WexfordLocal.com

Wexford Water Conservation Order still active

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann informs customers in Wexford that a Water Conservation Order (hosepipe ban) remains in effect in County Wexford until September 16th.

The restrictions include the use of garden hoses and other non-essential water uses.

The Order was put in place following a long period of dry weather combined with high demand, placing severe pressure on water supplies across the county.

Met Éireann reports that Wexford had much less rainfall than usual from May to July. A total of 158.9 mm of rainfall was measured by Met Éireann at JohnstownCastle weather station during this period, compared to an average of 219.6mm for the same months in previous years —over 27% less rainfall recorded locally.

Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services. While it may often feel like Ireland receives plenty of rain, the data shows the past 12 months have been unseasonably warm and dry. As a result, water sources across Wexford have not had their usual seasonal recharge.

“In response, we have ramped up efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management. With demand continuing to outstrip supply in some areas — and further dry weather anticipated — we are reminding the public that the Water Conservation Order remains in place to help protect the local water supply.

“Our data clearly shows that warm weather drives a significant increase in water demand, particularly for non-essential uses like gardening and outdoor cleaning. For example, using a hosepipe for just one hour can use as much water as a family typically consumes in an entire day.

“We will continue to monitor water consumption while the Order remains in place. Protecting our water supply is essential if we are to avoid more severe restrictions or supply interruptions in the weeks and months ahead,” stated Ms. Callery.

Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network 24/7 by calling 1800 278 278 or visiting water.ie.

€88,750 for sports and physical activity

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Fine Gael TD, Brian Brennan, has informed WexfordLocal.com that €88,750 from the Dormant Accounts Fund will be used to invest in community sports and physical activity initiatives in Wexford.

Deputy Brennan said this funding will help ensure that new opportunities and new sports are opened to people of all abilities and backgrounds across the county.

Deputy Brennan “I am delighted to see funding of €88,750 for sports and community initiatives in Wexford.

“The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions to be used for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.

“Across the country, there is over €4 million available which will be crucial for ensuring everyone has the chance to lead a more active and healthier life.

“In Wexford, we’ll see €33,000 for our sports hubs, €29,750 for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and €6,000 for “Her Moves”, said Deputy Brennan, who added; “I am particularly happy to see funding of €20,000 towards programmes for volunteers and upskilling in Wexford. Our volunteers keep our initiatives running smoothly and we must offer them the opportunity to get all the training they need.

“Our sports clubs are at the heart of our community, bringing people of all backgrounds together. Through this funding I hope that even more people will be able to enjoy the benefits that sports participation and a healthy lifestyle can bring,” concluded Deputy Brennan, who has public offices in Arklow and Gorey.

Wexford teenager is safe and well

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí in Wexford have confirmed that missing teenager Abbie Reid has been located ‘safe and well’.

The 14-year-old, had been reported missing from her home at Duncormick on Friday, August 8^th.

Gardaí say that ‘no further action is required’ and have expressed thanks to the media for their help.

Search for missing Wexford teenager

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí in Wexford are seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing teenager Abbie Reid.

The 14-year-old, who was reported missing from her home at Duncormick on Friday, August 8^th, is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a medium build, brown eyes and long brown hair.

When last seen, Abbie was wearing a red shirt and black leggings.

Anyone with information on Abbie’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on (053) 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

€309,457 for outdoor projects in County Wexford

**Even though renowned landmark Vinegar Hill can be seen from space, €40,000 has been allocated for local signposting.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

North Wexford – South Wicklow Fine Gael TD Brian Brennan welcomed €309,457 in funding for Wexford outdoor recreation projects announced Thursday under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

The eight projects announced include enhancement works on walking and cycling trails, improvements to signage, provision of parking and trail furniture, improvements to accessibility and support for the marketing and promotion of our outdoor recreational facilities.

Among the projects being funded include walking trails, mountain access routes and outdoor swimming amenities such as;

€49,500 for Blackstairs Recreation Trail and a Feasibility Study for a walking and cycling trail connecting Bunclody, Kiltealy, Killanne, Templeudigan and Ballywilliam to include drawings costing and assessments.

€40,000 to erect signposts along footpaths from Enniscorthy old bridge and surface works to Vinegar Hill lane and signage to all trail links.

€40,000 for upgrade works to access lane at Ringwood trail at Kilcarbry, near Enniscorthy.

€40,000 for resurfacing and drainage works to Crory lane on the Crory Lane link to Edenvale near Castlebridge.

€38,052 to erect an accessible viewing stand and lay 50 metres of beach mats at Morriscastle beach.

**Carrigfoyle Lake near Barntown to have cycle trail to Taghmon.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

€36,000 for the creation of a 7.5km on-road cycle trail with signage from Taghmon to Carrigfoyle.

€35,900 for Rosslare Harbour Cliff walk restoration to rehabilitate 3km of trail by re-routing 140 metres, resurfacing 750 metres of trail and repair trail surface water damage.

