Gorey launch hails writer Anne Ireton

Master of ceremonies Mick O’Callaghan, Wally O’Neill of Red Books Press, publishers, and author Anne Ireton at the launch of Bohemian Whirlpools in Gorey Library. (Pic; Red Books Press).

By Dan Walsh

Friends, fellow authors and writers assembled in Gorey Library to celebrate the launch of Bohemian Whirlpools,the second book by literary genius, Anne Ireton from Courtown.

Master of ceremonies Mick O’Callaghan said Anne, who worked as a nurse in London and Wexford is a great storyteller with a deep empathetic nature for her fellow human beings.

“I have worked with many people over the years, but Anne is one of the few people I have met who keeps putting everyone else first. She never wants to take centre stage and is full of encouragement for any aspiring new writers,” said Mr O’Callaghan, who added; “Ann is a brilliant wordsmith, and I loved her story telling of the life of her London squatters. She assured me that the story was not autobiographical.”

Mr O’Callaghan continued; “For her second book Anne has dug deep and did exhaustive research and rewriting of material which has culminated in this beautiful book Bohemian Whirlpools.

Anne Ireton has travelled that road and produced Bohemian Whirlpools showing her great talent for writing, her determination and sheer brilliance as you will discover when you read this excellent novel,” concluded Mr O’Callaghan.

Veronica Lombard, long-time friend and a doyennne of the literary and dramatic life in Gorey who read an excerpt

Mary Keogh Hansen a member of Hollyfort Writers did a reading, as did Odhran Somers who recently has published his collection of poetry called Finally Finite .

Anne Colgan of Wordsmith writers’ group Gorey read an excerpt.

Anne Ireton called on Jackie Hayden to speak and formally launch Bohemian Whirlpools.

She thanked Jean, Martina and all at Gorey library for hosting the launch.

The event concluded with music by Alec Wilson and some refreshments.

Bohemian Whirlpools by Anne Ireton, edited by Alanna Hammel, 334 pages, paperback, €18, published by Red Books Press, available at Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford.

Denis Murphy saddles his 300th winner

DENIS MURPHY, who trained his 300th winner, and SHANE COTTER who rode a double happy with their success at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely

Today’s point-to-point at Fairwood, Tinahely, was held in pleasant autumnal conditions where the highlights were doubles for Denis Murphy, Shane Cotter and Barry O’Neill, while Jessica Grant (19) from Kilmacow, Mullinavat rode her first winner.

Denis Murphy saddled a pair of winners – Finisk Pride by seven lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds and Empire Soldier by five and a half lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Both were ridden by Shane Cotter.

Empire Soldier gave handler Murphy is 300th point-to-point success. In his 19th year as a handler Murphy trains at Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, and has made a fantastic start to the new season with four winners in the first three weeks!

Champion Barry O’Neill also scored a double. He was aboard Ersudaly for Colin Bowe in the maiden race for five-year-old mares and added the Open Lightweight Race on the Gordon Elliott trained Chemical Energy by six lengths.

Tipperary raider Iorens won the Mares Winner of One race for handler Sam Curling and rider David Doyle.

Kilkenny rider Jessica Grant enjoyed her first win from six point-to-point rides with an easy 15 lengths victory on Roman Parish handled by David O’Brien from Piltown. Jessica rides out for O’Brien and at Colin Bowe’s stables in Kiltealy.

There was also point-to-point action at Umma House, Co. Westmeath where Adamstown handler Kieran Roche saddle a double and both were newcomers.

Taranis in the Michael Kenny colours won by half a length in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and the same combination clinched the double with Arklow by 12 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares. Both were ridden by Donal O’Connor from Mallow.

Dutton Law in the Aidan Byrne colours scored for handler Robert Tector, Coolbawn, Rathnure, and rider Brian Lawless by an impressive 32 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.

Rob James and Eamonn Doyle shared winning ways with Kenzo DesBruyeres who beat the field by 22 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

The Island Hunt point-to-point takes place at Peppardscastle, Kilmuckridge on Saturday, October 25th. First race at 1pm. Entries close on Wednesday.

€14.2m cocaine seizure at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Revenue officers seized approximately 202.50 kgs of cocaine at Rosslare Europort on Saturday.

The illicit drugs, with an estimated value of approximately €14.2 million, were discovered when an accompanied freight unit had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France, was stopped and searched by Customs officers.

A man in his 30s was arrested by An Garda Síochána and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in the South East Region.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.

If businesses, or members of the public, have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

View Wexford Camera Club exhibition

Member and exhibitor Ian Moriarty at Wexford Camera Club’s Photography Exhibition. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com) 

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Camera Club exhibition

The popular Wexford Camera Club Photography Exhibition is open at the Friends’ Meeting House (Loch Garman Band Hall) on High Street near the National Opera House.

