Tara Hill fire is under control

Clouds of smoke engulfed Tara Hill as brave fire crews from counties Wexford and Wicklow spent many hours bringing the fire under control. (Pic; Tara Hill Community Development Association)

By Dan Walsh

A major outbreak of fire at Tara Hill, raging since Sunday afternoon, is under control tonight.

An Air Corps helicopter unit arrived at 12.40pm today (Monday) and has been very successful in dispersing water and reducing the fire, prioritising residential areas. 

The fire moved from a traditional in-flame phase to dampening down. Seven fire appliances from Gorey, Enniscorthy, Bunclody, Carnew and Arklow attended the scene continue to dampen down the remaining fire.

Firefighters spent several hours combating a fire at the top of the hill, with no homes currently at risk. Some homes were evacuated on Sunday night as a precautionary measure.

They are being assisted by Coillte, An Garda Siochána and local farmers who supplied water tankers, traffic control and the creation of fire breaks in the area.

Farmers have been transporting water from the Ahare River up the hill for the fire units and the local community has been gathering supplies to give to the emergency services at the local GAA club and Tara Vale pub.

Tara Hill Community Development Association thanked local farmers on Facebook.

“Last night, 15 local farmers worked tirelessly, drawing water from the Ahare river and nearby ponds. Their quick action and dedication were instrumental in helping to slow the spread of the fire,” said the statement.

Fire crews remain on Tara Hill

Smoke from the fire on Tara Hill could be seen from Gorey’s Main Street. (Pic; Ger Leacy)

By Dan Walsh

Five firefighting crews continue to be present at the site of a fire on Tara Hill in North Wexford, this afternoon after working through the night.

The crews, from Gorey, Bunclody, Arklow and Carnew, are currently keeping the fire under control, with assistance from Coillte, Gardaí and local farmers, through the supply of water tankers, traffic control and the creation of fire breaks in the area. 

The blaze started at around 15.45 yesterday afternoon and sent plumes of smoke into the air throughout the night.

People living or working in the immediate area are being asked to remain indoors, close all doors and windows and switch off ventilation systems.

Air quality monitoring, conducted by the Wexford County Council Environment team, indicates that while Gorey is being impacted by smoke from the fires, the overall air quality is considered Good, moving to Fair quality.  

Other towns, including Bunclody and Ferns, are being impacted to a lesser degree, and air quality remains good.

As a precautionary measure, vulnerable customers in these areas – elderly adults, those with small babies and those with breathing conditions- should close doors and windows and switch off ventilation systems.

It’s hoped the situation will continue to improve as a mist has started to fall in the Tara Hill area.

Large fire engulfs Tara Hill

By Dan Walsh

Scenes from the fire on Tara Hill at 1am this morning. Concerns in the area that the fire has intensified and may be out of control. Emergency services on the scene have a long night ahead of them. Update by Dan Walsh 1am for WexfordLocal.com
Firefighters, Gardaí and local farmers spent Sunday afternoon and late into the night working to control a fire that affected vegetation on Tara Hill in North Wexford.

The fire began in gorse and old vegetation on the eastern side of the hill. It was noticed around 2 pm, assisted by a sea breeze and large plumes of smoke.

Wexford County Council Fire Service sent a number of tenders and water tankers to the scene. Their efforts were strengthened by support from Arklow Fire Service and local farmers who assisted by drawing water from the nearby Ahare River.

The fire seemed under control initially, but it intensified later in the evening, requiring continued efforts throughout the night.

Although there was no threat to homes or property, the impact on wildlife and the environment is evident.

Outbreaks of fire on Tara Hill during dry weather periods are common and have been documented previously.

Tara Hill is included in Wexford’s Walking Trails and is a popular area for hillwalkers and sightseers.

Another treble for Barry O’Neill

By Dan Walsh

Barry O’Neill achieved a treble success at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork today, marking his 55th win of the season and securing his eighth national point-to-point riders’ championship with two weeks remaining.

Two of O’Neill’s winners today were for champion handler Colin Bowe; Axel Bleue by eight lengths in division one of the maiden race for five-and six-year-old geldings and a seven lengths victory with Practice Run in the Winner of One Race.

O’Neill’s third success came in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings on Time To Give handled at Gaynestown Stud, Cleariestown by Jonathan Fogarty. The winning margin was two and a half lengths.

SEAN STAPLES rode his 35th point-to-point winner today.

Duncormick rider Sean Staples scored his 35th career winner for Cormac Doyle with Jewel Hope scoring by twenty-five lengths in division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. Division two went to Cormac’s brother, Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, who saddled newcomer Royale Rocker who scored by three lengths with Jamie Scallan in the saddle.

Darragh Berry and the Run For Fun Syndicate were celebrating following division two of the five-and-six-year-old geldings maiden race after Anyoneforsnacks took the spoils with Brian Dunleavy up.

