Barry Walsh wins two at Tinahely

BARRY WALSH thrilled punters with a double success at his local Fairwood, Park, Tinahely, this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely

Local rider, Barry Walsh from Ballyday, Gorey, scored his first-ever double success at his local track at Fairwood, Tinahely, this afternoon, and Philip Rothwell, who trains next field to the track also saddled a double at the Wicklow Hunt point-to-point.

Barry struck winning form on Singing Casamento for his father, John Patrick Walsh, who came home three and a half lengths to the good in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus.

Walsh’s double was completed aboard Philip Rothwell’s Long Road who had eight lengths to spare at the end of the maiden race for six-year-olds plus.

Rothwell, who trains beside the Fairwood track, and wasn’t present as he was racing at Navan, completed a training double when Galon De Vauzelle won the Open Race by 13 lengths and a third winning ride for Phidelma Elvin from Kildare.

The four-year-old maiden race provided a promising success by Make Me Smile, ridden by Frankie Murphy, and trained at Redbridge Stables, Duncormick by Michael Murphy. Commenting afterwards handler Murphy said; “He is a well-bred horse, he gallops and jumps, has a high level of ability and he goes to the sales. He will win a big chase either in Ireland or the UK on soft ground,” his proud handler predicted.

Carlow handler Aidan Fitzgerald is enjoying a winning streak and his luck continued today with Jonzac in the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings maiden. Afterwards, Fitzgerald gave the credit to his Kilkenny rider Troy Walsh. “Troy is riding very well and it all down to him,” he claimed.

It is very rare to have a point-to-point weekend without a Doyle winner and Donnchadh kept the Ballindaggin family flag of success at its highest point today when Kamille Au Kanada in the Monbeg Syndicate colours worn by Rob James came home by a clear 16 lengths in the Winner of Two race. “He has plenty of ability. He could go for a bumper or he may be sold,” stated Donnchadh afterwards.

Racing also took place at Turtulla, Co. Tipperary, today, where Cleariestown rider Barry Stone returned from injury and on his first ride of the new season won the maiden race for four-year-old geldings by three lengths on Tendoo for Cleariestown handler Jonathan Fogarty.

Next Sunday, November 23rd, Killinick Harriers point-to-point takes place at Lingstown, Tomhaggard. Entries close on Tuesday.

Water service interruption in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a burst water main and restore water to impacted customers in Gorey, Creagh Demesne, Clonattin, and the surrounding areas. 

“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers for their support while repair works are underway,” said a spokesperson for Uisce Éireann. 

Repairs are expected to be completed this evening (Sunday). Typically, it takes three to four hours following repairs for normal supply to be restored to all customers affected by an unplanned outage.

However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the network recharges.  

New €12.7m Teagasc Johnstown Castle Centre opens

The official opening of the National Agricultural Sustainability Research and Innovation Centre (NASRIC) took place at Johnstown Castle. The event was officiated by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD. Pictured (l–r): Dr David Wall, Head of Enterprise at Teagasc Johnstown Castle; Liam Herlihy, Chair of the Teagasc Authority; Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director; Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and Dr Karen Daly, Head of Department, Environment, Soils and Land Use. (Pic; Teagasc).

By Dan Walsh

The new Teagasc National Agricultural Sustainability Research and Innovation Centre (NASRIC) at Johnstown Castle were officially opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, on Friday.

Set within the Johnstown Castle campus the 2000 m2 state-of-the-art laboratories represents a significant national investment of €12.7 million and a strong commitment to improving the sustainability of the Irish agriculture.

Building on decades of world-class research conducted at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, the new laboratories at NASRIC will further support research excellence in water quality, soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon farming, nutrient efficiency and farmland biodiversity to provide tools and actions for sustainability on Irish farms.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Martin Heydon TD said; “The investment in this facility at Teagasc demonstrates Ireland’s leadership in science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture. The work carried out here will be critical in helping our farmers produce high-quality food while protecting our natural resources and meeting climate targets.”

Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director, highlighted the importance of this new facility at Teagasc: “Research at Teagasc Johnstown Castle has long been synonymous with soil science and environmental research and the expansion of research laboratories with NASRIC builds on that proud heritage. These facilities will expand capacity in research and innovation at Teagasc and enhance the Teagasc Climate Centre’s research and innovation activities in support of meeting sectoral targets around climate and biodiversity.”

Reflecting on the significance for Johnstown Castle, Head of the Teagasc Environment, Soils and Land Use Department, Dr. Karen Daly said; “Today represents an investment in people and collaboration and will enhance the ability of research and technical staff at Johnstown Castle to continue to deliver excellence in their work for Teagasc.’’

Head of Enterprise at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, Dr. David Wall, emphasised that the research outputs from Teagasc Johnstown Castle are critical to support farmers and the agricultural industry to enhance the resilience of their soils and production systems while protecting the environment.

“These new research laboratories and the cutting-edge analytical instruments within them, are being used by the researchers to identify solutions to many challenges and to develop technologies and practices being adopted on farms now and in the future,” concluded Dr. Wall.

