Senator thanks emergency crews

By Dan Walsh

Senator Malcolm Byrne has expressed his thanks to the crews at Wexford County Council, the Fire Service, Civil Defence and the ESB and Gardai for all their work during this week’s horrendous weather.

Flash floods in Gorey town on Thursday evening. “Thanks to the emergency crews,” said Senator Malcolm Byrne.

Senator Byrne said to WexfordLocal.com; “The teams went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that they got roads passable again and to keep people safe after unbelievable levels of rain fell on Thursday. I saw myself the challenges that they faced, and they rose to them. There were areas particularly around Gorey town that had never flooded to the extent that we saw.”

Senator Byrne claims he has already raised with Government the fact that there may be additional resources needed for Wexford County Council to carry out certain repairs all over the County as a result of the inclement weather.

“I will continue to work to ensure that there is funding provided for any repairs as well as looking at long term mitigation measures,” he said, and added; “We are seeing far too many of these freak weather events. We really need to take Climate Change seriously. We are going to see drier, hotter summers and stormier winters and this will pose challenges for all of us.”

Don’t forget the Wexford Book Fair on Sunday

ALANNA HAMMEL (Editor) and MAYOR OF WEXFORD CLLR MAURA BELL (who performed the launch) at the launch of The Wexford Bohemian at Red Books, Wexford. Pic; Red Books.

By Dan Walsh

Great excitement in Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford, last night for the launch of the 4th edition of The Wexford Bohemian, excellently edited by Alanna Hammel, and featuring a large collection of new poems and original stories from about 50 contributors.

The launch was performed by the Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Maura Bell, who also wrote the foreward, and there was an overflowing attendance.

The launch featured beautiful performances from Martina Byrne, Deirdre McGarry, Maeve McCormack, Eire Ni Fhaolain, Daragh Fleming, Meritxell Grau-Butinyac, Alice Doyle, Ceri Quinn, Jimi Rivets, Margaret Galvin and Alanna Hammel.

However, the launch must not be allowed overshadow the 51st Wexford Book and Collectables Fair taking place in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford, on Sunday, from 11am to 5pm.

Organiser Kieran O’Brien (with Wally O’Neill) told WexfordLocal.com that the Wexford Book and Collectables Fair is “Ireland’s longest running independent book fair,” and he promises that Sunday’s event will be bigger and better with more dealers than ever before.

The event has always been a popular fringe event marking the final weekend of the Wexford Opera Festival.

Sunday in the Talbot Hotel will feature collectable, antiquarian and second-hand books, ephemera (sports and open event programmes etc.), banknotes, coins, curios, antiques and postcards.

As well as trading books, buying and selling, advice and information from a wide range of dealers from around the country will also be in place.

New collection of poetry launched

LIAM REGAN with his debut book of poetry ALONG THE GRASSY PATH

By Dan Walsh in Wexford

Liam Regan was born in Louth, lives in Stradbally, Co. Laois, retired from working in Carlow, and last night he chose Red Books in Wexford town to launch his debut collection of poetry entitled ‘Along the Grassy Path’

An original work of 49 poems, the attractive cover was designed by his partner Geraldine O’Neill and the publication was published under the Red Books Press label.

Liam has been a writer all his life, but he has substantially increased his creative talents since retirement. He is a member of the local Men’s Shed and a very active community volunteer, supporting the homeless and those in need.

Liam has been writing poetry for years, inspired by the beauty of nature to create his vivid, emotional and striking pieces. He takes part in local writing groups and lists his poetic idols as Seamus Heaney and Alfred Tennyson.

Speaking at the launch of his debut collection, publisher Wally O’Neill paid special tribute to a friend he has known for many years. “Liam Regan is a true Gaelic poet, a throwback to the days of Amergin and the great Ollamhs. In another age, the greatest poet, the one who could sense the shift of age upon the land and feel it groan, was as well regarded as the high king. Their significance was never doubted nor was the profuse value of words.”

