At the request of the Coast Guard, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat crew launched at 9.30am on Sunday morning to assist three anglers when their boat experienced engine failure close to the Brandies rocks, approximately one and a half nautical miles south of the Saltee Islands.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 9.50am. Sea conditions at the time were described as slight. Weather conditions were good, cloudy with a light south-westerly breeze, Force 1-2.
Having checked all on board were safe and well, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the boat to Kilmore Quay arriving at 10.45am.
Turning the sod on Phase Two at Enniscorthy Sports Hub last Friday led by Tanáiste Simon Harris, Ministers Patrick O’Donovan and James Browne, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, councillors and officials. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Sports Hub
Tánaiste Simon Harris and Ministers Patrick O’Donovan and James Browne were in Enniscorthy on Friday morning for the sod turning ceremony on Phase Two €600,000 development at Enniscorthy Sports Hub.
The Tánaiste was joined by Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Culture, Communications & Sport, and by Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, James Browne TD. Also present were Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllrs Pat Kehoe, Patricia Byrne, Aidan Browne, Jackser Owens and John O’Rourke; Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe, Director of Services Carolyne Godkin, executives and officials of Wexford County Council and sports groups. Claire Lawless, District Manager acted as master of ceremonies.
Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council explained what the day was all about. He offered “a special word of thanks to Minister Patrick O’Donovan and his Department of Culture, Communications and Sport for the generous funding through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Your commitment to supporting the project is deeply appreciated and we are grateful for your partnership in this endavour.
Cllr Sullivan said that back in 2015, a €1 million investment delivered a state-of-the-art 400 metres, eight lane, all-waether athletics track built to world class IAAF standards and in-field facilities with floodlighting and car parking facilities that transformed the sporting landscape of Enniscorthy. “It gave our athletes a home, our schools a shared resource and our town a hub of activity and pride from the many successes of our local clubs,” said Cllr Sullivan.
He continued; “Now with the development of Phase Two we build upon the legacy thanks to €450,000 funding support, we will see the construction of a modern building complete with changing rooms, toilet facilities, a fully accessible Changing Places facility and a versatile open space area that will support the growing number of users and clubs.”
“I also wish to thank Wexford County Council for the ongoing commitment and supporting match funding of €150,000 for the project,” said Cllr Sullivan, who concluded; “This is an exciting development for Enniscorthy, The facility will be an enormous benefit for the entire community providing essential amenities for athletes and clubs that will benefit generations to come.”
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Joe Sullivan and Tanáiste Simon Harris shared a few Wexford strawberries at the opening of Phase Two of Enniscorthy Sports Hub. (Pic; Slaney News)
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was Cathaoirleach in 2014 and she welcomed the digntories and complemented Enniscorthy Municipal District Council for its support for Enniscorthy Sports Hub.
Cllr Murphy said; “The fact that we are going to have Phase Two here is really going to make a difference and I’m sure all the athletes and their families and parents that are using it are really looking forward to seeing it in action.”
AUDIO ADDITION; Tanaiste Simon Harris TD speaking at the opening of Phase Two of the Enniscorthy Sports Hub last Friday morning.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said; “I want to commend the entire community and all project partners on reaching this important milestone. I have no doubt this facility will be a valued resource for many years to come, promoting health and fitness for people of all ages and abilities.
Today we lay the foundation for a space where ambition will be nurtured. This hub will help ensure athletes have the opportunity to thrive and stands as proof that our investment in sport is supporting growth and participation.”
Minister Patrick O’Donovan said; “The Enniscorthy Sports Hub project will be a key regional facility for Wexford, supporting local clubs, schools, aspiring athletes, while also attracting events and visitors to the area.
“With Irish athletes making headlines on the international stage, there has never been a better time to inspire more people to use facilities such as these. Through the LSSIF (Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund), we are delivering real results for communities across the country. I want to commend everyone who is involved in bringing this project to life.”
Minister James Browne said; “The Enniscorthy Sports Hub project is an exciting development for Wexford and will offer an opportunity for local athletes, clubs and schools to excel in their chosen sports. This new facility will also make Wexford a destination for all sorts of sporting events. I’m proud to be here as we mark the beginning of a new chapter for sport in Wexford.”
