Two race meetings this week at Bettyville Park on Wednesday afternoon and Ladies Day on Thursday evening and early ticket sales are still open.
Wednesday’s card comprises entirely of seven steeplechases while there are eight races on Thursday evening – seven over hurdles and an INH Flat Race. There is also a race confined to lady riders.
This is a marvellous opportunity to enjoy midsummer racing. The cards are as follows;
WEDNESDAY, July 23rd.
Going: Yielding to soft
2.08pm; Wexford Town Mares Beginners’ Chase. 2 miles
8.17pm; Park Run at Wexford Racecourse Saturday Mornings INH Flat Race. 2 miles 0.5 furlongs.
N.B.; Some may be confused about the race times, however, the irregular starting time is to facilitate Racing TV’s comprehensive racing coverage which includes meetings from the UK on both days.
Play Day in the Orchard Peace Park in collaboration with FDYS and Creative Places Enniscorthy .
By Dan Walsh at Orchard Peace Park, Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy Municipal District, in collaboration with FDYS and Creative Places Enniscorthy, proudly celebrated National Play Day 2025 by hosting a lively celebration for families, children and community members together for a joyful afternoon in Orchard Peace Park.
Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, praised the initiative, and said “play is such a powerful way to bring communities together.”
“Events like this remind us of the importance of creating spaces where children can thrive, families can connect, and everyone feels a sense of belonging. We were thrilled to see so many smiling faces and to support an initiative that puts the wellbeing of young people at its heart,” added Cllr Murphy.
The two-hour pop-up Play Event offered a wide range of engaging, play-based activities facilitated by Play Strategist Martin O’Donoghue, whose expertise helped turn the park into a hub of creativity and connection.
Prior to the event, a hands-on training session took place at the FDYS centre, where local participants explored the value of play as a vital tool for community engagement, especially in work with children and young adults.
Attendees of the training had the opportunity to put their new skills into action during the event, which proved to be a resounding success.
Glorious sunshine set the perfect tone, while families delighted in imaginative games, interactive play zones, and a generous supply of refreshments and ice cream.
The National Play Day initiative was funded by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality under the National Play Day Funding Scheme 2025.
Gardaí and Revenue Customs officers seized €1.6 million worth of herbal cannabis at Ballycarney last Friday. (Pic; Revenue).
A 46-year-old man has been charged in connection with a €1.6m drugs haul at Tincurry, Ballycarney, last Friday.
Vincent Fanning of Slaney Drive, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at a special sitting of Gorey District Court.
Mr Fanning was charged with possession of a controlled drug for the purpose of selling or supply to another in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 and 2019 under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1972 at Tincurry, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, on July 18th.
Det Gda Dean Healy gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Mr Fanning.
Defence Counsel Craig Phillips BL, instructed by solicitor Eoin O’Sullivan, said there would be no application for bail and applied for free legal aid.
Judge Staunton said he would grant free legal aid, subject to a statement of means being made available to the court.
Judge Staunton remanded the accused in custody to appear before Wexford District Court via video link on Tuesday night.
These beautiful pair of horses didn’t take Sunday off, but were happy to work on world record day at the Rathangan Country Fair. (pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Rathangan Country Fair
A century of various crop harvesting methods was staged as a successful world record attempt at the annual Rathangan Country Fair, specially titled A Century of Harvest, held today in summer conditions at Rathangan village in south Wexford.
Fourteen methods of harvesting the grain crops from the 20th century were all working together in the same field at the same time! It was an amazing sight and a colourful flashback to all associated with the farming methods that evolved traditionally from the days before horse-drawn implements to the modern combined harvesters.
The Country Fair was officially opened by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD, in the presence of Noel Grealish TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Cllr Frank Staples, Leas-Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District and Cllr Jim Codd,
There was a large attendance that included Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association and the National Ploughing Champion 2024, Martin Kehoe, Foulksmills – three times world champion – who represents Ireland in the World Ploughing Championships in the Czech Republic later this year.
There was a warm welcome from Ray Rochford, Chairperson of Rathangan Country Fair Committee. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone here today, to this unique and once-off event called ‘A Century of Harvest’.
“This event demonstrated the various methods of harvesting across Ireland over the past 100 years,” said Mr Rochford, who added; “To our knowledge this is the first time these methods are demonstrated simultainously within the same field.”
A wonderful 24-page catalogue was published in connection with the event.
The large attendance had access to food outlets, singing and dancing, a thatching display, threshing display, straw cropping and other attractions and watched Tipperary beat Cork in the All-Ireland senior hurling final at Croke Park on the big screen.
