WexfordLocal.com

Liz Doyle double at local Wexford track

By Dan Walsh

Local trainer Liz Doyle, who trains at Crossabeg on the outskirts of Wexford, was princess of Bettyville Park today where she saddled a double on a fine afternoon.

There was a cracking finish to the second division of the mares maiden race at with Yabo (3/1) getting the better of the Gordon Elliott trained Westcoast Tiger by a nose, with Sean Flanagan, Robinstown, New Ross, recently back from injury, the winning rider.

“I’m delighted. She is locally trained and locally owned and bred by Ned Power. Ned is just down the road and he is a bit under the weather at the minute. He said he was going to look at it and I’m delighted for him,” said Liz Doyle.

Doyle made it a double with Blaze A Trail (10/1) in the concluding handicap chase ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, Harveytstown, Taghmon, who was nursing an injury during the week. He is having a successful season and he is chuffed at riding winners on his local track.

Gordon Elliott was deprived of a double in the first two races by Westcoast Tiger’s defeat. He was compensated by the success of The Sliding Rock (7/2) in the first division for a three and a quarter length victory under Bryan Cooper.

There was a 40/1 shock winner in Gotthenod for Westmeath trainer Dot Love and jockey Simon Torrens in the handicap hurdle. That put an end to many punter’s winnings!

Four steeplechases on the seven-race card. Wins for Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead and Racheal Blackmore with Paloma Blue (2/1 fav.). Another favourite to triumph was Rapid Response (7/4) for Jessica Harrington and Paddy Kennedy in the beginners’ chase. Father and son team, Sean and Noel McParlan travelled from Newry to win with the family owned and trained Deadheat (7/1) in the three miles and one-furlong handicap chase.

Next races at Bettyville Park takes place next Saturday, September 5^th – details here on WexfordLocal.com later in the week – but it will be run ‘behind closed doors’ in line with government guidelines and regulations in regard to Covid-19 restrictions.

Saturday races ‘behind closed doors’

By Dan Walsh

Ground staff have been putting the finishing touches to Bettyville Park in preparation for Saturday’s race meeting which will be run ‘behind closed doors’ in line with Government Covid-19 guidelines. Sadly, no spectators are allowed on this occasion.

WEXFORD RACECOURSE looking fresh ahead of Saturday’s racing ‘behind closed doors’ under Covid-19 guidelines

Plenty of local trainers have runners and some local jockeys in action too amongst the 78 runners on the six-race card. There is a fine covering of lush green grass on the track, but recent heavy rain means that the ground conditions are likely to be ‘soft’.

THE CARD IS AS FOLLOWS; 2.30pm; The Extra Places On The BoyleSports App Mares Maiden Hurdle of €10,000 About 2 miles, 4 furlong.
3.05pm; The Live Streaming On The BoyleSports App Handicap Hurdle of €10,000 (Rated 80-102). About 2 miles, 4 furlongs.
3.40pm; The Money Back On The BoyleSports App Steeplechase of €15,500. About 2 miles
4.15pm; The Play Lotto On The BoyleSports App Beginners Steeplechase of €11,000. About 2 miles, 4 furlongs.
4.50pm; The BoyleSports This Is Betting Handicap Steeplechase of €11,000 (Rated 0-109) About 3 miles, 1 furlong.
5.20pm; The Download The BoyleSports App Handicap Steeplechase of €10,000 (Rated 0-102). About 2 miles, 4 furlongs.

All races will be televised live on Racing UK and on BoyleSports betting shop screens. Not as good as being trackside, but the next best thing!

Prosperous days at Wellingtonbridge

By Dan Walsh

The railway station at Wellingtonbridge is a desolate place these days, the remains of the 20-lever-frame signal cabin, platform and station buildings and some rusting tracks lie behind the level crossing gates, but the gaping landscape indicates that this was once a busy working railway serving a well populated historic area of south Wexford.

WELLINGTONBRIDGE RAILWAY STATION…now a wilderness for rail traffic

Located on the Limerick to Rosslare line, the station at Wellingtonbridge opened on August 1^st, 1906. It presented cross-channel travel in a way never before envisaged. From Limerick, via Waterford and Rosslare Harbour to Wales and London Paddington, and vice versa. It was possible to travel by rail and ship on the same ticket! It was known as a ‘through’ fare!

