WexfordLocal.com

Racing ‘D Day’ for all the Doyles

By Dan Walsh

It was an amazing point-to-point Saturday across the country as five handlers named Doyle shared eight winners between them at Loughanmore, Co. Antrim, and Ballycrystal at the foot of Mount Leinster today with Cormac (2), Donnchadh (2) and Sean (1) from the Ballindaggin family, Mary Ellen (2) from Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy, and Pat Doyle, (1) Thurles, Co. Tipperary, all enjoying ‘D Day’ success.

The rain dampened proceedings for a while at the Ballycrystal track where racing took place under the auspices of the Island Hunt for a competitive seven-race card.

The maiden race for four year olds was divided with division one resulting in a half-length success for the Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe stable with Tamgho Borget just holding off the serious challenge of Unanswered Prayers for Harley Dunne and Donnchadh Doyle.

Jumping action from today’s point-to-point at Ballycrystal

Cormac Doyle saddled his first winner of the season when My Immortal triumphed by two lengths in division two ridden by Jack Hendrick from Mayglass. Simultaneously, Cormac was saddling winner number two up in Antrim with Undersupervision winning the four year old geldings’ maiden race by one length with Tiernan Power- Roche from Tomhaggard in the saddle.

Sean Doyle’s The Forge Hill, a winner at Monksgrange last month won her third race with a brilliant jumping performance in the Open Lightweight Race with Jordan Gainford, Caim, enjoyed a local success.

Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe made it a double on home turf with Gallow Ford in the Winners of One race.

Denis Murphy’s chestnut mare Get Sky High was a one and a half lengths winner of the maiden race for five and six year old mares. The winning rider was Simon Cavanagh. Now in his 15^th year of training the Master of Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, was registering his 220^th victory as a handler.

Pat Doyle from Thurles saddled Flamenco De Kerser in the maiden race for five year old geldings, winning by eight lengths with his daughter, Susie, in the saddle.

The final race was for ‘older maidens’ and a first winner for Ferns rider Gavin Collier aboard Kingston King, by six lengths, trained at Craanford by Liam Kenny.

At Loughanmore, Mary Ellen Doyle had a first and last race double. The Mean Queen, owned by Rodman Moorhead, took the maiden race for four year old mares by six lengths with John James O’Neill up; and the aptly named One For The Yard, a first success for Downpatrick rider Toni Quail, won the race for older geldings.

Rob James and Donnchadh Doyle scored twice. First with Gringo D’Aubrelle by three and a half lengths in the second division of the four year old geldings’ maiden, and secondly, won the maiden race for five year old geldings by three lengths with Our Surprise.

Vincent Devereux made the long journey from Rostoonstown, Tomhaggard, to Loughamore in Antrim worthwhile when home-bred Mr Mantilla won his third race from four runs by one length in the Winner of Two race. The successful rider was Shane O’Rourke, Foulksmills.

€427,500 seized at Rosslare Europort

Revenue officers were granted a three-month cash detention order by Judge John Cheatle at Wexford District Court this morning (Friday).

This followed the seizure yesterday (Wednesday) of almost €427,500 at Rosslare Europort when, because of routine profiling and with the assistance of detector dog Flynn, Revenue officers stopped a UK registered vehicle boarding a ferry to Bilbao, Spain.

The cash is suspected to be the proceeds of, or intended for use in, criminal activity and is detained by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation.

A man in his thirties, originally from Poland, was questioned in relation to the seizure and investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

Kerosene spill in New Ross

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water working in partnership with Wexford County Council are investigating a kerosene spill in the wastewater network in Bosheen, New Ross. Crews are working to establish the extent of the spillage and will carry out a clean-up operation afterwards. While the clean-up works take place, there may be a risk of intermittent odours.

If odour issues are noted, please contact the Irish Water Customer Care Centre on 1850 278 278.

Irish Water is working currently with Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.

Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

New store opens in Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

A new shopping experience, Home Sav€rs Store, opened its doors at 5-8 Rafter St., Enniscorthy, this morning in a sanitised ceremony without fanfare or handshakes, just some brand coloured balloons at the entrance, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The second store in Co. Wexford (the other is in Wexford town) was officially opened by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, who said “Well done to everyone for their fantastic work on this store, and welcome to the team Home Sav€rs Enniscorthy.”

In a statement a spokesperson for Home Sav€ers said; “We are delighted to be bringing variety, choice and value to the heart of Enniscorthy, the town centre.”

The new Home Sav€rs Store opened its doors for the first time on Enniscorthy’s Rafter St. this morning

Located on the site of the old Dunnes Stores building Home Sav€rs adjoins Grants Pharmacy in bringing commercial life back into the building and the rejuvenation of Rafter St as a prime town centre trading area.