JAMES BROWNE T.D. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Enniscorthy-based James Browne T.D. has announced €150,000 in funding for Wexford County Council to support the costs of hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025.
The Fleadh, which is widely regarded as the world’s largest annual celebration of traditional Irish music, language, song and dance, will return to Wexford from August 3rd-10th this year.
Wexford Minister Browne TD, said; “I can’t wait myself for the Fleadh. It’s a class event in terms of the focus on community and voluntary led events, showcasing our local pride with a burst of colour and sound.
“The Fleadh in Wexford is celebrating the living tradition,and has really focused on making performances and spaces accessible to a wide group of people of all ages and backgrounds.
“The Fleadh is a welcome boost for local tourism, and will attract thousands of visitors from home and abroad to the county. This funding I am an announcing today aims to assist the Council in ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to facilitate another successful Fleadh, which sees such a serious effort from all parts of the county.”
Similar funding of €150,000 was provided to Wexford County Council for the Fleadh Cheoil in 2024.
Around 80 kilos of Herbal Cannabis with an estimated street value of €1.6 million (pending analysis) was seized after a van was intercepted by Gardaí at Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, yesterday (Friday).
A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene and is being held at a Garda Station in the east of the country. He can be held for up to seven days.
An Garda Síochána and Revenue conducted a targeted joint operation.
Uisce Éireann is requesting that residents and businesses in Wexford conserve water. Due to increased water consumption, supplies in several areas of Wexford are currently under significant pressure.
Levels in many water sources are significantly lower than normal for this time of year and this coupled with an increase in demand has put pressure on supplies. As a result, customers are being asked to be mindful of their usage to allow supply to catch up with demand and allow reservoirs to replenish fully.
Uisce Éireann is closely monitoring all water supplies across the county and is implementing measures as required to maintain supply.
Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Wexford, told WexfordLocal.com; “We are continuing to monitor the raw water levels of many supplies across the county. Water demand is remaining higher than normal across Wexford in recent days.
“We’re asking customers across the county to conserve water to give supplies time to recover. Even small changes in how we use water can make a big difference, helping to improve the supply for everyone.
“We’re committed to ensuring a reliable water supply throughout the summer months for all our customers and the support of our customers in conserving water is an important element to achieve this.
“If everyone in Wexford takes a few simple steps to reduce water use at home, in the garden, and at work, we can make our water go further and help maintain a regular supply for all,” stated Mr Lyng.
Low raw water levels may cause a change in odour or taste of the water, or in some cases cause discoloration. We ask customers who have any issues or concerns to contact the customer care team on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact on X @IWCare . More information on water conservation can be found at https://www.water.ie/conservation/
A VIEW FROM MARKET SQUARE;Murphy Floods Car Park opens up the centre of town and the most recent addition – Dunnes Stores opened by television personality Gay Byrne in 2006 – is showcased like never before while the view of Vinegar Hill is breathtaking. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
Work on the 37 car parking spaces at Enniscorthy’s newest set down space, nostalgically named Murphy Floods Car Park, is nearing a conclusion and the first paying vehicles should be using the Barrack Street entrance in about two weeks!
Engineer Neville Shaw gave an update on the revised car park facilities linking up with Market Square via a steep set of steps at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre. New Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy presided.
District Manager Claire Lawless suggested that it be called Barrack Street Car Park, but some members had a meltdown at the notion that it be called anything other than Murphy Floods Car Park!
Cllr Jackser Owens praised “the fantastic facilities” and stated it “will always be Murphy Floods Car Park” in memory of generations past who had the joys of their youth created into precious memories at Murphy Flood’s Hotel, which was only a small portion of the area seconded for a car park!
Cllr Aidan Browne didn’t understand why it should be called Barrack Street but complemented the Council on the work. Ms. Lawless said the entrance is off Barrack Street, but they were all too young to remember that it was called Barrack Street since the 1840 map of Enniscorthy was first published!
Anyway, it is to be called Murphy Floods Car Park although unfamiliar modern car users will need to have the Eircode for Barrack Street to find the entrance!
Cllr Owens was back in again to say that the work will ensure “no more flooding on Market Square” and he also lamented that there are no plans for a toilet in Murphy Floods Car Park. Cllr Owens reckons that when the car door is opened “the need to go” kicks in!
Cllr John O’Rourke suggested moving the Saturday Farmer’s Market into the new car park as it could increase footfall in the centre of the town even though such a move would reduce the number of car parking spaces?
Cllr O’Rourke said that Enniscorthy is a market town, there is wheelchair access and a weekly market would create an ambience in the centre of the town.
