A Musical Evening with Anthony Kearns and Friends is listed as ‘a night of unforgettable performances’ taking place in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Church Street, Enniscorthy, on Friday night. It starts at 8pm.
International tenor ANTHONY KEARNS performs at Enniscorthy
Anthony Kearns’ talented friends on the night include Mezzo-Soprano – Lorna Mahon; Violinist – Lynda O’Connor; Pianist – David Wray; Uillean Piper – Mark Redmond and Enniscorthy based choir The Silvertones.
Anthony Kearns from Kiltealy is best known locally as a member of ‘Irish Tenors’ who became a world-wide sensation as one of Ireland’s most famous touring musicians, His international solo career includes high-profile celebrity engagements, television appearances, concert tours, and collaborations with the finest orchestras, particularly in the United States.
He has performed for four U.S. presidents and for Pope Francis at a pre-Mass Concert in Philadelphia. He has recorded thirteen albums with the Irish tenors which have sold in the millions earning him gold platinum and double platinum awards.
Lorna Mahon, a mezzo soprano, received her vocal training from Mary Brennan in the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama. She is currently teaching Music in the Presentation Secondary School Wexford and leads the Presentation School Choir which is well known for singing at various concerts in Wexford.
We look forward to welcoming Pianist, David Wray. On the violin, we welcome Lynda O’Connor.
Mark Redmond from Gorey has gained a reputation as a performer on the uilleann pipes in a ‘traditional’ sense but also engages with a wide range of diverse genres. He performs and records regularly with the National Symphony and RTÉ Concert Orchestras. Within this context, he has featured in live broadcasts for many historic occasions, including The Papal Mass, Phoenix Park, 2018.
Tickets are available on the website Eventbrite. They cost €25.
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL BUILDINGS. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Council Chamber
Slightly more than half of the 34 elected members attended either in person or remotely a special meeting of Wexford County Council focussing on Housing Delivery held in the Council Chamber yesterday (Tuesday). Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy presided in the absence of Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen who was attending an event in Leinster House!
Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe and housing department officials attended, using a question-and-answer format. The meeting highlighted various concerns impacting all of County Wexford.
Mr. Taaffe informed the meeting that the council is committed to surpassing its government-set target of 1,150 social homes by delivering 1,500 units by 2026. While no official target has been established for affordable housing, there are already 60 units in development.
There are over 1,500 households on the council’s social housing list and another 1,200 seeking transfers, totalling around 6,000 people.
Eight questions were submitted in advance, and the chamber responded positively. However, there were several empty seats on the Fine Gael side of the chamber, even though they are part of the current government coalition that set the current targets. For the record, Cllrs Oliver Walsh and Pat Kehoe were in attendance via zoom.
Cllr Michael Sheehan suggested writing to the Minister (James Browne TD) and start identifying tracts of land in the various areas and come up with a plan. “We have to have a plan in place for Wexford County Council to acquire land,” he said.
Cllr Sheehan noted the challenges faced by individuals down-sizing, living in homes too large to heat, and proposed retirement villages as an option for relocation.
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said there was an order from the Minister for Housing to achieve at council level, but he felt “this is the wrong way to go.” “We are going to forget about the town centres and the villages and we don’t seem to be doing something about regenerating town centres where 50% of the buildings are not fit for use,” said Cllr Kavanagh, who added; “We should be regenerating town centres and CPO (Compulsory Purchase Orders) whole streets.”
Cllr Catherine Biddy Walsh wondered about the effects on the local community in the future. Referring to housing estates and lack of services, Cllr Walsh asked “are we creating a monster we haven’t even though about in the years to come.”
Cllr John Fleming said; “we need more land at current value.” Cllr Garry Laffan said smaller villages were “dying a death” and claimed the council “needs to revise upwards” and assist villages like Screen, Glynn and Murrintown.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy spoke about the survival of communities and the provision of services. She claimed there are not enough one and two-bedroom housing and old people as they age need smaller houses.
Other contributors included Cllrs Tom Forde, Leonard Kelly, Jim Codd, Aoife Rose O’Brien and Jackser Owens (via zoom),
An artist’s impression of the entrance to the proposed Tourism Resort Hotel at Kilmore Quay.
By Dan Walsh at Kilmore Quay
Local developer, Rob Roche, has attracted significant interest from international operators for a proposed Integrated Tourism Resort development in Kilmore Quay. The details of the plan were unveiled during a public information event held at Stella Maris Community Centre, Kilmore Quay, last Friday.
The Resort project is estimated to have a construction cost in the region of €180 million.
“Given its location and site topography on the edge of the village the resort does not impact on the unique historic village centre and allows Kilmore Quay to continue to grow organically”, stated Mr Roche.
