The Irish point-to-point scene returned yesterday (Saturday) in a temporary format of four fixed races for four-and-five-year olds, geldings and mares, confined to selected race tracks. Cork played host to eight races necessitated by divides and raiders from Wexford won five races.
Racing began with the four-year-old test for mares where leading handler Colin Bowe saddled the first two home – Jenny Flex (Barry O’Neill) beating Harry’s Hottie (James Kenny) by ten lengths.
LUKE MURPHY had a winner at Cork yesterday.
The four-year-old geldings maiden race was divided. Sean Doyle’s American Mike scored by 20 lengths for the Monbeg Partnership with Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard, up in division one; and the division two winner was handled by Sean’s brother, Cormac Doyle, winning with Cool Survivor by four lengths with Jack Hendrick from Mayglass in the saddle.
And there was a Doyle family treble on the day as Donnchadh Doyle saddled First Glance to win division one of the five-year-old mares’ maiden race with James Walsh up. It was close with First Glance getting the better of Ramble West (Barry O’Neill) by three-quarters of a length.
Denis Murphy from Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, got his name on the scoresheet in division two with the Edelle Logan owned Scarlet Witch, a twelve lengths victory in the hands of Inch rider Luke Murphy.
The value of dairy farming to the rural economy in Wexford and elsewhere is highlighted in new figures from Glanbia Ireland which show the company paid a total of €136 million for milk in the county last year.
Glanbia Ireland has 672 farm families supplying milk in Co Wexford. The company delivered a solid performance in 2020 despite the global disruption caused by Covid-19.
Revenue for 2020 stood at €1.9 billion, down 2.9%. Of this, a 2.1% drop was caused by volume decline with the balance due to modest price deflation over the period. The company reported profit after tax of €61 million.
GLANBIA WEXFORD (Pic; glanbiaconnect.com)
There was a sales decline in the Agribusiness part of the business because of very favourable weather conditions, leading to good grass growth and a consequent reduction in demand for both feed and fertiliser.
The domestic food service element of the Consumer business was significantly affected by the three lockdowns during much of 2020 but was cushioned by higher retail demand.
The milk price paid by the Group for the year was an average of 35 cent per litre, inclusive of VAT.
Commenting, Glanbia Ireland CEO, Jim Bergin, said: “Covid-19 significantly added to our operational challenges in 2020 but the speed at which the management team acted and adapted to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all was exemplary. Keeping milk on the shelves throughout the past year has been exceptionally challenging and tremendous credit goes to everyone who played their part.
“Milk volumes in 2020 increased by 4.9% on a like-for-like basis and the Group paid over €1.083 billion to milk suppliers, an increase of 3.8% on 2019. This represents a significant source of income for farm families, for our rural and regional economies and highlights the impact of dairy farming on villages and towns throughout rural Ireland where our suppliers live, work and spend their farm income,” concluded Mr Bergin.
A 25 year old man has died and three others were injured in a single vehicle collision on the N25 Rosslare Road at Drinagh around 1.40am today.
The deceased was a passenger in the vehicle and taken to Wexford General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The driver of the car, a woman in her 20s, was also taken to hospital for treatment for serious injuries.
Two other passengers in the car, a man in his late teens and woman in her 20s, were treated for minor injuries.
The road was closed for several hours as forensic collision investigators carried out an examination of the crash site but has re-opened.
As the car came to the attention of Gardaí prior to the incident, the matter has been referred to GSOC.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and are particularly appealing to anyone with camera footage from along this route at the time of the collision to make it available to investigators.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
This afternoon’s seven-race card at Bettyville Park get off to a perfect start with a local winner in Mt Leinster Gold (15/2) trained by Colin Bowe by three quarters of a length in the Brendan Cullimore Electrical Contractors Rated Novice Hurdle.
ANTHONY KEARNS tenor and successful horse owner from Kiltealy.
A seven-year-old bay mare Mt Leinster Gold is owned by international tenor Anthony Kearns from Kiltealy and before today had won a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse and three of her four starts in point-to-points.
Bred by Kearns’ fellow performer with The Three Tenors, Ronan Tynan, this was a winning opportunity for Barry O’Neill who returned from Aintree where he rode in the foxhunters’ chase over the National fences yesterday.
Speaking after the race O’Neill said; “She jumped great and has done it nicely. She loves every bit of the three miles. “Whatever she does over hurdles, fences will be her game.”
Former jockey and American trainer Keri Brion saddled her final runner The Mean Queen (4/5 fav), which landed the Slaney River (Mares) Maiden Hurdle with Carlow rider John O’Neill up.
Brion, currently based in Enniscorthy but returning to Maryland, said afterwards; “I’m going out with a bang as I’m heading back to America on Sunday and there are nine horses including this mare coming back with me.”
Paul Nolan, who will be hoping for a big run with Discorama in tomorrow’s Aintree Grand National, got a little appetiser when Fortune Street (10/1) scored by one and a half lengths with Richie Deegan up in the M&T Plant Hire Maiden Hurdle.
