A male cyclist in his 60s has died in a road traffic incident on the R731 at Ballywilliam, near New Ross, earlier today.
The alarm was raised shortly before 1pm. It is understood the man was cycling in a group when the incident occurred.
Local sources told WexfordLocal.com that a gate may have opened onto the pathway of the cyclist and this will form part of the inquiry into the incident.
He was treated by emergency services personnel but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later and his body was removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Waterford where a post-mortem will now take place in due course. The local Coroner has been notified.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward and to those with camera footage (including dash-cam) to make it available to them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station 051 426030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
GUNNERY OFFICER’S success in Ireland’s richest point-to-point race at Monksgrange; Brigid and rider Barry O’Neill and their children, Pat Nolan (groom) Colin Bowe (winning handler), Emmet Halley (INHSC) and Paul Murtagh (INHSC).
By Dan Walsh at Monksgrange
Colin Bowe had a remarkable treble at his local track at Monksgrange today including a six lengths success in Ireland’s richest point-to-point race – the €5,000 INHSC Race Winners Final with Gunnery Officer ridden by Barry O’Neill.
Six runners faced the starter in this bonus race and Bowe’s smart gelding prevailed and INHSC representatives Emmet Halley and Paul Murtagh were present to congratulate the winners and present a distinctive trophy.
Bowe and O’Neill get away to a brilliant start in the four-year-old mares’ maiden race where Jenny Wyse never came off the bridle and scored by twenty lengths. Afterwards Bowe said: “She’s a lovely filly. We like to come here (Monksgrange). The ground is safe. She will likely go to the Punchestown sales if she is not sold earlier.”
Barry O’Neill concluded his success with a double, but Bowe went on to record a treble victory when Son Of Aliciaslady scored by six lengths in the maiden race for geldings aged six years or over. Owned and bred by Theresa Abbey from Carlow, this was a third riding success for Bertie Finn from Monageer, but his first winner for the champion Kiltealy Stables.
Brian Redmond from Gorey was the proud owner of Rattling Road, the twelve lengths winner of the maiden race for five-year- old geldings who is ‘for sale’. Handled by John Walsh, Prebin, Shillelagh, and ridden by his son, James, this was a popular winner for regular point-to-point supporters.
The maiden race for four-year-olds was close – three quarters of a length – and a victory for Don’tstopbelievan owned by Mrs Timmy Hyde, handled by Sam Curling and ridden by Pa King – a well deserved success for Tipperary connections.
The Moon Seas Me, handled by Aidan Fitzgerald from Carlow in the colours of Stephen Lanigan-O’Keeffe took the maiden race for five-year-old mares and over by one and a half lengths in the hands of Troy Walsh from Danesfort, Kilkenny, who was enjoying his second career winner.
This was the third fixture run under the auspices of Bree Hunt Club this season at Monksgrange and it was a most successful occasion with a large attendance enjoying the pleasant weather conditions.
Owner Brian Redmond (left) with his winner Rattling Road at Monksgrange today. Also in the photo are rider James Walsh, handler John Walsh, with family and friends.
Luke Murphy from Inch, Gorey, travelled to Fairyhouse point-to-point where he recorded a double. With Rob James riding at Monksgrange the Killanne handler trusted Murphy with the mount on first timer Adeiulevieux Enki and the partnership came home two lengths to the good in the maiden race for four-year- old geldings.
Murphy’s double came on Coilrock for Cleariestown handler Mark Scallan and owner Desmond Ellard in the maiden race for five-year-olds and over.
Also at Fairyhouse A Rated won the Open Race for novice riders by three lengths, much to the delight of rider Josh Berry and his parents, Shirley Berry (owner) and Johnny Berry (handler) from Tomhaggard.
Also point-to-point action at Dromahane, Co. Cork, today, and more Wexford winners! Matthew Flynn O’Connor, Ballycrystal, Kiltealy was the owner and handler of newcomer Wrappedupinmay who won by ‘a distance’ in the maiden race for four-year-olds with Wicklow rider Brian Lawless in the saddle.
Jimmy Devereux was enjoying the action at Monksgrange today, but his son, Vincent Devereux saddled First Preference to a twelve lengths victory in the Open Race at the Cork track with Foulksmills’ rider Shane O’Rourke guiding him home.
A 40-ft yacht is towed safely to Kilmore Quay by the local RNLI Lifeboat. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh)
By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay RNLI assisted a 40ft yacht with an injured crew member on board 20 nautical miles off the Wexford coast and towed the vessel to Kilmore Quay. The call was requested by the Irish Coast Guard at 4pm on Friday.
