Seán’s new book takes an Enniscorthy ramble through time

By Dan Walsh at Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy

SEÁN WHELAN poses with his latest book. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

A new publication called The Lost and the Loved; A ramble through time, Enniscorthy 1963-2025 by Seán Whelan was officially launched before an overflowing attendance in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, earlier tonight.

The launch was postponed for two weeks because of severe weather, but it finally took place tonight with great enthusiasm. The turnout for Seán’s much-anticipated third publication was so large that, for health and safety reasons, many people missed the speeches.

Sean’s close friend and colleague from work at Echo Newspapers, Helen Ashdown officially launched the book, commending his extensive research and photographic work, and expressing admiration for his decision to share his experiences publicly.

Seán Whelan said; “This book is saying ‘a goodbye’ to what’s gone from us but

in a jolting way also brings, in its own right, those long-gone, once familiar but now half-forgotten people and places momentarily back to life.”

“The Lost and Loved is a small love letter of gratitude and admiration to my hometown and its people,” said the Bellefield bard, who added; “For that and for the joy that work on the book has given me personally, I can only say Thank You, Enniscorthy!

Tony McClean acted as master of ceremonies.

Seán’s book will be a favourite stocking filler this Christmas and will be revisited in homes for many Christmases to come – a sizeable chunk of pictorial nostalgia and memories.

It is a pictorial prose with 23 chapters and over 250 photographs and is packed with stories of people and places. 

Born in 1947, Seán Whelan is a native of Enniscorthy, and worked as a general news and sports journalist with the Enniscorthy Echo from 1968 until it closed in June 2017.

This is Seán’s third book. His previous publications were Just a Memory/Wexford GAA Memories, 1884-1984 and The Ghosts of Bygone Days; An Enniscorthy GAA History by Seán Whelan (pub. 1998).

The Lost and the Loved; A ramble through time, Enniscorthy 1963-2025 by Seán Whelan, A4 size, lavishly illustrated, colour and black and white, Price €25, is available At Easons Bookshop, Court Street, Enniscorthy, Delaney’s, Rafter Street, Enniscorthy, and in all good bookshops.

Christmas lights up Enniscorthy

Market Square is all lit up tonight following the big Christmas lights switch-on. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy’s Market Square was thronged with family groups this evening for the annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremony in the town. The magic switch was pushed by Santa Claus, who was accompanied by Mrs Claus.

The attendance included Minister for Housing, local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Cllrs Trish Byrne, Pat Kehoe, Aidan Browne, John O’Rourke and Jackser Owens.

The colourful occasion began with a parade from Enniscorthy Castle via Church Street, Rafter Street and into Market Square with entertainment from Martina Leacy Dance Academy and Rathnure Pantomine Society. Liam Sharkey acted as master of ceremonies and entertained the crowds in the build up to the switch-on.    

Christmas free parking will be available in Enniscorthy public car parks only from 11am Saturdays, November 29th, 6th, 13th, and 20th December. And on Monday to Wednesday, December 22nd to 24th, inclusive.

Enniscorthy has ten car parks, namely Abbey Square, Fairgreen, Parnell Road, Railway Square, Castle Hill, Irish Street, Convent Road, Murphy Floods, Island Road and Minch Norton.

Bookings are being taken for the annual Athenaeum Christmas Craft and Gift Fair Market on Saturday and Sunday, December 6th, and 7th. Contact Maura Flannery on 085 7723329. 

Man (40’s) arrested following drugs seizure

ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 40’s has been arrested following a seizure of drugs worth approximately €1.2m by Revenue Officers at Rosslare Europort on Thursday.

204kg of suspected cannabis resin with an estimated value of €1,200,000 was seized by Revenue Officers following the search of a vehicle which had disembarked from a ferry.

The man, aged in his 40s, who was arrested is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in Co. Wexford.

The illicit drugs with an estimated value of €1,224,240 were discovered when, as a result of routine profiling, an accompanied freight unit that had disembarked a ferry from France, was stopped, scanned and searched by Customs officers.  

The seizure was made with the assistance of Revenue detection dog Mollaidh.

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.

“AI is the technology that is going to change everything,”

Pictured at the County Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit were (l-r): Dan Barry, Regional Director, Southern Region, Enterprise Ireland; MC Ciara Doherty; Catherine Doyle, General Manager, Microsoft Ireland; Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber; Ed Murphy, President, County Wexford Chamber; Professor Veronica Campbell, President, South East Technological University; Eamonn Sinnott, former General Manager, Intel Ireland; and Geraldine Heavey, Executive Director, Enterprise Services, ESB.

By Dan Walsh

The County Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit, held at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Monday was a remarkable success, bringing together business leaders and innovators from across the region.

