Ballindaggin handler Sean Doyle made his own piece of point-to-point history today when he trained his 100th career winner – The Forge Hill – in the Mares Open Race at Stradbally, Co. Laois. The six lengths winner in the Monbeg Partnership colours was ridden by Duncormick rider Sean Staples.
Doyle is having his most successful season ever – 14 winners to date – and has been turning out winners for 14 seasons having recorded his first during the 2007-’08 season. He has also saddled a number of winners on the track. A popular figure in the bloodstock industry at home and in the UK Sean Doyle becomes a worthy member of the ‘century club’.
SEAN DOYLE (Pic; YouTube)
Michael Bates, who trains in the Kilmore area, saddled Coningbeg to win division two of the maiden race for mares of five years old and over. The verdict was three-quarters of a length and the successful rider was Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard.
Shane O’Rourke from Foulksmills was also amongst the winners at the Laois venue. He was aboard Jetango for former Kilkenny hurling star Kieran Purcell by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for five year old geldings.
There was also point-to-point action at Ballindenisk today where champion handler Colin Bowe recorded a double success. The Kiltealy handler saddled newcomer Pimlico Point, a three lengths winner for Barry O’Neill in the maiden race for four year olds.
He added division two of the maiden race for five year old geldings when Arizona Cardinal came home two lengths to the good with Harley Dunne up. Second victory in as many days for Blackwater-based Dunne.
Division one went to newcomer Dibble Decker, owned and handled by John C. Byrne from Kilmore, who has four horses in his care. Two lengths were the verdict and the winning rider was Conor Moore from Kilmore Quay.
No local winners at Bettyvile Park today with Strong Roots (8/1) runner-up behind Stealthy Tom for owner/trainer Richie Rath from Screen and ridden by JJ Slevin emerging as the only Wexford placed horse across the seven race card.
Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead saddled Bold Enough (1/2 fav.) in the novice chase and having last ran in a handicap hurdle at Aintree he added an eight lengths victory under jockey Mark Walsh.
Mallow jockey Darragh O’Keeffe enjoyed his trip to the showery south-east with a double. Ah Littleluck (11/1) scored by 19 lengths in the three-mile handicap chase for Trim trainer Tom Gibney and O’Keeffe rode Stealthy Tom (11/4 fav.) to a two lengths victory for trainer Enda Bolger in division two of the Neville Hotels handicap hurdle.
A most impressive winner was the Willie Mullins home-bred Ashroe Diamond (10/11 fav.) in the mares’ bumper. Ridden by Patrick Mullins the filly was just off the leaders after the final bend and ran away from the field in the closing stages to win by 14 lengths.
Afterwards Patrick Mullins said; “That was very impressive and that’s what she has been showing us at home. I couldn’t pull her up. Jackie bred her. It’s a fabulous pedigree.”
On a showery afternoon the going was ‘soft’ for the first five races and ground conditions changed after the fifth race to ‘soft, soft to heavy in places’ on chase course and ‘soft to heavy’ on bumper track.
The Tote aggregate was €177,311 compared with €75,737 for the corresponding meeting last year.
The pungent aroma of wild garlic was palpable, green foliage fought off the effects of torrential showers acting as natures protector, and nothing could prevent the exuberance of well-being or dampen the unequivocal and overwhelming support for 40 acres of protected woodlands, known locally as Courtown Woods, to be vested in public ownership. Public support has spoken loudly in one voice.
They labelled it a Woodland Appreciation Day calling on people to arrive at whatever time suited them, be it morning or afternoon, and to ensure a safe social distance of two metres apart.
While strictly adhering to Covid-19 guidelines and protocols the slogan was “We can’t march together but we can march individually!” Despite torrential showers there was a steady flow of walkers through the woods all day.
LORRAINE O’DWYER of Gallivanting Tours enjoyed the beauty of Courtown Woods on Woodland Appreciation Day.
A spokesperson for the organisers, Protect Courtown Woods said they are delighted with the public turnout and large numbers signed a petition that will be presented to Wexford County Council and councillors and Dail Deputies, and members of Wexford County Council are called upon for their support. Stickers and leaflets were distributed.
“We are asking for your urgent support to halt this sale of the Woods, request that Wexford County Council confirm full protection of Courtown Woods from further development and ensure that ownership of the Woods remain within the community,” it stated.
It is alleged that Courtown Woods is in the final stages of being sold to a private developer.
The matter was briefly discussed at this month’s meeting of Wexford County Council, however, members agreed to defer the matter to the next meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council for further discussion and a vote is expected to take place. That meeting takes place on Tuesday.
Two day’s point-to-point action at Necarne, Co. Fermanagh, (Friday and Saturday) with two Wexford riders providing the highlights – a treble for champion rider Barry O’Neill and a double for Jack Hendrick from Mayglass. And Cormac Doyle saddles a double.