One of the two crew on board the ketch had sustained an injury to his shoulder. Conditions in the area at the time were overcast and squally, with a Force 5 north easterly wind. Sea conditions at the time were described as ‘moderate’.
The lifeboat under Coxswain Aidan Bates with four crew members on board immediately launched and made its way to the scene. Arriving on scene at 5.10pm, the crew launched their Y-boat, transferring a crew member to the vessel to assess the situation.
A decision was made to establish a towline and return the vessel and crew to the nearest port which was Kilmore Quay. At 5.22 pm with the towline secured the boats were under way. The lifeboat crew member remained on board the yacht for the passage back to Kilmore Quay, arriving safely back to the harbour at 8pm. The local Irish Coast Guard Unit provided assistance to the injured man.
A €350 million masterplan covering various facets of development at Rosslare Europort and plans to establish an offshore renewable energy hub were announced yesterday.
Plans are now being put place to bring the Offshore Renewable Energy hub to the planning permission stage while financial consultants have been appointed to develop a detailed business case and put together funding options.
A €200 million plan to build the necessary infrastructure to allow wind energy companies use the port to harvest electricity generated offshore.
The blueprint for the Europort’s future also includes enhanced passenger and freight facilities, new import and export services, a permanent border control post, digitalisation of all operations and systems, and a new N25 access route to take heavy traffic out of Rosslare village.
Management at Rosslare has also been engaging over the last 18 months with wind energy developers to allow them to put in place requirements for the industry such as deeper channels undersea, more berths and a wider area of land.
General Manager Glenn Carr said; “Rosslare Europort is the closest port to where a lot of the wind farm developments will be happening in the Irish and Celtic Sea.
“We’re an ideal port to be developed, we’re going to deepen the port to about 11 metres, reclaim up to 50 acres of land and dedicated berths of up to 350 metres in length, providing what the industry – following consultation with all of the developers that are entering the market – with what they need over the next number of decades.”
Chief Executive Officer of Íarnród Éireann, who own the port, Jim Meade said the masterplan “signifies the importance we place on Rosslare as a key facility and a key piece of infrastructure, for the railway and for Ireland as a whole”.
He said there will be up to 2,000 jobs created during the forthcoming developments.
Wind Energy Ireland’s head of policy Niall Goodwin said it’s important that ports in Ireland can support the development of offshore energy generation. “By 2030, we will hopefully have five giga-watts of offshore wind [energy] on the system. There are some steps we need to take before we get to that and a lot of it is in relation to making sure we give certainty to the international supply chain and making sure our plans are very clear in terms of where we’re going.”
Point-to-Point action at Monksgrange from April 2019 (File Pic)
By Dan Walsh
A strong entry of 145 has been received for Sunday’s point-to-point races run under the auspices of Bree Hunt Club at Monksgrange, Rathnure. The first race is off at 2pm.
The going is officially ‘good’ and following a track inspection on Friday and in recognition of a dry weather forecast watering is taking place today (Saturday) to ensure safe ground.
There is also an important traffic notice. Racegoers attending Sunday’s point-to-point at Monksgrange are advised of the following traffic notice; There is a diversion in place for traffic coming from Clonroche, South Wexford and surrounding area (N30 Enniscorthy – New Ross Road) turning for Kiltealy/Rathnure (R731) (opposite Beechdale Garden Centre).
Please be advised that there is a diversion in place at the second crossroads and no turn for Rathnure (Gurraun bridge has collapsed and is closed to all traffic), so all traffic continues on R731 for approximately three miles and turn left for Killanne – will be signposted. Please allow an extra 10 minutes travelling time.
This is the second and final fixture at Monksgrange for the current season and it is hoped for a large attendance. All are welcome and for those not familiar with the location the Eirecode is Y21 PT85.
KILMORE QUAY REMEMBRANCE GARDEN looking out to the Saltee Islands. (File Pic)
By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay RNLI responded to two separate requests from the Irish Coast Guard for assistance to pleasure crafts in the vicinity of the Saltee Islands on Easter Saturday.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat Killarney, by the Irish Coast Guard at 3.07pm on Saturday to assist in locating a small angling boat with four people on board that a concerned member of the public had reported as overdue.