The event, hosted by broadcaster and barrister Ciara Doherty, featured a fireside chat with Catherine Doyle, General Manager of Microsoft Ireland, who captivated the audience with her insights on Strategic Leadership in an AI Environment. “AI is the technology that is going to change everything,” Doyle emphasised, highlighting the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and responsible innovation in leadership.

The summit provided attendees with actionable strategies for business growth and leadership development. “We were privileged to hear from Catherine Doyle, who shared powerful perspectives on how AI is reshaping leadership and business,” said Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber.

Other notable speakers included Professor Veronica Campbell, President of South East Technological University; Geraldine Heavey, Executive Director of Enterprise Services at ESB; Eamonn Sinnott, Former General Manager of Intel Ireland; Dan Barry, Regional Director for the Southern Region at Enterprise Ireland; Joanne Somers, Managing Director of Johnsons Celtic Linen; Chris Parle, Commercial Director of Midland Tyre Services; Sarah Tenanty, Financial Operations Lead at Zurich Insurance; and Leanne Davey, Senior Director of Clinical Product Solutions at Waters Technologies.

The Showcase Spotlight celebrated local success stories from Kent Stainless, highlighting how small projects opened doors to global opportunities in the UK, US, and Qatar, and Stafford Irish Spirits, emphasising import substitution, supporting local suppliers. Aisling O’Connor, Network Manager of County Wexford Chamber Skillnet, outlined how funded training is available to upskill employees across a range of areas.

“This summit was a fantastic opportunity to connect and learn from leaders who are shaping the future of our business community,” added Ms. Roche.

The interactive panels, networking opportunities, and insights were designed to inspire and equip attendees with strategies for growth and leadership in a rapidly changing business environment.

The event was generously supported by ESB and County Wexford Chamber Skillnet, ensuring its success and impact on the local business community.

145,980 cigarettes seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue Officers in Rosslare Europort seized 145,980 cigarettes.

The cigarettes, branded L&M Blue Label, Marlboro, and Parliament, have a retail value of over €131,710 representing a potential loss to the exchequer of more than €104,120.

The cigarettes were discovered when, as a result of routine profiling, an accompanied freight unit that had disembarked a ferry from France was stopped and searched. The truck and trailer were also seized.

A man in his 60’s was questioned 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.

A Berry good day at lovely Lingstown

Darragh Berry (left) and Josh Berry (right) shared a double at Lingstown today. They are pictured here after the victory of Elderflower Tonic in the maiden race for four-year-old mares with the Run For Fun Partnership whose colours were worn. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Lingstown races

Uncle and nephew, handler Darragh Berry and rider Josh Berry were in great form in the winter sunshine at their local track at Lingstown today where they joined forces and shared a double success. Rider Barry Stone also had a double.

The Berrys got on the scoresheet in the first race – the maiden race for four-year-old mares – when Elderflower Tonic running in the Run for Fun Partnership colours slipped the field and came home ten lengths clear.

Rider Josh Berry rode his first career double aboard Expensive Emotion in the maiden race for five-year-old mares by three lengths. Handler Darragh was delighted with a double on the day and confirmed that Expensive Emotion is going to the sales.

The maiden race for four-year-old geldings was divided. A Sight To Sea scored by six lengths for Killurin handler Paul Martin Pierce in division two. Luke Murphy was the winning rider.

Division One provided Barry Stone with his 70th career winner when partnering Blue To You for Robert Tector, Coolbawn Stables, Rathnure. The Cleariestown rider, who only returned from injury the week before, enjoyed his 71st winner on Doujadou for Benny Walsh in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. This one was super easy – 24 lengths the verdict.

Gordon Elliott put up Barry O’Neill on Chemical Energy, who became a hot favourite with strong punter support, and they were rewarded in a six lengths victory in the Open Lightweight Race over the redesigned Banks Course where one of the obstacles had to be omitted due to the low-lying sun!

The final race of the day – maiden race for six-years-old and upwards – went to Jigsaw Juke, owned and trained by Jim O’Neill, Ballindaggin. The verdict was one length, and the winning rider was Alan Harney.

There was also point-to-point action at Moig, Co. Cork today and one popular Wexford winner. Runner-up on his first outing, Mcelhattan in the colours of Billy Bates and trained by Mark Scallan in Cleariestown was the four and a half lengths winner of the four-year-old maiden race.

Next Sunday’s fixture is the Carlow Farmers Hunt races at Borris House, Co. Carlow. Entries close on Tuesday.

Water supply issues in parts of Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are working to restore water supply to customers in parts of Wexford Town this morning (Sunday), following an operational issue at Newtown Water Treatment Plant.

As a result, customers in Whitemill, Townparks, Ard Charman, Barntown, Clonard, Taghmon, and surrounding areas of Wexford Town may experience a supply disruption over the course of today (Sunday).