‘Along the Grassy Path’ by Liam Regan, paperback, 68 pages, 49 original poems, is available now at Red Books or online at www.theirishbookshop.com

for a tenner.

Minister faces query on dental services in New Ross

By Dan Walsh

Serious public concerns about the lack of dentists in the New Ross area taking on patients with medical cards is to be raised with the Minister for Health.

Sinn Féin New Ross area representative Marie Doyle told WexfordLocal.com; “I have been contacted by many people in New Ross highlighting the lack of dentists that accept medical card. Last week one woman who was in severe pain had contacted me looking for assistance as she couldn’t afford to pay private fees. 

DEPUTY JOHNNY MYTHEN is to raise concerns about dental services in New Ross and other parts of Co. Wexford with the Minister for Health.

“This is just one of several similar stories we have heard over the last while,” said Ms Doyle, who added; “When I contacted the Wexford Health Centre for the list of dentists available in New Ross they told me there are none. This is an appalling situation that needs to be addressed urgently”

Sinn Féin TD for Co. Wexford Deputy Johnny Mythen is to bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly T.D. in Dáil Éireann.

“Issues with access to dentists for those with a medical card are ongoing in the county. I have tabled questions to the Minister for Health on this, given the urgent nature of the problem,” said Deputy Mythen, who added; “People cannot be left suffering in pain with nowhere to go.”

“More must be done to recruit and retain dentists on the Dental Treatment Service Scheme, said Deputy Mythen. “I will be watching this situation closely and will continue to raise this with the Minister,” he concluded.

Flooding mayhem on M11 and Gorey

The flooding in Gorey, this evening. (Pic; Minister James Browne)

By Dan Walsh

UPDATE at 10pm Thursday; The M11 has reopened for traffic having been closed for a number of hours this evening due to flash flooding following heavy rainfall.

The emergency services are stretched to the limit in North Wexford this evening after an extraordinary heavy downpour of rain saturated the district and caused flash flooding as people were leaving their workplaces.

The M11 Northbound is closed between junction 22 and 24 due to extremely heavy flooding while the M11 Southbound is reduced to single lane traffic and there are long tailbacks.

There were reports of a car floating on the high waters earlier this evening and a number of small road traffic collisions were noted.

On social media there was a call for help from a roaduser stranded on the M11 for over two hours with a small child in the car.

Extreme flooding is also reported at the railway bridge and Ballyloughan on the Arklow Road.

Flooding on the Courtown-Gorey road, at the Banogue River and the Ahare River and many rural roads in North Wexford require extreme caution.

Fire services from Wexford County Council and Arklow Fire Service are at the scene and thankfully, the rain has ceased, and the flood waters are receding slowly.

Roadusers are advised to avoid the affected areas and take extreme caution if travelling tonight. “Unless the journey is essential and unavoidable don’t travel,” is the general advice.

25,000 affected by Wexford ‘Boil Water’ notice

By Dan Walsh

A Boil Water Notice to protect public health has been issued for all customers supplied by the Wexford Town Public Water Supply with immediate effect.
Following consultation with the HSE, Irish Water and Wexford County Council this notice is being issued to protect the health of approximately 25,000 customers following the detection of Giardia in the water supply along with poor raw water quality following heavy rainfall which has put the treatment plant under pressure.

Areas impacted include Wexford Town, Taghmon and surrounding areas. Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of http://www.water.ie and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Irish Water customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278. All customers on this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice.
Irish Water Operations Lead, Colin Cunningham, regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers, and told WexfordLocal.com; “Public health is Irish Water’s number one priority, and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect public health. We acknowledge the inconvenience caused to homes and businesses and would like to assure customers that we will lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible, in consultation with the HSE.”
Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled. If impacted customers are feeling unwell, they should contact their GP for medical advice.

€40,000 for 20 Wexford Men’s Shed groups

By Dan Walsh

Twenty Men’s Shed projects across Co. Wexford are to receive funding of €2,000 each. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced today funding of €800,000to support Men’s Sheds nationally.

