Double for O’Neill at Peppards Castle

By Dan Walsh at Peppards Castle

Yellow Warning, trained by Ellen Doyle at Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy,and ridden by Brian Dunleavy, won the four-year-old maiden race at today’s Island point-to-point at Peppards Castle by a short head under pleasant autumn sunshine.

Yellow Warning pipped Jetaway Mountain in the Jay Brennan colours and trained at Blackwater by Martin Corrigan with Shane Butler in the saddle. It was the closest finish of the day.

BARRY O’NEILL and COLIN BOWE were amongst the winners at Peppards Castle.

Champion rider Barry O’Neill scored a double and leads the national point-to-point rider’s championship with eight winners since the beginning of the new season.

First up for O’Neill was aboard Idaho Expresso for the David Christie stables in the maiden race for five- and six-year-old mares and half an hour later added the five-year-old geldings maiden contest on the Colin Bowe trained Ponte Verda in the colours of Maria Kavanagh from Arklow. Six lengths to spare for the latter.

Double Ten in the colours of the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership scored by seven lengths under Donal O’Connor for the Cormac Doyle stables in the four-year-old maiden auction race.

Cormac Farrell from Bunclody saddled Kings Jet who snatched a ‘neck’ victory under Clare rider Emily Costello in the Ladies Open Race. A tilt at the Cheltenham Foxhunters is the next target for Kings Jet.

Hearts And Spades from the Kildare stables of Ian McCarthy won the six-year-old plus maiden race under Galway rider Eoin Mahon who was returning from injury.

Youth Conference held in Wexford

At the Comhairle na nÓg conference in County Hall were Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllrs Patricia Byrne and Michael Sheehan, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and members of Comhairle na nÓg. (Pic;Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Over 100 young people from schools and youth groups attended the Wexford Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference last Thursday at County Hall, Wexford.

The annual Youth Conference gives young people in County Wexford a platform to highlight local issues and work with Comhairle na nÓg on solutions.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan and Cllr. Patricia Byrne both addressed the event and gave the young people the opportunity to understand the weight and value of their opinions as members of Comhairle na nÓg.

Cllr Sullivan said; “As Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council I am delighted to support this continued partnership with Comhairle na nÓg which has gone from strength to strength. We encourage young people’s views and take them on board when developing policies for the betterment of the lives of all the citizens of County Wexford.”

New representatives have joined the Wexford Comhairle na nÓg and will represent County Wexford youth for 2025–2026. This group will assess the issues raised at the Youth Conference, consider possible solutions, and promote ways for decision makers to include youth perspectives in shaping society.

Avril O’Sullivan, Comhairle na nÓg Co-Ordinator said; “Comhairle na nÓg provides young people with local and national opportunities to have youth voices included in the design and delivery of policies, strategies and services. Young people volunteer their time, effort and skills to make meaningful change.

“Wexford Comhairle na nÓg are currently working on the issue of youth health and are making efforts to achieve positive change in a complex area. Through their participation in Comhairle the young people form new friendships, enhance their teamwork, communication, public speaking and research skills, and of course, have fun,” added Ms. O’Sullivan.

Director of Services for Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin said; “Comhairle na nÓg is the recognised structure for participation by children and young people in local decision making across all 31 local authorities of the country.

“The structure allows young people to identify and progress topics of importance to them; fosters political interest and importantly helps deliver a youth-led change process to improve the lives of young people in the County,” added Ms Godkin.

Gold for Blackwater, Wexford and Enniscorthy

ENNISCORTHY County Third and a Gold Medal in the SuperValu Tidy Towns’ competition. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Blackwater are the Co. Wexford winners at the SuperValu Tidy Towns, runners-up are Wexford and third place goes to Enniscorthy and all three received Gold Medals at the national awards ceremony held in Croke Park this afternoon.

Silver medals went to Rosslare Strand, Rosslare Harbour, New Ross and Gorey. Duncormick and Bree took bronze while Ballindaggin got an Endeavour award.

BLACKWATER winner of the County Tidy Towns’ and a Gold Medal. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

CATEGORY A

Duncormick      384 (Bronze Medal)

Ballyduff          372

Foulksmills      372

Ballyfad            240

CATEGORY B

Blackwater        394 (County First and Gold Medal)

Bree                   382 (Bronze Medal)

Kilanerin           374

Clonroche          371

Kilmuckridge     369

Ballycanew         344

Ballymurn           335

Hollyfort            334

Killanne              334

Askamore            325

Coolgreany         323

Carrig-on-Bannow 320

Bridgetown         309

Ballycullane       308

Marshalstown     308

Wellingtonbridge 300

Courtnacuddy     298

Oylegate             294

Campile              279

Ballindaggin      256 (Endeavour Award)

Ramsgrange        239

WEXFORD County Second and a Gold Medal in SuperValu Tidy Towns’ competition (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

CATERGORY C

Rosslare Strand 382 (Silver Medal)

Rosslare Harbour 381 (Silver Medal)

Ferns                   369

Bunclody             328

CATEGORY E

New Ross             376 (Silver Medal)

CATEGORY F

Enniscorthy        386 (County Third and Gold Medal)

Gorey                   375

CATEGORY G

Wexford                393 (County Second and Gold Medal)

Casting your vote in Presidential Election

By Dan Walsh

The election for President of Ireland to replace Michael D. Higgins will be held on Friday, with voting open from 7am to 10pm.

