Saturday is expected to be dry, warm and sunny; suitable for a family day out at the Wexford races.
The first of seven races is off at 2.25pm and the card consists of four hurdle races, two steeplechases and an amateur flat race to finish the day.
Watering has been ongoing throughout the week, and by Saturday, conditions should be described as ‘good’ and safe.
All the top Wexford jockeys will be in action including Tiernan Power-Roche, Conor Stone-Walsh, Sean O’Keeffe and JJ Slevin and amateur riders Rob James, Luke Murphy and Bertie Finn.
Local trainers have entries, including Colm Murphy, Philip Rothwell, Paul Nolan, Richie Rath, Liz Doyle and Sean Doyle.
And the champions of the jump racing game will also be sending their runners to Bettyville Park including the record-breaking Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, Gavin Cromwell and Henry de Bromhead.
The SEAMUS RAFTER BRIDGE over the River Slaney at Enniscorthy is facing removal in Flood Relief Scheme plans. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Riverside Park Hotel
Wexford County Council and the OPW (Office of Public Works) are developing a Flood Relief Scheme for Enniscorthy. A public consultation on the option selection was held at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Wednesday.
Phase 1 involves removing the Seamus Rafter Bridge, which obstructs the River Slaney during floods. A new road bridge and pedestrian bridge will be built above predicted flood levels.
Enniscorthy has experienced significant flooding in 1924, 1947, 1965, 2000, 2015, 2018, and 2021, leading to property damage, commercial disruption, and traffic issues.
Phase 1 aims to provide relief for the town by removing the Seamus Rafter Bridge which becomes inaccessible when the river is in flood.
While opinions may vary on the scheme’s future, feedback from the consultation day indicates that Option 5 is the preferred choice. This option includes a bridge located about 120 metres downstream of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, connecting the R772 Wexford road and The Promenade.
A questionnaire and supporting documentation is available on the project website www.enniscorthyfrs.ie and when completed should sent via email to enniscorthyfrs-phase1@rod.ie or by post marked ‘Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme, Phase 1 Submission’ addressed to Roughan & O’Donovan, Arena House, Arena Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Closing date is Tuesday, June 10th 2025.
HISTORY; The Seamus Rafter Bridge was named in honour of Seamus Rafter (1873-1918), a native of Monalee, Ballindaggin, whose memorial stands close-by.
It was opened by Padraic Flynn TD, Minister for the Environment on May 31st 1991 in the presence of the Chairman of Wexford County Council Senator Hugh Byrne, the Chairman of Enniscorthy Urban District Council John Browne TD and County Manager Noel Dillon.
The Consultant Engineer was John B Barry and Partners and the contractor was Ascon Limited.
Enniscorthy-based Independent Cllr Jackser Owens raised concerns at Monday’s Wexford County Council’s monthly meeting about losing around 50 parking spaces at Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, after the meter was removed and the lease ended.
Speaking remotely, Cllr Owens claimed he had just heard that the Council was not renewing the lease on the privately-owned car park, known locally as the Clinic Car Park. “This is a massive blow to Enniscorthy,” said Cllr Owens, who added; “Losing 50 spaces in such a central location will have a serious impact, especially for local businesses and residents who rely on this facility.”
CLLR JACKSER OWENS
He was frustrated that Enniscorthy District Council members were not informed in advance, learning only through the property owner. “I want to make it absolutely clear that the closure is not the fault of the property owner. They’ve been very upfront and transparent, and it’s important the public knows this.”
Cllr Owens noted that the parking meter on the site had been removed, and the Council had not renewed the lease.
In reply to Cllr Owens’, Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive said there were 45 car parking spaces at the Clinic Car Park on Mill Park Road and usage was coming in at 20% and it was losing serious money; €18,000 in 2022, €20,000 in 2023 and €20,000 in the first half of 2024. “Car spaces on The Promenade are never full. There is always spare capacity,” added Mr. Hore.
“Somebody took down the ticket machine. “It has been taken away,” said Cllr Owens, urging the Council to compensate for the lost parking spaces in the town.
Cllr Aidan Browne announced that the issue will be discussed and decided on at next Tuesday’s Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting!
Adults and children of all ages turned out in force at the Gorey Bike Fest on Sunday morning in the glorious sunshine in the Town Park.
Organised by the Gorey Pedestrian & Cycling Association in conjunction with Wexford County Council, the event marked the start of Bike Week in County Wexford.
There was something for everyone with face painting, balance bikes and games, slow bike races and e-bike demos but the highlight of the morning was the slow-roll cycle into the town centre and back. Enthusiastically escorted by the blue lights of the Gorey Gardai, around 50 cyclists of all ages and abilities completed the 2.5km loop back to the Park. The cyclists worked up a thirst which was quenched with refreshments from the Coffee Pod Café.
