Robert Tector amongst the winners

By Dan Walsh

Robert Tector saddled Valtteri Its James (Finian Maguire up) in the maiden race for four-year-olds at Damma House, Kilkenny, today (Sunday) and enjoyed an eight lengths victory over Colin Bowe’s King Of Westeros (Bertie Finn).

Entering his seventh season as a handler at Coolbawn, Rathnure, Tector was saddling his 20th career point-to-point success.

ROBERT TECTOR in winning form at Kilkenny (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Colin Bowe was compensated in the next race -the maiden race for five-year-old geldings – when Barry O’Neill won by ten lengths on Double Indemnity.

Rob James teamed up with Donnchadh Doyle to enjoy a ten lengths success with Catalani in the Winner of Two Race.

There was also racing at Rathcannon, Co. Limerick today (Sunday) where the four-year-old maiden race was won by newcomer Majestic Horizon by two lengths ridden by Sean (S.M.) O’Rourke beating The Gem State handled by Garry Murphy ridden by Shane (S.E.) O’Rourke from Horetown, Foulksmills. This was the third winner for Sean O’Rourke from Ballybeg, Ferns.

Saturday’s point-to-point took place at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary, and just one Wexford winner when Midnight In Tokyo provided the Blackhall Stables Partnership and Killurin handler Paul Martin Pierce with a photo-finish success under rider Luke Murphy.

The verdict was a neck and the runner-up was Matthew Flynn O’Connor’s newcomer Sporting Gerard with Brian Lawless up in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. A Wexford stables 1,2 there!

Wexford Hunt races will take place at Knockmullen House, New Ross, next Sunday, November 9th. Entries close on Tuesday.

Proceeds from crime allocated to Enniscorthy funding

ENNISCORTHY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy Community Alliance will receive over €142,000 from the Community Safety Fund, supporting 42 safety projects nationwide.

The Community Safety Fund returns crime proceeds seized by the CAB (Criminal Assets Bureau) and An Garda Siochana to local communities.

Minister for Housing, Local Development and the Environment, Enniscorthy’s James Browne TD has welcomed the news. “I am pleased to see a significant tranche of funding be allocated to Enniscorthy Community Alliance, who do brilliant work that we want to see continue in the local area. Their project entitled ‘Empowering Voices for Safer Communities’ is critical and has received €142,408.”

Enniscorthy Community Alliance is currently involved in many projects around the town such as The Shannon Way project and the refurbishment of the Captain Wafer Hall.

Minister Browne added; “The Community Safety Fund is an important and effective element in achieving stronger, safer communities. It ensures that the proceeds of crime seized by CAB and An Garda Síochána are re-invested back into communities to enhance safety and security in those communities.

It demonstrates that the efforts of our Gardaí and law enforcement bodies can not only disrupt and seize the proceeds of crime but can directly contribute to building stronger and safer communities.”

Plans for 1.7km pedestrian and cycle route

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council is developing a new scheme to improve road safety and enhance walking and cycling routes along Beechlawn and Clonard Avenue in Wexford Town.

The proposed scheme will comprise of the formalisation of pedestrian linkages and the provision of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.

The scheme, funded by the National Transport Authority, will also include a number of pedestrian crossings and traffic calming measures.

The proposed scheme is approximately 1.7km in length and will connect with the Newtown Road Active Travel Scheme.

This pedestrian and cycle route will form a spine across the west side of Wexford Town and provide links to a number of schools in the area. It will also serve one of the main residential areas in the town. 

In advance of the submission of a Part VIII Planning Application, a drop-in information session will take place on Thursday, November 6th in County Hall, Carricklawn between 3pm and 7pm.

The proposed drawings will be on display and staff will be on hand to explain the design and answer any queries.

Man (58) from New Ross located

By Dan Walsh

UPDATE; Gerard (Gerrry) Lynch has been located safe and well.

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 58-year-old Gerard (Gerry) Lynch who is reported missing from his home in New Ross, since Monday 27th October 2025.

Gerard (Gerry) was last seen on Sunday at approximately 9.15am. Gerard (Gerry) is described as approximately 5 foot 9 inches in height, with a slim build, grey hair and green eyes. It is not known what Gerard (Gerry) was wearing when last seen.

GERARD (GERRY) LYNCH

Gerard (Gerry) is believed to have access to a 142DL-reg Nissan X-Trail car. 

It is believed that Gerard (Gerry) may have travelled to the Arranmore Island area of Donegal, or to the Belfast area. 

Gardaí and his family are concerned for his well-being.

Anyone with any information on Gerard’s (Gerry’s) whereabouts is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on (051) 426030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Fr Billy Swan to serve in dicastery

By Dan Walsh

FR. BILLY SWAN (Pic; Diocese of Ferns)

The Holy See, through the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, has asked Bishop Ger Nash of Ferns to assign Fr Billy Swan to serve in that dicastery for five years.

A dicastery is a department in the Roman Curia that assists the Pope in governing the Catholic Church worldwide.