€30,000 for Sweetalk in Ramsfort Woods, Gorey, for trail path replacement and resurfacing of 200 metres of existing trail with macadam surface and provision of planting.

Deputy Brennan told WexfordLocal.com; “We are extraordinarily lucky to live in a place with such an abundance of natural beauty and it is really important that we continue to invest in the infrastructure to ensure that these areas are accessible and open for use.

“Funding provided under this scheme continues to deliver and enhance our recreational offering which is of huge importance to us from a community wellbeing perspective, as well as being a catalyst for tourism in rural areas,” said Deputy Brennan, who added; “I want to commend the various community groups who collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and enhance recreational amenities in their locality.”

Death of Wexford-born champion jockey

**TOMMY MURPHY on board Vincent O’Brien’s Try My Best in 1977.** ({Pic; *Irish Racing Annual 1977-’78*).

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Kilmore-born jockey Tommy Murphy, (88), who was champion jockey on the Flat in Ireland in 1978, rode a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, two Irish classics and was associated with the greats of Irish racing – Vincent O’Brien and Aidan O’Brien.

Born on September 11th 1936, into a family involved in farming and fishing at Neamstown, Kilmore Quay, Murphy left school at 14 and began his apprenticeship with trainer and grain merchant Milo Walshe at Kilmacthomas in County Waterford.

He rode his first winner on the Walshe-trained Fabrice at Phoenix Park in 1954.

Two years later, he moved to Britain with his young wife Celia. After a brief spell at Epsom, he spent four years at the Duke of Norfolk’s Arundel Castle stables. He also spent time with Fred Rimmell at Kinnersley.

In 1964, he returned to Ireland to work for Clem Magnier at Athboy in County Meath. He developed a good relationship with Magnier, a shrewd dual-purpose trainer whose distinctively white-bridled runners often inflicted serious damage on the bookmakers.

Murphy was also a notably polished rider over hurdles. He won the Galway Hurdle twice, on Dictora for Magnier in 1970 and Hardboy for Richard McCormick in 1972.

His triumph on Noble Life for Christy Grassick in the 1972 Gloucestershire Hurdle (now the Supreme Novices’) at the Cheltenham Festival was especially sweet.

He rode 66 winners in his championship-winning season in 1978.

Murphy’s two Classic wins came in 1977, both for Vincent O’Brien. He partnered the Robert Sangster-owned debutante Lady Capulet to win the Irish 1,000 Guineas and captured the Irish St Leger on Transworld in Simon Fraser’s colours.

Fittingly, Murphy’s final winner, Lords in a juvenile maiden at Leopardstown in October 1981, was supplied by the maestro who transformed his career and then ensured, after a short spell on the Curragh with Mick O’Toole, that he became a key member of the team, working at Ballydoyle until the end of Vincent O’Brien’s career.

He moved to Ballydoyle in his late 30s, which brought about his championship-winning season. His final winner came at Leopardstown in October 1981, after which he became a key member of O’Brien’s team until the end of his career.

Wexford-born champion trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “Tommy was an unbelievable horseman, jockey and person. He was an incredible help to us when we came to Ballydoyle [in 1994]. He taught everybody here so much about so many different things. Even when he retired, he came in all the time to give everyone advice and guidance. He was one of those irreplaceable men.

“He was a great rider, too, just an incredible and special man. Andrew [Tommy’s son and head lad at Ballydoyle] is in charge of the Giant’s Causeway yard, where all our main horses are kept.”

FAMILY NOTICE; TOMMY MURPHY, Ballydoyle, Rosegreen, Cashel, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Athboy, Co. Meath and Neamstown, Kilmore, Co. Wexford. August 13th 2025, peacefully in the loving care of all the Staff at Croí Óir, Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel. Tommy, beloved husband of the late Celia. Sadly missed by his loving family Helen, Thomas, Andrew, Margaret, Jennifer and Sarah, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters Mary and Betty, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

May He Rest In Peace.

Reposing in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Rosegreen this Friday evening from 5.30pm with Funeral Prayers at 7.30pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday in St. James’ Church, O’Growney Street, Athboy at 11am. Burial in St. Lawrence’s Churchyard, Rathmore.

Swimming prohibited at Rosslare Strand and Ballyhealy beaches

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has posted “Do Not Swim” notices at Rosslare Strand and Ballyhealy Beaches, Co. Wexford.

The latest sampling conducted as part of the Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water quality, showed elevated levels of bacteria at the Beaches.

Following consultation with the HSE, it is necessary to issue “Do Not Swim” warning notices at Rosslare Strand and Ballyhealy beaches in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.

Further samples have been taken, and results are expected on Saturday 16^th August, 2025 at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed.

The Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.

Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beaches to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.

Further updates will be issued through the media and via the Council’s website

https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/environment-and-climate-change

Two men held after €120,000 drugs find

Two men in their 20s and 30s were arrested after €120,000 worth of cannabis was found during two searches in County Wexford on Wednesday.

