WexfordLocal.com

Tributes to young man kicked by a horse

By Dan Walsh

The funeral takes place this morning in Mulrankin of Dylan Boggan, (23), Mayglass, who died as a result of injuries sustained when he was kicked by a horse while working at a stables in Fethard-on-Sea around 1.30pm on Tuesday.

Mr Boggan was airlifted by Rescue 117 helicopter to Cork University Hospital where sadly he surrendered his fight for life.

The tragedy has been deeply felt in the community where Mr Boggan was well-known and popular. Cllr Ger Carthy, who is also the Ambulance Officer for the Wexford region and attended the scene said; “ “This really is a tragedy of unspeakable proportions to lose a man so young.”

Cllr Jim Codd said; “Dylan Boggan was once my student but we became very good friends. We shared a passion for lurchers, cobs and country living. Our shared interests led to many animated conversations over the years.

“He was a gentle, sincere and wonderful young man. I know I speak for so many when I express my absolute devastation at the news of his passing. May you rest in peace my friend.”

The Committee, instructors, past members, and present members of the Killinick Pony Club are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former club member, Dylan Boggan. “We express our deepest sympathy to Dylan’s family at this very sad time. Dylan was a member for many years, representing the club at national level. He was a kind and caring young man, who will be dearly missed.”

The annual general meeting of Killinick Pony Club scheduled for last night – December 2^nd – has been postponed as a mark of respect.

Dylan was beloved son of David and Sabrina, brother of Aaron, Jordon and Ava, grandson of Kitty Boggan and Noel Kehoe; sadly missed by his loving family, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends. R.I.P.

Funeral Mass takes place today (Friday) at 12 noon in St. David’s Church, Mulrankin, burial afterwards in Mayglass Cemetery.

Road collision victim is named

By Dan Walsh

The woman who died in a road traffic collision on the N25 at Gaulstown, Glenmore, on Wednesday evening has been named as Lorraine Bolger, aged in her 40s and the driver of one of the cars, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three others were seriously injured following the head-on collision that occurred at around 6.30 pm.

Lorraine was a telecommunications and IT worker and there is added tragedy as her husband Séamus Ó Cualáin, Ballynagrallagh, Adamstown, had passed away recently following an illness.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward. Any road users who were travelling on the N25 in Glenmore on Wednesday between 6.15pm and 6.40pm and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make it available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Thomastown Garda Station on 056 7754150, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Coolgreany Boil Water Notice lifted

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council has announced today that the Boil Water Notice effective on the Coolgreany Public Water Supply since November 29^th is lifted with immediate effect.

All consumers on the Coolgreany Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive.

Irish Water and the Local Authority/Health Service Executive Water Liaison Group will continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.

Irish Water and Wexford County Council acknowledge the patience, co-operation and assistance of the public during the period of the boil water notice and greatly regrets any inconvenience caused to householders and the business community.

The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this water notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie.

Council adopts €134m Budget for 2022

By Dan Walsh

Members of Wexford County Council have unanimously adopted the 2022 Budget for an overall estimated expenditure and income of €134 million, up more than €3 million from 2021.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr. Barbara Anne Murphy described the consideration of the 2022 Budget as a complex process that strived to achieve a balance between the need for enhanced local services in the county with the ability to fund those services.

CLLR BARBARA ANNE MURPHY; “We the elected members have done what we have been elected to do – we have identified the services areas that we believe are most important to the public at this time.“

“We the elected members have done what we have been elected to do – we have identified the services areas that we believe are most important to the public at this time, such as housing supports, road improvements, economic development, tourism initiatives and community supports and we have sought to ensure that these and other key services will continue to be delivered by the Council in 2022, in the face of significant challenge and uncertainty” said Cllr. Murphy.

Chief Executive Tom Enright described the preparation of the 2022 Budget as highly challenging in the face of financial and other uncertainties brought about by Covid-19. He highlighted the improving economic outlook and high vaccination rates as causes for optimism and renewed confidence going forward.

