WexfordLocal.com

There’re off at Monksgrange

By Dan Walsh

The 2021-22 point-to-point season gets into its stride at Monksgrange, Rathnure, tomorrow (Sunday) for the Bree Hunt races with the first of six races off at 2pm. There are eighty-eight entries.

The track has was spiked with watering during the week and the going is described as “good.”

**BARRY O’NEILL double today at Oldcastle. Rides at Monksgrange tomorrow.**

To gain access a QR code must be presented at the gate. Everyone, even minors, will require their own individual QR pass.

Attendees are advised to have a QR pass ready for screening at the entrance gate to avoid any unnecessary delays. If using the QR on your mobile, please ensure that it is enlarged on your screen when presenting it at the entrance.

If you develop any symptoms of Covid-19, please do not attend the point-to-point and consult your GP for medical advice. Usual admission charges will apply at the gate.

Today’s action took place at Oldcastle, Co. Meath and was the first time in 18 months that spectators was allowed, and the fixture opened with a Wexford winner.

Champions Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe teamed up to win the first race of the season – the four-year-old mares maiden race – with first timer Reddys Island in the colours of the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd by one length. Afterwards, Colin Bowe described Reddys Island as “a smart mare who will come on plenty for the experience.”

The O’Neill-Bowe partnership had a second winner in Subtle Robin, a three-quarters of a length victory in the five-year-old mares maiden race. The Kiltealy champions will be hoping for more success at their local track tomorrow afternoon.

Glanbia is Green Gold winner for the second year

By Dan Walsh

Glanbia Ireland has obtained Origin Green Gold Membership status for the second year in a row in recognition of its excellence in sustainability.

The awarding of the Origin Green Gold Standard recognises Glanbia Ireland’s efforts to excel in sustainable food production as part of Ireland’s pioneering food and drink sustainability programme.

Glanbia Ireland was just one of 26 of Ireland’s leading food businesses who received the inaugural Gold Status Membership last year and is among a group of 50 to achieve gold standard status for 2021.

Glanbia Ireland was strongly commended again this year for its community-wide, green initiatives such as Operation Biodiversity, Operation WildNation and Operation PolliNation which are championed by Glanbia CountryLife’s horticulturists and teams at the 14 award-winning garden centres and local branches in the Glanbia Ireland catchment area.

In Wexford, CountryLife has centres in Campile, New Ross and Bunclody. Locals can also avail of a huge range of services in the county and general region across Glanbia stores in Taghmon, Clonroche, Kilmuckridge, Ballywilliam and Ballycanew.

Together they helped drive the planting of over 80,000 native Irish trees and hedgerows over the past year as well the introduction of flowering perennials into gardens, wild bird conservation and other biodiversity measures through a strong educational role in communities through outreach to schools.

Pictured with the Origin Green Gold Membership award for 2021 were Glanbia Ireland’s Aoife Murphy, Director, Ingredients; John Murphy, Chairman; Jim Bergin, CEO and Audrey O’Shea, Head of Environment and Sustainability. *Photo Finbarr O’Rourke.*

Glanbia Ireland CEO, Jim Bergin, said; “It is a great honour to be made a Gold Member, reflecting all of the hard work and achievements that our teams have been making across our entire business. Gold Membership rewards and recognises our commitment to sustainability as outlined in our Living Proof sustainability strategy and our commitments on raw material sourcing and packaging, emissions, waste reduction, water efficiency, health and nutrition.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said that sustainability is at the centre of Food Vision 2030, the new ten-year strategy for the Irish agri-food sector.

Speaking at the event, Tara McCarthy CEO of Bord Bia, said; “Bord Bia is delighted to share the important results and industry leading achievements outlined in the Origin Green Progress Update Report 2021, as proof and progress continue to be trademarks of our world-class, national sustainability programme.”

No injuries in N11 road crash

By Dan Walsh

No serious injuries are reported following a two vehicle road traffic collision on the N11 at a junction known as the Fox and Goose near Crossabeg which occurred around 9.20am today.

**The scene of a road traffic collision on the N11 south of Oylegate this morning.**

Emergency vehicles from the National Ambulance Service, fire service vehicles from Wexford and Enniscorthy and the Gardaí were quickly on the scene.

Traffic was restricted to a single lane southbound for a time but the road between Oylegate and Ferrycarrig is fully operational again.

Tributes to Castletown’s Joe O’Shaughnessy

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of former Chairman of Wexford GAA County Board and record senior football medal holder Joe O’Shaughnessy, (78), of Coolroe, Castletown.

A farmer who received his early education at Castletown National School and Gorey CBS, Joe played football for Castletown and for Wexford. He played under-age with Gorey Young Emmets and won minor and juvenile county championships, but his major claim was winning nine County Senior Football Championships with Castletown (1965, 1966, 1969, 1970, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1979 and 1981) – a county record he shares with his clubmate Oliver Cullen.

He also won Wexford junior and intermediate championships with Liam Mellows, played with the Wexford U21 football team and on the Wexford senior football team between 1966 and 1974.

