WexfordLocal.com

Oulart remembers 1916 volunteers

By Dan Walsh at Oulart

This morning, the 4th annual Easter Commemoration at the Mise Éire monument in Oulart village honoured local volunteers from the 1916 Rising, with a good turnout and pleasant conditions.

Chris Furlong from Kilnamanagh, chairman of the Oulart Hill Walking Hub organising committee, acknowledged all attendees and participants.

Thirty-five names of the Oulart Company 3^rd Battalion North Wexford Brigade were remembered with a roll call presented by Sean Dempsey.

This was followed by the reading of the 1916 Proclamation read by Peter O’Brien.

Barry Lacey, the Ballycarney-born archaeologist and historian delivered the annual address. This year’s title was ‘The Importance of the Past, in the Present.’

James Adams sang ‘Grace’ while Cllr Mary Farrell sang ‘Meet Me at the Pillar’ and Amhrán na bFiann to conclude a dignified ceremony.

The attendance included Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Mary Farrell, Willie French, Chairman of Wexford Historical Society, Rev. James Hammel, Úi Cinsealaigh Historical Society and historian Brian Ó Cléirigh.

**Barry Lacey signed the distinguished Book of Oulart in the presence of Bridget O’Toole (curator) and Brian Ó Cléirigh at today’s Mise Éire ceremony held in Oulart.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Afterwards, Barry Lacey was invited to sign the distinguished Book of Oulart following in the footsteps of journalist Martina Devlin, Dr Ray Bassett and last year, renowned newspaper editor, writer and historian Tim Pat Coogan.

The Mise Éire Memorial, designed by Oulart historian Brian Cleary with inscriptions by Paudric Doyle, Bunclody, and stonework by Martin Codd, Rathnure, opened on October 1st, 2017.

Kilmore Lifeboat in search for missing man

By Dan Walsh

**KILMORE QUAY RNLI LIFEBOAT** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Kilmore Quay Lifeboat crew joined with lifeboats from Dunmore East and Ballycotton, Coast Guard helicopters R117 and R116 and a UK fixed wing aircraft in a major search for a missing man.

The incident occurred 16 nautical miles south of Dunmore East, in the Irish Sea.

A 999 call was received last night at around 10.40 pm by the Coast Guard Coordination Centre in Dublin.

The call came from the yacht by another person who was still onboard, requesting urgent assistance.

The UK Coast Guard was also contacted after the man said he believed the vessel was off the coast of Swansea in Wales.

However, the Irish Coast Guard situated the vessel off the coast of Ceann Heilbhic in Co Waterford.

A man in his 50s was rescued from the vessel and taken to Waterford University Hospital for assessment.

It is believed the vessel was travelling from Brighton to Swansea via Falmouth and that the men are related to each other.

Easter success for Wexford stables

By Dan Walsh

Curraghmore track in the neighbouring county of Waterford survived an early morning inspection after a deluge of rain yesterday and Sunday’s fixture went ahead with two Wexford winners.

**DENIS MURPHY saddled a winner in Waterford today.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, saddled newcomer Lime On Gin in the maiden race for four-year-old mares and cheered her home to a three and a half lengths victory with Jack Hendrick in the saddle.

The in-form Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neill partnership stayed on a winning streak. Grangeclare Park on his debut sporting the Grangeclare Stud silks sprinted away to an eighteen lengths success in division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Former champion Derek O’Connor rode an amazing six winners at his local track at Quakerstown, Co. Clare, this afternoon which didn’t leave much prizemoney for the Wexford stables, however, the team of Monbeg Syndicate, Donnchadh Doyle and Rob James, riding his 30^th winner of the season saved the day!

Newcomer Goulmichette provided them with a twenty lengths success in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares.

Eddie represents Bree Macra at Mr Personality Festival

By Dan Walsh

**EDDIE CASEY in search of Mr Personality title.**

Bree Macra is preparing for a trip to Kilkenny to support Eddie Casey, who will represent Wexford in the Mr. Personality Festival next weekend, April 25th and 26th.

Eddie will compete against 23 other young men from across the country, each striving to earn the title of Mr. Personality 2025.

Eddie joined Bree Macra last year after moving to Wexford to pursue a PhD on soil fertility and nutrient use efficiency in Teagasc, Johnstown Castle.

A native of Cork, he farms with his parents Thomas and Bonnie Casey on weekends at their 100-cow dairy farm near Cork city.

Eddie himself has wasted no time in getting stuck into Macra in the Model County. He has previously represented Bree in national competitions, including impromptu public speaking, team public speaking, and the National Talent Competition.