Sunday Tinahely races goes ahead

Point-to-point races at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, begins at 12.30pm tomorrow (Sunday). (Pic; File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

The Wicklow Hunt races will proceed tomorrow (Sunday) at Fairwood Park, Tinahely. There are 70 entries, and the first of six races is off at 12.30pm.

Confirmation came this afternoon after IHRB representatives walked the track. The inspection had been delayed by 24 hours due to an Orange Rainfall warning for the area.

The IHRB reports that “the track has taken the rain very well” and is fit for racing. The ground is described as ‘soft’.

The weather for the next 24 hours is expected to be ‘dry’.

The Wicklow Hunt is looking forward to a good day’s sport and are expecting a good attendance. The Eircode for Fairwood Park is Y14 X523.

Weather alert ends in Co. Wexford?

This local family had to take to the long grass as the fast flowing River Slaney was out of bounds this morning. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

The Orange weather event for Co. Wexford has passed with reports of flooding, but very little damage to property.

Worst affected appears to be Bridgetown in south Wexford where a canal burst its banks. Thirteen occupied households were flooded.

In north Wexford the Ahare River near Castletown flooded at the bridge while there was also flooding in the Ounavarra river with the waters rising to the new recently erected bridge at Courtown Woods.

Enniscorthy’s Slaney Street is decorated with umbrellas in summer. Only a victim of the wind and rain remains today! (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Flooding was reported in Blackwater and on stretches of the R744 between Castle Ellis and Castlebridge while the road through Castlebridge village has been closed for a time.

The tidal River Slaney through Enniscorthy was very high and fast flowing earlier today, but no problems were reported. The weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market beside Rafter Bridge went ahead as normal and there was no disruption to passing traffic.

REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST; Tonight (Saturday); Staying rather cloudy overnight for most but largely dry with just a few spots of light rain or drizzle along with some patchy mist. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 9 degrees generally in light to moderate northeasterly breezes.

Tomorrow (Sunday); Cloudy to start tomorrow with the odd spot of light rain or drizzle. Better spells of sunshine will develop though the morning and afternoon. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees with light, occasionally moderate north or northeast breezes. (Source; Met Éireann)

Fortune’s ‘Folklore of Wexford’ launches this week

Folklorist MICHAEL FORTUNE introduces his latest publication, The Folklore of Wexford, Vol. 2 with launches in Wexford and Gorey later next week.

By Dan Walsh

The Folklore of Wexford (Volume 1) by Michael Fortune was a phenomenal success when first published in 2023, and The Folklore of Wexford Vol, 2 will be launched in the coming week and is already on sale in local bookshops.

This eagerly awaited publication will be launched at Easons, Wexford, on Thursday, November 20th at 6.30pm and at Easons, Gorey, on Friday, November 21st at 6.30pm by Gerard Fleming from the North Wexford Historical Society and Michael Fortune will be available for signing.

Folklorist Fortune from Ballindaggin told WexfordLocal.com; “Rooted in the local experience, Volume 2 offers a vibrant and contemporary exploration of County Wexford’s beliefs, customs, and folklore through my eyes — the county where I was born and reared. Drawing on decades of fieldwork, the book captures the voices, stories, and memories of my neighbours, friends, and the many people I have met while recording Ireland’s living traditions.

“The late Manchán Magan’s words endorse the book saying: “There have only been a few true pioneers in the field of folklore collection in Ireland — guardians, sacred recorders of our lore — who have collected and documented the treasures of folk tradition, and without doubt, Michael Fortune is one of them.”

The Folklore of Wexford (Vol. 2) is illustrated with over 215 images, most taken by Michael himself, and includes more than 30 QR codes linking to hours of interviews recorded with local people.

This is a ground breaking publication at its finest, produced and printed in Ireland with in-kind support from the North Wexford Historical Society and a community of individuals and practitioners around the county, country, and world.

Both launches are free, and Michal will be on hand to sign copies and share stories from the book. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome to join in celebrating this remarkable contribution to Wexford’s cultural heritage. There will also be music, songs and chats.

Update on Wexford Orange weather warning

By Dan Walsh

Heavy rainfall has hit counties Wexford and Wicklow today, the rain is expected to continue overnight and into the morning. Tomorrow (Saturday) is expected to be murky and overcast but the rain will eventually go away!

The famous Ahare River at Castletown is once again flooded. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Reports of flooding across Co. Wexford, but no serious incidents reported.

The Ahare River at Castletown has flooded again and is impassable. More flooding on the road from Parkbaun to Tara Hill, also in north Wexford.

In south Wexford a river burst its banks leaving the road between Mulrankin and Mayglass impassable.

On the R73 road to Wexford town leading from Carcur and just past the Seamus Kelly roundabout three manhole covers were observed dislodged and massive water amounts of water gushing from them on Friday afternoon.

Original article (published Friday, 2pm); Orange weather warnings have come into force with heavy rainfall and flooding expected. Hazardous travelling conditions are expected for counties Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin.

WexfordLocal.com will bring you all the news as we get it, in the meantime, some local announcements are available.