The lifeboat launched at 3.15pm, joining the search at sea with the Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 117. The boat was soon located close to the Saltee Islands at 3.20 pm. All on board were safe and well. The lifeboat crew escorted the boat back to Kilmore Quay arriving at 4.17pm
Earlier that day, the crew responded to a request from the Irish Coast Guard to assist a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) experiencing engine trouble and drifting close to rocks one and half miles south-west of the Great Saltee island. The crew were stood down before launching as the crew of the RIB resolved the problem and the danger had passed.
Speaking following both call outs, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said: “The crew of the RIB did the right thing in raising the alarm when they encountered problems, it is far better to be safe than sorry. Likewise, if a boat is overdue and contact cannot be made. We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a life jacket and to always carry a means of calling for help. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
ALL-IRELAND and EUROPEAN Boxing champion 2019 CAOIMHE KINSELLA from Marshalstown receives her Civic Award from Cllr Aidan Browne at tonight’s Civic Reception in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy. Also in the picture are Caoimhe’s proud parents PATRICK and LYNDA KINSELLA.
By Dan Walsh
Ten nominees from across the district whose names were submitted by the elected members of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council were honoured at the Civic Awards Night held in the Seamus Rafter Suite at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy tonight (Thursday).
Cathaoirleach Cllr Cathal Byrne said a Civic Reception is the highest honour the District Council can bestow on an individual or group and tonight’s event covers 2018-2021 and honoured achievers at All-Ireland, European and world standard. “They have done the town and district proud, and it is an honour to present these awards,” concluded Cllr Byrne.
The full list of recipients is as follows; Tom Murphy, winner of a Gold Medal at the Republic of Ireland under 15 57kg boxing tournament in Russia.
Michael Bowler, winner of a Decathalon Silver Medal at the 2029 European Championships.
Hope & Dreams represented by John Roche, Chairperson, Michael Jordan, Secretary and Ms Cuniffee who celebrated the 10th anniversary in 2021.
Adam O’Neill, winner of a Gold Medal at the European Kick Boxing Championships in 2019, and Alex O’Neill, winner of a Silver Medal at the European Kick Boxing Championships in 2019.
Robyn Butler was World Kick Boxing Champion 2020 at 60kgs.
Slaney Search & Rescue were honoured on its 25th anniversary and were represented at the function by Margaret Kavanagh-Casey, Pat Casey and John Byrne.
Michelle O’Neill was honoured for her success in refereeing the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Caoimhe Kinsella was nominated by Cllr Aidan Browne on becoming All-Ireland and European Boxing Champion 2019 and winning the Girl 6 Irish championship.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy nominated the FCJ Sisters in Bunclody for their contribution to the community and education.
Anne Gilshinan for athletics achievements at national, European and world competitions in 2020 and 2021.
At the Civic Awards Night in Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, were BERNIE QUIGLEY, Acting District Administrator, CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and CAROLYNE GODKIN, Director of Services, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
By Dan Walsh at Gorey-Kilmuckridge District Council Meeting.
A deputation from Courtown Community Council were welcomed at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council where they presented the elected representatives and officials with an excellent audio-visual presentation outlining the potential of the coastal area and seeking more encouragement and support for the Courtown-Riverchapel area.
The contributors were Linda Sinnott, Chairperson Courtown Community Council, Melanie Crocé, Executive Director of Seal Rescue Ireland and Vice-Chair of Courtown Community Council, and Jeshua Toucher, Media Officer and Clean Water Lead.
MELANIE CROCÉ from Seal Rescue Ireland.
Ms Sinnott said the Courtown Council was very focussed on the Local Development Plan and were happy that it had been extended by three years. She stated that Courtown had seen a lot of intensive development in the past 20 years, but new infrastructure is badly needed as Riverchapel has developed and she outlined some shortcomings in the area that required urgent attention.
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin opened the discussion saying that “Riverchapel-Courtown is now bigger than Gorey” and he felt “it is incumbent on the Council to help Courtown Community Council in any way we can,” and he asked; “How can we make Courtown one of the main drivers for tourism?”
Cllr Diarmuid Devereux acknowledged Courtown’s contribution to tourism but pointed out that the largest groups are ‘local tourists’ and he felt the focus on “somewhere we live” should always be there. He said there was “a lot going on down there (in Courtown)” and he suggested the District Council meet these groups and start from there.
Cllr Joe Sullivan said Courtown is becoming an attractive place to visit again and made reference to the woods, trails, the beach and he recalled historically the “once four hotels who generated the economy in Courtown and the money stayed in Courtown.”