Jim O’Neill, brother of top rider Barry O’Neill also enjoyed victory at the Cork track. Connies Hill won for him in the five-year-old plus mares maiden race with Jack Hendrick up. Verdict was three parts of a length.

There was also point-to-point action at Tattersalls, Co. Meath today where newcomer Moonlight Paradise won the maiden race for four-year-old mares’ contest for Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh. Shane Cotter took the mount. One length the verdict.

Cormac Doyle secured an across the card double when newcomer Timmys Jetaway (Darragh Higgins up) come off best by a length in the second division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Josh Berry bounced back from recent injury to join forces with his parents, Shirley and Johnny Berry, Tomhaggard, in celebrating the success of Five Star Getaway in the Open Race confined to novice riders.

Rob James saddled Coral Sunset for Benjamin Hill and took the ride himself, and the newcomer galloped to a 22 lengths victory in the five-year-old mares plus maiden race.

James and Barry Stone levelled on 21 winners each in the Eastern Region Riders’ Championship following this race, and sportingly Stone opted not to take his ride in the last race of the day. Both agreed to share the title.

Colm Tóibín’s play awarded All-Ireland drama accolade

By Dan Walsh

Ballyduff Drama Group won the 2025 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival at Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone. The results were announced last night, with nine groups contesting the finals, including three from Co. Wexford.
COLM TÓIBÍN wrote ‘The Blackwater Lightship‘

The Waterford thespians superbly presented ‘The Blackwater Lightship’ based on the book of the same name by Colm Tóibín from Enniscorthy who also gave ‘Brooklyn’ to the world cinema, adapted for the stage by David Horan.

The best Wexford group were Bridge Drama who filled third place but also supplied the Best Actor in Cillian Tobin and the Best Stage Management Award went to Mary O’Connor. Bridge’s play was ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ by Simon Stephens based on the novel by Mark Hadden.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role went to Catherine Stafford of Ballycogley Players who presented ‘Lend Me A Tenor’ by Ken Ludwig.

Balally Players Dublin were runners-up. Wexford town were also finalists. They staged Skylight by David Hare. 

Summer party atmosphere at Wexford races

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

The Wexford races today were attended by a large crowd, with participants enjoying the sunny weather. The event included a stag party and hen party, contributing to a festive environment. Two Wexford jockeys kept the local punters happy too!

LUKE MURPHY (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Wexford amateur Luke Murphy from Gorey got the locals off to a winning start on front runner Kilbuny Supersonic (100/30 fav), trained by Richard O’Hara from Portlaw who had 18 lengths to spare at the conclusion of the mares’ maiden hurdle.

Tiernan Power-Roche from Tomhaggard who won the Conditional Jockey’s Championship recently was in winning form at his local track aboard the Philip Rothwell trained Splendid Choice (6/1) in the handicap hurdle.

Paul Nolan had a frustrating day – two runner-up spots beginning with Rose Boum (Jordan Gainford up) in the mares’ handicap hurdle beaten by Lilian Brand (7/1) from the Cappoquin stables of Niall Hennessy and ridden by Richie Deegan.

TIERNAN POWER ROCHE (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Nolan’s Western Model (Sean O’Keeffe up) was second in the handicap chase where 14/1 shot Riggs (Liam McKenna up) from Peter Cluskey’s Balbriggan stables scored by six and a half lengths.

Edward O’Grady saddled Our Soldier (7/1) in the hands of Philip Enright in the handicap hurdle who beat Joseph O’Brien’s Duke Silver (JJ Slevin up) by three quarters of a length.

Harry de Bromhead won the novice chase with Aspire Tower (4/9 fav.) ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe.

The legendary Willie Mullins won the INH Flat Race with Hello Jean (4/7 fav) ridden by Jody Townend.

During racing tributes and a minute’s silence was observed for Michael Cullen, a trainer from Whitemoor, New Ross, who passed away earlier in the week.

Sympathy was extended to his wife Anne, who was always by his side, other family members and friends in the racing community.

Racing takes place again at Bettyville Park on Wednesday evening, May 28th, and all are welcome to come along.  

Wexford Bus named Fleadh Travel Partner

Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and Brendan Crowley, Managing Director of Wexford Bus announced local bus arrangements for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 taking place August 3rd-10th in Wexford town.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Bus is named as the Official Travel Partner for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. To celebrate this partnership, Wexford Bus will offer journeys free of charge on the Wexford Bus Connect Town Services (Routes WX1 and WX2) throughout the Fleadh. Additionally, the Wexford Bus timetables will be extended to include extra nighttime services to facilitate all those attending the event.

Brendan Crowley, Managing Director of Wexford Bus commented; “As a proud Wexford company we are thrilled to welcome Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Wexford for another year. We are excited to be bringing visitors to our beautiful town and county for this incredible event and are confident that the people of Wexford will once again extend a warm welcome.  