The Dicastery for the Clergy oversees issues concerning diocesan priests and deacons, supporting Bishops to ensure effective pastoral ministry.

Bishop Ger has agreed to this request and Fr Billy has agreed to serve the mission of the Universal Church and to be at the service of the Holy Father.

A native of the parish of Glynn, Fr Billy Swan was ordained at St. Peter’s College, Wexford, on June 7th 1998.

On behalf of all his colleagues and the people of Wexford Town and the Diocese of Ferns, Bishop Ger thanks him for his work over the past years in many different roles and wishes him every success in his new and important role. “We look forward to having him back with us again when his time of service to the Universal Church is completed,” said Bishop Nash.

Wexford weekend water repairs planned

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann has issued a notice regarding a scheduled water outage that may affect customers in certain areas of Wexford Town and nearby regions over the weekend.

Customers in Carricklawn, Hill Street, Wygram, George’s Street, Rowe Street and surrounding areas may experience some disruption to their supply on Sunday, 2 November from 10am until 4pm.

The outage is necessary to facilitate critical water main repairs at the water treatment plant in Newtown and connection works in the area.

As part of these works, a section of aged water main from the 1950’s will be replaced with new pipe work, which will lead to a more resilient water supply for the community.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng said; “We understand the inconvenience caused by an interruption to supply. These works are taking place out-of-hours on Sunday in an effort to minimise the impact to the wider community. We would like to thank our customers in advance for their patience and co-operation.” 

Following the completion of the works, it can take two to three hours for the normal water supply to return as water refills the network, particularly for those properties on higher ground or at the end of the network.

Beautiful Blackwater keeps the ‘tidy’ title

The R742 brings locals and visitors through the beautiful village of Blackwater every day. Pic; Blackwater Tidy Towns’)

By Dan Walsh

Beautiful Blackwater has been Wexford’s tidiest town so many times that the records have been lost? Well, my research failed to get a total since they first dominated the title in the mid-1960s.

Blackwater retained the ‘Tidiest Town’ title in Wexford at last Friday’s Croke Park ceremony, earning 394 points -11 more than last year -thanks to the ongoing efforts of local volunteers. Amazing consistency and dedication rewarded.

The Adjudicator’s Report states; “It was a privilege to visit Blackwater for the second-round adjudication for the Supervalu Tidy Towns Competition 2025. What a superb village Blackwater is and it is evident there is a strong Tidy Towns team of members and volunteers caring for Blackwater.

“This was happening before my eyes on arrival, seeing the volunteers and village people who were out tidying, tending to and caring for the village streets and plantings. There were also holiday makers and visitors enjoying the uniqueness and charm that Blackwater has to offer.

“Blackwater is set in a natural beautiful location with surrounding small green hills and the pleasantness and the freshness of the sea air from the nearby beach.

“You are a highly motivated village, and this can also be seen with the signs and plaques that adorn the village with your past achievements.

“You get a lot of support from the County Council and other public bodies you work with, along with the various businesses within and connected to the village. As a community, you engage and partner with your school and with your transition year students, who by their participation, receive a wonderful education in aspects of Citizen Science and Environmental Awareness.

“You have unique heritage, traditional buildings and bridges that adorn your village and with a great effort by many people to keep them in good repair, whilst respecting their architecture. There are charming, thatched cottages and beautifully faced stone work on some of the homes in the village. Blackwater Lodge looks very appetising, and Saucer’s Bar looks very tempting with its eccentric colourful painting.

“The village is very tidy and well cared for. The recycling area is in good order with clean facilities in use, with the green roof an added feature. A discreet little information sign on this feature could be considered. However, some light littering in the recycling area was observed.

“The visit to Blackwater was very pleasant and enjoyable. As an organisation you are doing magnificent work for Blackwater maintaining it as a premier category Tidy Town for the benefit of all,” concluded the Report.

Poetry, prose and live music at Westgate Heritage Centre

(Photo Credits; Wexford ‘What’s On’ Guide.)

Join James McIntyre, Noel Macken, and Álanna Hammel this evening, Tuesday, October 28th at 6pm in Westgate Heritage Centre, Wexford, for an evening of poetry, prose, and live music.

Álanna Hammel presents a bilingual set of poetry and prose, joined by Noel Macken on bodhrán and James McIntyre on guitar. The works move between English and Irish, steeped in the lyrical play of Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and the raw candour of Brendan Behan, this time drawing inspiration from Gabriel Rosenstock to echo the themes of the surrounding WexArt Festival exhibitions.

The trio first came together during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 at Beo i Selskar, where they debuted their unique blend of spoken word and traditional instrumentation. Noel Macken, with his unmistakable presence and long history performing on the streets of Wexford, provides the pulse of the performance, while James McIntyre, a Wexford local via Donegal, brings warmth and texture through his distinctive, melodic guitar playing.

Hammel’s writing has appeared in The Irish Times, The University Times, Trinity’s Journal of Literary Translation, and the forthcoming Eascair Magazine. A founding member of The Purple & Gold Writers’ Collective, the performance sits somewhere between literature and live performance. For fans of Dry Cleaning, Life Without Buildings, and Andy White.

