked to seek an alternative route on their way to the match.

Rosetta Cucchi, Artistic Director, will officially open the 74th Wexford Festival Opera at 7.15 pm in a ceremony traditionally adored by the general public on Wexford Quay.

A fireworks display will follow the official ceremony, and 16 days of opera will highlight events in Wexford town.

The opening production will be Le Trouvère by Verdi and at the National Opera House, High Street, at 8 pm.

Several exhibitions and associated fringe events will take place across the town during the festival.

For information and to book tickets visit WEXFORDOPERA.COM, phone 353 53 912 2144 or contact by email the boxoffice@wexfordopera.com.

Wexford Festival Opera opens on Friday

By Dan Walsh

ROSETTA CUCCHI

Rosetta Cucchi, Artistic Director, will officially open the 74th Wexford Festival Opera at 7.15pm on Friday in a ceremony on Wexford Quay.

A fireworks display will follow the official ceremony, and 16 days of opera will highlight events in Wexford town.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Rosetta said; “This year we invite you to explore the captivating realm of Myths & Legends across 16 days or rare opera, thrilling performances, and exciting discoveries.

She added; “Whether you’re new to opera or a seasonal fan, immerse yourself in a world of music, culture, coastal beauty, and the legendary warmth of a Wexford welcome.”

Rosetta Cucchi is an internationally renowned pianist and director, has had a regular presence at the festival for the past 30 years as Assistant to the Artistic Director, first under Luigi Ferrari and later under David Agler. In 2020 the festival appointed Rosetta Cucchi as Artistic Director.

The opening production will be Le Trouvère by Verdi and will open at the National Opera House on Friday evening at 8 pm.

WexfordLocal.com will be reporting on many of the fringe events during the opera festival.

For information and to book tickets visit WEXFORDOPERA.COM, phone 353 53 912 2144 or contact by email the boxoffice@wexfordopera.com.

Bree marks 65 years of Macra success

The organising committee of the Bree Macra 65th anniversary celebrations held recently in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford . (Pic; Bree Macra).

By Dan Walsh

Established in 1960, the Bree branch of Macra Na Feirme is recognised as the longest continuously operating branch in County Wexford. Its 65th anniversary was celebrated at a dinner dance at the Talbot Hotel, Wexford.

Over 150 attendees from multiple generations, including current and former members, friends, and supporters, gathered for the club reunion.

Several key figures gave speeches reflecting on the club’s journey and impact. Sarah Byrne, chairperson of the organising committee, welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening.

Eddie Casey, the current club chairperson, spoke of the club’s recent achievements and future aspirations. National Macra President Josephine O’Neill praised Bree Macra’s resilience and contribution to the wider Macra community, while former chairperson Niall Doyle shared personal memories and reflections of his time in Bree Macra.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Long Service Achievement Award to PJ Darcy, who has dedicated over five decades to coaching Bree Macra’s speaking and debating teams. His lifelong commitment remains admirable.

Among the guests were four members of the original founding committee; Francis Galloway (née Walsh), Agnes O’Dowd (née Wickham), Nick Fortune, and John Curtis.

The evening featured a drinks reception, formal dinner, and entertainment, with Freeway and a DJ providing music for guests celebrating the club’s history.

Enniscorthy missing flags mystery

This image was taken on Saturday when researching the cable car story. The flagpoles on the busy Seamus Rafter Bridge are there but the flags have gone!. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Twelve Irish flags flying from the Seamus Rafter Bridge over the River Slaney have disappeared from their masts since last Friday and Cllr Jackser Owens is demanding to know ‘who removed them?’ and he is disgusted at such treatment of the tricolour! “They should be left there”, he insisted!

The drama unfolded at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held at Carricklawn when Cllr Owens put the question of the missing Irish flags to the meeting and the top table were completely lost. They looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders in unison but could offer no explanation.

CLLR JACKSER OWNENS (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Director Services Eamonn Hore failed to understand what Cllr Owens was talking about and suggested he make contact with the Enniscorthy District Manager, Claire Lawless, and she may be able to help.

Cllr John O’Rourke gave some support to his Enniscorthy district colleague and said the flags go up for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and remain for Easter, Fleadh events, the longest day on Vinegar Hill, June 21st, festivals and give a good image to the town.

Of course, the Rafter Bridge is earmarked for demolition in 2027 if the Enniscorthy Flood Relief scheme progresses on time!!!

So, what happens next? Well, the next meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council takes place next Tuesday and the ‘missing flags’ mystery will be on the agenda.

I’ve been researching the problem since Monday and a few ideas are floating.

1). The umbrellas were taken down from Slaney Street last Friday, possibly as routine maintenance ahead of winter weather that could damage decorations. The storage season has arrived!