The exhibition features approximately 50 of the best photographs chosen by members from their annual collection.

The club commends Enniscorthy Camera Club for their assistance and the Loch Garman Band for hosting at their premises

Founded in 1979, Wexford Camera Club meetings are held every second Monday evening, and new members are welcome at any time of the year.

The exhibition is a fringe event for the Wexford Festival Opera and is well worth a visit. It continues until Sunday, November 2nd.

Sunday racing returns to Tinahely

By Dan Walsh

Sixty-seven entries were received for the first point-to-point of the new season in the South East that takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, run under the auspices of Shillelagh & District Hunt.

Ground conditions are reported as “good” and the first race is off at 1pm.

The card consists of four maiden races (one confined to novice riders), an Open Race and a Mares Winner of One.

JACK HENDRICK will be out of action through injury until after Christmas. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

One promising rider missing from the scene until after Christmas is Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick, who has 109 winners to his credit.

Jack is on the sidelines following a fall at Listowel in late September when he suffered a serious injury. “I fractured my left humerus in three places and fractured my shoulder joint as well,” said Hendrick, who underwent surgery and is doing physio and added; “I’m not feeling too bad now.”

Meanwhile, point-to-pointing took place today (Saturday) at Loughanmore, Co. Antrim which produced four Wexford winners in the first four races.

Denis Murphy saddled newcomer Eskyland in the maiden race for four-year-old mares’ and she ran home five and a half lengths clear of the field with Shane Cotter up. Eskyland now goes to the sales.

Jonathan Fogarty saddled his first winner of the new season – newcomer Golden Heart in the Gaynestown Stud Partnership colours by half a length under Finian Maguire in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Now in his 14th year as a handler, this was the Cleariestown-based handler’s 40th point-to-point success.

Hello Fortune won for the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares. Two and a half lengths the verdict. Rob James the successful rider.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill teamed up to win the mares maiden for five-year-old plus with Kano De Thaix. One and a half lengths the distance.

 Fireworks launch for Wexford Festival Opera

The best seat in the house for the annual Wexford Festival fireworks earlier this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Opera Festival 
Thousands gathered on Wexford Quay in mild October weather for the official opening of the 74th Wexford Festival Opera and its traditional fireworks display tonight (Friday). Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi opened this year’s festival to mark her 30th anniversary with Wexford Festival Opera.
Italian-born Rosetta, now an Irish citizen, expressed her gratitude for Wexford and its famous opera festival as she was delighted to launch the 2025 Wexford Festival Opera. She was given a huge cheer from the large attendance.
There were also contributions on the main stage from Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Garry Laffan, and Paul Cleary, Chairman of Wexford Festival Trust. Maurice McCarthy acted as master of ceremonies.
There was a full house at the opening main stage opera, Verdi’s Le trouvère, in the National Opera House. 
Earlier that evening the Community Opera, A Little Midsummer Night’s Dream, had its first of five sold-out performances.  
The much-loved Lunchtime Recitals are back for the 74th Wexford Festival Opera, taking place in the O’Reilly Theatre and the 18th century St Iberius Church, each venue offers its own special atmosphere. Over 13 recitals, and Festival artists will share a wide variety of music, from operatic arias and lieder to oratorio, concert works and popular song.

Wexford Festival Opera runs for 16 days and ends on Saturday, November 1st.

Enniscorthy historic landfill site

LUCAS PARK landfill site to be transformed into a public space. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Library

The old municipal landfill site at Lucas Park outside of Enniscorthy on the N30 Enniscorthy-New Ross road is so compact and environmentally matured that people pass it daily without noticing that it exists!

The site was revisited last night at a public consultation held in Enniscorthy Library as part of The Creative Ireland programme at Wexford County Council that has teamed up with the Environment Office to consult with the communities living close to the sites about their vision for what they could become in the future.

Cultural producer Karla Sanchez and Engineer Rory O’Mahony lead a consultation workshop, inviting the communities to share their thoughts and ideas.

Using innovative consultation methods, the sessions aim to encourage progressive thinking about what might be possible on the sites.

I am not going to reveal the suggestions put forward towards the consultation process, however, the environment, protection of wildlife and a public amenity is sure to emerge.

Lucas Park landfill site, referred to locally as ‘site of the old town dump’, is a two-hectare site that served municipal waste for 40 years from 1940 until it closed in 1980.

Located on the River Urrin it is also near the Slaney Valley SAC and Wexford Harbour and Slobs (SPA) Specially Protected Area.