The colourful scene on Wexford Quay as thousands enjoy the Fleadh entertainment on the Gig Rig. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2025 Sunday
Even before a note was played at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 it was predicted by the organisers that “it would be the greatest Fleadh ever”, and how right they were with more than 700,000 people visiting over the eight days of ceol, ól agus failte mór go dtí Baile Loch Garman.
The public confidence in the successful event in 2024 inspired a greater universal interest and with the aid of marketing a household brand, aided superbly by the super summer weather that never weavered, and, of course, the families and crowds that took to the streets and the quayside – all the ingredients for a successful musical outdoor festival.
Today is the final day of the Fleadh and the crowds are enjoying every moment of it. It all ends on the Gig Rig at 11.30pm when Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will bid farewell to Wexford and prepare for 2026 in Belfast – and Wexford wishes Belfast all the enjoyment and success it brought to the south-east will transfer to the north-east.
We all have our memories of Fleadh 2025. President Michael D. Higgins and the First Lady, Sabina reminiscing about their great family memories of Wexford and being presented with farewell gifts as their 14 years in Áras an Uachtarain comes to an end with a Presidential Election in November.
World renowned tenor Anthony Kearns from Kiltealy sang‘Boolavogue’ (accompanied by Eithne Corrigan on keyboard) on the opening day – the crowd cheered loudly and Kearns loved every moment of it!
Then on Tuesday along comes Ed Sheerin, the world class performer with his roots in Monaseed, Gorey, who wrote a popular song about his grandmother called Nancy Mulligan.
He sang in The Sky and the Ground, entertained his legion of fans outside, dropped in to Mernagh’s of Oylegate and enjoyed food from PJ’s Diner.
The Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley turned up on the Gig Rig on Saturday playing the flute! Didn’t receive the same press coverage as Ed Sheerin. Broadcaster and former Minister for Agriculture Ivan Yates was also in town. And Elvis was present and performing on the Main Street during the week! Daniel O’Donnell was in town on Sunday and sang on the street and appeared on the live TG4 Fleadh television programme.
A new Guinness World Record was set when 1,018 musicians from Ireland and beyond gathered at Chadwick’s Wexford Park on Thursday to form the largest Céilí Band playing together.
Tunes played during the five minutes world record Ceilí Band achievement were ‘The Wexford Polka’, ‘The Gaelscoil Polka’, and ‘The Little Diamond’.
Glen Pollard from Guinness World Records officiated as the old world record was smashed.
For me personally, the highlights were simple; the tiny kids playing their instruments and singing along on the Main Street – these young talented performers of the future and their confidence at such a young age was impressive – and the crowds mingling with ease and without the worries of everyday living and working and sharing social time with their children, parents and grandchildren and sharing in the history of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
The lasting legacy for Fleadhanna 2024 agus 2025 is the giant Harp in Wexford Harbour (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
And appreciation for the executive committee and everybody who worked so diligently to make the Fleadh a success over the past two years. No reports of anti-social behavour or misconduct of any consequence and the traffic arrangements worked excellently. Well done all!
The lasting legacy for Fleadhanna 2024 agus 2025 is the giant Harp in Wexford Harbour constructed by locals under the guidance of Buí Bolg and it was from there the fireworks lit up the night sky on Sunday to mark the end of the Fleadh in Wexford and the beginning of plans for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast city. Slán go dtí Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann ó Loch Garman agus tá sé fáilte in Beal Feirste.
Enniscorthy will be busy on Sunday with the annual Patron taking place at St. Mary’s Cemetery and Enniscorthy Cemetery at 3pm.
An Garda Siochána say that a one-way traffic system will be in operation.
All parking will be in Quarry Park and the field adjacent to the new cemetery- access from Blackstoops Roundabout, there is no access from Borheen Hill side.
Traffic from Enniscorthy Town Centre to use Island Road to access carparks, any traffic coming from Enniscorthy town will be diverted down Borheen Hill to Island Road to Blackstoops Roundabout to access carparks.
Disability Parking will be in new cemetery and field adjacent and access will be allowed to carparks from either directions by stewards
An Garda Siochana and Wexford County Council appreciates public co-operation and assistance in keeping people safe at this event.