The railway system was a lifeline for the farming community and allowed access to markets far from their immediate location with wagons available for the transport of sugar beet, cattle and horses which sustained a healthy freight trade and offered multiple employment opportunities up to the early 1960s.

Wellingtonbridge enjoyed the seasonal sugar beet trade and was a major beet loading installation with local growers bringing their produce to the station where it was loaded on to wagons and conveyed to the sugar processing plants at Carlow, Thurles, Mallow and Tuam, which operated between 1926 and the cessation of sugar beet processing in this country in 2006.

The season lasted about 16 weeks and required 1,000 wagons, but sugar beet was a good source of income for farmers and south Wexford became one of the principal sugar beet growing districts in the country.

All stations on the line, including Wellingtonbridge had single cabins and island platforms with a running line on each side. Many of them had level crossing gates.

It could be argued that the arrival of the railway diminished Bannow as a commercial centre and transferred the trade to Wellingtonbridge, however, it is recorded that summer rail excursions once brought massive numbers of bathers to Cullenstown beach.

Changing times and the loss of the sugar beet traffic meant the station was poorly supported for many years and then the inevitable happened. Wellingtonbridge Railway Station was closed on September 18^th, 2010. It has been left to decay and may soon have the rails permanently removed and replaced by a 70kms modern ‘greenway’ from Waterford to Rosslare.

Euro challenge for Wexford primary schools

By Dan Wash

With schools reopening after a long lockdown the primary aim will be to return to ‘normal’ in the classroom as quickly as possible, and no better way than tackling a challenge. Primary school pupils in Co. Wexford and around the country are being challenged to get creative in how they learn and think about Europe through the Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland.

The Blue Star Programme teaches primary school children about Europe through creative activities and projects that complement the national primary curriculum. Each participating class carries out projects on history, geography, the Institutions of the EU, culture and creativity with a European twist. Teachers and their classes have flexibility to be creative and tailor their projects towards their own individual needs and interests.

**Enthusiastic students launch the 2020-2021 Blue Star Programme**

Among the variety of Blue Star Programme activities of recent months, pupils took part in online quizzes and a ‘Virtual Handshake for Europe’ on Europe Day; others baked European dishes at home and built Lego structures of famous European landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower!

Speaking about the Programme, Noelle O’Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland, told WexfordLocal.com “While it has been an understandably unusual and challenging year for pupils and teachers around Ireland, we were particularly encouraged to see the enthusiasm and creativity of pupils and teachers who participated in the Blue Star Programme during the last school year, largely from home when schools were closed. We were delighted to see a great number of participating schools complete the programme from home, finding new and innovative ways of completing project work.

“We look forward to another year of the Blue Star Programme as we are constantly greatly impressed by the imagination and innovation of both the participating teachers and their pupils.

Since its first year in 2011-2012, Wexford has had 34 primary schools participate, of the 1,100 schools that have registered nationwide, with every county represented to date.

Primary schools interested in taking part in the Blue Star Programme 2020-2021 can register until October 7^th, 2020. Schools are also encouraged to host an event for Europe Day on May 9th, in school or online. Further information about the programme can be found at www.bluestarprogramme.ie

Safe to go back on the beaches

Good news for anyone who likes a dip in the sea. Wexford County Council has confirmed that following recent testing, the water quality at Ballymoney, Morriscastle, Boley Bay and Duncannon has returned to the usual excellent standard.

As a result, the temporary prohibition on swimming at these beaches is being removed with effect from today (Tuesday).

Death of former Cllr Jimmy Curtis

By Dan Walsh

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy, is leading the community and county in paying tribute to former Cllr Jimmy Curtis, (82), 39 years a member of Wexford County Council, whose sad passing was announced this evening.

“This evening, a true gentleman, a man who was an institution in his area in all aspects of rural life departed this earth and we can be sure of one thing, he’s managing some tug of war team to a world championship – that wouldn’t be a first for him. My deepest sympathies to his family,” said Cllr Carthy, who added: “He shared that chamber for all those years with my late father, Leo.”

A native of Loughnageer, Foulksmills, Jimmy Curtis was co-opted to Wexford County Council on the Fianna Fáil ticket in May 1970 as replacement for John Furlong, Duncormick, who resigned. He was re-elected in subsequent elections and served as Chairman of Wexford County Council in 1983, 1986 and 1994.

