Michael Goff travelled from his base at Clondaw, Ferns, to today’s point-to-point races at Dromahane and teaming up with Waterford-born rider Michael Sweeney he was successful twice at the Cork track.
MICHAEL GOFF… double point-to-point success in Cork today.
First up was newcomer Fortunate Man who scored by two lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and half an hour later claimed the five-year-old maiden race with Double Digits by one length. Both ran in the colours of Caitriona Goff.
Another Wexford winner at Dromahane was newcomer Bellas Bridge, by three-parts of a length under Sean Staples, for the Blackhall Stables Partnership and Paul Pierce, Killurin, in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.
There was also point-to-point action in Louth today and a pair of Wexford winners. Colin Bowe saddled up newcomer Tareze who came home one and a half lengths to the good under Bertie Finn in the mares’ four-year-old maiden race. This was the 10th career winner for Bertie Finn from Oulart.
Gorey hotel owner Patrick Redmond tasted success at the Louth fixture when Toss Of A Coin triumphed by nine lengths in the maiden race for five year old geldings. The son of Flemensfirth, Toss Of A Coin, who is for sale, was a 35th career winner for rider James Kenny and is handled by his father, Liam Kenny at Craanford, Gorey.
Very Revd. Paul Mooney, Dean of St. Eden’s Cathedral and Very Rev. Patrick Cushen, P.P., Ferns. blessed the new hives with holy water from nearby St. Mogue’s Well.
By Dan Walsh in Ferns
Three Canadian red giant “Walnut whip” shaped beekeeping units were unveiled in the grounds of St. Edan’s Cathedral, Ferns, yesterday (Saturday) as part of the Ancient Connections initiative between St. Aidan’s in Ferns and St. David’s in Pembrokeshire.
“Bees have linked Wales and Wexford since the 6th century, when it is reported St David gifted a hive of bees to an Irish pupil to keep, after his monastery bees twice followed their favourite monk home to Ireland and had to be brought back”, said the Very Revd Paul Mooney, Dean of St. Edan’s Cathedral. Ferns, who added; “We’re delighted to welcome this striking symbol of the ties between us and to honour the friendship between our own Saint Aidan (Mogue) or Edan, and Saint David of Wales.”
The event was launched in St. Edan’s Cathedral by the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor, who ended his speech with the immortal words; “May the honey from Ferns sweeten your day, And the candle wax light your day.”
The church programme featured a performance of music and song by Melanie O’Reilly, assisted on guitar by David Creevy, and the Chord On Blues Ferns Community Choir led by Mary Moulds.
Margaret Cristopher recited a story telling recollection featuring ‘St Aidan and the Sea Monster’.
Moving outdoors on a pleasant day, the hives were blessed with Holy Water from nearby St. Mogue’s Well, and prayers were jointly recited by Very Revd. Paul Mooney, Dean of St. Eden’s Cathedral and Very Rev. Patrick Cushen, P.P., Ferns.
The attendance included Deputy Johnny Mythen, T.D. County Arts Officer, Liz Burns and tourism representative Billy Byrne.
Bedwyr Williams said; “I’m interested in objects that invite communities to become active participants to make the artwork whole. St David’s last words were “Gwnewch y pethau bychain” or “Do the little things.” This ethos has guided the development of my proposal, which is founded on the story of St David and St Aidan and steeped in the magic and history of these two intertwined locations.”
Local beekeeper Joe Kelly from Ferns Honey, was on hand to take an question and answer session and he was very busy. Lots of interest in the popularity of bees and the good news is that the beehives at Ferns will be open to the public.
Corach Rambler (8/1) made history at Aintree today with a two and a quarter lengths success in the Grand National, and while it is correctly credited as a Scottish victory from Lucinda Russell’s stables, it is also a major celebration in the Bannow-Ballymitty area of south Co. Wexford.
