It may seem like a long way off, but the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee has announced the fixtures list for the so-called Autumn 2025 point-to-point calendar which runs from October until December.
The list includes;
Sunday, October 19th; Shillelagh & District at Fairwood, Tinahely.
Saturday, October 25th; Island Hunt at Peppards castle, Kilmuckridge.
Sunday, November 9th; Wexford Hunt at Knockmullen House, New Ross.
Sunday, November 16th; Wicklow Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely.
Sunday, November 23rd; Killinick Harriers at Lingstown, Tomhaggard.
Sunday, November 30th; Carlow Farmers at Borris House, Co. Carlow.
Sunday, December 7th; Ballinagore Harriers at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy.
Pictured during the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism Committee visit to Rosslare Europort were (left to right): Maciej Wąsik MEP (Poland), Nina Carberry MEP (Ireland), Asger Christensen MEP (Denmark), Siegbert Droese MEP (Germany), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP (Ireland), Glenn Carr (Commercial Director, Rosslare Europort), Dariusz Joński MEP (Poland), Annamaria Vicsek MEP (Hungary), Paula Roche (CEO, County Wexford Chamber), and Conor Robinson (President, County Wexford Chamber).
By Dan Walsh
This week, County Wexford hosted the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism Committee (TRAN) for discussions on transport infrastructure and offshore renewable energy in Ireland and Europe.
The visit on Tuesday was hosted by County Wexford Chamber and spanned several strategic sites across Rosslare and Wexford Town.
The delegation was led by Chair Dariusz Joński MEP and included Members of the European Parliament from Ireland (Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Nina Carberry), Poland (Dariusz Joński and Maciej Wąsik), Hungary (Annamaria Vicsek), Germany (Siegbert Droese), and Denmark (Asger Christensen). The visit was further supported by George Lawlor TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, and the Cathaoirligh and Leas-Cathaoirligh of Municipal Districts from across County Wexford.
The visit began with a private tour of Roche Logistics Group in Rosslare, hosted by Managing Director Damien Roche, with opening remarks from Dariusz Joński MEP, chairperson of TRAN.
At Rosslare Europort, Irish Rail’s Director of Commercial Business Units, Glenn Carr, and his team outlined the port’s impressive transformation to date, clearly demonstrating the impact of the €150 million received through the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR).
Mr Carr also shared ambitious plans for a further €220 million investment from the Irish Government, which would enable the development of a dedicated Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) hub. This is a critical asset in meeting Ireland’s target of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving 5GW of offshore wind capacity.
Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Roads & Transport at Wexford County Council, highlighted the Government’s ongoing investment in the region’s strategic road network:
€400 million investment delivered the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy bypass in 2019
€230 million funded the New Ross bypass, opened in 2020
Wexford County Council is confident of securing a further €400–500 million from the €200 billion National Development Plan to complete the critical N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour bypass – vital for the long-term success of Rosslare Europort and for strengthening the broader transport and logistics network.
The event was also addressed by Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber, and Cllr. Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council. The session also included an open floor Q&A led by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, inviting dialogue between European delegates and Irish stakeholders.
The event was supported by over 60 industry representatives, including Irish Rail, MARA, Irish Road Haulage Association, Irish Farmers’ Association, DFDS, Brittany Ferries, Roche Freight, Nolan Transport, Perennial Freight, Breen Transport, Baku GLS, DPD, Danone, Sulzer, Wexford Bus, Midland Tyre Services, CustomsAgent.ie, Waterford Airport, and Waterford Port.
The day concluded with a networking lunch at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, where guests enjoyed a showcase of local food excellence from Mór Taste, Slaney Farms, Zaeire Artisan Chocolates, Killowen Farm, Wexford Home Preserves, and Greenhill Fruit Farm.
Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber,told WexfordLocal.com: “This visit was a powerful moment for County Wexford, reflecting our region’s importance to Europe’s transport and sustainability goals. From EU funding through BAR to national investment in infrastructure, we are seeing real results. We were honoured to welcome the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism Committee and show the potential Wexford has to offer,” concluded Ms. Roche.
Opening the Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field were Cllr Mary Farrell, Joanne O’Connor and Karen Loughran. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field
After last year’s successful event, which drew thousands of visitors from all over Ireland, Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field officially opened at a ceremony in the village this evening (Friday).