The site contains an estimated 69,300m3 of waste to depths of 4-11 metres and is currently planted with trees and vegetation.

It is not too late to forward suggestions as to the future of Lucas Park; contact rory.omahony@wexfordcoco.ie

Four sites are under consideration Carcur near Wexford Town, Lucas Park near Enniscorthy, Ballykeerougue near Campile in the New Ross Municipal District and Gorteen near Inch in the Gorey Municipal District.

Meetings at Carcur and Lucas Park have taken place, but Ballykeerogue, Campile, on Friday, November 7th at 7pm in Campile Community Hall and Gorteen, Gorey is on Saturday, November 8th at 4pm in St, Mogues Community Centre, Inch are to come!

Email elizabeth.howard@wexfordcoco.ie for the Ballykeerogue and Gorteen sessions.

Traffic delays in Wexford on Friday evening

WEXFORD BRIDGE AND QUAY FRONT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford town is going to be busy tomorrow evening (Friday) as the town prepares to welcome the 74th Wexford Festival Opera with fireworks and the opening ceremony taking place on Wexford Quay at 7.15 pm.

Wexford Gardaí are advising of a temporary closure of Wexford Bridge from 7.10 pm to 7.30 pm.

Oulart and ‘across the river’ supporters heading for the minor hurling final between Oulart and Glynn-Barntown with a 7.30 pm throw-in at Chadwicks Wexford Park are asked to seek an alternative route on their way to the match.

Rosetta Cucchi, Artistic Director, will officially open the 74th Wexford Festival Opera at 7.15 pm in a ceremony traditionally adored by the general public on Wexford Quay.

A fireworks display will follow the official ceremony, and 16 days of opera will highlight events in Wexford town.

The opening production will be Le Trouvère by Verdi and at the National Opera House, High Street, at 8 pm.

Several exhibitions and associated fringe events will take place across the town during the festival.

For information and to book tickets visit WEXFORDOPERA.COM, phone 353 53 912 2144 or contact by email the boxoffice@wexfordopera.com.

Wexford Festival Opera opens on Friday

By Dan Walsh

ROSETTA CUCCHI

Rosetta Cucchi, Artistic Director, will officially open the 74th Wexford Festival Opera at 7.15pm on Friday in a ceremony on Wexford Quay.

A fireworks display will follow the official ceremony, and 16 days of opera will highlight events in Wexford town.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Rosetta said; “This year we invite you to explore the captivating realm of Myths & Legends across 16 days or rare opera, thrilling performances, and exciting discoveries.

She added; “Whether you’re new to opera or a seasonal fan, immerse yourself in a world of music, culture, coastal beauty, and the legendary warmth of a Wexford welcome.”

Rosetta Cucchi is an internationally renowned pianist and director, has had a regular presence at the festival for the past 30 years as Assistant to the Artistic Director, first under Luigi Ferrari and later under David Agler. In 2020 the festival appointed Rosetta Cucchi as Artistic Director.

The opening production will be Le Trouvère by Verdi and will open at the National Opera House on Friday evening at 8 pm.

WexfordLocal.com will be reporting on many of the fringe events during the opera festival.

For information and to book tickets visit WEXFORDOPERA.COM, phone 353 53 912 2144 or contact by email the boxoffice@wexfordopera.com.

Bree marks 65 years of Macra success

The organising committee of the Bree Macra 65th anniversary celebrations held recently in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford . (Pic; Bree Macra).

By Dan Walsh

Established in 1960, the Bree branch of Macra Na Feirme is recognised as the longest continuously operating branch in County Wexford. Its 65th anniversary was celebrated at a dinner dance at the Talbot Hotel, Wexford.

Over 150 attendees from multiple generations, including current and former members, friends, and supporters, gathered for the club reunion.

Several key figures gave speeches reflecting on the club’s journey and impact. Sarah Byrne, chairperson of the organising committee, welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening.

Eddie Casey, the current club chairperson, spoke of the club’s recent achievements and future aspirations. National Macra President Josephine O’Neill praised Bree Macra’s resilience and contribution to the wider Macra community, while former chairperson Niall Doyle shared personal memories and reflections of his time in Bree Macra.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Long Service Achievement Award to PJ Darcy, who has dedicated over five decades to coaching Bree Macra’s speaking and debating teams. His lifelong commitment remains admirable.

Among the guests were four members of the original founding committee; Francis Galloway (née Walsh), Agnes O’Dowd (née Wickham), Nick Fortune, and John Curtis.

The evening featured a drinks reception, formal dinner, and entertainment, with Freeway and a DJ providing music for guests celebrating the club’s history.