The Resort, when operational, is expected to employ between 120-200 people directly and approximately 100 people indirectly, giving a huge boost to local employment. The construction phase of the Resort is expected to take three years and will create many direct and indirect employment opportunities locally.
The development aims to promote sustainable tourism with significant biodiversity landscaping to encourage longer stays and provide year-round economic benefits to the local community. This ensures the resort remains attractive and commercially viable for a sole operator.
The development intends to drive lasting environmental, tourism, economic and social benefits for Kilmore Quay, Wexford, and the wider region.
The developer outlined several 5-star Resort Hotel operators have already expressed interest in operating the Resort, and once planning permission is secured, the best operator will be selected. It will be managed by a single entity controlling all the resort features which include the hotel self-catering lodges, the farmstead, and leisure facilities.
Mr Roche describes the integrated resort with 163 rooms, 42 family suites and 55 self-catering lodges, a leisure centre (gym and swimming pools), 5-star spa, outdoor paddle courts, mini-golf, playground, cafe, restaurant, and pedestrian friendly cycling; walking routes around the development, including a link to Kilmore Quay village centre and Nemestown, accessible by locals and day visitors.
The resort very much aligns with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland’s growth and vision attracting international tourists to Ireland and Wexford. Designed to complement and not compete with Kilmore Quay businesses. The delivery of the resort will tackle known seasonal issues currently existing in Kilmore Quay. Bringing sustainable employment opportunities for the community by attracting visitors throughout the year.
“This is a transformative opportunity for Kilmore Quay, the vision is to create a resort that not only offers world-class hospitality but is poised to become a flagship destination for Ireland’s luxury tourism market, greatly enhancing the local economy and celebrating the character of the region,” Mr Roche toldWexfordLocal.com.
Mr Roche confirms he is proceeding with the planning application for the Integrated Tourism Resort Hotel in the knowledge he will need to contribute to the capital cost to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant to Phase 2. “This planning permission was granted to Uisce Éireann, and the plant can be extended once there is a requirement for capacity. They have constructed phase 1, which involved the major components of the new treatment plant including the pumped rising main in the public road. As the site is adjacent to the treatment plant, we can connect directly without carrying out works in the public realm”, he stated.
The application is expected to be lodged with Wexford County Council in June 2025 following the public successful information event held in Kilmore Quay last Friday.
Courtown RNLI launched on Saturday afternoon to assist the crew of a sailing vessel that encountered engine trouble off the North Beach.
The lifeboat was launched at approximately 4pm. Conditions were favourable with sunny skies and a slight wind at the time.
As the crew proceeded towards the yacht, they received a radio communication update indicating that the yacht’s crew had successfully repaired their engine and no longer required assistance from the lifeboat.
The lifeboat returned to station where there were plenty of shore crew to assist with washing the boat and leaving it ready for the next call out.
Led by An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pip Breen, the Wexford delegation to Savannah and Atlanta included Municipal District representatives, council officials, and enterprise leaders.
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council delegates recently visited Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, to explore new economic, educational, and cultural development opportunities for County Wexford.
Led by An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pip Breen, the delegation included Municipal District representatives, council officials, and enterprise leaders. The visit reinforced the sister city agreement with Savannah and investigated new trade and investment opportunities in Atlanta.
In Atlanta, An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pip Breen addressed the Georgia House of Representatives and was honoured with a proclamation from Speaker of the House, Jon Burns, reinforcing strong diplomatic ties and recognising County Wexford’s contribution to international partnership and cultural diplomacy.
Wexford was honoured to be the first county in Ireland to be recognised by the Georgia House of Representatives in recognition of the key achievements of the linkages with Savannah, Georgia Southern University and Tradebridge.
CLLR PIP BREEN, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council addressed the Georgia House of Representatives while leading a Wexford delegation to the United States recently. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Pip Breen said “This visit has further strengthened the foundations for long term economic growth, international collaboration and shared learning. Our engagements in Georgia open exciting new doors for County Wexford in areas from port development and renewable energy to education and enterprise”.
Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe commented; “The relationships built during this visit will contribute directly to job creation, infrastructure advancement, educational exchange and the global promotion of Wexford as a dynamic, future-focused county.”
A highlight of the visit was the delegation’s strategic engagement with the Georgia Ports Authority. Wexford Enterprise Association joined Wexford County Council at a business forum with Tradebridge partners Savannah Economic Development Authority.
The delegation were guests of honour at the Georgia Southern University, Statesboro Campus launch of the Wexford HUB at the Henderson Library which is a designated key location space at the university of 26,000 students, building on the intake programme of students coming to Wexford which commences at the end of Spring. To date the successful relationship has seen over 300 students attending the Georgia Southern International Learning Campus in Wexford.