“We are delighted that the Fleadh is committed to encouraging visitors to use public transport to travel to and within Wexford. In support of this, we are inviting visitors and locals to travel on our services within Wexford town namely Route WX1 and WX2 free of charge for the duration of the Fleadh.”

“Last year we carried a record number of passengers to Wexford for the Fleadh from Dublin, Gorey, Enniscorthy, Waterford and Carlow as well as on our local routes and hope to carry a similar volume of passengers this year. By booking in advance passengers were guaranteed a seat at the time they wished to travel, and we could plan our services and add additional resources when required. We encourage all intending passengers to book in advance again this year,” stated Mr Crowley.

Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council commented; “Having Wexford Bus as the Official Travel Partner of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was a great success last year so we are very happy to have them on board again this year. Wexford Bus operates an extensive network of bus services within the county so naturally they are a key part of helping us to bring visitors to the Fleadh.  

“We are delighted that Wexford Bus is offering free travel to all passengers on the Wexford Bus Local Town Services (Route WX1 and WX2) during the Fleadh and hope it will encourage people to leave their cars at home. This is another example of the warm Wexford welcome that is being extended to visitors, and I would like to thank Wexford Bus for their generous contribution,” concluded Mr Taaffe.

For more information please visit http://www.wexfordbus.com and http://www.fleadhcheoil.ie

Wexford has six Blue Flag beaches

By Dan Walsh

Six beaches in Co. Wexford received the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ at a ceremony this afternoon at Ravenport Resort, Curracloe.  

The six beaches on the Wexford coastline that received the Blue Flags are; Curracloe Beach, Carne Beach, Morriscastle Beach, Rosslare Strand, Ballineskar Beach and Ballymoney North Beach, who regained the Blue Flag having lost it in 2024, but now regained after they recorded an improved annual water quality rating, now deemed to be excellent.

Ms. Cathy Baxter, Director of Education and Community Action at An Taisce said; “We were delighted to be back in the sunny Southeast once again, to present The Blue Flag and Green Coast Award Flags for the 2025 season.

“We would like to congratulate all the Local Authorities, marina operators and Clean Coasts groups responsible for managing the awarded beaches and marinas to the excellent standards required,” concluded Ms. Baxter.

Tributes to racehorse trainer Michael Cullen

By Dan Walsh

Tributes have been paid to racehorse trainer Michael Cullen, Whitemoor, New Ross, who passed away on Monday morning. He was aged 67 years.

MICHAEL CULLEN

Former champion jockey Davy Russell said; “His horses were always exceptionally well turned out. He was very particular, there would never be anything out of place. 

“He was very nice and hard-working. Himself and his wife Ann were always side by side – you would never see one without the other.

“He had great success with American Jennie and a few other mares who won nice pots over the years. I rode for him throughout my whole career and he was a very nice man who worked very hard.”

Cullen enjoyed memorable days with American Jennie, especially her 2007 Punchestown festival win.

Other notable Cullen stable horses include Carrig Mille, winner of the 2013 Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase, and Bella Mana Mou, a four-time winner.  

His final winners were at Tramore in May of 2014, where he saddled a double on the same day. 

He will always be held in the heart of his loving wife Ann who was by his side and also surrounded by other members of his caring family.
Son of Elizabeth (Les) and the late Michael Cullen Senior. Sadly missed by his brother Sean, sister Marion, brothers and sisters – in -law Eve, Anna, Maria, Anthony and Garrett. Adored by his nieces, nephews, extended family and a wide circle of friends. Rest in Peace.

Funeral Mass was held today (Friday) at St. Anne’s Church, Rathgarogue, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Call for 10-bed mental health unit

By Dan Walsh

Speaking in Seanad Éireann today Senator Cathal Byrne raised the issue of mental health in the presence of Waterford Deputy Mary Butler, Minister of State at the Department of Health.

Senator Byrne requested to highlight a motion that was recently passed by the members of Wexford County Council, which called on the Minister of State to intervene and deliver in Wexford a ten-bed unit for local urgent need, integrated with Wexford General Hospital.

“At the moment any person suffering from a mental health issue with suicide on his or her mind is brought to the emergency department of Wexford General Hospital and, if required, transferred to Waterford. Unfortunately, for a county as large as Wexford and its population, it is unacceptable that people are transferred to Waterford,” said Senator Byrne.

SENATOR CATHAL BYRNE (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“I am aware of the work that is under way in Waterford and the work that the Minister of State is doing in her local area to increase and improve the facilities that are available there.

“The people of Wexford need a small, designated ten-bed unit that is co-located with Wexford General Hospital to be provided. I am aware that the outgoing CEO of the HSE does not favour this proposal but someone new will take up his position. I urge the Minister of State to get involved in her neighbouring county.

“We are not looking for a large-scale unit like the one in Waterford. We are seeking a small ten-bed unit for urgent need because a mental health issue is not something that just happens between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. We need 24-hour access,” stated Senator Byrne.