Originally founded by John Bolger, Hibernian House occupied this site, and traded as a quality drapery, millinery, and outfitting attraction comparable to the big Dublin fashion stores of the period. It was infamously destroyed by an outbreak of fire on Valentine’s Day 1948 but was rebuilt and traded until 1972 when sold to Dunnes Stores for £1.75 million.

Dunnes Stores traded on Rafter St. until 2006 when moving to a brand new store in the old Roche-Gibney complex at Irish St, which was its 150^th store.

Local councillors spent many years putting pressure on the owners to allow retail return to the old Dunnes Stores. Recently, a new local owner emerged and now the building is transformed into a popular extension for improved footfall in the town centre.

Lifeboat crews prevented ‘serious loss of life’

By Dan Walsh

“If it wasn’t for the work of the three lifeboat crews out in force eight conditions I fear there could have been a serious loss of life,” that is the opinion of Rosslare RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager David Maloney, speaking in the wake of yesterday’s dramatic sea rescue off Hook Head.

“I fear the vessel would have hit the rocks and there could have been a serious loss of life. The 4,000-tonne vessel came within a half a mile of the shore and Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay lifeboat crews had an incredibly difficult job in keeping it away from the rocks.

Mr Maloney described the situation. “The seas were huge, and it would not have been pleasant for anyone out there in those conditions. The lifeboat crews were out for over twelve hours in a callout that involved serious skill and concentration and I am tremendously proud of all three lifeboat crews involved. Thankfully, we did not have a tragedy today.”

**The cargo ship *Lily B* with a cargo of coal bound for New Ross Port in difficulty off Hook Head (Pic; RNLI)**

The call for help came in around 3pm when the Irish Coast Guard in Dublin requested lifeboats from Dunmore East, Kilmore Quay and Rosslare launch to the scene, just south of Hook Head in Wexford. The Coast Guard helicopter from Waterford, Rescue 117 was also tasked, monitoring from overhead and ready to assist with evacuation of the crew if needed.

In force eight conditions, Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay RNLI established tow lines onto the drifting vessel which was then remarkably close to the rocks. The two lifeboats maintained the tow and kept the cargo ship away from shore while a tug was en route from Waterford. Rosslare RNLI stood by.

Battling strong waves over six metres high, the three lifeboat crews worked together to ensure the cargo vessel stayed away from the rocks until the tow was passed to the tug on its arrival at 5.40pm. Escorting the vessels until they reached the calmer waters of Waterford Harbour in the early hours of Wednesday the lifeboat crews were eventually stood down and returned to station.

Additional funds for Justice and Equality

By Dan Walsh

Following his first Budget as Minister of State for Law Reform, Wexford TD James Browne has welcomed the additional funding for the Department of Justice and Equality within the 2021 Budget – a record €3 billion allocation to fund important changes within the Justice sector for next year. This amounts to an overall funding increase of 6%.

Minister Browne explained; “I’m glad to see that Budget 2021 increases our State’s investment in the Justice sector. Up to 620 new Garda recruits will be recruited next year while 500 administrative staff will be recruited to facilitate the redeployment of trained Gardaí to frontline policing. An extra €7.5 million will fund the purchase of additional Garda vehicles and increased telecommunications and vehicle fit out costs. A new Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory will be constructed.

“Additional measures will fund an inquest into the Stardust tragedy as well as courts service modernisation and prison service compensation schemes. Importantly, the Budget allocation enbles the implementations protections for vunerable witnesses in sexual offenders cases.

“Capital investment in the justice sector will benefit from an extra €50 million, up now to €258 million. This will lead to better ICT services within An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service. Over €27 million will go towards COVID-19 supports too”, Minister Browne added.

“Only place in Europe where church closure exists,”; Bishop Brennan

By Dan Walsh

The Bishop of Ferns, Dr. Denis Brennan has written a Pastoral Letter to the people of the Diocese of Ferns for the month of November in which he asks that the people of the Diocese now double down on their efforts to reduce the instances of Coronavirus and that throughout November (the month of the dead), they be mindful of those who are vulnerable, those who have died, and those who grieve.

**BISHOP DENIS BRENNAN… DIOCESE OF FERNS**

“Virtually every aspect of life today has been upset by the Coronavirus – from worship to learning, trade to recreation, travel to planning – all is adversely affected. Coronavirus has seriously stopped us in our tracks, and It has unnerved us greatly,” said Bishop Brennan.

He points out that what “was natural, normal or second nature now comes with a health warning – forbidden, dangerous, restricted or suspended, ”Now is not a time to lose heart, even with no guaranteed or immediate solution. That said, we are not helpless.”