2). Another theory suggests that Enniscorthy’s changing culture has led to diminished respect for the national flag in republican terms, with anticipation of a new form of representation.

3.) Or does the removal of the flags fall under the same remit as the removal of billboards from Rafter Street and the town centre?

The Athenaeum Hall, home of the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy, has a tall flag pole, but no flag – the last one was torn to shreds and removed after members of the public complained.

There is a tricolour on a private premises on Slaney Street. It was there last night!  

New Wexford centre for entertainment groups

Welcoming a new era for the Mechanics Institute in Wexford town centre were (left to right); Brian McKenna, Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh, Garry Sinnott, Kilcaven Property Developments, Dympna O’Connor, Head of Community Development at Wexford County Council and Cllr Leonard Kelly. (Pic; Jim Campbell).

By Dan Walsh

The historic Mechanics Institute on Wexford’s Main Street will become a community space managed by Wexford County Council’s Community Department.  

Over the past two years, the Special Projects team of Wexford County Council has conducted protection work on the historic structure to prevent additional deterioration. An internal refurbishment project is currently in progress to prepare the facility for regular community use.  

The initial primary leaseholders will be a committee of established Wexford theatre groups known for their high-quality pantomimes, musicals, and dramas.  Wexford Pantomime Society, Oyster Lane Theatre Group, and Wexford Drama Group will share the building for rehearsals, meetings, and storing props and costumes.

Commenting on the launch of the refurbishment project, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Garry Laffan said; “I am really delighted to see the old Mechanics Institute building being brought back to life after all these years lying empty.  It has been a common issue raised by the public in recent years and it’s terrific that we have finally found a solution. 

“Over the years, thousands of Wexford people have enjoyed and taken part in productions from all three of these theatre groups which are managed by production teams and committees of volunteers whose only driver is the sheer love of theatre,” added Mayor Laffan.

Wexford County Council Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe said; “I am delighted to have found such a relevant and much needed use for the historic Mechanics Institute.  It is a great result all round for everyone involved and we hope the building will help strengthen the already excellent theatre culture enjoyed in the town. 

“The building is centrally located on Wexford’s Main Street and so it is really important to bring it back into use for the people of Wexford.  Hopefully now that we have made the investment, the building will continue to provide quality community space for future generations.”

The ’Mechanic’s Institute’ opened in 1858 and prospered for many years as a literary and library centre. In more recent times, the commercial and editorial offices of The Wexford People newspaper were above the front shop in the former Mechanics Institute, a once-elegant Victorian building with an interesting, arcaded shopfront on the ground floor.

In 2000, The Wexford People relocated from their premises on Main Street, situated opposite the junction with Anne Street, to newly constructed offices at Channing House on Rowe Street.

€1m funding for two Rosslare villages

An aerial view of the coastline linking Rosslare Strand to Rosslare Harbour where Wexford County Council has €1 million to spend. (Pic; Tony Mullen Photography).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council will get €1 million to fund the Rosslare Sustainable Tourism Experience, connecting Rosslare Harbour and Rosslare Strand with a new civic plaza and public works in both villages.

The good news was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, last Friday.

CLLR GER CARTHY Chair Rosslare District Council (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr. Ger Carthy, Chair of Rosslare Municipal District expressed his delight on hearing the announcement; “I welcome the funding announced by Minister Calleary. It represents a major step forward in realising both Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Harbours potential as thriving hubs for tourism and community life.

“We are investing in Rosslare’s future, creating places where people want to live, visit and do business,” added Cllr Carthy.

Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council stated; “The funding awarded under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund will support the advancement of a comprehensive redevelopment initiative that focuses on enhancing public spaces, improving infrastructure and promoting Rosslare’s coastal character as both a popular seaside resort and gateway to Europe.”

Lynda Lacey, Director of Services for Rosslare Municipal District added; “This is a fantastic, good news story for the district and the county as a whole. This much needed funding will provide the basis for a future submission to secure funding to carry out the capital works identified under this measure.”

Calls for applications to the fund are sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to projects with all necessary planning and consents in place and are ready to proceed, while Category 2 relates to projects that require further development and enabling initiatives to become ready for Category 1 status.

€10.5m cocaine seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 50s was taken into custody following the seizure of cocaine valued at €10.5 million at Rosslare Europort today, Monday.

The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Revenue’s Customs Service carried out the joint operation.

As a result, a truck and trailer unit travelling from the continent was controlled and searched at Rosslare Europort.

The search of the truck revealed an elaborate lead lined concealment within the fuel tank of the vehicle.

Approximately 150 Kgs of cocaine was discovered within the concealment with an estimated street value of €10.5 million.

A man in his 50’s was arrested and is currently detained under Organised Crime Legislation in the South East of the country.

Gardai say investigations are ongoing.