WexfordLocal.com

Doubles for four Wexford stables at Borris

By Dan Walsh at Borris House

It was a busy afternoon on the point-to-point circuit with doubles for four Wexford handlers, Ellen Doyle, Cormac Farrell and Michael Goff at Borris House and Donnchadh Doyle saddled a brace of winners at Boulta, Co. Cork.

Ellen Doyle’s Baltimore Stables at Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, won both divisions of the maiden race for four-year-old mares. Criquette in division one by half a length and Halka Du Tabert by an amazing 45 lengths in division two. Both were having their first outing, and both were ridden by Alex Harney from the Naul in North Dublin.

The maiden race for four-year-old geldings was divided three ways and Cormac Farrell’s Ballypeacus, Bunclody, yard won the first two, both ridden by Mullingar rider Simon Cavanagh. First in was Jet Powered by eight lengths in the first division and Dancing City completed the double by a dozen lengths in division two.

Division three was won by Path D’Oroux – one length was the winning distance- ridden by Liam Gilligan and the first leg of a double for Michael Goff’s Monageer stables. Goff also saddled Goodoldbill, the 15 lengths winner of the maiden race for five-year-olds with Aaron Sinnott, Enniscorthy, in the saddle.

**Point-to-point action at Borris House with the Carlow Farmers’ Hunt**

Division two of the five-year-old geldings’ race was won by Colin Bowe’s Gold Emery with James Kenny, Craanford, driving home the gelding to a three lengths success.

Two divides in the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards. Division one was won by Moral Of The Story, owned and handled by John Hurley, a first winner for rider Nora Walsh from East Cork. Division Two provided local rider Rochelle Murphy with a fine success on Truckers Tangle in the colours of Belinda O’Brien and trained at Belmont, Clonroche, by Daryl Deacon.

The Open Lightweight Race provided Donnchadh Doyle with his third victory of the day – two at Boulta – when Eh Dancer had six lengths to spare with Alan Harney, Kilmacow, in the saddle.

Mallow rider Finian Maguire took the ride on Camilla’s Choice for owner/handler Maike Magnussen and the winner of the maiden race for five-year-old mares.

There were eleven races at Borris House where the organisers were rushing things along at a mighty pace in a bid to finish up before fading light, which they accomplished admirably, ground conditions held up well and there was a fine attendance. A good show from the Carlow Farmers Hunt.

Donnchadh Doyle and Rob James had an afternoon double at the Cork venue. Madmansgame won division one of the maiden contest for four-year-old geldings by three lengths and Grandero Bello added more success with a six lengths victory in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Enniscorthy boil water notice is lifted

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council wishes to notify customers on the Enniscorthy Public Water Supply that following the completion of remedial measures and the receipt of satisfactory monitoring results, the boil water notice which has been in place is now lifted with immediate effect.

This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive. Following Storm Barra and in consultation with the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Wexford County Council issued a boil water notice on the Enniscorthy Supply on Tuesday, December 7^th.

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

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, cooperation and assistance of the general 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.

€100,000 support for New Ross plan

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced €2.6 million in funding to deliver the first ever Town Centre First Plans, which will be key to tackling dereliction and revitalising town centres.

As part of the initiative Wexford County Council will receive €100,000 to support the development of a unique master plan for New Ross (population 8,040).

Minister Humphries said; “Our rural towns and villages play a central role in the lives of people in rural areas. They are where we live, work, shop and socialise. It is important that we ensure our towns and villages remain vibrant, vital and relevant places. Each town selected as part of this initiative will has its own strengths and each will face different challenges as it maps out its future path. No one size fits all policy will work. The Plans will be developed in tandem with Town Teams that are representative of the local towns and who can bring a wealth of knowledge and local expertise.”

Friday is Digitisation Day

By Dan Walsh

The Wexford War of Independence and Civil War Digitisation Day takes place tomorrow (Friday) at Wexford Library, Mallin Street, Wexford on Friday, 10^th December 2021, from 11am to 4pm.

Members of the public are invited to bring photographs, postcards, letters, diaries, medals or other memorabilia in relation to this turbulent time in our history.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy told WexfordLocal.com; “I’m delighted that we are holding this digitisation day. It is a chance for us to engage with families whose ancestors were directly involved in events which led to the formation of our state and to the rich history of county Wexford.”

Staff from Wexford Library will record the story of whom they belonged to and why they are important. The objects will be scanned or photographed. Historians and experts will also be on hand to discuss the significance of these treasures.

Advance booking is essential. ContactWexford library branch at wexfordlib@wexfordcoco.ie or 053 9196760.

No injuries reported from Storm Barra

By Dan Walsh

Despite the very dangerous conditions that prevailed across the entire county over the past 24 hours, and thanks to the sensible co-operation of the public in heeding the safety warnings, there have no reports of injuries. That is the verdict of Wexford County Council’s Emergency Management Team who met again this morning as the Council reviewed overall impact of Storm Barra across the county.