Cllr Curtis was 39 years a member of Wexford County Council until losing his seat in the 2005 Local Authority Elections. His loss was attributed to the erosion of his support following the revision of electoral boundaries in his political heartland.

He was a member of the Co. Wexford Ploughing Association and Chairman of Wexford County Council in 1994 and was influential in bringing the National Ploughing Championships to Drumgoold, Enniscorthy, that year.

His other passion was tug o’war. He was one of the founders of the Tug O’War Association in 1967 and with his local team from Clongeen was successful locally, nationally and internationally and served on the European Tug O’War Federation for decades.

JAMES ‘Jimmy’ CURTIS, Loughnageer, Foulksmills. Former member of Wexford County Council, National Ploughing Association, Irish and International Tug of War Associations. Who died suddenly at home on 24th of August 2020. Cherished husband of Agnes, beloved father of Mary, Frank, The late Deirdre, Una, Edel, Colette, Seamus, Donal and Emer. Very sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. May he Rest in Peace

Due to Government advice regarding public gatherings, a private family funeral for Jimmy will take place on Wednesday, 26th August, in St. Aidan’s Church, Clongeen at 2pm followed by burial in the new cemetery, Clongeen.

Deepest sympathy is extended to his family on their sad loss. RIP.

Edenvale feeds off natures land

By Dan Walsh

Is not it a devil when a pleasant Sunday afternoon arrives and there is nothing to do! Well, the hurling final was on in the park, but the Covid-19 restrictions ruled that one out, thought about a dip at Curracloe, but parking upsets people there these days and to keep the peace staying away for a while longer is the wise choice, so the natural course of events was to escape into natures land.

I needed a novel approach! Something I could write about and share some light reading on a day when local news either did not happen or was hiding behind ‘closed doors.’ And so, I arrived at Edenvale. Had been there before, but that’s not a valid excuse for not returning.

Edenvale is about one kilometre on the Crossabeg side of Castlebridge village, once famed for its milling trade, shortly before the River Sow empties into Wexford Harbour, and, believe it or not – one for the table quiz – the southern most tip of the existing Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council jurisdiction!

Edenvale Nature Walk is about 2.5 kilometres long, has several waterfalls, and on the practical side, hides away a water pumping station that services about 200 homes.

The laneway is in good order although does not really favour cyclists because of its hilly terrain, but there are no restrictions!

**Outstanding in its own forest at beautiful Edenvale**

This is a place where time stands still in a wooded valley, very steep on both sides, coloured by centuries of afforestation, so old that some have succumbed to age and tempestuous weather, and have ended up sprawling both sides of the river.

The heavy rainfall of the past week has discoloured the water into a temporary brownish presence that is transferred into sheets of white cascading wash at the waterfalls. A shy freshwater river instantly grows angry and sends its natural energy into people’s homes.

Edenvale has always been a friend to nature. It has been mentioned in local guide sources since they first emerged from the printing press. On May 11, 1912, shop assistants were given the first half-day off from the town businesses, and many groups from Enniscorthy and Wexford chose Edenvale to celebrate the occasion, and as some vintage photographs record, they brought with them musical instruments with the most popular being the uileann pipes, banjo and bagpipies.

In the words of Wexford’s greatest historian and raconteur, Nicholas Furlong; “Edenvale became the Mecca for the day tripper.”

On my return home I have been trawling through different references to Edenvale and there is general approval that the beauty of the place is unparalleled, however, on the negative side, far too many images on social media showing ugly scenes of scattered litter appears at the touch of a keyboard.

While I was there today the place was busy enough. Family groups admiring nature, taking home images on their mobile phones, sharing a bubbly atmosphere and many a cheerful word, and even the canines were happy in the control of their faithful companion.

Respect was everywhere. Admiration for a green and thriving environment was at a premium. Edenvale was nature’s gift to those who dare to share. In fairness, the place was almost litter free, nothing of a serious nature, however, for the little guy who left his underpants on a fallen tree trunk…well, its dark colour did a fine job in disguising a moment of forgetfulness!

Church ‘strongly recommends’ face coverings

The Diocese of Ferns has reaffirmed its commitment to social distancing and proper sanitisation in all churches and buildings.