Paul Nolan’s brother and assistant James Nolan said Fortune Street was winning at Wexford for the second time having won his bumper here. “He said he loved that ground. They have done a brilliant job here with the ground and it’s lovely, safe jumping ground.”
Sean Flanagan, (Tout Et Permis) who flies himself with Jody McGarvey (Alpha Des Obeaux) as his passenger, to Aintree for the National tomorrow, each had a Wexford winner. The Robinstown rider was aboard Getaway Queen (4/1) in the handicap hurdle and McGarvey was aboard The Cool Dude (11/2) for John ‘Shark’ Hanlon in the Traynor’s of Wexford Handicap Chase. The verdict was five and a half lengths.
SEAN O’KEEFFE rides in tomorrow’s Aintree Grand National
Ricky Doyle who won last Monday’s Irish Grand National on Freewheelin Dylan for Meath trainer Dermot McLoughlin was aboard Campagne Beauty (4/1) who beat McLoughlin’s charge The Echo Boy in a photo-finish to the Traynors of Wexford Novice Handicap Chase. Great success for Youghal-based breeder, owner and trainer Pat Fitzgerald.
And in the only other race on the card – the Garryrichard Stud Veterans Handicap Chase – top trainer Henry de Bromhead saddled Aintree Grade 1 winner Ornua (11/4 fav.) with Dylan Robinson up and enjoyed another Wexford victory for the Waterford man. There was only a neck in it at the finish with Ornua and de Bromhead depriving local trainer Paul Nolan of a double with the runner-up Fine Theatre ridden by Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe, who has his first ride in the Aintree Grand National tomorrow on the Willie Mullins trained Cabaret Queen.
Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort have seized almost 18,500 cigarettes with an estimated retail value of €13,120 representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of €10,350.
The illegal cigarettes, branded ‘’Benson & Hedges Gold’, ‘Benson & Hedges Silver’ and ‘L&M Blue’, were discovered when Revenue officers stopped and searched a Slovakian registered van that had disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France.
The search, which was carried out with the assistance of Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner and detector dog Gus, led to the discovery of the cigarettes concealed within the load. A Slovakian national in his 40s was questioned.
ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Picture)
Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort also seized 85 litres of wine. The wine was discovered following the search of an unaccompanied trailer, with the assistance of Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner, that had arrived on a ferry from Cherburg, France. The wine has a retail value of over €1,000 representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €550. Investigations are ongoing.
These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the importation of illegal cigarettes and alcohol. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.
A claim made on local radio on Wednesday that Wexford MEP Mick Wallace has been appointed “EU chief negotiator for Iraq’ has been contradicted by a spokesperson for the EU Parliament. And in a new twist tonight, Senator Malcolm Byrne has used social media to describe the actions of MEP’s Mick Wallace and Clare Daly as “just awful.”
A trip by two Irish Members of the European Parliament to visit a headquarters of a militia network in Iraq has been used in a YouTube video to promote the group after the MEPs visited a brigade headquarters of Hashed al-Shaabi in Iraq and criticised American foreign policy in the region.
MICK WALLACE MEP (Pic; YouTube)
Senator Malcolm Byrne claims that MEPs Wallace and Daly visited a Shiite Militant Group that has lured gay people to their deaths. “If their support for Lukashenko in Belarus and Hezbollah in Lebanon was not bad enough, this is really appalling.
“Ireland should always pursue policies in support of the protection of human rights and minorities. This is a core tenet of our foreign policy. These latest actions by two MEPs are just awful,” he concluded.
The trip is believed to have taken place just weeks after US airstrikes hit five of the networks’ bases, which the US Department of Defence said; “housed weapons used to target US and coalition troops.” Video footage of the visit released on the group’s YouTube channel on March 30th, shows Wallace and Daly, the latter dressed in hijab, inspecting a wall tiled with photographs of “martyrs”, before speaking to camera.
A spokesperson for the European Parliament told The Journal that the visit was organised in a private capacity, was not part of an official European Parliament delegation, and does not represent the parliament. It was added that all European Parliament committee trips and inter-parliamentary delegations inside and outside of the EU are cancelled due to the pandemic.
Great news emanating from Bridgetown Community Development Group following almost two years of application forms, tenders and the planning process, the green sods have been turned in the Village Field that represents an investment of €125,000 by Wexford County Council together with Town and Village Renewal and the Bridgetown Steering Group.
Tom Kelly of Paddy Kelly & sons are undertaking the works which will initially consist of a walking track, carpark, land drainage, landscaping and a multi-use all weather sports pitch.
Work begins on the Village Field at Bridgetown that will bring excellent facilities to the village centre.
The landscaping will consist of a park with seated areas, natural features, heritage items and art features. The walking track will include area with outdoor gym equipment. The car park will consist of 16 parking and two disabled parking bays which will service the new facilities and current playground.
Ollie Daly, Chairperson of Bridgetown Steering Group said; “This will be a fantastic facility which we hope will cater for all age groups and people in our village. There are things which we will need help in providing. The Bridgetown steering group will undertake planting, painting and in the future provide lighting for the area (ground works included at the start.