The Council’s emergency response crews, including roads staff, fire services crews etc have been busy, late into last night and from early this morning to ensure roads across the county are clear for traffic.

Whilst there have been many reports across the county of fallen trees, crews having been on site from first light with the result that all public roads are now clear, with just one or two exceptions.

In the Gorey-Kilmuckridge District there are just a couple of blocked roads but as the winds remain high in this part of the county some areas may take a little longer to clear.

As expected, some strong gusts were reported at locations across the county, with speeds of up to 115km recorded at the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, which remained open throughout the storm.

No major flooding was reported in any part of the county yesterday and whilst the flood defence mechanisms in New Ross, Ballyhack and Arthurstown were subject to greater than expected tides yesterday, the systems operated successfully.

A statement from Wexford County Council said; “We would like to thank the public for their co-operation during the height of Storm Barra yesterday. Through protecting themselves they help to protect emergency services and our workers as it reduces the number of calls to emergency situations.

**Returning to normality on the River Slaney following Storm Barra.**

“We would ask the public to remain vigilant today for any structures and branches that may have been loosened during the storm and to continue to drive at an appropriate speed during this current yellow warning. Wexford County Council’s key public safety messages remain the same today as we return to regular activity levels.”

Stay away from coastal areas as winds continue to gust.

Drivers to take care, always always expect the unexpected and travel at an appropriate speed

Be vigilant and aware of potential for trees falling.

If you encounter any fallen wires do not touch them – call ESB emergency number 1800 372 999.

Fallen trees on roads, localised flooding and other storm issues can be reported to Wexford County Council during office hours on 053 9196000 or outside office hours on 1890 666 777.

In the event of a significant emergency or threat to safety, phone 999.

Enniscorthy served with Boil Water Notice

By Dan Walsh

Thousands of customers are affected by a Boil Water Notice issued by Irish Water and Wexford County Council, following consultation with the Health Service Executive, with immediate effect to protect the health of consumers supplied by Enniscorthy Public Water Supply.

The Boil Water Notice has been put in place as a precaution due to elevated levels of turbidity in the supply which has impacted the treatment process. The notice affects approximately 11,187 people in all areas supplied by Enniscorthy Public Water Supply.

For customers who wish to check if their property is on the Boil Water Notice, please go to the water quality section of water.ie, enter the property’s Eircode, click ‘more details’ and you will then see if your property is on the Boil Water Notice.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Irish Water will be contacted directly about this notice. Anyone who has concerns can contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278 or log onto the water supply and service section of water.ie for information.

Irish Water’s Pat Duggan said; “Public health is Irish Water’s number one priority, and we appreciate the impact that this notice will have on the residents and businesses. However, the restriction has been put in place to protect our consumers. Irish Water and Wexford County Council are working tirelessly to resolve the issues affecting the plant and lift the boil water notice as quickly as it is safe to do so.”

Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section on water.ie, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. For information on using water during a Boil Water Notice, please visit https://www.water.ie/water-supply/water-quality/boil-water-notice/.

Storm Barra crosses the South East

By Dan Walsh

The Orange Warning for the east coast expired at 1pm and while there are still high winds and tidal surges it appears that the worst of Storm Barra has passed, although damaging gusts of wind can occur this afternoon. There are no major incidents to report.

There are power outages in Wexford town and the Enniscorthy district. Falling trees are reported across the county and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge over the River Barrow is being monitored and users should check before using the route. At present, the bridge is open to traffic.

Wexford County Council’s Emergency Management Team met this morning as the Council reviewed the early impacts of Storm Barra across the county and said there are no major incidents to report.

While tides are high along the coast, flood defences in New Ross, Ballyhack and Arthurstown have performed extremely well, with no flooding to report in these areas.

In many places trampolines, wheely bins and garden furniture has been seen flying through the air.

It has been announced in the last hour that Enniscorthy Water Supply will be off from 11pm tonight until 6am in all areas.

Strong winds is expected to continue for some time with the possibility of damaging gusts in mid-afternoon, with a strong likelihood of fallen trees in many areas and possible ESB outages also. The Council’s emergency response crews, including roads staff, fire services crews etc are all on standby and ready to deal with any emerging issues as the storm intensifies.

**ROSE FITZGERALD KENNEDY is open to traffic but is being monitored for the effects of high winds during Storm Barra.**

Wexford County Council’s public safety messages remain the same:

Shelter in place during the storm, avoid travel during the storm unless absolutely necessary.

Stay away from coastal areas

If you encounter any fallen wires do not touch them – call ESB emergency number 1800 372 999

Fallen trees on roads, localised flooding and other storm issues can be reported to Wexford County Council during office hours on 053 9196000 or outside office hours on 1890 666 777.

In the event of a significant emergency or threat to safety, phone 999.