Housing Services is one of the main areas to benefit, with a total estimated expenditure of €28.5 million in this key area of Council activity, up €1.25 million on 2021 expenditure.

Road funding has also significantly increased with almost €35 million to be spent by Wexford County Council maintaining and improving the county’s road infrastructure during 2022.

Commercial rates charges are unchanged from their 2021 level while the Council’s highly successful Rates Incentives Scheme, which offers substantial discounts to commercial rate payers will also operate in 2022. Local Property Tax is also being unchanged from 2021 levels.

The Council’s 80-page Budget Report sets out the main income sources for 2022. Goods and Services income has been estimated at €36.7 million, income from Grants has been estimated at €37.7 million, Commercial Rates are expected to yield €41.7 million while income from Local Property Tax is estimated at €14.78 million.

Woman dies in Waterford-New Ross crash

By Dan Walsh

A woman has died and four others injured in a head-on collision on the N25 Waterford-New Ross road near Glenmore at about 6.30pm this evening.

The N25 is currently closed at Glenmore and is expected to remain closed overnight.

Gardaí are advising motorists to plan their journeys accordingly.

Challenges on primary school guidelines

By Dan Walsh

Government guidelines introducing face coverings in primary schools is causing immediate concerns in the school communities and is likely to escalate into national headlines with one Wexford teacher challenging An Taoiseach and the Minister for Education on the ethics of the decision.

Principal of Gaelscoil Inis Córthaidh, Judy Ní Ifearnáin, has taken to social media, on a personal basis, and taking a stand against the compulsory nature of this measure which she and her fellow INTO members are expected to enforce such as the refusal of entry to unmasked pupils without medical certification.

Government guidelines on the use of face coverings in primary schools, effective from this morning (Wednesday) were issued by the Department of Education last evening.

NPHET has recommended the wearing of face masks/coverings by children aged nine years and above on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as already required for children aged 13 years and over. They have also recommended that this is introduced for children in 3rd class and above in primary schools. They have advised that this measure is being introduced on a temporary basis and is subject to review in mid-February 2022.

Ms Uí Ifearnáin said she has taken all the public safety advice. “Up to now I did everything asked of me” – wash hands wear the mask, take the vaccine, reduce social contacts etc.

“But now I am expected as a school leader to stand at a door and tell an unmasked nine-year-old who doesn’t have a ‘medical certificate’ or ‘special needs that they can’t come to school,” said an angry Ms Uí Ifearnáin, who added; “Micheál Martin and Norma Foley – No Way! Absolutely no way!”

The story is expected to run and run…

IMPORTANT UPDATE on Coolgreany Water Supply

By Dan Walsh

In a statement issued this afternoon Irish Water has provided an update on the Boil Water Notice issued for Coolgreany Public Water Supply with the addendum; “WATER HELD IN STORAGE OR BOTTLED FROM SUNDAY SHOULD ALSO BE BOILED BEFORE USE.”

“Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council wishes to advise customers on the Coolgreany Public Water Supply that the Boil Water Notice issued yesterday remains in place to protect the health of consumers. In addition, Irish Water would like to remind customers that water that has been in storage since Sunday November 28, should also be boiled,” said Irish Water.

The decision to put a Boil Water Notice in place was made following consultation with the HSE due to water with low residual disinfectant entering the supply on Sunday, November 28. Water held in storage, used to make ice or bottled on Sunday should also be boiled as a precaution.

Irish Water also wishes to advise that should any customer begin to feel unwell, to please contact your medical practitioner for advice immediately.

This notice applies to all consumers on the Coolgreany Public Water Supply. All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.

Irish Water and Wexford County Council will continue to liaise and consult with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice as soon as practicable. You will be kept informed through WexfordLocal.com, www.water.ie and Irish Water Customer Contact Centre: 1800 278 278.

