Barry O’Neill rides 700th winner

By Dan Walsh

National champion point-to-point rider Barry O’Neill, who celebrated his 33rd birthday yesterday was still in celebratory mood today at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork today where he rode three winners and reached the 700th career point-to-point winner mark in fine style.

BARRY O’NEILL has ridden 700 point-to-point winners

Colin Bowe saddled both ‘division’ winners in the maiden race for four-year-olds with Ballabawn in division one ridden by James Kenny by two and a half lengths and Barry O’Neill began his treble in division two aboard Luner Contact who did the business by a neck! This double was Bowe’s 40th winner of the season as he heads for another championship crown.

O’Neill had winner number two for Carlow handler William Murphy as Miss Mae West took division two of the maiden race for mares aged five years or over by two and a half lengths.

Number 700 came up for O’Neill with his third success of the day – Some Man for David Christie by two lengths – in the Open Race. This is a milestone for the affable Ballindaggin rider who will be crowned champion rider for the sixth successive season in a few weeks’ time.

Also point-to-point races at Stradbally, Co. Laois today with doubles for Bertie Finn, Oulart, who has six wins to his credit – all during the 2021-2022 season – and Sean Staples, Duncormick. who has a total of 19 career winners.

Finn won the first two races on the card starting with Old Page by four lengths for handler Peter Flood in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and then aboard Good Source for handler David O’Brien by eight lengths in the Winner of Two race.

Staples scored on Clatterbridge for Louise Jones by three lengths in the five-year-old adjacent maiden and made it a double on The Forge Hill for Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, who came home alone in the Mares Open Race.

Bunclody runners-up in drama finals

PADRAIG D’ARCY and MAIRÉAD CONNAUGHTON in a scene from The Good Father …All -Ireland finals runners-up.

By Dan Walsh

Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group’s performance of The Good Father are runners-up at the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival Gala Awards announced tonight by adjudicator Michael Poyner ADA. The overall winners are Ballyduff Drama Group, Waterford, with Rabbit Hole.

The Good Father by Christian O’Reilly featured two actors Pádraig D’Arcy and Mairéad Connaughton and the director was Kieran Tyrell.

Bunclody-Kilmyshall were also winners of the Best Stage Setting award for Chris Atkinson and Kieran Tyrell.

Also amongst the nine national finalists who performed in the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone, were next parish neighbours Kilrush Drama Group with Class directed by Pat Whelan, nominated in a number of categories, but the winner was Kevin McElroy for Best Lighting.  

Champions in Wexford winning form

By Dan Walsh

The summer arrived at Bettyville Park racecourse in Wexford today and while there was no success for Wexford stables the respective champions, trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend, shared a double.

Authorised Act (9/2) set the ball rolling with four and three-parts of a length to spare in the Poolcourt Related Hurdle and Ganapathi (1/1fav.) added the Freddie Doyle Memorial Novice Chase.

Jordan Gainford was the only Wexford jockey to get on the scoresheet. He was aboard Junior Bee, (13/8 fav) for Tipperary owner/trainer Mark Molloy in the Boylesport Handicap Hurdle hung on by a short-head in a thrilling battle to the line.

Brian Hayes and Philip Fenton won the Wexford Racecourse Mares Maiden Hurdle with Good As Hell (2/1 fav) beating Sean Flanagan on Its’aleader.

Waterford runner Robyndeglory (25/1) created a bit of a shock for the punters in the handicap hurdle for trainer/jockey Declan Queally. Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, filled the third place spot with Prince Zaltar ridden by Camolin jockey James O’Sullivan.

The last two races on the card went to Meath. Clonguile Way (17/2) for Thomas Reilly and John C. McConnell won the Jim Ryan Racecourse Handicap Chase with Seamus Neville’s Brideswell Lad (J.J. Slevin filling third spot for the locals and the bumper when to the Harvey family – trainer David and amateur jockey Ben – with Beyond Ambitious (15/8) who deprived Willie Mullins of a treble with champion Patrick Mullins beaten a length on Walk In The Brise.

There was a fine attendance and a great atmosphere. The jackpot pool was €256.58, not won and goes to Naas on Sunday. The Tote was €90,802. 79 (7 races) compared with €137,311.02 (8 races) last year.

Next fixture at Bettyville is on Wednesday, May 25th and it’s an evening event.

Punchestown double for James Kenny

By Dan Walsh

Craanford rider James Kenny enjoyed a double success at the Kilare Hunt point-to-point races at Punchestown today beginning with the Colin Bowe trained Chosen Hero by five lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.

JAMES KENNY… double at Punchestown today.

He followed up with winner number two in the first division of the maiden race for five- and six-year-olds geldings with Lock Out, running in the colours of Thomas Brennan, and trained by his father, Liam Kenny. Five lengths the verdict.

