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

Staggering amount of alcohol seized

By Dan Walsh

Some of the smuggled alcohol at Rossaler Europort Pic; Revenue.

Revenue has seized almost 10,000 litres of vodka and whiskey at Rosslare Europort.

The smuggled alcohol has an estimated retail value of €300,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €230,000.

Investigations are ongoing.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and smuggling. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

Harley Dunne hits ‘the ton’!

By Dan Walsh

Popular Wexford rider Harley Dunne achieved his 100th career point-to-point victory today at the Tattersalls races in Meath today.

HARLEY DUNNE rode is 100th career ‘points’ winner today.

Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, saddled first timer Working Away in the mares’ maiden race for four-year-olds at the Meath and Tara Foxhounds point-to-point at Tattersalls today and it finished in a two and a half lengths success in the hands of Harley Dunne.

Michael Murphy and Darragh Higgins, handler and rider, respectively, from the Redbridge Stables, Duncormick, who were successful with Ask Anything at Loughbrickland yesterday (Saturday) kept their good form intact and scored with Law Of Supply, by half a length, in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Champion Barry O’Neill teamed up with Gordon Elliott to win the maiden race for five-year=old geldings with newcomer Wearelongterm. It was O’Neill’s 10th success of the new season.

There was also a point-to-point in Kinsale, not sure if many Wexford raiders went there, but no Wexford success is reported from the popular Cork venue. 

Aintree National winner faces Wexford fences

By Dan Walsh

The 50/1 winner of the Aintree Grand National this year, Noble Yeats, is a declared runner for Wexford’s only Listed Race – the MW Hickey Memorial Chase – at Bettyville Park tomorrow (Bank Holiday Monday). Sean Bowen is travelling over from England to take the mount.

The news was warmly greeted on the track this afternoon and should add to the attendance. The MW Hickey Memorial Chase is a prestigious race and was won by Minella Indo in 2020 and he went on to win the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Five runners have been declared for tomorrow’s renewal.

There are 88 entries for the seven-race card. The first race is off at 1pm. And the ground is expected to be ‘heavy’.

MONDAY’S CARD; 1pm; Join Wexford Racing Club Maiden Hurdle of €6,195 (2 miles 100 yards). 17 runners.

1.30pm; Kehoe Farming Rated Novice Hurdle of €6,785 (2 miles 100 yards).7 runners.

2.05pm; Thank You Val O’Connell From All At Wexford Racecourse Opportunity Handicap Hurdle of €6,785 (2 miles 100 yards). 17 runners.

2.40pm; Peter Nolan Bloodstock Maiden Hurdle of €6,195 (2 miles 4 furlongs). 15 runners.

3.15pm; M.W. Hickey Memorial Steeplechase (Listed Race) of €14,750. (2 miles 7 furlongs). 5 runners.

3.50pm; Michael Moore Motors Beginners Steeplechase of €6,785 (2 miles) 17 runners.

4.25pm; Thanks For Your Support in 2022 (C&G) (PRO/AM) INH Flat Race of €5,900 (2 miles 100 yards).10 runners.

Daryl Jacob rides first Wexford winner

Enniscorthy-born UK-based jockey DARYL JACOB enjoyed his first winner on his first ride at Wexford races this afternoion.

By Dan Walsh at Bettyville Park

Daryl Jacob has enjoyed a fabulous career as a jockey in England over many seasons, including multiple Grade One races and the 2012 Aintree Grand National success on Neptune Collonges, but he added a new entry on his CV at Wexford today with a winner on his local track on his first ride.

Jacob, (39), grew up near Enniscorthy and said afterwards; “It’s nice to come home. I only live half-an-hour down the road. It’s my first ride here and my first winner so we will take that!”

Jacob won the beginners chase for Antrim trainer Stuart Crawford on Gold Cup Bailey (7/1).

Local jockey Jordan Gainford was also in the winners’ enclosure. He partnered Optional Mix (5/4) to a half length victory in the feature race – the Jim and Kay Whitty Memorial Chase- for Mooncoin trainer Eoin Doyle.

Racing began with the maiden hurdle and a success for the JP McManus, Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore team with Inthepocket (7/4 fav.) who was chased home by two Wexford entries; Colm Murphy’s Transmission (Sarah Kavanagh) and Paul Nolan’s Joyeux Machin (Sean O’Keeffe).

Sean O’Keeffe from Taghmon partnered Ms Agartha Yeats (50/1) for Meath trainer Hugh Finegan in the maiden hurdle.

The Slaney View Motors Wexford Handicap Hurdle provided a success for Slieverue trainer Eoin Doyle and jockey Gavin Brouder.

 Naas amateur rider Tom Harney was successful on Champella and the Ross O’Sullivan stables in the mares hurdle.