In a statement issued this week, the Diocese said the following; “In solidarity with the vast majority of our fellow citizens who actively promote and pursue as safe an environment as possible – in their homes, their places of work and places where they shop or gather – the diocese now ‘strongly recommends’ the wearing of face coverings in addition to the continuation of social distancing and sanitising in all its churches and buildings, as public Masses and services continue.”
Gratitude is expressed to local parish councils and church stewards who have overseen the safe return to public Masses and services.

Living history and heritage of Bannow Bay

By Dan Walsh

A visit to Bannow is always refreshing. Snooping in the footprints of the Normans who took full advantage of the beautiful bay to set foot on Irish soil for the first time in 1169 and changed the course of Irish history.

The well preserved ruins of ST. MARY’S CHURCH at Bannow

Today, the Norman Trail is part of our history and heritage. Many popular surnames owe their origins to the Normans, and, in physical terms, the greatest living legacy are the fortified ruins of St. Mary’s Church, believed to have been founded before 1200 AD.

The historic town of Bannow dates to the early 13^th century. It is recorded that in the mid-17^th century it had, at least, six streets, eleven proprietors, a castle, two stone houses, five thatched houses, seven cabins, one house, five ruined houses, and at least sixteen house plots, presumably deserted and decayed buildings as the town had been long in decline at that time.

In the opening paragraph on Bannow in Edward Culleton’s volume one of On Our Own Ground; Parish by Parish, tells us that “At Bannow Island the first Anglo-Norman soldiers disembarked and quickly established a town nearby which later gave rise to the story of the ‘buried city of Bannow’, although, in truth, it was never buried but simply decayed and was gradually covered by a thin layer of wind-blown sand.”

While in the ancient graveyard, I noticed a headstone erected by Peter Ffrench, MP, Harpoonstown, in memory of his parents and other members of the family. Ffrench himself was 85 years old when he died in 1929.

Born in Bannow, Peter Ffrench was elected on the Irish Nationalist Parnellite ticket for South Wexford in the 1893 election and spent 25 years in the House of Commons. He lost his seat to James Ryan, a medical student from Tomcoole, and member of Sinn Féin in the 1918 General Election.

Presumably, Mr Ffrench abstained from alcohol. On July 1^st, 1911, he addressed a large crowd at the Temperance Demonstration on Vinegar Hill, overlooking Enniscorthy, where he declared; “Our homes would be brighter, happier and more prosperous if we did not consume so much intoxicating drink. Our country would be more prosperous and more productive, our people more physically, morally and intellectually fit to fight the great battle of life if we did not consume so much intoxicating drink.”

And before we leave historic Bannow a glimpse out across the bay. The silhouette of Baginbun and the Martello tower points out to sea where generations of seafarers perished in the lonely shipping lanes known as ‘the graveyard of a thousand ships’

‘Do Not Swim’ notices at 3 Wexford beaches

By Dan Walsh

Do Not Swim notices have been erected at Ballymoney North (Blue Flag and Identified Bathing Beach), Duncannon (Identified Bathing Beach) and Booley Bay Beach (Green Coast each) after routine testing conducted as part of Wexford County Council’s bathing water sampling programme showed breaches of the mandatory levels for E.coli and Intestinal Enterococci at the three Wexford beaches.

**DUNCANNON VILLAGE. ‘Do Not Swim’ notices have been erected on the beach.**

Following consultation with the HSE, the Council has been decided to issue Do Not Swim warning notices at the affected beaches in the interest of public health and in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations.

Technical staff from Wexford County Council are currently investigating the matter and while the exact source of contamination is not yet fully identified, the elevated levels of E. Coli and Intestinal Enterococci may be partly attributable to recent spells of heavy rain.

Further water quality samples have been taken today and results are expected on Saturday. Beach lifeguards at Ballymoney North and Duncannon Beaches will fly a red flag indicating swimming is prohibited while signage to this effect will also be placed at Booley Bay Beach. Members of the public are requested to abide by these restrictions until further notice.

Wexford County Council wishes to assure the public that water quality results for 15 other beaches sampled along the Wexford coastline have been excellent with no issues encountered.

More information on bathing water quality can be obtained on www.beaches.ie