Corach Rambler, who is named after a well-known local soccer team by the River Corach, was bred by local breeder Paul Hillis, who is a partner with three Scottish enthusiasts in a winning syndicate known as The Rambler and appeared on the winners’ podium after the great race where his excitement was a bit emotional, but palpable.
SEAN FLANAGAN… runner-up in the Aintree Grand National.
Corach Rambler succeeded in the world’s toughest steeplechase to a great reception and wearing the favourites tag, but the runner-up also had a Wexford connection. Vanillier was ridden by Sean Flanagan from Robinstown, New Ross.
Corach Rambler, who has won the long distance chase at the last two Cheltenham Festivals (2022 and 2023), 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 subsequently sold to Michael Scudamore for £17,000.
This was a Grand National double for trainer Lucinda Russell and Sligo-born jockey Derek Fox. Last time they won the great race was with One For Arthur (14/1) in 2017, who won his point-to-point at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, when owned by Patrick Redmond, Ashtown Park Hotel, Gorey, handled by Liam Kenny at Craanford and ridden by Barry O’Neill, and sold soon after that victory.
The success of Corach Rambler and One For Arthur augurs well for the quality of staying chasers emerging from the breeders and handlers on the point-to-point scene in Co. Wexford.
Two Wexford students have won top prizes in this year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.
10-years old Lilia Litwin, a pupil at Gorey Educate Together National School, is a winner in this year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. She is pictured with her prize-winning work entitled ‘My Self Portrait’ with her mother Magdalena and her father Tomasz. The picture was taken at a function to announce the top winners held in Dublin.
In the 9-11 years age category, first prize was won by 10-years old Lilia Litwin, a pupil at Gorey Educate Together National School, for her artwork entitled ‘My Self Portrait’. Her work is described by Professor Granville as “a self-portrait that captures a sense of the person behind the paint.”
Sarah McLoughlin (age 17), a pupil at Bridgetown College, is a winner in this year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. She is pictured with her prize-winning work entitled ‘The Points Race’ with her father Stephen and mother Ruth. The picture was taken at a function to announce the top winners held in Dublin.
In the 16-18 years age category, third prize was won by Sarah McLoughlin (age 17), a pupil at Bridgetown College, for her artwork entitled ‘The Points Race’. Her work is described by Final Adjudicator, Professor Gary Granville as “art that uses light and shade to try to express 21st century life through a Rembrandt lens.”
The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first competition held in 1955.
This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Wexford and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.
TRISH MIDDLETON. Her first solo exhibition opened in Gorey Library tonight and runs until April 27th.
By Dan Walsh in Gorey Library
A first solo exhibition by Gorey-based artist Trish Middleton using as many sustainably sourced materials as possible opened in Gorey Library tonight (Thursday) and will be available until April 27th.
The official opening was performed by Lisa Byrne, Visual Arts Manager and curator at Presentation Arts Centre in conjunction with Wexford Arts Centre, who congratulated Trish on her first solo exhibition, although she has exhibited many times as part of a group, praised the superb quality of her work and encouraged as many people as possible to drop into the library and view the exhibition.
A graduate from National College of Art and Design in 1997, Trish’s work focuses on nature and using as many raw and natural wools and yarns as is possible. These days, with so much focus on the wellbeing of our environment, she utilises as many sustainably sourced materials as possible, including sourcing raw wool, locally from farmers, and wool ends from factories while utilising handmade dyes.
Trish Middleton loves art and design. She works in a variety of mediums including oil pastels, acrylic, pencil and collage but it is her love of textiles that always draws her back in. Through dyeing, weaving, stitching, knotting and tufting, she creates not just visual pieces, but also tactile sensory experiences.
It is a lovely exhibition. All are welcome, For more details please contact Gorey Library on 053 9483820.
Wexford Co. Council proposes to install a new closed circuit television system in Enniscorthy Town Centre to replace the existing CCTV system.
It is proposed to install 22 CCTV cameras at locations within Enniscorthy Town which have been agreed with An Garda Siochana.