Tony Mullins saddled the bumper winner in Ballycashin (11/4 jt-fav) with Jody Townend up.

Racing again at Bettyville Park tomorrow (Bank Holiday Monday). First race at 1pm.

Consecration of Bishop Wilkinson today

By Dan Walsh

The Episcopal Ordination and Consecration of Adrian Wilkinson takes place today (Sunday) at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. He becomes the new Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory in succession to Rt. Revd Michael Burrows, who was translated as Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe last April.

Bishop Wilkinson has an established connection with his new diocese as his late father, Archdeacon Ken Wilkinson, previously ministered as Rector of Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes from 1970 until 2002. He died at Hazelwood, Gorey, on October 17th 2021 and was laid to eternal rest in Christ Church Cemetery, Gorey,

BISHOP ADRIAN WILKINSON whose Episcopal Ordination and Consecration takes place today in Christ Church Cathedral Dublin. (Pic; Diocesan Press Office).

Biography of Bishop Adrian Wilkinson

Bishop Adrian Wilkinson (aged 53) was born in 1968 and ordained in 1994.  He initially served as Curate in Douglas Union with Frankfield, in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross (1994-1997), and then as Rector of Dunboyne Union, in the Dioceses of Meath and Kildare (1997-2002), during which time he was also Chaplain at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, and a Minor Canon in the Chapter of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.  He was also Rector of Rathmolyon with Castlerickard, Rathcore and Agher, in the same diocese (2001-2002), before returning to Douglas Union as Rector in 2002 and serving in that role since then.

He had been Archdeacon of Cork, Cloyne and Ross since 2014.  Bishop Adrian Wilkinson is married to Jacqui, who is lecturer in teacher education at the Church of Ireland Centre at Dublin City University, and they have three grown-up children – two sons and a daughter.  He graduated in geography and sociology from Trinity College Dublin before training for ordination, and his interests in his free time are walking, travel and reading.

You may wish to follow it online through the Cathedral’s livestream at https://christchurchcathedral.ie/worship/live-video-stream

Whether you come as a member of the Church of Ireland, an Anglican/Episcopalian from abroad, or as a member of another Christian tradition, the Cathedral greets you in the name of the Lord. Christian worship has been offered on the site for nearly one thousand years, and your prayers are added to those of countless generations of Christ’s people.

Festival of racing at Bettyville Park

By Dan Walsh

The first of the two-day magic festival of racing at Bettyville Park takes place tomorrow (Sunday) with 93 entries and the going anticipated to be ‘soft, heavy in places’ following heavy rainfall in recent days.

Latest update on the going from Wexford Racecourse today (Saturday) reads; “Heavy, soft in places. Following 9mm of rain today. Forecast remains unsettled with a further 6mm (approx) of rain prior to racing.”

Most of the top trainers have entries. The feature race is the Jim and Kay Whitty Memorial handicap Chase where Waterford’s John  Queally supplies the favourite in Pat Coyne (2/1) who is bound to earn even more support from the punters.

Under Starter’s Orders at Bettyville Park tomorrow (Sunday).

SUNDAY’S CARD; 1pm; Racing Again Tomorrow Maiden Hurdle of €6,490.00 (2 miles). 16 runners.

1.35pm; Wexford Racing Club Maiden Hurdle of €6,490.00 (2 miles 4 furlongs 150 yards).17 runners.

2.05pm; Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Mares) Hurdle of €7,670.00 (2 miles 4 furlongs 150 yards).7 runners.

2.40pm; Slaney View Motors Wexford Handicap Hurdle (rated 80 – 102) of €6,195.00 (2 miles 4 furlongs 150 yards). 17 runners.

3.15pm; Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Steeplechase of €7,670.00 (2 miles 4 furlongs).14 runners.

3.50pm; Jim and Kay Whitty Memorial Handicap Steeplechase of €10,030.00 (2 miles 4 furlongs).7 runners.

4.20pm; Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares (PRO/AM) INH Flat Race of €6,490.00 (2 miles).15 runners.

Saturday Wexford winners

By Dan Walsh

Today’s point-to-point races at Loughbrickland in Co. Down commenced with a thrilling finish to the maiden race for four-year-olds with two Wexford trained horses fighting out the finish.

ROB JAMES

Ask Anything from the Redbridge Stables of Michael Murphy at Duncormick with 20 years old Cork rider Darragh Higgins up, took the spoils by ‘a head’ from Sean Doyle’s Covis Island ridden by Rob James.

James had some compensation later in the afternoon when partnering Hello Marie for Donnchadh Doyle to a four lengths victory in the maiden race for mares of five years or older.

Barry O’Neill was amongst the winners too. He partnered Ferns Lock to a 13 lengths success in the Winner of One Race for David Christie.