Tears for Lorraine on her final journey

By Dan Walsh

Heartfelt tears will be freely flowing this morning in tribute to Lorraine Bolger, Ballynagrallagh, Adamstown, whose Funeral Mass takes place in St. Mary and Michael’s Parish Church, New Ross at 11am with burial afterwards in Raheen Cemetery.

Ms. Bolger, (in her 40’s) died tragically in a road traffic collision on the N25 at Gaulstown, Glenmore, last Wednesday evening.

Lorraine was a telecommunications and IT worker and there is added tragedy as her husband Séamus Ó Cualáin, a metalwork teacher at Coláiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge, passed away last October following an illness.

Raheen Parish Committee has paid tribute to Ms Bolger.; “All our hearts go out to Lorraine’s daughter Ashling at this terrible time. Nothing we can say will make this any easier. Just know that we are thinking of you at this time.

“We think also of Lorraine’s Parents Joe and Marie, Lorraine’s sister Collette and the extended Bolger and O’Cualain families.

“Lorraine was a valued member of our committee for many years. She served as Vice-Treasurer and in more recent times held the post of Treasurer. Her support for Raheen was steadfast and along her daughter Ashling and late husband Seamus, provided refreshments for many fundraisers through the years. As a family, great pride was taken in displaying the latest additions to Fraochoileain Farm at the local field day. It was always obvious that family came first. This was a joy to watch.” R.I.P.

Wexford is ready for Storm Barra

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford is fully prepared for Storm Barra after Wexford County Council’s Emergency Management Team met this evening and the Council continued its preparations for stormy weather conditions which is expected to impact the county throughout tomorrow (Tuesday).

The storm is predicted to bring localised flooding to many areas. Flood barriers are erected in New Ross, Ballyhack and Arthurstown as a precaution, with Wexford Town likely to follow suit tomorrow morning.

Storm Barra is also predicted to bring very strong winds to Wexford during Tuesday and even into the early hours of Wednesday morning, with a strong likelihood of fallen trees in many areas and possible ESB outages also.

The Council’s emergency response crews, including roads staff, fire services crews, Civil Defence etc are on standby and ready to deal with any emergency issues as the storm approaches.

**KILMORE QUAY MEMORIAL GARDEN. Place of remembrance of past shipwrecks and storms facing ”The graveyard of a thousand ships’. (File Pic)**

Wexford County Council emphasises the following public safety messages:

Do not touch any fallen wires – call ESB emergency number 1800 372 999.

Shelter in Place during the storm, avoid travel during the storm unless absolutely necessary

Drivers to take care, avoid unnecessary journeys, and always expect the unexpected

Any loose materials, Christmas lights etc. to be checked and secured where possible and when safe to do so

Stay away from coastal areas.

Be vigilant and aware of potential for trees falling.

Temporary structures outside hotels, pubs etc. may become unstable.

Fallen trees on roads, localised flooding and other storm issues can be reported to Wexford County Council during office hours on 053 9196000 or outside office hours on 1890 666 777.

In the event of a significant emergency / threat to public safety, phone 999.

Winter sunshine lights up Lingstown

By Dan Walsh at Lingstown

Winter sunshine welcomed a good attendance to the point-to-point action at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, today, where Ballycrystal, Kiltealy handler Matthew Flynn-O’Connor and Delgany rider Brian Lawless notched up a fine double in the opening two races.

The maiden race for four-year-old mares was won in fine style by Deeply Superficial who had ten lengths to spare at the finish. Flynn-O’Connor said afterwards; “She won very well. She is a nice mare, and we think an awful lot of her. She is for the sales.”

Half an hour later and the Flynn-O’Connor/Lawless partnership were in the winners’ enclosure again following Stay Away Fay’s six lengths success in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. The Ballycrystal handler has brought his seasonal tally to four.

**SEAN DOYLE winners at Lingstown and Cork today.**

Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, had a great afternoon with two winners. He saddled Is A Real Champ to win the Winner of One race by two lengths with Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard, enjoying his 21^st career success and at his local track too!

Doyle was at Lingstown today, but his five-year-old Lucky Max (7/4 fav.), running in the colours of his brother, Donnchadh, was winning on the track at Cork with two and three-quarter lengths to spare in the Fermoy Handicap Hurdle ridden by Jack Foley.

The maiden race for five year old geldings resulted in a fifteen lengths victory for Grand Soir for Pat Doyle’s Tipperary stables with Killanne rider Rob James in the saddle.

The maiden race for five-year-olds went to Magheroarty Star for handler Stevie O’Donoghue from Araglin, near Fermoy, and the winning rider was Darragh Allen.

Kate Darwen, (20), from Athlone will remember her visit to Lingstown for a long time after recording her first winner on Ballycurrane Boy by sixteen lengths in the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards confined to novice riders.

It was a good day’s racing and Killinick Harriers had the track and surroundings in excellent shape.