In addition, discussions took place on further developing the iconic Adoration Convent in Wexford which will see over €6 million investment to a new student accommodation. A new focus of the linkages with Georgia Southern are the opportunities for research and innovation with SETU and its application to opportunities for both regions.
The delegation’s presence at the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade, attended by over 800,000 people, showcased Wexford on an international stage with the Cathaoirleach conducting TV and media interviews regarding the collaboration between our two regions.
Gardaí are investigating an alleged assault that occurred in a playground on the Promenade, Enniscorthy, early Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and one youth was injured and taken to Wexford General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. It is understood that he was released a short time later.
The Gardaí in Enniscorthy have confirmed that three juveniles were interviewed regarding the incident.
Investigations are ongoing, and a file is being prepared for the DPP.
Pictured at the opening of the refurbished Brennan’s Lane, New Ross, were (left to right); Cllr Pat Barden, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr Michael Sheehan, Minister James Browne, Minister Dara Calleary, Cllr Brídín Murphy, Cllr Pip Breen, Eamonn Hore, Director of Service; Cllr John Fleming, Cllr Marty Murphy, Áine Waters, Wexford County Council; Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager, Wexford County Council. (Pic; Mary Browne).
By Dan Walsh
The refurbishment of Brennan’s Lane in New Ross has been officially opened. The project aims to create a safer, more accessible thoroughfare and enhance connectivity within the town, providing a space for residents, visitors, and businesses.
The Brennan’s Lane refurbishment project received a €500,000 grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Additionally, Wexford County Council provided match funding, approved by the elected members, resulting in a total investment of €891,000.
The official opening was performed by Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, joined by Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, elected members of Wexford County Council, Oireachtas members from Wexford, and invited guests.
Speaking about the Brennan’s Lane project, Minister Calleary said; “Significant work and engagement took place between the local community, New Ross Chamber of Commerce and the local authority to enable the delivery of this project. The connection between local authorities and communities is crucial for the development of projects that address the genuine needs of our towns and villages.”
Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, stated; “It is with great pride that I stand here today at the official opening of Brennan’s Lane, a project delivered under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This revitalised laneway is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and community spirit, and it marks another significant step in enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of New Ross town.”
Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, said; “Brennan’s Lane, once a modest thoroughfare, has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space that reflects our ambition for the future of the town.”
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, stated; “The refurbishment of Brennan’s Lane is the latest investment in the public realm of New Ross, and is another significant step forward in the regeneration of the town centre.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and Director of Services, Eamonn Hore, remarked, “This project showcases Wexford County Council’s dedication to enhancing our communities, fostering pride, and supporting local vitality. The refurbishment of Brennan’s Lane has transformed it into a safer, more accessible, and vibrant space for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager of New Ross Municipal District said; The Brennan’s Lane rejuvenation project has seen a serious team effort from everyone at New Ross Municipal District, working closely with the consultant and contractor, along with local businesses and tradespeople. I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for their tireless work on this project and we look forward to seeing this space come to life.”
Starting in 2024, this project involved planning, design, and community consultation to refurbish the laneway for improved safety, accessibility, and vibrancy.
The project, carried out by contractor MJS Civil Engineering with design and construction management from consultants Avanti Architects, has redeveloped Brennan’s Lane to highlight New Ross’ heritage and provide support to local businesses and residents.
PAUL KEHOE is the new Chairperson of The Wexford Food Producers Network. (Pic; Mary Browne Photography)
The Board of Directors of The Wexford Food Producers Network has announced the appointment of retired Fine Gael TD for the Wexford constituency, Paul Kehoe, as the new Chairperson.
Paul Kehoe, from Bree, retired in 2024 after serving Wexford constituency in Dáil Éireann for 22 years. The Wexford Food Producers Network is a member representative and member-led body for Wexford’s food and beverage production sector. With approximately fifty members ranging from sole traders, micro enterprises, small medium enterprises and to large exporters, their remit is to support the growth and development of Wexford’s food production sector.
The organisation supports Wexford food producers, to build a sustainable food industry which provides employment and contributes significantly to the Irish economy on a local, regional and national level. The Wexford Food Producers Network CLG is a non-for-profit organisation that is recognised and supported by Wexford County Council, Wexford Local Enterprise Office and Wexford Local Development. The organisation engages with national agencies Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Ornua –The Irish Dairy Board on the issues that are critical to assisting their member’s businesses to grow.
Paul Kehoe has led a distinguished career in Irish public service spanning twenty-two years as a TD for the Wexford constituency from 2002-2024. He served as Minister of State at the Department of Defence from 2011 to 2020 and Government Chief Whip from 2011 to 2016. He was appointed Chair of the Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in September 2020.