BARRY O’NEILL
Barry O’Neill won the five-year-old geldings maiden race on Git Maker for Warren Ewing with 10 lengths to spare on Friday and returned on Saturday for another brace of winners aboard Sholsang by ‘a distance’ in the Adjacent Hunts’ Race and Winged Leader in the Open Race, both trained by local handler David Christie.
Jack Hendrick won the opening race on both days for the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and Ballindaggin handler Cormac Doyle. On Friday Call Her Now scored by three and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares maiden and on Saturday newcomer Curtain Tim added a two lengths victory for the partnership in the four-year-old geldings maiden race.
Ninth winner of the season for Jack Hendrick and 15th career total while Cormac Doyle was having his 10th winner of the season and his 30th training success.
Harley Dunne. Blackwater, enjoyed a two lengths success on Croagh Patrick for owner/handler Shane Donohoe in the maiden race for six-year-old geldings by two lengths on Saturday.
The N25 remains closed (at 11am) until further notice at Ballinaboola following a traffic collision last night. Diversions are in place.
Two occupants in their 20’s was injured when a car left the road and struck a tree on the N25 at Ballinaboola, near Ross, at 11pm.
They were treated at the scene by paramedics and removed to University Hospital Waterford where their condition is reported as ‘serious’ and ‘not life threatening’ for the driver and passenger, respectively. Gardaí are appealing to witnesses of the collision to come forward. Anyone with any information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Wexford County Council has lots to announce for National Biodiversity Action Week 2021, which takes place from May 15th-23rd and will make lots of exiting announcements reflecting support for biodiversity activities within County Wexford.
TOM ENRIGHT CEO Wexford County Council
The Council is committed to fostering a culture which promotes biodiversity, from actions at Municipal District level in the maintenance of public spaces, to central policies of banning chemical cleaners and implementing commitments under the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-2025.
Chief Executive Officer Tom Enright told WexfordLocal.com; “There is an inherent value in promoting biodiversity in County Wexford. The projects we are undertaking will have a significant impact not just on our lives, but more importantly to help secure the environment around us for future generations. Our efforts today, across different areas of our public realm, will support Wexford County Council’s long term goals in implementing the aims of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan, of which we are a very proud partner.”
Mr Enright continued; “The Council’s own practices in our outdoor areas, from leaving the cutting of grass to six week intervals where practicable and planting pollinator plants and trees across the county are a simple step to help the bee population. Each one of us has the capacity to contribute to a greener, more biodiverse future for Wexford.”
Farm families across Wexford and around the country have planted over 80,000 hedgerow shrubs and native Irish trees across the country since December, almost meeting the two-year target for the first phase of Glanbia Ireland’s nation-wide Operation Biodiversity plan in just five months.
Over 81,000 whitethorn, green beech, blackthorn and oak trees have been planted on farms since mid-December under the Glanbia Ireland subsidised initiative. These will provide shelter for wildlife and create special environments for biodiversity on farms and in gardens. Phase two is just underway and Glanbia Ireland is now focusing on boosting clover cover in grazed pastures to improve grass and milk yields and the environmental credentials of family farms.
JOHN MURPHY… Chairman Glanbia Ireland
Glanbia Ireland is also teaming up with its farmers, its loyal retail outlet, garden centre and online customers to lift the nation’s spirits as Operation Biodiversity II also promotes the use of pollinator-friendly seeds and colourful farm pollinator mixes. Glanbia Ireland Chairman and Wexford man, John Murphy, said farmers are eager to increase the biodiversity value of their farms and improve soil nutrition in a natural, sustainable way. “Operation Biodiversity II is all about maximising grass growth, incorporating clover and creating biodiversity spaces, including around farmyards, farm laneways, field margins, arable margins, watercourse margins, field corners and roadside verges. It’s a win-win for farmers as they can increase the biodiversity value of a farm, while maintaining productivity.”
The scaffolding is rising, and work crews are on site as changes to the Covid-19 restrictions on the construction industry are lifted for the €2.5 million extension at Wexford Arts Centre.
The project has been financially supported with a €1 million grant from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, with Wexford County Council providing the balance of funding.
Work has commenced on the extension to Wexford Arts Centre
In addition to some upgrade works to the existing building, a new part two/part three storey extension will be installed at the side of the existing structure. The new building will include a new reception area, new gallery space, a lift, improved and accessible toilet facilities, improved welfare facilities for staff and visiting artists and outdoor seating and landscaping. It was central to the project to retain the original fabric of the iconic structure, while discreetly introducing a state-of-the-art extension to co-exist alongside it.
An artists’ impression of the extension to Wexford Arts Centre.
The original building, constructed in 1775, forms an integral part of the fabric of Wexford Town. Nestled alongside the original town walls in the heart of the town it has been home to Wexford Arts Centre since 1974.