The Presentation Arts Centre at Enniscorthy is closed this evening (Friday) due to health and safety concerns. Seán Whelan’s much anticipated book launch has been rescheduled to Friday, November 28th at 7pm.

Ballycogley Players performance ‘Drama through the Decades’’ in Ballycogley Hall will not go ahead tonight (Friday) due to the Orange Weather warning. Sunday night’s performance in the Stella Maris Hall, Kilmore Quay, will go ahead as arranged.

St. Aidan’s Garden Centre have closed their shop today (Friday) to ensure safety of staff and customers.

Sunday’s scheduled Wicklow Hunt point-to-point races at Fairwood, Tinahely. UPDATE; The IHRB 48-hour course inspection has been delayed until Saturday afternoon.

Rain and wind warning from Friday morning

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council’s Severe Weather Preparedness Team met this evening, following a meeting of the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), in advance of Friday’s Orange Weather Warning.

A Yellow Level Rain and Wind Warning will come into effect for County Wexford from 11am on Friday, November 14th, this will escalate to an Orange Warning for Rain from 2pm on Friday until 11am Saturday morning with strong gusts expected throughout the county.

There is a significant risk of surface flooding across the county on Friday evening, overnight and into Saturday morning, after which, the effects are expected to lessen.

The most intensive rainfall is expected on the eastern coast of the county from Rosslare to Gorey with flooding expected at various locations.  The road at Edermine and Killurin is expected to flood early Saturday morning so drivers should avoid these areas.

Roads crews have been clearing gullies and vulnerable locations across the county in preparation for the upcoming rainfall.

Wexford County Council teams are experienced in handling difficult weather conditions and are well prepared to respond across the county for tomorrow and Saturday’s conditions.

“We advise road users to be extremely vigilant during and immediately after the weather warning – expect the unexpected on the roads themselves and from falling debris,” stated Wexford County Council Communications Department.

In the case of an Emergency, the Wexford County Council Out of Hours Emergency number is 053 9196000.

Bloody summer of 1798 inspires new book

Pictured at the launch of James Quinn’s book, Bloody Summer; A New History of the 1798 Rebellion were (left to right); Noelle Moran and Caitlín O’Neill of UCD Press; Dr Kevin Whelan who performed the launch; and Maura Bell, Manager National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy Castle and Vinegar Hill. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com) 

By Dan Walsh at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy

Historian James Quinn’s new book, Bloody Summer: A New History of the 1798 Rebellion, was officially launched by Dr. Kevin Whelan in a pleasant ceremony at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy, this evening.

Unfortunately, the author has health issues and could not attend, however, his latest work was given a warm introduction by Dr. Whelan.

Dr. Whelan said; “We’re particularly excited to bring Bloody Summer to Enniscorthy because Quinn’s perspective offers a significant contribution to our understanding of the role of County Wexford in the rebellion and further expands upon the legacy of this seismic event.

“The National 1798 Rebellion Centre itself was made a permanent exhibition due to prominent local interest – it was established in 1998 through a massive community effort.

“Like the Centre, Bloody Summer recognises how we still live with the ideological and practical consequences of the rebellion today.

“This new history offers a fresh and comprehensive exploration of 1798 as a year of unrest and highlights how the bloody climax of a decade of radicalism and reaction saw the emergence of new forms of militant republicanism and popular loyalism that strongly influenced the course of Irish history.

James Quinn is a historian who has written widely on 18th and 19th century Ireland, particularly in the areas of biography and historiography. He was formerly Managing Editor of the Royal Irish Academy’s Dictionary of Irish Biography and wrote many of its most important entries relating to the 1798 Rebellion. His other books with UCD Press include Young Ireland and the Writing of Irish History(2015) and John Mitchel(2008).

“Bloody Summer is a fresh and comprehensive exploration of the rebellion that seeks to answer the question of not just what happened in 1798, but why it happened, and demonstrates a new, compelling account of this seismic event in Irish history,” concluded Dr Whelan. 

The master of ceremonies for the launch was Maura Bell, new Manager of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill, who welcomed the attendance and complimented James Quinn on holding the launch in Enniscorthy which is best known for the 1798 Rebellion.

Bloody Summer: A New History of the 1798 Rebellion by James Quinn, 150 pages, on sale at Easons, Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford, the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy or online at ucdpress.ie. ISBN: 9781068502347.

Water repairs in Carrig-on-Bannow

By Dan Walsh

Repairs are expected to be completed by 5pm today (Thursday).

Crews from Uisce Éireann are currently repairing a major water main burst in Carrick, County Wexford, with the aim of restoring water service to customers who have been impacted.  

The burst is affecting the water supply to residential and commercial properties in Carrick, Bannow, and the surrounding areas of south Wexford.  
 
Alternative Water Supplies ae available in Carrick village. Customers are advised to bring their own containers and to boil the water before use as a precaution
   

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

“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage, and we thank customers for their support while our works continue. Repairs are expected to be completed by 5pm today (Thursday).

“Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage.

“However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges,” concluded Mr. Lyng.  

To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the burst and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.