The important message to the public is to participate in the electoral process and make use of your right to vote, as such opportunities are infrequent.

On the ballot paper will be three names; Connolly, Gavin and Humphreys, in that order, and a little photo beside them to help the gender illiterate! All information is good.

Leading up to election day has been dull and unexciting and the danger is that of a stay away election and the statistician’s tell us that a low turnout can upset their poll predictions.

So, let’s get to the candidates. Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys have been out and about actively campaigning although the amount of time they spent canvassing in Wexford didn’t last any longer than a normal dinner break for the rest of us!

Then why should they come to Co. Wexford when the government partners imposed the party whip on their councillors and blocked the path of others seeking a nomination through the local authority process.

This leads to Jim Gavin, who struggled in the televised debates and withdrew from the campaign early on. Shortly after he announced his withdrawal late on a Sunday night, WexfordLocal.com reported, based on reliable sources, that Gavin’s name would still appear on the ballot paper.

Gavin’s posters remain up, with new ones reportedly appearing on poles. A vote for Gavin will be used in the count process.

Could Gavin’s strong showing in the Presidential Election finally generate public interest if he finishes first or second? It’s unlikely, but with Fianna Fail’s influence and disillusioned voters who refuse to participate, it’s still possible.

If Gavin tops the poll – and while it may be a sensational outcome, and it is not insurmountable – I believe he will accept the seven years tenure of the Arás?

If Gavin were to top the poll and refuse the office of President, a new election would be triggered under the Constitution and must be held within 60 days.

Despite a lacklustre build-up and low turnout, the Presidential Election could deliver a dramatic and unexpected outcome. Make sure your vote counts.

Saturday races at Peppards Castle

By Dan Walsh

The Island Hunt point-to-point will be held on Saturday at Peppards Castle (Y25 HY96) between Ballygarrett and Kilmuckridge. The track is in good condition, the weather is expected to be favourable, and organisers anticipate a strong turnout.

The latest going report (Friday) is “yielding to soft, soft in places.”

The first of six races is off at 1pm. The entry is 95, up 18 on last year’s figure of 77 when races were run at Peppards Castle for the first time.

Unfortunately, last year’s racing prevailed in windy and extremely soft ground conditions, however, on the track itself the locals fared well in the results.

It is a left-handed track over a mile with five fences per circuit. The card consists of five maiden races and a Ladies Open Lighweight where an exciting entry is Winged Leader, winner of 34 races in his career, a record on the point-to-point circuit.

Racing takes place at Bettyville Park, Wexford, on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

100 jobs to go in Arklow

By Dan Walsh

The closure of the Merck Pharmaceutical Plant in Arklow, announced today, is expected to result in the loss of approximately 100 jobs.

BRIAN BRENNAN TD “My foremost concern is for all of the potentially impacted employees and their families at this uncertain time.”

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com; Deputy Brian Brennan said; “I was deeply shocked to hear the news of the decision to discontinue operations at the Arklow facility by the end of 2028.

“The Merck Life Science facility in Arklow has long been a large employer in the town, with upwards of 100 staff employed there and my foremost concern is for all of the potentially impacted employees and their families at this uncertain time.

“While this is a shock to the people of Arklow and South Wicklow/North Wexford we do have time to work on this to both engage with Merck and to provide support to the workers and to that end I am calling for an urgent task force to manage this issue,” stated Deputy Brennan.

A communications source for Merck Life Science stated that “following a strategic portfolio review of products at our Arklow, Ireland site, Merck has made the decision to discontinue the API portfolio.

“As a result of this decision, it is proposed to discontinue operations at the Arklow facility by the end of 2028, consultation on this proposal will commence immediately. 

“This decision has not been taken lightly; it follows careful consideration of various factors including market dynamics, and customer needs. We continue to highly value each of our colleagues’ contributions to ensure operations and output for our customers and patients.   

“The site, which was acquired by Merck in 2015, employs approximately 100 people, who will all be impacted by this proposal.  

“We are engaging with employees and their trade union representatives (SIPTU) on this matter and providing support as necessary. Employee contracts are unaffected during this consultation period.” 