Around six kilograms of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €120,000 was seized during a search of a residential property.

In a follow-up search, a further 1.5 kilograms of herbal cannabis valued at €30,000 and around 250g of suspected cocaine with an estimated value of €17,500 were seized.

Two men, in their 20s and 30s, were arrested by An Garda Síochána and are currently detained at a Garda Station in the southeastern region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

The searches were part of an intelligence-led joint operation with Revenue’s Customs Service, Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, and the Enniscorthy Drugs and Crime units.

Investigations are ongoing.

Courtown and Riverchapel Town Plan

Pictured at the public consultation for the Draft Courtown Riverchapel Town Centre First Plan at the Tara Vie Hotel, Courtown, on Monday were (left to right); Cllr Nicky Boland, Conor Norton, Consultant, Liz Hore, Director of Services Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Sandra Dignam and Pauline Carroll from the Town First Committee.

By Dan Walsh in Courtown

A draft copy of the Courtown and Riverchapel Town Centre First Plan went to public consultation at the Tara Vie Hotel, Courtown, on Monday, and there was strong interest in the 48-page comprehensive document that is in its early stage.

Town First Regeneration Officer at Wexford County Council, Mick McCormack was on hand to deal with any enquiries about the plan and he told WexfordLocal.com that there was strong interest in the plan and he answered queries and addressed local concerns and all of this information will be forwarded to the next stages of the plan before its final publication.

The Courtown and Riverchapel Town Centre First Plan sets out a comprehensive and community driven vision to guide the long term regeneration of the town centre.

The plan integrates economic, social, environmental and spatial strategies to ensure that Courtown and Riverchapel thrives as a vibrant, inclusive, and climate resilient coastal twin settlement.

The key regeneration projects include Riverchapel Community Centre, a multi-purpose facility for health, youth, education and community services.

Courtown Marina and Beach Nourishment Project such as coastal protection and marine tourism.

A Maritime Activity and Heritage Centre featuring a new multi-purpose centre for sports, recreation, maritime heritage, environmental protection and awareness and other services integrated as part of a marine tourism hub.

Plans for a mixed-use community and enterprise hub at Courtown such as a civic and enterprise space for digital innovation, social enterprise and lifelong learning.

Also in the plan is a section entitled “public realm enhancements” that includes improvements to main streets, promenades, walkways and civic spaces in Courtown and Riverchapel.

Record 800,000 attended 2025 Wexford Fleadh

**Commodore John Barry, founder of the American Navy, at Crescent Quay enjoys a prime view of the fireworks over Wexford Harbour as Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2025 concludes late Sunday night.** (Pic; *Patrick Do*novan).

By Dan Walsh at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2025 in Wexford town

After eight sun drenched days of song, story, dance, ceol agus craic, friendship and nostalgia for all ages, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 ended with a colurful fireworks display from the Fleadh Harp on Wexford Harbour late on Sunday night.

The Fleadh will be memorable for all of us and for different personal reasons, however, it is confirmed that 800,000 visitors experienced the magic of Wexford town last week – a record attendance at the Fleadh which was first held in Mullingar in 1951!

In a poignant ceremony on the Gig Rig, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan transferred the goodwill and best wishes of Fleadh 2026 to the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Tracey Kelly. It was in the form of a hand-crafted harp, carved from 4,000 year old bog oak. This will form the perpetual tribute to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 has been a memorable event for the people of Wexford. The music, the dancing, the atmosphere – it will live on in our memories for years to come. We will look back on the Fleadhanna Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 and 2025 as iconic events in the history of our town, bringing joy to so many”.

Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Gary Laffan commented; “The Fleadh Cheoil has been a great success for the people of Wexford. From the comments we are hearing, it is widely regarded as the most successful Fleadh ever and we are very proud of that. The people of Wexford have embraced the Fleadh, the culture, the music and the Irish language and I hope we will see this legacy thrive in Wexford for years to come.”

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe said; “We estimate that at least 800,000 people attended Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. These figures are derived in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and numbers using the car parks and public transport in the town. There was a palpable buzz all week, and the event as a whole far exceeded our expectations based on 2024.

“We are delighted to have delivered a safe and enjoyable event for so many. I would like to thank the many agencies we worked with, who all helped to make the Fleadh happen – the gardai, the health service, the voluntary services, council teams, security and event control personnel and so many more. We simply couldn’t have made the fleadh the event it was, without them,” said Mr. Taaffe.

Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ard-Stiúrthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann said; “The number of 800,000 fleadh fans at this year’s fleadh is indicative of the unparalleled resurgence in Irish traditional culture. It is truly a peoples’ fleadh, rooted in local communities and now extended to twenty-two countries worldwide. The fleadh in Wexford this year sets the tone for what we predict, when we go to Belfast, will be one of the greatest examples ever of reconciliation, all of us together without exception, celebrating the same culture.”