Joanne O’Connor and Karen Loughran performed the opening ceremony, sharing their experiences and praising the role of the HOPE Cancer Support Centre in their rehabilitation and after-care. They asked people to consider making donations.
Cllr Mary Farrell, who also acted as master of ceremonies, saidthe project has grown into something far beyond a fundraiser. “Looking back on last year and speaking to the volunteers, the overwhelming feedback was that visiting the sunflower field was a cathartic experience creating a feel-good factor that became contagious,” Cllr Farrell told WexfordLocal.com, and she added; “We welcomed visitors from Donegal, Galway, Cork, and beyond, all happy to support our cause and take away a sunflower as a symbol of hope.”
Cllr Farrell paid tribute to all who contributed to this year’s Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field and called for continued support for the HOPE Cancer Support Centre at Enniscorthy.
Event organiser and volunteer, Anne Marie Hammel stated that “we thank the committee for thinking of us, the event is a great success and we wish everybody associated with the Sunflower Field the best of luck.”
This year’s field has been lovingly tended since January and has flourished under the recent sunny weather, bringing an earlier-than-expected bloom and plenty of colour to Kilmuckridge.
The field is located behind Hammel’s Centra in the village, and visitors are warmly invited to stop by, pick a sunflower, and make a donation as a token of appreciation. All proceeds will go directly to The Hope Cancer Support Centre, which provides invaluable services to those affected by cancer and local community groups.
The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field is a community-driven project, inspired and supported by families who have been touched by cancer. It is a place of reflection, positivity, and togetherness—where every sunflower picked helps make a difference.
PAUL NOLAN (trainer) JORDAN GAINFORD (jockey) and JIM COFFEY (owner) smiling for the camera following Tequila Talkin’s success at Wexford races yesterday evening. (PIc; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
It was day two at Bettyville Park yesterday evening (Thursday) with a marathon eight-race card, a family fun day and a brilliant family attendance in the best of midsummer enjoyment and the locals clinched the winning spirit.
Paul Nolan is always a local favourite with a fine Wexford following and he supplied the six lengths winner of the mares’ maiden hurdle with Tequila Talkin’ (7/2) ridden by Jordan Gainford. Sean Flanagan finished third on Colin Bowe’s October Hill.
Caim jockey JJ Slevin impressed the locals on Claude (11/4) for the Joseph O’Brien stable, winning by three lengths in the maiden race for colts and geldings.
Conor Stone-Walsh was in the winners’ enclosure following the handicap hurdle. Small Town Hero (9/2) was his successful mount. Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe filled the runner-up spot on Close Enough.
Waterford’s Declan Queally won on the interestingly named Tackletommywoowoo (11/4) owned by the Gwanyaboya Syndicate in the handicap hurdle and jockey Philip Enright had a double – Chosen Shant (10/3) and Dontdooddson (25/1).
It was a good day for lady jockeys. Caoimhe O’Brien from Garrison, Co. Meath, rode her first winner on Hey Babbs (8/1) in the Ladies handicap hurdle and Georgie Benson won the INH Flat Race on Governors Rock (6/1).
Managing Director Ursula Sinnott thanked “all our valued customers for coming to the Races this evening and she added; “We hope you will join us again for our two evening race meetings during Fleadh Cheoil nah Éireann in Wexford on Wednesday, August 6th and Friday, August 8th.”
WilliamBarker Bridge over the River Slaney at Enniscorthy (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Overnight water restrictions will be in place tonight (Thursday) for Uisce Éireann customers in Enniscorthy.
Restrictions will be in place from 11pm tonight until 6am on Friday morning.
The restrictions are necessary as a result of a burst water main in Enniscorthy, but the supply interruption coupled with high demand on the network has left reservoir levels critically low.
Typically, it takes two to three hours for normal supply to restore to all areas as the water refills the network, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network.
Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Wexford has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore supply to normal levels.
“We understand the impact of overnight restrictions, but these measures are necessary to ensure continuous daytime supply for homes and businesses while we allow the reservoir levels time to recover” said Mr Lyng.
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a Water Conservation Order — commonly known as a hosepipe ban — will come into effect across County Wexford from Saturday, July 26th until September 16th.
The Water Conservation Order has been issued in a bid to safeguard the water supply for essential purposes. These restrictions include the use of garden hoses and other non-essential water uses.
The implementation of this Order follows a long period of dry weather combined with high demand, now placing severe pressure on water supplies across the county.