CONOR STONE-WALSH after his Wexford win. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Young Cleariestown jockey Conor Stone-Walsh kept the locals happy at Wexford Races this evening with a nine lengths success on 9/4 favourite Small Town Hero in the handicap hurdle.
It was the only local riding victory on day two of the Fleadh Cheoil week races following on from jockey Sean Flanagan’s double on Wednesday.
Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell saddled Mercury Mission (6/1) who scored by a neck under claimer Calum Hogan in the Nevilles Hotels Handicap Hurdle.
It was an eight-race card but a number of flights of hurdles had to be omitted during the evening due to low-lying sun!
Next day’s racing at Bettyville Park is in three weeks’ time – Ladies Day with fashion presenter Marietta Doran – on Friday evening, August 29th. See you there!
DO NOT SWIM notice issued for St. Helen’s Beach. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council advises the public that “Do Not Swim” notices have been posted at St. Helens Beach, 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 beach.
Following consultation with the HSE, it is necessary to issue “Do Not Swim” warning notices at St. Helen’s Beach 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 Sunday, August 10th, at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed.
The Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.
Further updates will be issued through the media and via the Council’s website.
Performers at Aistear with Director Garrett Keogh at the Westgate Heritage Centre tomorrow (Saturday).
By Dan Walsh
Eight Wexford-based artists will perform as Gaeilge in a very special event entitled Aistear, which means ‘Journey, or Odyssey’ directed by Garrett Keogh, and taking place at 2pm tomorrow (Saturday) in the Westgate Heritage Centre.
The artists, who have been learning Irish over the past ten weeks with local Gaeilgeoir and impresario Álanna Hammel, will share their new understanding of the language through a site-specific installation-concert.
The artists taking part include multi-instrumentalist brothers Lorcan and Cillian Basciville, spoken word and voice artist Suzanne Walsh, singer Farah Elle, performer and violinist Katherine Atkinson, storyteller and painter Onyedikashi Onwusor, multi-instrumentalist and singer Johnnie Fox, and guitarist Sam Killeen.
While most of these artists have studied Irish at school, Onyedikashi and Katherine grew up in Nigeria and Australia, and this is their first time learning how to speak the language.
It is one of six projects developed by Wexford’s Creative Ireland programme in 2025 that promotes the love and use of the Irish language across the county.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Joe Sullivan told WexfordLocal.com; “The Irish language projects developed by the Creative Ireland programme in 2025 have provided our communities with fun and innovative ways to understand and connect with Gaeilge.
“We congratulate all involved on developing this important part of our heritage, and encourage people to come along and see the wonderful results of these projects,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.
This Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 event is funded by Wexford County Council through the Creative Ireland programme.
By Dan Walsh at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town
GLEN POLLARD, the official from the Guinness Book of Records and adjudicator, waves the certificate and declares the record for the Biggest Ceilí Band in the world. (Pic; Patrick Browne).
A new Guinness World Record was set when 1,018 musicians from Ireland and beyond gathered today at Chadwick’s Wexford Park to form the largest Céilí Band.
Glen Pollard from Guinness World Records officiated as the old world record was smashed.
A fringe event for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, which was on its fifth day in Wexford town, the record attempt was inspired by the fact that the world famous Guinness Book of Records began in Castlebridge in 1954 and a local committee are attempting to seek every copy that was published!
Tunes played at today’s world record Ceilí Band achievement were ‘The Wexford Polka’, ‘The Gaelscoil Polka’, and ‘The Little Diamond’.
The Wexford record was attended by musicians from countries including the USA, France, Japan, the UK and Canada.
Instruments included tin whistles, fiddles, concertina, accordion, banjo, guitar, mandolin, drums, piano and uileann pipes, to name a few!
Unsurprisingly, following last year’s successful record for the largest tin whistle ensemble, the tin whistle was the most prevalent instrument played today.
The previous record for the largest Céilí Band was 384 people, and was set by The Late Late Show, at Croke Park, in Dublin, on March 15th 2024.