Where? Westgate Heritage Centre, Wexford
When? Tuesday, October 28th, 6pm. Free entry and All welcome.

Bannow Blaze is Wexford’s local winner

The Zero Three Champs Syndicate and their supporters celebrate following the local success of Bannow Blaze and jockey Eoin Staples in the Slaney View Honda Handicap Hurdle at Wexford races today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe, who rode a treble at Wexford on Sunday, returned to his local track today (Bank Holiday Monday) and teamed up with Paul Nolan, who saddled a double yesterday, for more success.

Nolan’s Sageborough (20/1) scored by two and a half lengths in the maiden hurdle with O’Keeffe in the saddle. Nolan was present today but yesterday he decided to travel to Wexford Park to watch his local club Davidstown-Courtnacuddy win the Wexford intermediate hurling title. “We always like coming here and they normally have the ground in great shape. It’s a brilliant track since they went left-handed. It’s been a lucky track for us, so why not come here,” said the Davidstown trainer.

Another popular winner was Bannow Blaze (10/3 fav) running in the colours of the Zero Three Champs Syndicate from the Bannow region. Trained by Jonathan Fogarty at Gaynestown, Cleariestown, and ridden by Eoin Staples, Duncormick, he had two and a quarter lengths to spare in the handicap hurdle. “That was brilliant, the owners are local to me at home. I’m only 15 minutes from here and they are not much further. Johnny and Mikey Fogarty are only a stone’s throw away from me at home. It’s a local winner and I got a good kick out of that,” said Staples.

Wexford’s only Listed Race is the Michael Hickey Memorial Chase and it attracted only four runners. Victory went the way of Blizzard Of Oz (11/8) for the Willie Mullins/Paul Townend champion combination.

Amateur jockey Adam Ryan won the bumper on both days. Today he was on Minella Jury (7/1) for John Nallen who beat Gordon Elliott’s Riskaway by a short head.

Francis Casey made the trip from North County Dublin to saddle Rock Ya Biy Ya (6/1) in the novice hurdle, and it all worked out well with a four lengths success ridden by seven-pound claimer Alix Balfe.

Ring Of Kerry (6/4 fav) won a maiden hurdle for Meath trainer Cian Collins with Danny Gilligan in the saddle.

Fleur In The Park (11/10) had eight lengths to spare at the finish of the beginners’ chase for Tipperary trainer Andrew Slattery and ridden by Cian Quirke.

Today’s Wexford races were well attended, and the weather was much better than Sunday’s fare. It was the last Wexford races of 2025 – the new 2026 season begins on Monday, March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day.

RNLI pays tribute to Buddy Miller

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Buddy Miller, who served many years as a member of Rosslare Harbour RNLI and retired on September 30th 2002. He was aged 87 years.

BRYAN ‘BUDDY’ MILLER

Tributes have been paid by Rosslare RNLI online. “It’s with great sadness that we learnt today of the passing of Bryan ‘Buddy’ Miller and on behalf of everyone at Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat, we extend our deepest sympathy to Belinda, Buddy’s daughter, Ian her husband and all the Miller family.

“Buddy started his involvement with Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat in 1971 as Deputy Launching Authority up until 1983. During this period, he also served as crew on occasions.

“Buddy succeeded his father Cecil as Honorary Secretary in 1983. This position he held until his retirement in 2002.

During his period with Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat, Buddy saw three lifeboats stationed there,

1969-‘79 Solent Class , Hope Roberts.

1979-‘84 Solent Class, George Urie Scott.

1984-2001 Aran Class, St Brendan.

In September 2002, Buddy received a highly coveted Certificate of Service from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for his service as Deputy Launching Authority 1971-1982 & Honorary Secretary 1983-2002(31 years)

He also received a Vellum of thanks for his 31 years of service.

“Buddy was a courageous man who left a wonderful legacy in Lifeboating. Again our sincere condolences to all his Family, some of whom continue in his footsteps. Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.”

Buddy was a good friend in my early broadcasting days and I will always remember that following the interview logged here in 2002, he brought me with the crew out to sea on the lifeboat and circled Tuskar Rock and on the return voyage I was privileged to be asked to “steer the boat” back to Rosslare Harbour.

AUDIO ADDITION; Dan Walsh interviews Buddy Millar at the time of his retirement from Rosslare RNLI. First broadcast on ‘Midweek Voices’ on South East Radio, October 2022.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Bryan (Buddy) Miller, Tagoat, Co Wexford, peacefully at Kerlogue Nursing Home, Wexford on Saturday 25th October 2025. Beloved husband of the late Helen and loving father of Belinda. Sadly missed by his daughter, son-in-law Ian, brothers, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many dear friends.
Funeral at 11am on Wednesday 29th October in St. Iberius’ Church, North Main Street, Wexford. Y35 R3WN.

Private family burial afterwards at St. Peter’s Church, Kilscoran.
Donations in lieu of flowers to RNLI Ireland – Just Giving