“I believe that the extension and upgrading will come as a welcome addition to the cultural offering of Wexford Town. Arts venues and performers have been some of the hardest hit over the past 14 months and so I was delighted to be there today turning the sod on this state-of-the-art facility. It is welcome news to artists and audiences alike,” said Mayor of Wexford Cllr Leonard Kelly.
It is estimated that the works will take 13 months to complete.
Wexford County Council is to update and modernise the New Ross Community CCTV system at a cost more than €100,000 with support funding up to €40,000 available from the Department of Justice.
The decision was favoured by members at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held with Microsoft Teams in line with Covid-19 guidelines and protocol.
The system has been in place for some 20 years and is in need of expansion and modernisation as a result of advances in technology and also increased demands from An Garda Síochána and the wider community for improved community CCTV services.
“I can confirm that the proposed refurbishment scheme, including camera locations and specifications has been designed in close co-operation with Gardai from New Ross Garda Station,” County Secretary David Minogue told the meeting.
Cllr Michael Sheehan proposed the scheme and congratulated all the people involved, the Gardaí, the JPC and the local companies working in tandem with it. Cllr Michael Whelan, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council and Chair of the JPC seconded.
Cllr Sheehan asked if areas or community groups wanted to be included and hadn’t been included yet, was this possible? He stated the Irishtown had been the scenes of anti-social behaviour in times gone by and while the cemetery does have CCTV the areas around it does not!
Mr Minogue said there would be a public consultation and an opportunity for the community at large to suggest some additions and amendments to the scheme.
THE THOLSEL, NEW ROSS
In accordance with Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, it is necessary for Wexford County Council to make application to the Garda Commissioner for approval to this significant refurbishment of the New Ross CCTV system.
The application can only be made with the approval of the Council, following consultation with the JPC and it was confirmed that this consultation with the Wexford JPC has taken place and that the JPC is in favour of the CCTV refurbishment scheme proceeding.
There was an endless amount of drama at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held with Microsoft Teams under Covid-19 guidelines and protocols and total confusion reigned as the members discussed the immense public interest in saving Courtown Woods as a public amenity and keeping it out of private ownership.
Cllr Andrew Bolger said it was positive that someone is taking over the Leisure Centre but there was an issue in relation to Courtown Woods. “I would have reservations around the sale of the woods to a private party because I don’t think no amount of paperwork or legal agreements in the private sector can protect the woods as well as we would be able to protect it as a Council. I am pleading with the Council to protect Courtown Woods and take it into public ownership,” declared Cllr Bolger.
In reply, Tom Enright, CEO, alleged that there was “a lot of misinformation out there and a lot of hysteria stirred up in relation to this,” and he went on to recall that a liquidator was appointed by the High Court to both the Leisure Centre and the Woods.
Mr Enright was aware that this issue is striking up a lot of public interest and the Council is being asked to take this on board? “We cannot interfere with the process that is underway with the Liquidator. We don’t have the resources to either purchase or upgrade the centre. We (the Council) are confident that the Liquidator is doing a good job and that there will be a very good outcome.”
Mr Enright said that it was heard on local radio earlier in the morning that the woods would not be interfered with in any process where it would be transferred to a private company.
Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr Garry Laffan proposed that the matter be referred to Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District (agreed) for further discussion when Cllr Diarmuid Devereux claimed he was not hearing any misinformation “I’m hearing a lack of information. I think there is a difference.”
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhán wasn’t sure what the misinformation was but he felt that if there was misinformation out there it was probably because there has been a general lack of community engagement, a lack of consultation with the local representatives and the local community so there would be some ambiguity around the whole liquidation process.
COURTOWN WOODS
And that appeared to be the end of the discussion on Courtown Woods until the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting in a few weeks time, but later in the meeting there was a dramatic development!
Cllr Diarmuid Devereux sought urgent clarification on a transcript on the news sheet (website) on South East Radio that implied that Courtown Woods are not going to be sold as part of the Leisure Centre and he began to read the transcript before he was asked to halt by the Leas-Cathaoirleach who called a 15-minute recess.
Then there was another sensational twist when the meeting resumed after the tea break. Mr Enright said in relation to Courtown Woods Neil Hughes of Baker Tilly (Liquidator) gave an interview on South East Radio in the morning and quoted Mr Hughes as saying; “South East Radio is completely wrong in stating that the Woods are not part of the sale. This is not true. He did not say that. What is up on South East Radio is incorrect and he contacted the station to remove the content from their Facebook account and their website!
“It’s pretty upsetting stuff, Chairman,” quipped Cllr Devereux. “Maybe it would have been no harm before he went on the radio to meet the local elected representatives – the councillors that represent the electorate in North Wexford. They have a right to know what has been going on.”
