More Wexford winners on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

Today’s point-to-point at Dromahane, Co. Cork, had three ‘divided’ races and all were won by Wexford stables. Doubles for Benny Walsh (handler/rider) and Denis Murphy.

The four-year-old geldings’ maiden race was ‘divided’ two ways – the first division was won by newcomer Captain Bellamy for Gaynestown Stud Partnership and Cleariestown handler Jonathan Fogarty who extended his lead at the finish to score by 14 lengths with Barry Stone riding his 25th career winner.

Rob James, recently returned to the saddle following injury at the end of February, was back in the winners’ enclosure following a three lengths victory on newcomer Off The Jury which he also trains for the Matchmaker Syndicate. This was the 30th winner of the season for James.

BENNY WALSH … double as rider and handler combined at Dromahane today.

Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, saddled the winners of both divisions of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Division one went to Binge Worthy by one length under Jack Hendrick and division two was captured with Wild Side of Life who had four lengths to space and ridden by Joey Dunne.

A massive entry for the five-year-old plus mares’ maiden race forced three ‘divides’ and all three went the way of Wexford stables. Barry O’Neill brought home Colin Bowe’s NT Field Minnesota by one length in the first division and both division two and division three were won by veteran handler/rider Benny Walsh from Crossgales, Tomhaggard. First up was Harry’s Hope running in the colours of Jenny Walsh by four and a half lengths and gaining the double was Lightening Mahler owned by Seamus Osbourne, Wicklow, who achieved the same margin – four and a half lengths.

Bowe and O’Neill carry on winning

BARRY O’NEILL and COLIN BOWE… doubles today in Fermanagh and on track to maintain their respective championship titles.

By Dan Walsh

The respective handler and rider reigning champions, Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill, each recorded a double at today’s (Saturday) point-to-point at Necarne, Co. Fermanagh, and are assured of retaining their titles when the season ends next month.

O’Neill and Bowe joined forces with Josie Alice for a one length success in the mare’s maiden race for five-year-olds plus and then something completely unusual occurred at the conclusion of the maiden race for gelding’s six-year-old plus.

The race ended in a dead-heat between Bourbon N Kentucky for Colin Bowe with Oulart rider Bertie Finn up and the David Christie handled Nevermindthestranger ridden by Barry O’Neill! This was O’Neill’s 360th career winner and 30 for the season for Bowe’s Kiltealy yard.

Tiernan Power Roche, Tomhaggard, won the maiden race for four-year-olds on newcomer Springt De La Mare for owner/handler Harley Dunne by two and a half lengths and off to the sales now.

Donnchadh Doyle saddled his 20th winner of the season when Great Pepper for the Monbeg Syndicate scored by three-parts of a length with Alex Harvey in the saddle in the Winner of Three race.

And it is worth acknowledging the great run of Flash de Touzaine from Liz Doyle’s Crossabeg stables in today’s Corals Scottish Grand National at Ayr. Ridden by Richie Deegan, who finished third, beaten three lengths and a neck behind the winner, Kitty’s Light (4/1 jt-fav).

Good Friday for Wexford stables

By Dan Walsh

Three point-to-point fixtures went to post yesterday (Friday) where the Fairyhouse meeting in Meath was a marathon 10-race card and Wexford stables won nine of them, including a treble for champion rider Barry O’Neill.

O’Neill and Colin Bowe got off to a winning start with Qualimite coming home 30 lengths clear in the first division of the four-year-old mare’s maiden race. Harley Dunne took a fall in that race and stood himself down for division two where he saddled Jamsmine Bliss who jumped a clear round and scored a one and a half lengths success. It was a spare winning rider for Tiernan Power Roche.

JACK HENDRICK .. a double at Tralee on Friday.

O’Neill and Bowe scored a double when Practice Run galloped all over his rivals in the first division of the four-year-old geldings’ maiden race. One and a half lengths the verdict. Division Two went the way of Shirley Berry’s Everyonesacritic, handled by Johnny Berry at Lingstown, and confidently ridden by Ross Berry. Close one, only half a length in it, but that will do!

Barry O’Neill achieved a double on the day aboard Lough Owel for Gordon Elliott in the first division of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Six lengths the distance.

Bertie Finn from Oulart joined forces with David Christie in the Open Race confined to novice riders and they shared a sweet four lengths victory with Bold Enough.

Paul Pierce from Blackhall Stables, Killurin, saddled a double success. First up was Ingenie ridden by Eoin Staples who had two and a half lengths to spare at the end of the maiden race for five-year-olds plus and then won the first division of the five-year-old plus unplaced maiden race with Dream Boy, a second winner for Ferns rider James Murray and two lengths the winning distance.

Division two of this contest ended in a steward’s enquiry. Lightkeeper (Barry O’Neill) for Gordon Elliott came home first by seven lengths, but following the enquiry the verdict was given to Stylish Recruit owned by James Mernagh, Davidstown, handled by Susan O’Gorman at Adamstown and ridden by Barry Stone.

BARRY STONE was amongst the winning riders at Fairyhouse.

There was also a point-to-point at Tralee where rider Jack Hendrick enjoyed a double success. Hendrick partnered Histornic to a two and a half lengths success in the maiden race for four-year-olds for owner/handler Denis Murphy of The Ballagh Stables and later was given the leg up on Lejune Bresil by John ‘Shark’ Hanlon in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus that concluded with a ten lengths victory. This brings the Mayglass rider, who has 17 winners for the season and is in big demand by yards, across the half-century mark; 51 career wins following today’s double.

There was a family success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings’ race where Cuchullan’s Son got home by half a length for Pat O’Rourke, Clonard, Wexford, and partnered by his son James.

Brilliant weekend for Wexford stables and riders, but the biggest disappointment is that Sunday’s fixture due to be run at Monksgrange under the auspices of the Bree Hunt Club was called off earlier this week. This decision would be a factor in the huge fields and divides at Fairyhouse and Tralee on Friday, but the home teams keep on winning… 

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.