With the point-to-point season coming to an end shortly Barry Stone has won the Eastern riders’ title and the Cleariestown champion celebrated today in Galway where he rode a double and brought his seasonal tally to 27 – a personal best!
BARRY STONE … Eastern region point-to-point champion and a double today at Galway. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Stone won the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings on newcomer Big Ticket by 16 lengths for handler Jonathan Fogarty and added the five-year-old geldings maiden race on True Harmony for handler Garrett Murphy. Four lengths the verdict.
Rob James also rode a brace of winners in the west. He succeeded on Jury Roses, which he also trains, by five lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares and completed the double on Donnchadh Doyle’s Kamille Au Kanada by 14 lengths in the mares’ maiden race for five-year-olds plus.
Point-to-point action at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, today too. Jack Hendrick had an easy 18 lengths victory on Cormac Doyle’s newcomer Indulto Rouge in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
Sean Doyle saddled Adonedeal to a 17 lengths success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Jamie Scallan was the successful rider. And Tinahely rider James Walsh, who is returning from injury, scored on Some Spanner handled by Marc Costello by six lengths in the maiden race for six-year-old plus geldings.
May Bank Holiday Monday racing took place at Dawstown, Co. Cork, and it yielded two Wexford winners. Argent Royale won for Eamonn Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with Alan Harney up. The winning distance was three lengths.
Rob James good form continued and he handled and rode I C U In My Dreams for Caim owner, Tom Sinnott and gained a four and a half lengths success in the maiden race for mares’ five-year-old plus.
Saturday’s action took place at Toomebridge, Co. Antrim, and Rob James handled and rode Cavalier Du Luy to a single length success in the maiden race for four-year-olds.
Michael Goff, Clondaw, Ferns also saddled a winner – Zagurlie (Michael Kenneally up) by half a length in the maiden race for mares five-year-olds plus.
Transprint with trainer Richard O’Keeffe and jockey Anthony ‘Tony’ Doyle won the Kildare Hunt Club Cross Country Steeplechase for the Ladies Perpetual Cup at Punchestown on Tuesday. (Pic; Healy Racing)
By Dan Walsh
The Wexford hero of the Punchestown racing festival this week was Richard O’Keeffe, who trains at Newtown, Taghmon, with a pair of spectacular wins ‘over the famous’ Punchestown banks.
Today, Saturday, he won the Howden Cross Country Chase with the 13-year-old Vital Island, a former winner of the Ladies Cup and the La Touche, and afterwards, O’Keeffe declared Vital Island, “as one of the all-time greats around this unique course with a third win at the festival.”
Ridden by Barry Stone, Vital Island’s victory capped a fine season for both trainer and jockey. O’Keeffe had saddled the first two home in the Ladies Cup on Tuesday, while Stone tasted Cheltenham success at the first time of asking in March.
Great scenes on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival last Tuesday when Transprint (22/1) and trainer Richard O’Keeffe, who won the prestigious Ladies Cup ridden by Anthony James ‘Tony’ Doyle from Duncormick who rides out at O’Keeffe’s stables.
It was a first winner under Rules for the rider.
Winning trainer Richie O’Keeffe said: “Transprint keeps going and was third around here last year. Tony rides out for me at home and he picked Transprint.
“It’s a dream result. They were running well in point-to-points and that stands to them. They loved the ground,” said O’Keeffe, who also saddled the runner-up, Turnupthevolume ridden by Barry Stone.
Yvonne Latta from Ballinakill stables, Ballycarney, enjoyed a hurdle victory on Wednesday with Thisistheway (9/1) ridden by John Shinnock.
Owned and bred by her husband Charlie, the Doyen six-year-old was sent off a 9/1 chance and swept to the front on the lengthy run to the last.
“It’s a long time in the planning. The minute she came back in to go hurdling this has been the target all along,” Andrew Latta, assistant trainer to his mother Yvonne, said.
Thursday’s feature was the La Touche Cup over the famous Punchestown banks won by Busselton (7/1) ridden by JJ Slevin from Caim, Enniscorthy, and trained at Carrick-on-Suir by his cousin, Joseph O’Brien.
“I’ve been watching these races from Punchestown as long as I can remember and this is one race I’ve always wanted to win,” said Slevin afterwards. JJ’s father Shay Slevin saddled the 2017 winner, Treo Eile.
It was a good festival for JJ Slevin. On Wednesday he won the Grade 3 chase on James Du Berlais (7/4) for the all-conquering Willie Mullins stable.
On Thursday Jordan Gainford, Caim, was successful on Cushendale Lad (7/1) for Gordon Elliott’s stables.
Sean Flanagan repeated his Cheltenham success on Marine Nationale (2/1) for trainer Barry Connell in the Champion Chase on opening day.
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