The initiative will see grants provided to assist with running costs such as electricity or insurance bills.

SENATOR MALCOLM BYRNE

Co. Wexford projects to receive funding includes Our Lady’s Island, Kilmuckridge, Ramsgrange, Bridgetown, Shamrock Men’s Shed, Caim, Wexford Working Men’s Shed, New Ross, Taghmon, Gorey, Rosslare, Enniscorthy, Signacare Men’s Shed, Kilanerin, Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour, Ballyhogue, Ballycanew, The Community Men’s Shed, Bunclody and Kiltealy Wood Hub Men’s Shed.

Welcoming the news Senator Malcolm Byrne told WexfordLocal.com; “The Men’s Sheds projects in Co. Wexford always impress me by how welcoming they are to new members and how they want to put skills to use for the betterment of the areas where we live.”

Enniscorthy unveils its Christmas plans

Launching Enniscorthy’s Christmas package at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre today. (Left to right); Jimmy Gahan (Enniscorthy Chamber), Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Angela Davitt, Marketing Manager Riverside Park Hotel, Mico Hassett, Manager National 1798 Centre and Enniscorthy Castle, and Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

By Dan Walsh at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy is the town to share in the magic of Christmas this year and an exciting programme of festive events were unveiled today at a press launch in the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne, joined with elves and reindeers to set the tone for the coming weeks of excitement as Enniscorthy Municipal District in partnership with the National 1798 Centre, Wexford

County Council and supporting sponsor The Riverside Park Hotel announced http://www.santasenchantedchristmas.ie which will open its doors on Saturday, November 26th and will run five days weekly Wednesday to Sunday until December 22nd.

An expanded Christmas experience is in the making for patrons with the magical set and show theme produced by local groups Rathnure Panto Society and Red Moon Theatre.

Mico Hassett, Manager of the site says “The response to general sale tickets which

went live on our new website in September has been very encouraging. Priority ‘sleep over’ packages direct from our hotel partner The Riverside Park Hotel are almost at full capacity which is a welcome boost in these difficult trading times”.

 Ger Mackey, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager stated; “We expected interest to be sizeable on our return to a full schedule, the added slot capacity and onsite services such as accessibility and free parking available this year is proving popular with families. It is important we attract visitors to dwell and shop in Enniscorthy during the winter season to bolster the spirit of Christmas alongside benefiting the local economy.”

Colm Neville, sponsor and Chair of Enniscorthy District Chamber commented; “The Riverside Park Hotel is proud to support the event and I am heartened to see such a positive response to Santa’s Enchanted Christmas from the public across the entire region. The South-East’s newest Christmas event will showcase the talent and services we have on our doorstep here in their own particularly entertaining way while both locals and visitors alike can soak up the atmosphere across two cultural sites and around Enniscorthy town.  

Call to save Courtown tourism heritage

COURTOWN HARBOUR at night (File Pic).

By Dan Walsh at Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey.

Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council agreed at the October meeting to hold a series of consultation meetings with a view to engaging community groups with the local council members and staff identifying key priorities and seeking to put resources in place and the first one took place today.

In excess of 60 concerned citizens from the Courtown community were welcomed at a public meeting in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, by Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Kenny. The venture was considered by most of the attendance as worthwhile and mixed with positivity and negativity although it is anticipated that communities can engage better with the local council members and improve overall progress.

Liz Stanley from the Council outlined the proceedings from the meeting which was split into three divisions – the top three positives, the top three issues and a section dealing with actions and suggestions.

Director of Services Liz Hore asked the consultancy workshop to focus discussion and identify issues that the Council should be aware of! She added that all the information collected will be collated into a report and benefit the importance of Courtown going forward.

To say that the Courtown community is passionate about its environment and seeking progressive plans for the future is a complete understatement and there was plenty of tough talking and serious questioning from the attendance.

Perhaps, the loudest voices called for the rejuvenation of the beach and the preservation of the proud heritage that Courtown enjoys as ‘a national tag brand’ and its place as a tourism, coastal and environmental attraction. The walks and trails and natural outdoor spaces also got favourable mention.