To support impacted customers alternative water are available at the following locations:

  • Clonard Church/Community Centre
  • St. Joseph’s Community Centre
  • Ard Charman housing estate
  • Coolcotts Community Centre
  • Clonard village
  • Cluain Dara housing estate

Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from these alternative water supplies and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.   

“I understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers for their support while our works continue to restore supply. The plant is back in operation this morning, however, it will take several hours for the reservoirs to replenish and for the network to recharge.

“Typically, it takes a number of hours for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.”

Gorey shines with festive Christmas lights

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council CLLR JOE SULLIVAN was in his native Gorey last night for the Big Switch-On. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

Christmas is officially launched in North Wexford. The Big Christmas Switch-On illuminated Gorey last evening with an estimated 10,000 packing Main Steet for the seasonal family event with a guest appearance by Santa Claus ably assisted by Mrs Claus.

Some said it was the largest crowd ever seen at a ‘Switch-On’ and certainly the crowds were massive, and it took Santa a long time to complete his journey along the Main Street to the main stage.

After a short interview with master of ceremonies Dave Redmond Santa kept in tune with the countdown and switch on the Christmas lights to a loud cheer. Mrs Claus was always by his side!

Amongst the VIPs present were Deputies Brian Brennan, Malcolm Byrne and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllrs Nicky Boland, Darragh McDonald and Craig Doyle, Anita McLoughlin, District Manager Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Liz Hore, Director of Services.

Lots of special events in Gorey in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas. They have the ‘Most Festive Business Competition’ inviting businesses to showcase the magic of Christmas and Gorey’s fantastic shopping, food and hospitality.

There is a call out to all choirs to sing on the weekends with slots outside Partridges and The Book Café. There is also a new post box for sending that all important mail to Santa. Post early and post often is the message!

We hear that the Christmas trees will be erected in Gorey town on Tuesday… look out for that attraction.

Christmas free parking will be available in Gorey public car parks only from 11am Saturdays, November 29th, 6th, 13th and 20th December. And on Monday to Wednesday, December 22nd to 24th, inclusive.

And don’t forget many businesses in Gorey will be decorating their windows, putting on special offers and inviting regular customers (and new one’s are welcome too!) to celebrate everything that is magical at Christmas time.

All roads lead to Lingstown on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

The Killinick Harriers point-to-point takes place at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, tomorrow (Sunday) with a six-race card, however there may be ‘divides’ as a large entry has been received – 122! First race at 12.30pm.

The going is described as ‘yielding, good to yielding in places.’ The weather forecast is promising ‘a mostly cloudy’ afternoon and 9 degrees – so bring a strong coat!

MICHAEL GOFF saddled his 100th winner. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Highlight tomorrow will be the Banks Race, which has a good entry with strong raiders like Gordon Elliott, Enda Bolger, Stuart Crawford, Peter Flood, Sam Curling and Ian McCarthy taking on the locals like Colin Bowe, Denis Murphy, Richard O’Keeffe, John Patrick Walsh and Sean Doyle.

Michael Goff who trains at Clondaw, Ferns, saddled his 100th career point-to-point winner at Kirkistown, Co. Down, this afternoon when Locker Boum scored a runaway 18 lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-olds. Now in his 13th season as a handler, Goff’s milestone victory was a fifth career winner for Gorey rider Matt Gahan, (19).

Runner-up was Colin Bowe’s Go Down Rockin, ridden by Barry O’Neill, who enjoyed a winner on the day – Walk The Hall for Tom Dreaper.

Racing in Boulta, Co. Cork today (Saturday) and success for Eamonn Doyle with newcomer Maxios Des Champs ridden by Rob James by one and a quarter lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.

€700,000 for Our Lady’s Island lake project

By Dan Walsh

MINISTER for Housing, Local Government and Heritage JAMES BROWN TD

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD visited Our Lady’s Island this morning where he announced €700,000 in funding to support Wexford County Council’s coordinating role in restoring the ecological condition of the lake.

Minister Browne was joined by the Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Cllr Ger Carthy, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and other elected members including Cllr Frank Staples and officials from Wexford County Council, LAWPRO, NPWS, Teagasc and representatives from Farming for Water EIP and the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) – all who are advancing plans to holistically address the deterioration of the saline lagoon’s water quality and ecology.

The tranche of €700,000 in funding to Wexford County Council will support the development of a Water Quality Management Plan for Our Lady’s Island and help to project manage their continued coordination of the holistic approach required to improve Our Lady’s Island, with measures required to address excess nutrients from agriculture, domestic waste water treatment plants (septic tanks) and urban waste water treatment plant(s) entering the lake.

This requires very close engagement between Wexford County Council, LAWPRO, the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory (ASSAP), the Farming for Water EIP and Uisce Éireann.

This combined response will harness the combined strength and expertise of these organisations and their staff to put in place actions to improve the lake’s condition.