Cllr Donal Kenny complemented the audio-visual presentation contributors and said he would be delighted to see Courtown “what it was years ago.” He expressed worries about accommodation capacity but emphasised a desire to engage with the community and get talking – “we should be happy to meet”, he concluded.
There was support from Cllr Andrew Bolger and referred to digital mapping and google maps to assist promote Courtown. Cllr Pip Breen was in the chair.
District Manager Philip Knight referred to the linked walk to Riverchapel and the introduction of vegetable gardens and he urged close relations between the Municipal Council and Courtown Community Council.
Director of Services Liz Hore encouraged engagement with Courtown Community Council and Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council. “I welcome meeting and to engage,” she concluded.
The County Councils of Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny working closely with 3 Counties Energy Agency (3CEA), have all exceeded the 33% energy reduction target set in the National Climate Action Plan.
According to a report launched today (Thursday); “You could lap Wexford 43,000 times with the energy saved. Wexford saved 269 million cups of tea, or the amount of energy used by a typical family petrol car doing 43,000 laps of the Wexford County boundary, reducing CO2 emissions by 2,149 tonnes through avoided energy use, delivering a saving of 39.7%.”
Saving energy at Kilmyshall. Part of history and heritage.
The spectrum of projects and initiatives implemented by the Wexford County Council to achieve energy efficiency include the public lighting energy efficiency project whereby 91% of public lights across the county were replaced with more energy efficient LED bulbs. This gave a 65% reduction in energy use and 60% savings in operation and maintenance costs.
Energy upgrades in Bunclody Fire Station, Gorey Library and the Council’s Machinery Yard all delivered substantial energy savings. The Council has also started transitioning their fleet to electric vehicles to further support the national policy and decarbonise local communities making them healthier and better places to live in.
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Wexford County Councilsaid; “We are strongly committed to continuing our journey to improve energy performance across all of our services. ISO50001 certification of our energy management system will help us deliver the target of 50 % improvement in energy efficiency as set out in the National Climate Action Plan. The projects and initiatives implemented by the Council and our Energy Team to date has achieved energy efficiency of 39 %; above average for all public bodies who are 34% more energy efficient than in 2009.”
Maria Nolan’s second novel The Shadow of Freedom was officially launched at a pleasant ceremony held in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy tonight (Wednesday) in the presence of published writers, members of her family and loyal readers and supporters. Her latest work continues a theme and tells the story of the War of Independence and Civil War in Enniscorthy.
MARIA NOLAN signed copies of her latest novel in Enniscorthy tonight.
“It is great to see such a crowd and I am delighted and humbled to be here,” said Maria who went on to recall how her interest in writing evolved and in March 2021 her first novel, The Shadow of the Hill, was published without a public launch due to the pandemic lockdown.
Larry Dunne, who is five years working for the Presentation Arts Centre and Wexford Arts Centre, embraced Maria’s work and is responsible for designing the front cover of both of her books and the families were once next-door neighbours in Enniscorthy. “Even the pandemic could not stop creativity,” he stated.
Chairman of the Wexford Literary Festival, Richie Cotter, told the attendance “We are surrounded by storytellers”. He paid an outstanding tribute to Maria and having made favourable mention of both publications indicated that he saw “a trilogy on the cards?”
Mr Cotter spoke of Maria’s “energy, enthusiasm and enterprise” and claimed; “every town in Ireland should have a Maria Nolan” and he wished the Enniscorthy-born author, as Gaeilge, “Good luck with this lovely book.”
Awards Administrator with the Wexford Literary Festival Anne Gilpin, who edited the book, said “Maria Nolan loves Enniscorthy. Enniscorthy runs through her blood.”
Author Caroline Busher also struck with the “Maria Nolan loves her town” theme and said her work was “so whimsical and beautiful” and reflected that “the historical town and ancestral voice can be heard through the town,” and suggested that Maria’s book could succeed Brooklyn as the next Enniscorthy-based Hollywood film?
Kilmuckridge author Sheila Forsey read an apology from Carmel Harrington, who was unable to attend, but she sent her best wishes. Ms Forsey described the book as “haunting and beautiful”.
In conclusion, Maria Nolan thanked Ray Murphy and the Enniscorthy Re-enactors, Edel Kelly for her confectionary delights, her husband Jim, Lisa and Larry from the Presentation Centre staff, Minister James Browne, Johnny Mythen TD, Cllrs Aidan Browne and Kathleen Codd-Nolan, “who are always supportive of the arts” and all in attendance.
WexfordLocal.com 