He is also involved in both the club and county committees, serving as Bree Macra’s Competitions Officer, and Wexford Macra’s Development Officer. He will also represent the county in this year’s National Talent Competition All-Ireland Final on May 4^th competing in Solo Instrumental, Mastermind, and Ballad Group.

Eddie is greatly looking forward to representing Wexford in the Mr. Personality Festival, where he will take part in a variety of exciting activities, including onstage interviews on Friday night, and the Mr. Personality Festival Banquet on Saturday night. Tickets are still available on Eventbrite for both nights of the competition, which takes place in The Hub, Kilkenny.

Doubles for Scallan and O’Neill

By Dan Walsh

Easter Saturday point-to-point races took place at Loughanmore, Co. Antrim, where Wexford riders Jamie Scallan and Barry O’Neill celebrated with two winners each.

**JAMIE SCALLAN and SEAN DOYLE were winners today.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Scallan from Tomhaggard got off the mark in the second division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings with newcomer Mister Pessimistic in the Monbeg Partnership colours handled by Sean Doyle. Four and a half lengths the verdict.

Half an hour later it was two in the bag for Scallan. He was aboard Mornington Beach in the colours of Sean Howlett, handled by Susan O’Gorman from Adamstown, and a seven lengths success in the maiden race for five-year-old mares.

Barry O’Neill’s brilliant run of success continued with a double, both for Fermanagh handler David Christie. He had a 24 lengths victory on the poetic Hathaways Cottage in the Mares Open Race and completed the double on My Life Be Like in the Winner of Two race. Four and a half lengths the margin.

Courtown invites community participation

By Dan Walsh

The Courtown Regeneration Partnership, along with Courtown Community Council, held a public meeting recently where Mick McCormick from Wexford County Council updated attendees on the Town Centre First initiative for Courtown and Riverchapel.

The government initiative, focused on long-term regeneration in the area, has included a series of meetings over the past year. A Town Centre First Team, chosen by Mr. McCormick and consisting of local business owners and community organisations, has convened nine times since its establishment last May.

A consultant has recently been appointed to develop a comprehensive regeneration plan. While Mr. McCormick could not provide specific details regarding the contents of the draft plan or its anticipated publication date, he emphasised that efforts would be undertaken to gather feedback from the broader community.

Linda Sinnott, facilitator of the Courtown Regeneration Partnership Steering Group said; “It’s vital now that the broader community gets involved. This is our chance to shape the future of Courtown and Riverchapel – everyone deserves a voice.”

Ms. Sinnott also stressed the importance of recognising the work already carried out by the local community: “We sincerely hope that the findings of the Smart Survey undertaken by Courtown Community Council and backed by Wexford Local Development, will be fully considered in the draft plan.”

Discussion at the meeting included the idea of a marina—an idea championed by a small number of local yacht owners. While it has some support, community members emphasised the importance of focusing first on immediate and widely expressed priorities.

“While a marina may be a welcome development in time, the community has spoken clearly about what matters most right now,” said Deirdre Robinson, of the Courtown Regeneration Partnership. “There is strong support for a beach renourishment scheme as a first step – Courtown needs its beach back – and concern about the loss of vital parking and public realm space if the proposed large-scale hotel development proceeds. These are the issues that residents are hoping will be addressed,” she stated.

The draft plan will first be reviewed by the Town Centre First Team, but there is a strong call from the community for greater transparency and meaningful public involvement.

At the meeting, Catherine Kinsella from the Courtown Heritage Group expressed disappointment that her group had been excluded from the Town Centre First Team, despite its long-standing contribution to preserving and promoting the design and heritage of the area—an essential foundation for any future regeneration.

“There’s a huge amount of passion and local knowledge out there,” stated Ms. Kinsella, who added; “We need to make sure that the voices of ordinary residents are not just heard, but central to the plan. Without that, we risk missing the mark.”

The attendance at the meeting included Deputies Malcolm Byrne, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin and Brian Brennan and Cllrs Donal Kenny, Joe Sullivan, Craig Doyle and Nicky Boland.

“This process only works if it reflects the will and ideas of the people who live here,” said Ms. Sinnott, who added; “We’re urging everyone—whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply someone who loves the area—to come forward and contribute feedback when the draft plan is published.”

Anyone wishing to receive updates or view the draft plan when it becomes available is invited to forward their contact details to Linda Sinnott at: courtownregenerationp@gmail.com

New Ross Post Office moves to SuperValu

**Large numbers protest against the closure of New Ross Post Office on Charles Street in February 2024.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*.