Division two went to another Wexford stables when Captains Road, owned and handled by Denis Murphy at Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, won by two lengths with Harley Dunne in the saddle.

Barry O’Neill celebrated his 33rd birthday with victory on Alpha Male for Kildare handler Peter Maher in the Quinns of Baltinglass Farmers Hunt Open Race. The verdict was four lengths.

Newcomer Ittack Blue running for Matthew Flynn O’Connor, Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings was a 16 lengths winner in the hands of Brian Lawless.

Songs of Praise in Gorey Church

CHRIST CHURCH, GOREY

Christ Church Parish Gorey are holding a Songs of Praise Service on Sunday, May 15th at 7pm in Christ Church Gorey and all are welcome to attend.

The service is being held so that anyone who was bereaved during the pandemic or those unable to attend funerals due to the restrictions will be able to come and support the bereaved and pay their respects in their own way. All are welcome.

Another 8 years before M11 traffic reaches Rosslare?

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Meeting

The Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour extension of the M11 was under discussion at the recent Wexford County Council meeting with Cllr Willie Kavanagh, who lives and works in Oylegate, remaking that “it could be another eight years before we see traffic travelling on it.”

CLLR WILLIE KAVANAGH

Cllr Kavanagh also highlighted a scenario that trucks were pulling in on the hard shoulder and staying overnight with no facilities and local concerns are brought to the TII for attention.

Cllr George Lawlor expressed concerns having read that the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) are currently reviewing projects they might not be able to afford nationwide given inflation and rising costs. “I know they have committed to Rosslare Europort access road, but I believe there are major concerns over the road from Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour,” he added.

Eamonn Hore, Wexford County Council’s director of roads stated; “We have no great control over what happens and we will need all our elected members to keep the pressure up” and, he added: “the project is currently at the design and evaluation phase, we have funding to continue and we’ll continue with that.”

On Tuesday, in Dáil Éireann, Deputy Verona Murphy, who attended Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council, drew the attention of An Taoiseach. Micheál Martin, T.D. to weekend reports in national newspapers concerning a review by the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) of roads infrastructure under Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan.

“One of the roads infrastructure projects that greatly concerns me is the final stretch of the M11 from Oylegate to Rosslare. The Taoiseach knows it is going to the most strategic port in the country and it would complete the eastern corridor from Belfast to Rosslare. Can he assure people that this project will not be long-fingered?

In reply, An Taoiseach told Deputy Murphy “the Government has invested very heavily in Rosslare and will continue to do so. Rosslare is enjoying a significant renaissance in that respect. It is an ill wind that blows nobody good and Brexit has certainly created opportunities for Rosslare. The investment there is positive and we want to maintain that. I accept the point about the M11 and that last phase of the road. There is a national development plan. I will certainly have a look to see what we can do to make sure it progresses.”

Ógra seeks date with Minister Butler

By Dan Walsh

Chairperson of Wexford Ógra Fianna Fáil, Ruairí Ryan has submitted correspondence supported by many county councillors’ seeking a meeting with the Waterford-based Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler T.D.

Minister Butler is invited to visit Co. Wexford to discuss the problems with mental health services with young people and to see the effects the lack of services is having in the Wexford community. 

MINISTER MARY BUTLER

“The pandemic has had a massive effect on many people both young and old’s mental health and wellbeing. Missing out on two years of meeting friends, family and even interacting with people on a regular basis, especially for young people experiencing emotional based anxiety issues, the need for support addressing emotional based anxiety issues is greater than ever. In Co. Wexford we require more mental health support as we leave the pandemic and progress towards normality.”

Anyone wishing to get involved should use the email; wexfordografiannafail@gmail.com. 

Courtown looks to holiday season

By Dan Walsh

As the lucrative holiday season fast approaches pressure is being applied for swift action from Wexford County Council relating to the hoarding in Courtown, which is blocking off one side of the Main Street, allegedly blocking a footpath in breach of EU and UN Disability Laws.

The issue was high on the agenda at the recent public meeting called by Courtown Community Council with public representatives held in Ballycanew Resource Centre, but the issue gained further traction at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council where Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain called for the matter to be addressed on behalf of the Courtown community. Cllr Ó Súilleabhain described the Bayview site as “an eyesore” and referred to the negative impact it has as Courtown embarks on a new season as the one of the South East’s premier holiday resorts.

Chief Executive Officer, Tom Enright confirmed that the developer has been asked to take down the hoarding and prepare site as temporary carpark pending planning for development.

COURTOWN MAIN STREET looking busy in the night light. (Fil Pic).