A spokesperson for Wexford County Council said; “The purpose of this is to provide a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour, improve public safety, assist emergency services, and assist the Local Authority in the management of public areas for the wellbeing of the town.”
Plans and particulars of the proposed scheme are available for inspection during normal office hours (9am – 5pm) at Enniscorthy Municipal District Office, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 W2V4 and Enniscorthy Library, Lymington Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford or via the Consultation Portal
Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed scheme may be made in writing to: Claire Lawless, District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford or via the Consultation Portal at not later than 4pm on the 2nd May 2023.
Gorey communities are mourning the sad loss of well-known Gorey businessman, Paschal Whitmore, who was laid to rest in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Gorey, following Requiem Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Gorey, yesterday (Wednesday).
From The Avenue, Gorey, and formerly of Whitmore Jewellers 37 Main Street, Gorey, Paschal passed away peacefully on Friday, April 8th at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, Dublin, surrounded by his loved ones.
PASCHAL WHITMORE
A kind and highly respectable member of the community Paschal was well-known from Whitmore Jewellers on Gorey’s Main Street a family business established by his parents, Jack and Bridie Whitmore, in 1957. Whitmore Jewellers also have a branch in Gorey Shopping Centre.
He was very much admired in sporting circles and served as President of Gorey Rugby Club, 2002 and 2003, and played in tournaments through his long involvement with Courtown Golf Club.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the beloved husband of Caroline, loving father of Cathal, Ciaran, Deirdre and Bryan, son of Bridie and the late Jack and brother of John, Brenda, Leonard, Lynda and Anna. Deeply regretted by his loving wife, daughter, sons, mother, sisters, brothers, uncle, grandchildren, daughter-in-law, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. R.I.P.
A new public art commission will be launched in St. Edan’s Cathedral, Ferns. Do the Little Things is a new public artwork designed for two locations: Ferns and St David’s, Pembrokeshire, commissioned by Ancient Connections and is an EU funded cross border arts, heritage and tourism project.
Bedwyr Williams’ distinctive proposal was selected from a shortlist and Do the Little Things connects the two communities of Ferns and St David’s through the practice of beekeeping, reflecting the medieval story of St David and his friendship with St, Aidan, who, it is believed, brought bees back to Ireland from Wales.
“Bees have linked Wales and Wexford since the 6th century, when it is reported St David gifted a hive of bees to an Irish pupil to keep, after his monastery bees twice followed their favourite monk home to Ireland and had to be brought back”, said the Very Revd Paul Mooney, Dean of St. Edan’s Cathedral. Ferns, who added; “We’re delighted to welcome this striking symbol of the ties between us and to honour the friendship between our own Saint Aidan (Mogue) or Edan, and Saint David of Wales.”
Three oversized skeps (traditional beekeeper’s hives) made from cedar wood are being installed in both locations. These living sculptures will contain bee colonies that are being cared for by local beekeepers and community groups, who will be harvesting and selling honey in labelled jars designed by the artist and local school children.
Bedwyr says: “I’m interested in objects that invite communities to become active participants to make the artwork whole. St David’s last words were “Gwnewch y pethau bychain” or “Do the little things.” This ethos has guided the development of my proposal, which is founded on the story of St David and St Aidan and steeped in the magic and history of these two intertwined locations.”
Sited in the grounds of St Edan’s Cathedral Church heritage graveyard, the work opens to the public on Saturday from 12 pm. The launch event will bring community groups to the site for a question-and-answer session with the artist and local beekeeper from ‘Ferns Honey’, Joe Kelly; folklore and storytelling, and a performance of music and song by Melanie O’Reilly, David Creevy and the ‘Chord On Blues’ Ferns Community Choir, led by Mary Moulds.
Rock armour helping with coastal erosion at Ballinamona beach, Blackwater. (File Picture).