“We want anyone who is willing to come down and give of their time to assist with these physical activities. We will be calling on the young people in our community to assist with the project also. Through Bridgetown Vocational College, FDYS and School completion we will be engaging with young people to meet their needs and provide a safe place for them to meet and socialise. Their help will be greatly appreciated,” added Mr Daly.
There is a list of appreciation that includes committee members Diane Goff, Tracey McCabe, Maurice Cloney, Francis Goff, Phil McCabe, Jim Moore and Eoin Gorry (Bridgetown Pharmacy).
Thanks also goes to Yvonne Byrne consultant with Wexford County Council, Noirín Cummins and Dean Waters of Wexford County Council (Rosslare District). Carolyne Godkin, Director of Community Services and Cllrs Jim Moore, Lisa McDonald, Ger Carthy, Frank Staples and Jim Codd who have worked tirelessly to ensure that Bridgetown gets the facilities it deserves.
Ministerof State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, announced that 477 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a total of €3m under this year’s Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).
Fourteen projects across County Wexford will share funding of €94,800. Minister Noonan said: “In addition to supporting owners and custodians of historic and protected structures to safeguard and maintain their properties, this funding will also provide a welcome boost to local construction and heritage trades by facilitating works with a total value of over €15.5m and leveraging an estimated 19,000 days’ labour.”
THE WEXFORD LIST IS AS FOLLOWS;
Ballysampson House, Tagoat (stablisation of masonry) €6,500.
Orristown, Killinick (Thatching) €5,300.
Ballinahown House, Oulart (Stabilisation of masonry) €6,750.
Porter Lodge, Castleboro Demesne, Clonroche (Roof repair, structures and coverings including lead work) €7,000.
Yorkville House, Ballinabearna, Monageer (Replacement of outdated services) €8,000.
BELLEVUE CHURCH between the village of Ballyhogue and the River Slaney has been allocated heritage funding.
The announcement follows the decision by Cabinet last week to implement a limited, phased easing of restrictions from April until a substantial level of vaccination has been achieved, in the hope that a full re-opening of construction activity can be considered in early May. It allows owners and custodians to begin to plan for the months ahead. All work must, of course, be carried out in full compliance with Government/HSE guidance on Covid-19.
The BHIS is one of two built heritage funding schemes run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in association with the 31 Local Authorities. Through grants of up to €15,000, the BHIS assists owners of heritage structures – including those on the local authorities’ Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas – to meet their obligations to care for their properties.
The scheme is not limited to private dwellings and helps a wide range of other important heritage structures, including on this occasion, churches at Galbally and Ballyhogue.
Irish world boxing champion Kellie Harrington and track and field Olympian, David Gillick will be coming online to homes and schools throughout Wexford and beyond over the coming months until summer holidays begin.
Irish Olympic athlete, David Gillick and world boxing champion, Kellie Harrington have joined the Fyffes Fit Squad team to bring the message of fitness, healthy eating and an active lifestyle to children, parents and teachers between now and summer holidays. Their 12-week fitness programme will be broadcast in a series of videos to be viewed free online at http://www.fyffesfitsquad.ie
Joining the Fyffes Fit Squad team, Kellie and David will broadcast their approach to exercise and fitness in a 12-weeks programme intended to encourage children to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.
Created so parents and teachers can also participate, content will include new workout routines, warm-up exercises and cool-down stretches as well as tips on overall wellbeing and healthy-eating recipes.
Believed by Kellie and David to be “more important now during lockdown than at any time previously”, the 20-minutes long series of videos will see a new production released each Tuesday and Thursday all free to view on the www.fyffesfitsquad.ie website.
Described as ‘a fun and easy way to keep children fit and active’, live Fit Squad sessions have been attended by over 720 children in Wexford schools since its launch three year ago.
Irish Ferries has announced the addition of the RoRo passenger ferry Blue Star 1 to its Rosslare Europort to Pembroke Dock route and the ship chartered from the Attica Group is expected to commence sailings early this month.
Andrew Sheen, Irish Ferries Managing Director, said: “We are incredibly pleased to add a quality ship of the calibre of the versatile Blue Star 1 to the Irish Ferries fleet.
“This ship will be the fastest RoRo Passenger ship operating between Britain and Ireland and this will help ensure schedule integrity.
“The introduction of this ship underlines our commitment to the Rosslare to Pembroke route, the primary shipping corridor between Ireland and South Wales.
It also underlines our commitment to the significant contribution that this route makes in facilitating trade for both exporters and importers as well as facilitating essential passenger movements and future tourists as the country re-opens post COVID-19.”
Blue Star 1 was built in 2000 by the Van der Giessen de Noord shipyard in the Netherlands, the same shipyard that in 1997 built Irish Ferries Isle of Inishmore, currently servicing the Rosslare to Pembroke Dock route.
The Blue Star 1 has the capacity to carry up to 1,500 passengers, 100 freight vehicles and up to 700 cars depending on freight volume.
The ship offers a host of quality facilities including 192 cabins for freight drivers /passengers, self-service restaurant, café/bar, Club Class lounge, onboard duty-free shop, children’s play area and spacious outdoor decks.
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