Two men in their 20s and 30s were arrested after €120,000 worth of cannabis was found during two searches in County Wexford on Wednesday.
Around six kilograms of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €120,000 was seized during a search of a residential property.
In a follow-up search, a further 1.5 kilograms of herbal cannabis valued at €30,000 and around 250g of suspected cocaine with an estimated value of €17,500 were seized.
Two men, in their 20s and 30s, were arrested by An Garda Síochána and are currently detained at a Garda Station in the southeastern region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.
The searches were part of an intelligence-led joint operation with Revenue’s Customs Service, Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, and the Enniscorthy Drugs and Crime units.
Pictured at the public consultation for the Draft Courtown Riverchapel Town Centre First Plan at the Tara Vie Hotel, Courtown, on Monday were (left to right); Cllr Nicky Boland, Conor Norton, Consultant, Liz Hore, Director of Services Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Sandra Dignam and Pauline Carroll from the Town First Committee.
By Dan Walsh in Courtown
A draft copy of the Courtown and Riverchapel Town Centre First Plan went to public consultation at the Tara Vie Hotel, Courtown, on Monday, and there was strong interest in the 48-page comprehensive document that is in its early stage.
Town First Regeneration Officer at Wexford County Council, Mick McCormack was on hand to deal with any enquiries about the plan and he told WexfordLocal.com that there was strong interest in the plan and he answered queries and addressed local concerns and all of this information will be forwarded to the next stages of the plan before its final publication.
The Courtown and Riverchapel Town Centre First Plan sets out a comprehensive and community driven vision to guide the long term regeneration of the town centre.
The plan integrates economic, social, environmental and spatial strategies to ensure that Courtown and Riverchapel thrives as a vibrant, inclusive, and climate resilient coastal twin settlement.
The key regeneration projects include Riverchapel Community Centre, a multi-purpose facility for health, youth, education and community services.
Courtown Marina and Beach Nourishment Project such as coastal protection and marine tourism.
A Maritime Activity and Heritage Centre featuring a new multi-purpose centre for sports, recreation, maritime heritage, environmental protection and awareness and other services integrated as part of a marine tourism hub.
Plans for a mixed-use community and enterprise hub at Courtown such as a civic and enterprise space for digital innovation, social enterprise and lifelong learning.
Also in the plan is a section entitled “public realm enhancements” that includes improvements to main streets, promenades, walkways and civic spaces in Courtown and Riverchapel.
Commodore John Barry, founder of the American Navy, at Crescent Quay enjoys a prime view of the fireworks over Wexford Harbour as Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2025 concludes late Sunday night. (Pic; Patrick Donovan).
By Dan Walsh at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2025 in Wexford town
After eight sun drenched days of song, story, dance, ceol agus craic, friendship and nostalgia for all ages, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 ended with a colurful fireworks display from the Fleadh Harp on Wexford Harbour late on Sunday night.
The Fleadh will be memorable for all of us and for different personal reasons, however, it is confirmed that 800,000 visitors experienced the magic of Wexford town last week – a record attendance at the Fleadh which was first held in Mullingar in 1951!
In a poignant ceremony on the Gig Rig, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan transferred the goodwill and best wishes of Fleadh 2026 to the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Tracey Kelly. It was in the form of a hand-crafted harp, carved from 4,000 year old bog oak. This will form the perpetual tribute to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 has been a memorable event for the people of Wexford. The music, the dancing, the atmosphere – it will live on in our memories for years to come. We will look back on the Fleadhanna Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 and 2025 as iconic events in the history of our town, bringing joy to so many”.
Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Gary Laffan commented; “The Fleadh Cheoil has been a great success for the people of Wexford. From the comments we are hearing, it is widely regarded as the most successful Fleadh ever and we are very proud of that. The people of Wexford have embraced the Fleadh, the culture, the music and the Irish language and I hope we will see this legacy thrive in Wexford for years to come.”
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe said; “We estimate that at least 800,000 people attended Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. These figures are derived in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and numbers using the car parks and public transport in the town. There was a palpable buzz all week, and the event as a whole far exceeded our expectations based on 2024.
“We are delighted to have delivered a safe and enjoyable event for so many. I would like to thank the many agencies we worked with, who all helped to make the Fleadh happen – the gardai, the health service, the voluntary services, council teams, security and event control personnel and so many more. We simply couldn’t have made the fleadh the event it was, without them,” said Mr. Taaffe.
Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ard-Stiúrthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann said; “The number of 800,000 fleadh fans at this year’s fleadh is indicative of the unparalleled resurgence in Irish traditional culture. It is truly a peoples’ fleadh, rooted in local communities and now extended to twenty-two countries worldwide. The fleadh in Wexford this year sets the tone for what we predict, when we go to Belfast, will be one of the greatest examples ever of reconciliation, all of us together without exception, celebrating the same culture.”
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.
WexfordLocal.com 