Following his exploits on the field of play Joe took on many administrative roles and served as Chairman of Wexford GAA County Board for three years, 1990-1993. In 2003, he became Central Council representative.

He was a member of the Castletown GAA Club committee since 1961, served as club chair on two terms (1982-’86) and (2005-’08). Treasurer for several years from 1961.

Well-known and respected for his passion as a GAA player and administrator, he was also a member of Courtown Golf Club and Wexford IFA, and tributes are already pouring in for a record-breaker.

FAMILY NOTICE; The late Joe O’Shaughnessy, Coolroe, Arklow Rock, Wicklow and Gorey. (Passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family after a short illness). Beloved husband of Ann and loving father of Michael, Marcella, Jody, Sarah, Julie, Ellen and Hannah, brother of Charlie, Ted, Larry, Betty, Peggy, Marcella and the late Eileen, Michael, Jack and Billy. He will be very sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandchildren Aoife, Sophia, Joe, Essie, Freddie, Charlie, Billy, Joe and Aoibhin, sons-in-law Matt, Shane, Lubos, Tom, daughters-in-law Caroline and Ciara, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

May He Rest In Peace.

Reposing at his Residence on Saturday 25th September from 2 pm until 6 pm. (Eircode Y14 YKO9). Funeral arriving to St. Patrick’s Church Castletown on Sunday 26th September for Funeral Mass at 12.30 pm followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Family Flowers only please. Donations if desired to The Mater Foundation.

The family very much appreciate your support and co-operation at this sad and difficult time.

Please be aware of Government and HSE Regulations regarding Social Distance for the safety of the Family and those in attendance at the Funeral.

Four injured in Wexford plane crash

By Dan Walsh

There is general relief tonight at the news that all occupants aboard a light aircraft with a pilot and three passengers on board that crash landed on the beach near Carnsore Point are reported to have ‘non-life threatening’ injuries. The crash landing occurred at around 5.10pm.

Four people – two men in 20’s and 50’s and two women, both aged in their 30’s was removed to University Hospital Waterford by both Health Service Executive (HSE) ambulances and the Waterford and Dublin-based Coast Guard helicopters.

Latest information is that their injuries are ‘non-life threating’. WexfordLocal.com has been informed that the pilot suffered two broken legs and the front seat passenger also has a broken leg. The rear seat occupants walked from the ambulance to the hospital shocked from their ordeal, but suffered no significant injuries.

It is understood that the pilot alerted the Irish Coast Guard before deciding to attempt an emergency landing on the beach at Carnsore Point, south of Rosslare Harbour.

Emergency services responded immediately, and the evacuation was supported by Gardaí, Wexford Coast Guard units and HSE paramedics.

**The crashed plane at Carnsore Point (Pic; RTE)**

The twin-engine aircraft appears to have experienced technical difficulties off the coast of south Wexford and the pilot showed excellent skills by bringing it down on the beach and avoided crash landing in the sea. Emergency workers at the scene say that if the plane had landed in the sea the rescue efforts would have been far more challenging.

Weather conditions good at the time with light winds and excellent visibility.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit and the Irish Aviation Authority have been notified.

4 injured in plane crash at Carnsore Point

By Dan Walsh

A light aircraft with a pilot and three passengers on board has crash landed on the beach near Carnsore Point at around 5.10pm today.

All four have been taken to hospital, two were airlifted by Irish Coast Guard helicopters from Waterford and Dublin, and two others were transported by ambulance.

Their condition is currently unknown.

So far, the origin and destination of the flight has not been determined.

Weather conditions in the area were perfect at the time.

More details will follow later.

Enniscorthy promoting Christmas

By Dan Walsh

The children are feeling ‘super present’ anxious and demand that Christmas will be happening again, and the positive news is that Enniscorthy Municipal District Council in partnership with Enniscorthy Castle, Enniscorthy District Chamber and Rathnure Pantomime Society are delighted to confirm Santa’s Enchanted Castle returns to Enniscorthy for Christmas 2021.

**CLLR CATHAL BYRNE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District.**

Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council is a believer in Santa Claus and the overall Christmas theme. He told WexfordLocal.com; “Christmas will be more important this year than ever before as we have a chance to gather and celebrate it in public. I am heartened to see so many groups working together with the Council, Chamber and organisers to have Enniscorthy light up and ready for Christmas.”

Acting District Manager, Bernie Quigley is asking everyone to “come to Enniscorthy this Christmas for a magical festive time. You will be guaranteed Christmas cheer and a great offering in the Castle and indeed about the town streets”

She added; “It is important we attract visitors to the banks of the Slaney to bolster the local economy while also lifting the spirits of our townspeople. Event and patron safety will be our main priority along with ensuring we present an entertaining event reflective of the magic of Christmas.”