“Let us keep heart by doubling down and wearing the mask, practicing hand hygiene, and keeping the required social distance.

The sheer numbers of good people in our parishes, their desire to reopen our churches in as safe and as reassuring a manner as possible in the weeks leading up to 29^th June – their creativity and attention to detail – was truly a marvel, an example worthy of much emulation, and commendation.

Right across our Diocese, church communities – in churches and in chapels by land, by mountain and by sea – accepted wholeheartedly, the challenge to not only reopen, but to do so, with both regard for best practice, and with very obvious joy.

Parish councils and local volunteers engaged in what can only be described as ‘a mighty effort’ of goodness and of generosity’; reopening with a broad smile and with a promise – ‘we’re doing all we can to make this as safe a place as possible, and you are very welcome back!’

“Being the only place in Europe where church closure exists in this instance, is clearly sufficient reason to revisit the matter, to reassess its necessity and to re-examine its appropriateness, and to consider the positive benefits of its being lifted.

As stated recently by the Catholic Bishops after their October meeting: “The communal celebration of Mass and the Sacraments – even with restricted numbers – is at the very heart of what it means for us to be a Christian community. These are not simply ‘gatherings’ of people, but profound expressions of who we are as a Church. For parishes, and individual Catholics, the loss of these spiritual supports can be a source of great anxiety, and fear, and can have a detrimental impact on their overall health and well-being.”

Prayers are offered throughout the month for those who have gone before us, and outreach to those who grieve, is planned, and encouraged. This year, November comes to us in a climate of added grief. We especially remember those who have died because of coronavirus, and we think of their friends and their families.

Bishop Denis Brennan will lead a Service of Remembrance in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, at 3pm, on Sunday, November 1^st to remember the dead of the Diocese and their grieving friends and families. “I am also inviting each priest of the diocese to do so, in his own church, at this time, and I ask you to take the time (3pm on 1st November) and to join with us online.

In conclusion, Bishop Brennan mentioned “the people of the diocese and indeed all people of kind disposition and of goodwill – I say a word of gratitude – gratitude to those front line workers who have stepped up and remain in service and in leadership; gratitude to practitioners of good example and pioneers of best practices; gratitude to good neighbours and those with a watchful eye for the more vulnerable – and gratitude to those many more long distance runners in our own family and friendship circles, who keep us gently moving forward, towards brighter days, and please God, towards a post Covid world, sooner rather than later.”

Cargo ship in distress off Hook Head

By Dan Walsh

Waterford-based Coast Guard helicopter R117 and lifeboats from Kilmore Quay, Rosslare Harbour and Dunmore East have been scrambled to assist a 100-metre cargo ship, the Lily B, which was discovered drifting about two nautical miles of Hook Head.

**ROSSLARE HARBOUR RNLI LIFEBOAT (Pic; Ray Millard/RNLI)**

It is a general cargo ship, built in 1997, bound for New Ross Port from Germany with a cargo of coal and sailing under the flag of Antigua Barbuda.

Dunmore East RNLI was launched at 2.45pm after receiving a call that the ship was “dead in the water”. It appears to have lost power in strong gale force winds.

A tug is on its way from Waterford and it is likely that the striken vessel will be towed to safety in difficult sea conditions.

A crew of nine on board. There are no reports of injuries.

Advance payment for 3,747 Wexford farmers

By Dan Walsh

Advance payments under the 2020 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), worth €34.857 million to 3,747 County Wexford farmers commenced yesterday (Monday).

**Crops growing in the shadow of Vinegar Hill**

Welcoming the news Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform told WexfordLocal.com; “These payments are a vital support for County Wexford farmers and contribute greatly to maximising income and cash flow in the sector in what has been a very challenging year for farmers.”

The Minister continued; “The BPS advance payment is commencing today at the earliest date possible under EU Regulations. The payment is set at a rate of 70%, which is an increase on the 50% normally allowed under regulation.”

Payments under the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (ANC) which started in September are also continuing as more cases are cleared for payment. The Minister added that “the advance BPS payment and the advance ANC payments taken together mean that some €974 million has now issued to Irish farmers in the last month.”

“Given the central importance of the many schemes currently in place, the Department of Agriculture has recently written to all Wexford farmers outlining the payment schedule over the coming months for these schemes”, Minister Browne concluded.

Drugs and cash seized in Enniscorthy

One male was arrested and detained following the discovery of a quantity of drugs and cash during a search in the Enniscorthy district on Friday night.

Gardaí seized €1,000 worth of cannabis, €640 worth of cocaine, €270 of MDMA and pills to the value of €100, and €16,000 cash.

Under Operation Tara Gardaí from the Divisional Drug Unit assisted by uniform, detective and the Revenue Drug Detector dog, Flynn, carried out a search.