At the Courtown Community Committee it was alleged that “the village has been held to ransom for 15 years by one developer. The derelict Bayview site has been there for three years. Vacant site/derelict site fines should be imposed. Can a CPO, compulsory purchase order, be used? CPO the site and then sell it on to a developer who will develop it sympathetic to the character of the village and mindful of community needs.”

It is believed locally that a CPO on the Bayview site is certainly an option for elected representatives to pursue, however, it also believed locally that short term measures are needed immediately. “At least clean up the site, make it safe and draw back the hoarding. The responsibility is on the site owner and the matter should be brought to the attention of Wexford County Council to force the matter, mentioning they have the full support of local representatives,” stated a spokesperson. 

Wexford Garda Youth Awards 2022 launched

By Dan Walsh

An Garda Síochána in Wexford in association with Wexford County Council are delighted to launch the 6th Annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2022.   

The awards acknowledge the achievements of young people who are making a difference in their communities and the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their lives within the Wexford Garda Division.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy said; “Wexford County Council is delighted to be associated with this event and is privileged to be able to support this worthwhile community initiative.  The Garda Youth Awards recognise that a lot of great work is being done by many talented and dedicated young people in communities throughout County Wexford.”

CLLR MICHAEL WHELAN welcomes the Garda Youth Awards 2022.

Cllr. Michael Whelan, Chairman of the Joint Policing Committee said; “Wexford County Council enjoys a very close and strong working relationship with An Garda Síochána, especially through the Joint Policing Committee. The Awards are an important opportunity to celebrate our exceptional young people and the contribution they make in their communities.”

In launching this year’s Awards, Inspector Graham Rowley of Wexford Garda Station, remarked; “Once again, I am delighted to launch the Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2022. Following national representation and success in last year’s awards, it is clear that there is an abundance of amazing young people, making regular, positive contributions to our community.  I would encourage you to take this opportunity to nominate suitable young people, for consideration and recognition in their respective field.  This past year has presented unprecedented challenges for our community, we wish to recognise the sacrifices made by young people, as they contribute to their community, both at a local level, and also in wider areas.”

Awards will be presented in four categories:

Individual Award – Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

Group Award – Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.

Special Achievement Award – Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.

Community Safety Award – Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.

Anyone can nominate a young person between the age of 13 and 21 years for an award. This year, due to Covid 19, nominations will be completed through an online process, which is available through the following link:

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/community/supports-grants-and-awards/garda-youth-awards

The closing date for nominations is Monday, June 10th. It is anticipated that the awards ceremony will take place in September 2022. The Awards will be organised in adherence with all Government Covid 19 guidelines.

For further information please contact Inspector Graham Rowley at wexford_ds@garda.ie , 053 9165280 or through your local Garda Station. 

Final farewell to Michael Sills in Murrintown

By Dan Walsh

Long time member and President of the London Wexford Association, Michael Sills, Willesden, London, and Kates Cross, will be laid to rest in the family plot in Murrintown Cemetery on Thursday following 10.30am Mass in St. Catherine’s Church. He passed away on Sunday, April 3rd at his home in London.

Born on February 28, 1946, Michael was a native of Murrintown, resided in Willesden, London. Michael travelled to London at the age of 22 and worked in the cosmetic industry. In 1972 Michael married his wife Bridget in St Mary Magadline Church in Willesden, London and had two children Damian and Joanna.

He first joined the London Wexford Association in 1969 taking up the role of Registrar, years later he became Treasurer and then served many years as Chairman to lead the association to great success.

MICHAEL SILLS …funeral in Murrintown on Thursday.

Michael was renowned for being generous with his time and commitments to many Irish organisations throughout his life and never missed an opportunity to foster positive political, sporting and cultural interaction between the Irish community in London and Wexford natives at a time when travel was difficult and communications were slow.

Michael was a modest man and picked up a few awards in his time. In 2009, he was declared ‘Rehab Wexford Person of the Year’ at a black-tie ball held in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy. The award was in recognition of his contribution to the work of the London Wexford Association. “The Wexford Association will be really delighted with this,” he humbly responded.

He was a kind and honourable man who lived a life fulfilled and his final dream will be realised when he takes his eternal rest in the soil of his birthplace reunited with his family, neighbours and friends.  

FAMILY NOTICE; MICHAEL SILLS, Willesden, London and Kates Cross, Murrintown. Son of the late Robbie and Dolly. Beloved husband of the late Breda. Father of Damien and Joanna. Brother of Anita, Patrick and the late Victor. Sadly missed by his family, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, daughter-in-law Anna, brother-in-law Chris (Joe), extended family, relatives and friends. R.I.P.

Funeral Mass shall take place at 10.30am on Thursday, May 12th, at St. Catherine’s Church, Murrintown. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.