CLLR DONAL KENNY chaired today’s meeting in Gorey.

The thorny question put forward was one about an alleged ‘land swap’ agreement (between an existing car park and a former hotel site in the village centre), of which it was alleged that paperwork on the potential matter had been seen! The meeting was assured that ‘no land deal has been done.’ However, WexfordLocal.com has been assured that it was revealed at a later meeting between the elected members and the local business community that a ‘land swap’ suggestion had been on the table!

The attendance included Cllrs Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Diarmuid Devereux, Andrew Bolger, Joe Sullivan, Mary Farrell and Pip Breen while apologies were accepted on behalf of Cllrs Oliver Walsh, Anthony Donohoe and Willie Kavanagh.

Closing the meeting Cllr Kenny thanked everybody for their attendance and lively contribution to the meeting. “Your voices will be listened to and taken into consideration by the elected members,” he concluded.  

Aintree champion wins well at Wexford

Presentation to Val O’Connell at Bettyville Park today; Back row (left to right); Cian Rochford (Ground Staff), Donal O’Brien (Wexford Racecourse), Ursula Sinnott (Secretary Sports Wexford), Val O’Connell (retiring Clerk of the Course), Michael Murphy (Chairman Wexford Racecourse), Ian Carty (Track Foreman) and Eddie Scally (Managing Director). Front row; Danny Mullins, Denis O’Regan, Mark Walsh and Davy Russell.

By Dan Walsh at Betyville Park

2022 Aintree Grand National winner Noble Yeats turned up at Wexford races this afternoon and following a flawless victory in the track’s only Listed Race – the MW Hickey Memorial Chase – Paddy Power has slashed his odds from 16’s to 12/1 favourite to win the Aintree spectacle for a second time in April 2023.

2022 Aintree Grand National winner Noble Yeats (Sean Bowen up) is welcomed into the winners’ enclosure by trainer Emmet Mullins, following his impressive victory in the MW Hickey Memorial Chase (Listed Race) at Bettyville Park today.

Robert Waley-Cohen’s seven-year-old trained at Bagenalstown by Emmet Mullins, put in a foot-perfect round of jumping in the testing ground under Sean Bowen and was given a rousing reception passing the winning post.

Trainer Emmet Mullins said: “That was a joy to watch. There weren’t many anxious moments, everything went to plan.

It was a great promotion for Wexford races on their final race day of season and the MW Hickey Memorial Chase is now a proven test of ability with Minella Indo (2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup) and Aintree National winner Noble Yeats both having won over the Bettyville course.

There was an excellent Wexford trained winner of the Michael Moore Beginners Chase in Impervious (13/8 fav) ridden by Brian Hayes for Colm Murphy of Killenagh, Gorey.

Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy combined to win the opening maiden hurdle with Imagine (10/11 fav) and the John P McManus owned One Last Tango, (2/1 fav) trained by Eoin Griffin at Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny and ridden by Mark Walsh had five lengths to spare at the end of the novice hurdle.

Davy Russell and Henry de Bromhead won the Peter Nolan Bloodstock Maiden Hurdle with Harry Des Ongrais beating Drumderry Harlem in the colours of the Drumderry Racing Syndicate (Bunclody), trained by Mark Scallan at Cleariestown and ridden by Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard.

Barry Connell owns and trains Good Land (7/4) who was an impressive winner of the bumper.

Val O’Connell retired after about 12 years of Clerk of the Course at Wexford and there was a race named in his honour and he was congratulated and thanked for his contribution to the improvements to the track during his tenure and presentations were made.

Sunday and Monday were two good day’s of festival racing at Bettyville Park, the ground was heavy, but fortunately, the dreadful forecast was lenient during the racing and a good attendance on both days. The next fixture at Wexford races is on Sunday, March 5th 2023.

APOLOGIES FOR LOSS OF SOUND. This is beyond the control of WexfordLocal.com