It is essential that a Water Conservation Order is introduced to reduce the potential of restrictions and outages over the coming weeks and months.
Rainfall in Wexford during May, June, and July this year to date has been significantly below average when compared to long-term rainfall records. A total of 130.8mm of rainfall was measured at the Johnstown Castle, weather station during this period, compared to an average of 219.6mm for the same months in previous years — just over 40% less rainfall recorded locally.
FIONNUALA CALLERY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
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, and we are now heading into the height of summer with lower-than-average water levels.
“Although some rainfall is expected, it will not be sufficient to make a meaningful impact on the already low water levels,” said Ms. Callery, who added; “In response, we have ramped up efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management.
“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.
“The key message is to leave the hose and pressure washer in the shed. We are calling on everyone to do their part so we can maintain a sustainable water supply throughout the summer,” Ms. Callery added.
The Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users, as well as commercial premises for non-commercial activities — such as watering gardens attached to a business premises.
Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network 24/7 by calling 1800 278 278 or visiting water.ie.
DO NOT SWIM notices have been posted at five Wexford beaches – Ballymoney North, Carne, Morriscastle, Rosslare Harbour and St. Helens beaches.
The latest sampling conducted as part of Wexford County 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 the above 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 next Saturday at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed. In addition, the Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.
Bathing water quality results for 19 Wexford beaches sampled over the 2025 to date bathing season, have been mainly excellent as published on the EPA operated website www.Beaches.ie
Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beach to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.
More information on bathing water quality can be obtained on www.beaches.ie
A man was rushed to hospital today following an incident opposite the Bus Stop on Templeshannon Quay, Enniscorthy, this afternoon. His injuries are unknown.
A seating area beside the River Slaney was cordoned off to the public for a period of time around 1pm and Gardaí were on the scene.
While Gardaí confirmed that a person was taken to hospital they could not confirm what kind of weapon was used in the alleged attack, but locals claim that it was an iron bar!
An investigation has begun and if anyone has CCTV, DASHCAM or any footage of this incident or witnessed what happened they are asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 924250 or on the Garda Confidential line 1800 666 111.
There has been a number of incidents on Templeshannon Quay in recent months including intimidation and conflict at the Bus Stop.
Parade ring scene at Wexford Racecourse today (Wednesday). Another day’s racing there again tomorrow (Thursday). (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell was an absentee at Wexford Races this afternoon although he supplied the only local winner on the 7-race all steeplechase card with Doran’s Law (9/2), owned by Tom Doran and sporting the green and red star colours made famous by the great Doran’s Pride who scored by four and three-parts of a length in the handicap chase.
It was a change of fortune for Tomhaggard jockey Tiernan Power-Roche who was handed a hefty 14-ban at Ballinrobe on Tuesday evening.
The day belonged to Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead who saddled a treble on the card. Ma Belle Etoile (3/1) in the mares’ beginners chase and Nouvotic (6/4) in the beginners’ chase – both ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe.
De Bromhead’s treble came via Wonleg (5/2 fav.) -bred at Clonmore House Stud, Bree by Jonathan Deacon -in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase ridden by Patrick O’Brien. “That was Patrick’s first ride for us. I thought he was really good and I am delighted for him,” said de Bromhead, who added; “He rides out for us one day a week.”
It was a great day for the Cody family from Dunamaggin, Co. Kilkenny who enjoyed success with War Correspondent (22/1), running in the colours of Gillian, trained by Ray and a first victory since turning professional for 19 years old jockey Paddy Cody.
Racing again at Bettyville Park tomorrow (Thursday). It’s themed Family Day, eight races, the first is off at 4.35pm.
THURSDAY, July 24th.
Going: Yielding.
4.35pm; Kilmore Quay (C&G) Maiden Hurdle. 2 miles 0.5 furlongs. (14 runners).
5.10pm; Curragh to Curragh Charity Cycle on August 30th Mares Maiden Hurdle. 2 miles 4.5 furlongs. (14 runners).
Crime figures have reached a new high in North Wexford after two ladders were stolen in a mid-day break-in and theft at a premises in Riverchapel, Courtown.
Gardái in Gorey are investigating.
A break-in occurred between 12 noon and 1.30pm at Etchingham Heights housing estate in Riverchapel.
A door was kicked in, rooms were ransacked, and two ladders were taken from the premises.
Gardaí in Gorey are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, and who may have witnessed something, to come forward.
WexfordLocal.com 