The small open fishing boat had launched from CAHORE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Courtown RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were called out on Wednesday evening to a small open fishing boat with engine trouble in tricky conditions and failing light following a 112 /999 call to the Coast Guard from a concerned member of the public.
The small open fishing boat that had launched from Cahore got into difficulties close to Roney Point after they had problems restarting their engine and were forced to beach the boat.
Courtown RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Frank, with three volunteer crew launched at 8.20pm in fresh conditions and proceeded to Roney Point where they quickly located the fishing boat. After a full assessment of the situation lifeboat helm Fergus Slevin determined it would be best to tow the fishing boat and its two occupants to the safety of Courtown Harbour.
Even though conditions were tricky with a fresh breeze, strong tide and fading light, the lifeboat arrived back at Courtown with the boat in tow as darkness fell.
The two occupants of the fishing boat were extremely grateful for the assistance of Courtown RNLI Lifeboat and thanked the crew for everything.
Courtown RNLI Inshore Lifeboat returned to station at 9.40pm.
The 15th annual Gap Arts Festival themed “A Rural Celebration of Culture, Creativity and Community” opens at Ballythomas, Gorey, this evening (Thursday) and runs until Sunday, with a vibrant programme of theatre, music, workshops, art, and family events that bring professional arts to the heart of rural Ireland. Founded in 2011 to “fill the gap” where professional theatre had long been absent, the festival has grown into a much-loved and vital cultural event, praised by the European Festivals Association as “a unique festival” and nominated for the European Rural Inspiration Award for its success in community engagement.
This year marks a major milestone as the Festival produces its own theatre production. Each evening, the festival will open with a special screening of Wagon Wheels, a short documentary film by local director Terence White. The film explores the rich folk-art tradition of painting Traveller barrel-top wagons, a beautiful and culturally significant practice captured through a sensitive local lens. Following the screening, audiences will experience the headline theatrical performance: Shep by Garrett Keogh. Following sell-out runs at the Galway International Arts Festival and Kilkenny, the critically acclaimed play Shep comes home to Wexford. Set in rural Ireland, Shep is a magical realist tale where a black and white collie meets a golden Labrador – but does the course of love ever run smooth…? Performed by a stellar cast including Luke Griffin, Noni Stapleton, and Pat Nolan – this gripping and imaginative production conjures dogs, storms, tractors, forestry lorries, sheep and blood… (N.B.; Not suitable for children). Continuing its mission to nurture local talent and participation, the festival features two exciting community-led projects:
● Music Mentoring: Experienced musicians coach the next generation of singers and players in a dynamic learning environment.
● Subh Dubh – Cnuasach na Tíre: A unique bilingual foraging and food project exploring the rich tradition of local hedgerow fruits, culminating in jam, jelly, and cordial making. Supported by Creative Ireland and Wexford County Council.
● Family Movie Night – Shrek the Third under the stars in the Community Field, a beloved late-night tradition.
● Drop-In Family Art Day – Saturday at Ballythomas School: hands-on painting, facepainting, circus skills with Boggle Circus, market stalls, food, and for the first time, a live-action game of Dungeons & Dragons!
● Photography Exhibition – The Gap Camera Club, born from LEADER-funded training, presents a month-long exhibition at The Gap Pub, opening August 7.
● The Soul Cowboys bring high-energy R&B to the Gap Pub Yard on Saturday night, followed by Boss DJ spinning classic reggae and ska sounds.
● Grand Finale – Magical Moments Concert: Four beloved local groups—Askamore Singers, Ballyfad Choir, Gorey Ukes, and Kindred Folk—join forces in a joyful, family-friendly celebration at Ballythomas School on Sunday at 12.30pm.
Celebrating Culture Where It’s Needed Most Recognised by the Arts Council for creating vital arts infrastructure in a rural area, the Gap Arts Festival continues to bring culture to places it might otherwise not reach.
With generous support from the Arts Council, Wexford County Council Arts Department, Gorey-Kilmuckridge District, and the incredible generosity of local donors, the festival continues to enrich lives and strengthen community ties. Join in the fun at Ballythomas this August 7–10 for a truly unforgettable celebration of creativity, connection, and rural imagination.
WexfordLocal.com 