Speaking after the event, the Council’s recently appointed Cycling & Walking Officer, Clinton Donovan, said “it was fantastic to see the children cycling safely as a group around the streets and hopefully it will help show that cycling can be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere, even in a town centre environment”.
He also paid tribute to the understanding of motorists in town that morning, saying that everyone appreciated the spirit of the event which contributed to the enjoyment of both the cyclists and spectators along the route.
Citing recent developments such as the Safe Routes to School, the Traffic Calming Scheme, and segregated cycle lanes, Gorey Pedestrian and Cycling Association are hopeful that the momentum towards safe active travel will continue in Gorey.
Mobile saunas are popular at beaches and lakesides, but regulations vary. Wexford County Council discussed this issue at their monthly meeting today, and significant changes may be coming down the tracks! Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, chaired the meeting.
County Wexford bans mobile beachside saunas. Chris Mortimer of sweathouse.ie was asked to relocate to private land despite initial approval from Wexford County Council for a beach sauna. He discussed his situation on Newstalk.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Cllr Joe Sullivan has been advocating for mobile saunas at Wexford beaches by proposing changes to seaside by-laws during a few district meetings. He raised the matter again today at the County Council meeting at Wexford.
Cllr Sullivan said he doesn’t understand why the blanket ban is in place. “As I can see, these mobile saunas are a welcome addition to our beaches. They’re a further attraction, they’re helping tourism, they pose no danger, they’re not interfering with any other service provider.”
Cllr Sullivan stated that he would expect all mobile sauna providers to have their own public liability insurance, so he cannot see what the issue is?
“Beaches are a natural asset,” stated Cllr Sullivan, who added that bye-laws be amended to accommodate properly constructed and properly insured mobile saunas on our beaches.
Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe replied that the matter of mobile saunas is being considered by the environment and planning departments, however, he added that from a personal view he would look favourable on allowing mobile saunas on Wexford’s beaches. Deputy Executive Eamonn Hore added that he agreed with the Chief Executive on mobile saunas.
Pictured at Gorey are (left to right); Barbara Walsh, Vice-Chair Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee; Cllr Donal Kenny, Leas Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council; Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council and Chair Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee; Sharon Ni Chuilinn, Chairperson Comhaltas Loch Garman; Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Liz Hore, Director of Services Wexford County Council. (Pic; Sabrina French).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council and Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council announced Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman 2025 and Fringe Fleadh 2025 at an event held in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, last Sunday.
This event signified the commencement of a lively season of Irish music, culture, and community celebration. Gorey Community School will once again host the County Fleadh from May 16th to 18th for the second consecutive year.
Cllr Donal Kenny, Leas Cathaoirleach of Gorey Municipal District, welcomed all attendees and commended the talent, energy, and dedication of those involved. He expressed the enthusiasm felt throughout Gorey to once again host this significant cultural event.
Discussing the 2025 Fringe Fleadh line-up, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, characterised the festival as an immersive cultural experience aimed at celebrating the richness of Irish identity.
“These events don’t just entertain – they connect us,” he said. “They weave a thread between communities, between generations, and between the past and the present. That’s what makes the Fringe Fleadh so special here in Wexford. They remind us of who we are and the values we hold dear: creativity, community, heritage, tradition, and heart,” stated Cllr Breen.
This year’s Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman was organised by CCÉ (Comhaltas Ceóltóirí Éireann) Gorey/Ballygarrett. Chairperson Paula Carroll acknowledged the team’s efforts for their dedication over the past two years.
Ms. Carroll thanked the Gorey-Kilmuckridge District members and staff for their support, noting the friendships and community spirit from the event. She welcomed Irish international rugby player Aoife Wafer, who shared how Irish music connects her with people worldwide.
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, formally announced the launch of the Fringe Fleadh programme. This initiative will encompass various cultural events across County Wexford throughout the summer, leading up to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August.
Mr. Taaffe expressed his appreciation to the members of Wexford County Council, the Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee (FEC), and the numerous committed volunteers who have significantly contributed to the success of this year’s and last year’s Fleadh.
Sharon Ní Chuilinn, Chairperson of Comhaltas Loch Garman, praised the dedication of volunteers and organisers in Wexford. She expressed her enthusiasm for the Fringe Fleadh 2025 programme, which will showcase Irish music, dance, art, and storytelling throughout the community this summer.
Ms. Ní Chuilinn expressed appreciation to Gorey Community School for providing a venue that accommodates nearly 1000 competitors and their families over the weekend. The event concluded with the Chairperson officially launching Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman.
Full details of the Fringe Fleadh programme are available via QR codes on-site or by visiting www.visitwexford.ie.