In the planning since August, the towns’ festive season is sure to be a winner with locals and winter tourists. The event will return to its base in the castle from Saturday, November 27^th, November until Thursday, December 23rd. The popular children’s event will operate Thursdays to Sundays before a festive finale Christmas Eve afternoon in Market Square.

General sale tickets will go live this Saturday, September 25^th online from noon through www.santasenchantedcastle.ie with priority ‘sleep over’ packages to include entry tickets- already on sale – direct from hotel partner The Riverside Park Hotel.

Write By The Sea at Kilmore Quay

By Dan Walsh

The five-day Write By The Sea literary festival was opened this evening in Kilmore Quay by the Chairman of the Arts Council of Ireland, Kevin Rafter.

**Famine memorial at Kilmore Quay (File Pic)**

It is a virtual event this year again due to the Covid-19 pandemic because it had to be organised and finalised many months ago, but the organisers are delighted with the line-up of contributors and the event brings an autumnal atmosphere to the seaside village.

There is a series of workshops, readings, panel discussions daily and many recognised figures in the literary world are featured including Douglas Kennedy, Carmel Harrington, Fiona Ennis, Niall Ó Muirí, Paula Lowney, Mike Hanrahan, Jackie Hayden, Celestine Murphy, Tom Mooney, Peter Murphy and Colm Toibín.

The festival runs until Sunday and an online events programme is available. Booking and more information; writebythesea.ie

Death of boxing legend Mick Quigley

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Michael (Mick) Quigley who devoted his life to boxing and progressed from action in the ring in his younger days to referee of international standard and club trainer. He was 87 years old.

There has been many tributes. “St Aidan’s Boxing Club are very saddened to hear the sad news of the passing of one of our members Mick Quigley. Mick was a gentleman and was always willing to extend his help at all of our tournaments as well as all of the other club tournaments from all the other clubs too, never a man to keep advise to himself, he was always there to listen and advise anyone who sought out his vast experience in boxing, judging, refereeing or any other issues in our sport. It has been an honour to have known Mick and we as a club send our deepest condolences to his family and friends from far and near.”

“Arklow Boxing club are saddened to learn of the passing of Mick Quigley who was a great friend of boxing in Wicklow , Wexford and particularly Arklow. Mick was a top class referee and judge and began his boxing interest when he came to work in Arklow driving a lorry in the 50s and boxed as part of the Marion arts. Shows with contests being held between acts. Mick met and married Annie who hailed from St Patrick’s Terrace and visited often especially when our club held tournaments.

Mick while he could, officiated in our county championships tournaments and was a firm but talented referee. He had a dry wit and was hard to figure out if he was been serious! Anyone who knew Mick would agree he was a gentleman a good friend. A top class official and a big loss to boxing in Enniscorthy Wexford Wicklow and Arklow.

A native of Enniscorthy, Mick won many trophies with Arklow Boxing Club and Boolavogue Boxing Club in the 1950s and later trained young Boolavogue club members.

He was a founder member of St. Patrick’s Boxing Club, Enniscorthy. He was a popular and fair referee and had a busy schedule in championships and tournaments in many counties. He also coached young boxers and helped keep the club running smoothly and bringing national titles to the town on occasions.

He was also well known as a long time member of Enniscorthy FCA and was employed as a lorry driver with Wexford County Council based at the Machinery Yard, Enniscorthy.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Michael (Mick) Quigley, Greenville Lane, Enniscorthy, and formerly of Pearse Road, Enniscorthy. Peacefully surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of the late Annie, dearly loved father of Mary, Anne, Bernie, Teresa, Michael and Thomas and beloved brother of Tommy, Kitty, Lizzie and Mary. Sadly missed by his loving sons, daughter, brothers, sisters, daughters-in-law Eleanor, Audrey and Ann, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Reposing at Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy, for family and friends today (Wednesday) from 5.30pm, concluding at 8pm. Funeral Mass at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy on Thursday morning for Funeral Mass at 10am, which can be viewed online on the following Michael’s Funeral Mass. Burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Enniscorthy.

Murphy calls for ‘independent investigation’

By Dan Walsh

Independent TD for Wexford, Verona Murphy, has called on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, to appoint an independent investigator to the recent contamination of the water supply in Gorey.

Deputy Murphy brought the issue to the Dail today (Wednesday) in the form of a topical issue. She said; “The investigation into the contamination of drinking water in Gorey in recent weeks which is presently an internal investigation by Wexford County Council and Irish Water into their own activities will not resolve public confidence in the provision of clean drinking water”.

The Deputy added; “An Independent investigation must be conducted without delay, people could have died because of the mismanagement and communications debacle around this incident. The investigation into this most serious matter must be both transparent and yield real accountability and no scapegoating at junior staff level in either organisation.

“I have called on the Minister this morning on the Dail Floor as well as writing to him on behalf of the people of Wexford asking that an Independent investigation be conducted immediately, concluded Deputy Murphy, who added; “It is not best practice that an investigation of such a serious matter would be conducted by those involved, being judge and jury from the inside is neither transparent nor effective in ensuring this never happens again.”