Mystery of Enniscorthy flags has been resolved

SEAMUS RAFTER BRIDGE at Enniscorthy. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

District Manager Claire Lawless resolved the issue of ‘missing’ flags at Enniscorthy’s Municipal District Council meeting held today at the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre.

The matter arose from the recent meeting of Wexford County Council where twelve Irish flags flying from the Seamus Rafter Bridge over the River Slaney had disappeared from their masts and Cllr Jackser Owens demanded to know ‘who removed them?’ and he was disgusted at such treatment of the tricolour! “They should be left there”, he insisted!

The drama unfolded at the Wexford County Council meeting when Cllr Owens put the question of the missing Irish flags to the meeting and the top table were completely lost. They looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders in unison but could offer no explanation.

Director Services Eamonn Hore failed to understand what Cllr Owens was talking about and suggested he contact Enniscorthy District Manager, Claire Lawless, and she may be able to help?

Today, Ms. Lawless brought calm to the chamber when she revealed that the Council had taken down the flags. “Some of the flags were torn from the storms and we take them down every year at this time,” she declared.

No water in Bridgetown on Wednesday 

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann has notified customers in Bridgetown, Co Wexford, of a planned outage which is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, October 22nd from 9am until 5pm.

The outage will impact supply to homes and businesses in Bridgetown, Tomhaggard and the surrounding area. 

The planned outage is to facilitate several essential leak repairs on a water main in the area.

The repairs are part of extensive works being carried out by Uisce Éireann to alleviate ongoing supply disruptions in the area. To date, 20 leak repairs have been carried out in the area in recent weeks. 

Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann apologised for the inconvenience the outage will cause. “We acknowledge the impact that a planned outage has on our customers, and we assure affected customers that our crews will work as quickly as possible to complete the repairs and restore normal supply,” Mr. Lyng told WexfordLocal.com 

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers on higher ground or at the end of the network.

The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.  

Wexford town gets new fire engine

Sub officer Patrick Busher made a presentation to Minister James Browne TD pictured with Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan at the handing over the keys of the new fire engine to Wexford Fire Station on Monday afternoon. Pic: Jim Campbell

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D, has officially launched a new fire appliance for Wexford town and district today.

Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and at a cost of €445,000, the Volvo FE ‘Class B’ fire appliance carries 1,800 litres of water, has an in-built main pump, and carries a variety of equipment including a selection of hoses, ladders, breathing apparatus equipment, hydraulic cutting equipment, chimney fire equipment and first aid equipment.

The vehicle is top of its class. Built in Tullow, Co. Carlow, it can hold six personnel on board, including the driver. The new appliance is based in Wexford town and brings the fleet in town to four frontline appliances.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan commented; “It is very positive to see such great investment into our fire service. This is a crucial, front line emergency service and it is critical that our crews are well equipped, for their safety and for the public. The new appliance will greatly strengthen frontline services for Wexford.”

Minister James Browne TD said; “This is an important milestone for our community in Wexford, and the top-class team we have here at Wexford Fire Station. This state-of the-art appliance marks our ongoing commitment to ensure the highest standards of safety, preparedness and service and the protection of lives and property in our community. The investment will help our firefighters continue their vital work even more effectively.”

Chief Fire Officer, Alan O’Neill welcomed the arrival of the new engine,  “The new appliance is a very welcome addition to the fleet, and I would like to thank all parties involved in its’ delivery.” 

Wexford Festival Opera unveils 2026 programme 

By Dan Walsh
Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi has announced the programme for the 75th Anniversary Wexford Festival Opera in 2026, showcasing the Festival’s unique discoveries over the decades.
The Festival will run for 17 days, from Thursday to Saturday, October 15th-31st. It is built around the theme The Best of: one for the head, one for the heart, one for fun.  Iris – Pietro Mascagni, 1898  L’equivoco stravagante – Gioachino Rossini, 1811  The Gambler – Sergei Prokofiev, 1929.
All three main stage operas were performed during the Festival’s history before the building of the award-winning National Opera House in 2008. They will all appear in new productions together with new critical editions reflecting recent scholarship. 
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com at the announcement of the 75th programme, WFO Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi said: “The 75th Anniversary is an incredible milestone and a very special birthday for Wexford, and for our Wexford Festival Opera family all around the world. Each opera is a rediscovery, but also a reflection of our own world, where difference can still divide us – and yet, art reminds us that empathy can always unite us.” The 75th Wexford Festival Opera will run from October 15th-31st, 2026. We look forward to welcoming you to celebrate this very exciting milestone.
Meanwhile, the 74th Festival is now underway, opening this weekend with the three main stage operas. The Festival runs until Saturday, November 1st.