Two point-to-point meetings today (Sunday) at Bartlemy, Co. Cork and Loughrea, Co. Galway, and six Wexford handlers and three Wexford riders were amongst the winners. Barry Stone rode a double.
Stone was in action at Loughrea where he won the four-year-old mares’ maiden race by five lengths on Crystal Du Berlais for Robert Tector’s Rathnure stables, who also saddled a winner at Necarne on Friday.
Half an hour later and Stone was in the winners’ enclosure again having steered Embrace The Day in the colours of the Gaynestown Stud partnership and handled by Jonathan Fogarty to a two lengths victory in division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
Bertie Finn from Oulart rode his 35th career winner and took division two on board Colin Bowe’s newcomer Daylatedollarshort who got the verdict by a neck. Also successful in the west was Donnchadh Doyle. The Ballindaggin handler saddled newcomer Supreme Sea (Alan Harney up) in the maiden race for five-year-old plus geldings and gained a five lengths victory.
ELLEN DOYLE saddled a winner at Cork today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
There were three Wexford winners at the Cork venue this afternoon. Michael Murphy from Redbridge Stables, Duncormick, was successful with Recite A Poem ridden by Darragh Higgins who came home with five lengths to spare.
Ellen Doyle from Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy, sent out newcomer Pointofdifference (Brian Dunleavy up) in division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and enjoyed a four and a half lengths victory.
Sean Doyle also saddled a winner. Old Comrades in the Monbeg Partnership colours ridden by Jamie Scallan by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
Wexford RNLI launched at 2.02 pm this afternoon (Saturday) after a fisherman reported seeing someone in the water about two miles from Wexford Harbour.
Wexford RNLI at Wexford bridge. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The lifeboat crew arrived on scene 25 minutes later.
The body of a male was recovered by the RNLI in the Irish Sea, east of Raven Point, south of Curracloe, and brought to shore.
The man’s body has since been transferred to the morgue at University Hospital Waterford, where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
The results of the examination will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
Two days of point-to-point action took place on Friday and Saturday (today) at Necarne, Co. Fermanagh, where Barry O’Neill recorded a treble, won the northern rider’s title for the sixth time and rode the history making Winged Leader to his 33rd career success. Rob James scored a double over both days.
BARRY O’NEILL (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Today (Saturday) Barry O’Neill’s success commenced on newcomer Shotgun Rider for Colin Bowe by one and a half lengths in the section division of the four-year-old maiden race.
Then he partnered Winged Leader for local trainer David Christie who won the Open Race by three lengths, and the 13-year-old gelding was recording his 33rd career victory – sharing the record with Still William – at his local track.
On the Friday programme the Barry O’Neill/Colin Bowe team won the four-year-old mares’ maiden race by ten lengths with Pigeon Forge.
Also on Friday Robert Tector’s Coolbawn stables at Rathnure were victorious with Bee’s Kiss, by 11 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old mares. Jamie Scallan’s 32 winner of the season and assures him of third place in the national point-to-point riders’ championship behind Barry O’Neill and Rob James.
Rob James enjoyed a Saturday double in Fermanagh. Doubly Blessed running in the colours of Noel Dooly and handled by James was a thirteen and a half lengths winner of division one of the maiden race for four-year-olds. James was in the winners’ enclosure again following the maiden race for seven-year-olds plus on Bective Bridge for Meath handler Cian Collins.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
By Dan Walsh
Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Ger Nash said; “With deep joy and heartfelt gratitude to the Holy Spirit, I warmly welcome the news of the election of Pope Leo XIV. “The people of the Diocese of Ferns join with the universal Church in prayerful thanksgiving for the gift of new papal leadership. We ask God to bless Pope Leo XIV with wisdom, courage, and compassion as he begins his sacred ministry as successor to St. Peter. “This moment also offers us an opportunity to reflect with appreciation on the long, rich, and valued history of the Augustinian Order within our diocese. The Augustinians have faithfully served the people of Ferns for generations, contributing profoundly to the spiritual life and pastoral mission of our Church.
“Their presence continues to bear fruit in the lives of many through prayer, education, and pastoral care particularly with the presence of Good Counsel College in New Ross which has been a rich source of learning in our diocese. “As we look to the future under the guidance of Pope Leo XIV, we renew our commitment to walk together in faith, drawing inspiration from the emerging synodal church and the enduring witness of so many clergy, religious and lay people whose dedication strengthens the life of our diocese. “May the Lord bless Pope Leo XIV and all who serve His Church in love and fidelity,” concluded Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns.
Robert Francis Provost was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14th 1955 (aged 69 years) and takes the name POPE LEO XIV. He is the 267th successor to the throne of St. Peter.
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