By Dan Walsh at special meeting of Wexford County Council
Wexford’s coastline consists of 260kms, one of the biggest in the country, and 211kms is described as ‘soft coastline’ and is vulnerable to erosion, members learned at a special meeting of Wexford County Council on “climate change, coastal erosion, coastal flooding and rising sea levels” held in the Council Chamber today (Tuesday).
Members became angry and raised serious concerns about the failure to address flooding and coastal erosion problems when it emerged that there “is no national strategy for managing coastal erosion.”
Cllr Jim Moore said there were 21 ‘risk zones’ in 260kms of coastline and he asked what supports are there? He was appalled that there is “no lead (strategy) on a coastline in an island nation that has a plethora of issues. He recalled that 3,000 acres of land was nearly lost to the sea last year and there is no lead agency dealing with this!
Cllr Joe Sullivan was amazed that out of 260kms, only 15kms had rock armour, and he felt that is “very low.” He drew attention to three private properties in North Wexford that are “land locked” because the roadway has been completely washed away.
Cllr Ger Carthy said that when it comes to coastal protection, “we are talking in a vacuum.” “Are we going to let land and houses go out to sea. We have no money, absolutely zero. We have no funding, no commitment for funding, and by the way, coast analysis for the value of houses is a job for auctioneers and valuers, not engineers. We are not serious about any of this,” he concluded.
Cllr Lisa McDonald was appalled that there is no national lead agency, no national strategy, and she recalled that Minister Patrick Donovan said on a visit to Wexford that Youghal to Wicklow is the most vulnerable in the country. “The soft soil of Wexford is falling into the sea and there is no national plan. They are reclaiming land in other countries, but we are an island nation willing to let the land fall into the sea,” she added.
Cllr Jim Codd recalled the situation in Bridgetown at Christmas 2021. “That land was reclaimed from the sea and now it is going back to the sea.” He wanted to know what has been done differently to prevent flooding again at Bridgetown?
Cllr Pat Barden believed the council staff were doing their best without resources and he spoke about a situation at Grange beach where a man took action to prevent his home from being washed away and he ended up in court!
Cllr Michael Whelan raised concerns about 2kms of public road at St. Kearns where a wall has deteriorated in the last 12 months, and it is protecting land.
Cllr Cathal Byrne said he is “very disappointed”. “Eight generations of my family farmed land at Poulshone and now it is totally gone,” he said. Cllr Michael Sheehan referred to recent flooding in Wexford, Enniscorthy and New Ross.
It emerged from the meeting that rock armour was costing €8,000 per metre. This cost shocked the room. Cllr Pip Breen suggested opening old quarries to solve the rock armour supply from the nearest point. “There are about 60 closed quarries in the parishes where rock armour could be sourced. Bring back the small quarries, I’d say,” added Cllr Breen.
The meeting heard from Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Frank Burke, Climate Action Co-ordinator, Gerry Forde, Senior Engineer, George Colfer, Coastal Engineer, and Mark Adamson, OPW Head of Flood Risk Management and Climate Adaptation Division. Cllr Mary Farrell was in the chair.
The big Easter Monday racing interest centred on the Irish Grand National meeting at Fairyhouse where long shots prevailed and odds-on favourites lost out, but Wexford interests were served well at three venues.
JAMIE CODD … a bumper winner at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.
At Fairyhouse Colm Murphy’s Killena, Gorey, stables enjoyed success with Mac’s Charm ridden by Brian Hayes in the handicap chase who did the business by two and a quarter lengths.
Jamie Codd captured the National day bumper on Firefox (evens favourite) for Gordon Elliott.
Barry O’Neill travelled to Cork and teamed up with Jim Dreaper on Lar’s Lass (13/2) and came home four and a half lengths to the good in the hunter’s chase.
They raced at Loughanmore in East Antrim on Saturday and were back to the same track today. Cormac Doyle raised the Wexford flag in the auction race for four year old maidens with Getaway Glory, ridden by Ross Sugrue in the colours of the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership, beating Benny Walsh’s Skin Full by one and a half lengths.
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