Boil Water Notice issued for Coolgreany

By Dan Walsh

All consumers on the Coolgreany Public Water Supply are informed that Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council has issued a Boil Water Notice with immediate effect to protect their health.

In a statement issued by Irish Water this afternoon; “Due to a risk of potentially inadequately disinfected water entering the supply and following HSE consultation it has been confirmed that a Boiled Water Notice is now issued for Coolgreany Public Water Supply.”

This notice applies to all consumers on the Coolgreany Public Water Supply. All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.

€400,000 funding for Rosslare district projects

By Dan Walsh

Funding for two projects in the Rosslare Municipal District have been approved under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

Fianna Fáil Cllr Lisa McDonald made the announcement to WexfordLocal.com ; “I am delighted to be informed today that a total of nearly €400,000 has been approved for two projects in the Rosslare Municipal District.

“In a significant development for the people of Wellingtonbridge, Foulksmills and surrounding areas, along with the local tourism sector, an 11km Blueway will be created along the Corock River to the village of Wellingtonbridge, which will continue on to the village of Foulksmills. €199,800 of funding will be invested into this project. Having visited other Blueways, I have no doubt this amenity will be of fantastic benefit to the people of the Rosslare Municipal District.”

“I also welcome the €189,000 of funding secured by Rosslare Community Resource Centre which will help to improve accessibility, by enhancing facilities, improving signage and providing safe access for all walkers”, concluded Cllr. McDonald.

O’Keeffe’s Vital Island makes it four-in-a-row

By Dan Walsh at Lingstown, Tomhaggard

There was an amazing outcome to the Neville Hotels Open Race ‘over the banks’ at lovely Lingstown with victory going to Vital Island, who was winning this race for the fourth year in a row and plans to run at next Spring’s Punchestown Festival.

The nine-year-old gelding owned and trained by Richard O’Keeffe, Newtown, Taghmon, was always travelling and jumping well with Tiernan Power Roche in the saddle and held off the Gordon Elliott trained Mighty Stowaway (Barry O’Neill) by half a length on the line. Local rider Roche was on board for the second successive season in this prestigious race and was recording his 25^th career success.

**Runners clear one of the Lingstown banks with the winner Vital Island (No. 12) nicely placed at this early stage of the big race today.**

The card off to a perfect start with the appropriately named Off To A Flyer obliging by two lengths in the maiden race for four year olds for Kilkenny rider John O’Neill. Running in the colours of the Baltimore Stables Syndicate Off To A Flyer is handled by Ellen Doyle, Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy, who also saddled the runner-up Hitching Jacking (Rob James). Afterwards, Ellen said she was happy with the victory and the sales ring beckons.

The auction maiden race for four-year-olds went to Superstylin and rider Shane O’Rourke, Foulksmills, riding his 45^th career winner, by eight lengths. This was a second winner for handler Thomas Byrne from Ballygranigan, Kilmore, who has six horses in training, and he confirmed that Superstylin is bound for the sales.

Only two runners faced the starter for the maiden race for five-year-old mares and three and a half lengths separated the Dan Nevin ridden Rock On Cassie for owner/handler Martin Corrigan from Ballinaclash, Blackwater, who has enjoyed two wins and two seconds since the start of the new season, and the runner-up, Whisky River (Rob James) for Richard O’Keeffe, who was later compensated by the success of Vital Island.

Hard Lines, ridden by Jack Hendrick, Mayglass, proved best of the nine runners at the end of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. He is owned by Billy Bates, Kilmore, and the successful handler is Michael Bates.

**Crowds gather to get the best view of the Lingstown Bank Race this afternoon.**

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill waited until the final race of the day to get on the scoreboard. Wildfield Ivy, owned and bred by Michael Kinsella, Kilkenny, had four lengths to spare at the finish of the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards. This was O’Neill’s 20^th win of the season.

Weather conditions were much better than expected for the end of November and there was a good attendance. Kilinick Harriers will stage an additional fixture next Sunday, December 5^th, so racing two Sundays in a row at Lingstown.