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!

Uisce Éireann is new name for Irish Water

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is the new name for Irish Water, Ireland’s public water authority dedicated to helping communities to thrive by delivering water services for Ireland. 

The name change came into effect with the enactment of the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2022 by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien saw Irish Water become Uisce Éireann from December 31st, 2022, and a standalone regulated public water utility on January 1st 2023.

The new brand identity reflects Uisce Éireann’s vision of a sustainable Ireland where water is respected and protected and offers a new opportunity to communicate with the public about the vital services it provides.

Uisce Éireann’s ambition is to create a world class water utility focused on meeting the needs of customers and communities, delivering efficient water services, and supporting housing, economic development and job creation. To achieve this, the organisation is bringing together existing staff with colleagues from Local Authority Water Services to build a truly national organisation with the knowledge, passion and expertise to deliver for communities across Ireland.

The new brand identity features a dynamic “stream” reflecting the flow of water and the circularity of nature, and it re-enforces visually Uisce Éireann’s stated vision for a sustainable Ireland, where water is respected and protected, for the planet and all the lives it supports.

Uisce Éireann operates 716 water treatment plants and 1,057 wastewater treatment plants, manages over 90,000 km of water and sewer pipes, and is investing €5.26 billion in upgrading these assets in the current investment period (2020-2024).

Environmental issues holding up flood scheme

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme was back on the agenda as a matter of priority at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council where Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne favours the building of the new bridge first and it emerged that the OPW has placed the future of the flood relief scheme at the door of Wexford County Council.

TOM ENRIGHT CEO attended Enniscorthy District Council meeting

Cllr Jackser Owens called on the Council to draw down the €50 million for the flood relief and get on with. “It is 13 months since it was rejected,” he added.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy strayed into Cllr Owens’ territory when asking about an update on the freshwater pearl mussel.

CEO of Wexford County Council Tom Enright told the members that the scheme was rejected last March (2022). The council asked that the bridge be separated from the flood scheme. The new bridge will cost €20-25 million and will have to be built first if the Rafter Bridge is to be demolished!

The flood relief scheme was rejected on environmental grounds and there are fears that could happen again! Mr Enright said the results of a bird survey and freshwater pearl mussel report is expected to be completed next month.

“We (Wexford County Council) take directions from the OPW (Office of Public Works) but I assure you the scheme is a priority for the council,” stated Mr Enright.

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan expressed her frustration at the time it takes to get it over the line and Cllr Cathal Byrne said the flood relief “is the single biggest issue affecting the town.”

The CEO hopes to be back next month with a timeframe for planning.

The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is a bivalve mollusc found in clean, fast-flowing rivers, and occasionally in lakes. It is a highly threatened animal, categorised as critically endangered in Ireland and across Europe. 90% of all freshwater pearl mussels died out across Europe during the twentieth century. Owing to its threatened status and dramatic decline, the freshwater pearl mussel is listed on Annex II and Annex V of the Habitats Directive. SOURCE; National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Incidentally there are 19 SAC (special areas of conservation) in Ireland protecting the freshwater pearl mussel, including the River Barrow and Nore.

Teenager missing from Gorey area

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 15 year old Scarlet Bright who has been missing from the Gorey area of County Wexford since the afternoon of Friday 14th April 2023.

Scarlet is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height with a thin build, red hair and blue eyes.

When last seen, Scarlet was wearing a black jumper, black tracksuit bottoms and white runners.

Anyone with information on Scarlet’s whereabouts is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 0539430690, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Michael Goff enjoys double success

By Dan Walsh

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.

The buzz is back in Ferns

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.

Grand National celebrated in Bannow-Ballymitty

By Dan Walsh

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.