Gorey Market House Festival kicked off on the Main Street this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walshat Gorey Market House Festival
The music is playing from the big stage on the Main Street, Gorey, tonight, as the 2025 Market House Festival gets into the rhythm and a large crowd is present. There was no formal opening ceremony, it was straight into the music.
Live music, arts and family fun are the main ingredients set to ignite Gorey where the Market House Festival takes precedence this weekend.
Philip Knight, Gorey Kilmuckridge District Manager said “We’re incredibly excited to see the Gorey Market House Festival return. It’s a wonderful celebration of local music, culture and community spirit, right here in the heart of Gorey. Events like this are what makes Gorey such a vibrant and welcoming place to live and visit.’
Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District told WexfordLocal.com; “The Gorey Market House Festival is a real highlight of the summer for families and visitors alike. It brings people together, supports local businesses and showcases the wonderful talent we have in our area.”
Visitors can expect a jam packed schedule of entertainment and events, including free live music on the Main Street with artists including The Swift Show (Taylor Swift Tribute), Live Forever (Oasis Tribute), Fairytale of The Pogues (Pogues Tribute), Dabilla, The Mafia Cats, Fusion and Josh Quinn to name a few.
The Gorey Market House Festival has always been about the community and so there is the return of The Family Fun Day in Gorey Town Park on Saturday from 12pm, A Street Market on Gorey Main Street on Sunday from 10am, The Superhero Fun Run in Gorey Town Park on Sunday from 10am and the annual Making Music Busking Competition on Saturday.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan headed proceedings at the Civic Reception accorded the 2025 FAI Oscar Traynor Cup champions from Wexford with their management, background team and Council officials at Enniscorthy Castle tonight. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
A Civic Reception marking Wexford Football League team’s historic victory in the 2025 FAI Oscar Traynor Cup was held in Enniscorthy Castle tonight with proceedings headed by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan.
Under Manager Willie Peare it was only the second time in history that Wexford have won the Oscar Traynor Cup with the previous success coming 15 years ago in 2010 under the stewardship of John Godkin. Wexford beat Limerick in extra time to secure honours for 2024-’25.
Cllr Joe Sullivan said that Civic Receptions are awarded in recognition of a significant and momentous achievement by an individual/group or organisation at national level or international level.
“It is an honour to attend Enniscorthy Castle this evening as the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council as we celebrate an incredible achievement by Wexford Football League team winning the Pat Whitty Leinster Cup and our proud winners of the FAI Oscar Traynor Cup 2025,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “Your victory is more than a win on the pitch – it is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork and belief.”
“Wexford County Council are delighted to mark this victory with a Civic Reception in your honour. The reception shows how proud we are of the team, the Manager and coaches and all those involved in bringing about this great sporting victory. We wish you continued success as a team and hope you enjoy this special occasion. You’ve made your county proud,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council said the call to give the Wexford Football League champions a Civic Reception came from Enniscorthy District members and she added to the congratulations and good wishes.
Manager Willie Peare said they were deeply honoured by the Civic Reception and from the players, management and the background team, family, friends and supporters expressed gratitude for the occasion.
There was also an appreciation expressed by Denis Hennessy from the Wexford Football League.
The attendance included Cllrs Aidan Browne, John O’Rourke, Jackser Owens and Pat Kehoe. Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services Wexford County Council, and Wexford Football League representatives; Denis Hennessy (Chairperson), Padraig Whitty (Fixtures Secretary) and Nicky Murphy (Committee Member). Claire Lawless, District Manager of Enniscorthy Municipal District with Wexford County Council acted as master of ceremonies. The presentation of scrolls were presented by Cllr Joe Sullivan and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.
Each member of the team received a commemorative civic scroll as a symbol of appreciation from the people of Wexford for their dedication and success; Raphael Abidoyle, Paul Brennan, Ryan Busher, Sean Allen, Conor Casserly, Niall Connolly, Gary Delaney, Evan Farrell, Luke Greene, Todd Hynes, Robbie Kane, Stephen Kinsella, Jason McGuire, Reece Murphy, Glen O’Brien, John Peare, Eoin Rhodes, Alan Rhodes, Ian Sinnott and Ethan Vickers.
The Management Team were presented with a commemorative civic scroll for their dedication and commitment to the team; Willie Peare (Manager), Mark Ross (Head Coach), Gavin Griffith (Goalkeeper Coach), Conn Mooney (Assistant Manager), Nick Finn (Coach), Billie Byrne (Logistics) and Ivan Lynch (Physio).
WexfordLocal.com 