By Dan Walsh

The New Ross Post Office on Charles Street will close before the June Bank Holiday weekend and re-open in SuperValu. This decision is unpopular with the local community.

Independent Cllr Michael Sheehan is requesting An Post to delay the relocation of the Postmaster and to reconsider closing New Ross Post Office.

“It is becoming clear that the people of New Ross were lied to; An Post and Minister James Browne assured us all last year that the DPO in Charles Street would remain a post office and nothing would change. Someone is clearly not being on the level with us,” stated Cllr Sheehan, who added; “Two public protests brought their moves to heel but now An Post is going full speed on the removal and sale of our cherished post office and staff.

**Independent Cllr Michael Sheehan** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*).

Cllr Sheehan continued; “It is a disgrace; over the next few days I will be outlining our campaign to stop them. In the meantime, An Post needs to stop the whole charade and Minister James Browne needs to honour his words that he gave to journalists heralding the great news that New Ross would keep its Post Office.”

WexfordLocal.com is facing challenges in obtaining official information regarding the New Ross Post Office situation. According to an interview with James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, it was mentioned that it is a protected building and it is not within the authority of the Postmaster General to put it up for sale!

In short, New Ross Post Office will no longer operate from Charles Street from June 3^rd, but the service will operate under the auspices on An Post in the local SuperValu store.

In a statement made available to WexfordLocal.com on February 24^th 2024 An Post said; “In line with the ongoing transformation of the national post office network An Post has announced that its office in New Ross will become a contractor run post office. New Ross joins the mainstream of national post offices of which more than 95% of the country’s 900 plus offices which are run by contractors. Fewer than 40 post offices nationally are run directly by An Post.

“It is likely that a new location for the post office will be sought by the new Postmaster. In this event the landmark red brick building on Charles Street will be sold as it is owned outright by An Post.

Funding of €10,000 for Bunclody project

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

There is €10,000 in funding available for the Bunclody Placemaking Project, Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre, was told. Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, presided.

**The Mall and Main Street Bunclody** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

The meeting was informed that a creative consultant would be involved and would be focussing on the town park, public toilets, community gardens and housing on Hospital Hill.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy contributed some historic figures related to Bunclody. She stated that the Mall trees have been growing for 250 years; there were 800 people in the town 30 years ago, now the town has 2,000 people!

Bunclody had a good news week. The Public Information Day for Pairc na Gabhar Community Garden had many attendees, and the naming ceremony at Mountain View was a success.

Sinn Féin Easter 1916 commemorations

By Dan Walsh

Sinn Féin Loch Garman traditionally holds several Easter 1916 commemoration events in Co. Wexford. The first event marking the 109th anniversary will take place this evening (Easter Thursday) at Pearse Park, New Ross.

Participants should assemble at South Street at 6.30 pm. There will be a subsequent function at Roche’s, The Quay, New Ross, featuring Luke Whitty.

There will be two events in North Wexford on Easter Saturday. Participants are requested to assemble at 12 noon for the Riverchapel event, and at 6.30 pm for the Ballymore, Camolin event.

On Easter Sunday, gather at Crescent Quay, Wexford at noon for a procession to Crosstown Cemetery for 1pm. Johnny Mythen TD will be the main speaker. A function with Luke Whitty will follow at Maggie May’s, Wexford.

Assembly at 12 noon on Easter Monday for an event at Murrintown.

Newly elected Sinn Féin TD for the Wicklow-Wexford constituency Fionntán Ó Súileabháin is the main speaker at the commemorations at Enniscorthy on Easter Monday.

The assembly will take place at the Seamus Rafter Bridge in Enniscorthy at 2pm, followed by a procession through the town to St. Mary’s Cemetery, Enniscorthy. Function afterwards in Bellefield GAA Complex.

Colin Bowe has an historic treble

By Dan Walsh

**COLIN BOWE .. winner/runner-up treble at Cork.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

The point-to-point statisticians and historians will be scratching their heads tonight following amazing returns from Ballyknock, Co. Cork, where Colin Bowe saddled the winner and runner-up with the same riders up in three different races! What a way to achieve a midweek treble.

Barry O’Neill rode the three winners and Bertie Finn followed him home on all occasions. It was a sequence of events that most likely has never happened before in the history of point-to-point racing.

First up was the maiden race for four-year-old mares where Frost Moon in the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours scored by a neck over Maria Kavanagh’s Push Push.

Next was Speculateur in division two of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings who had nine lengths to spare over Robyn’s Jet, and the magic treble came in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with Detroit Maverick getting a three lengths advantage over Devilsrollthedice.

The Wexford stables success didn’t stop with the O’Neill/Bowe supremacy; Bowe’s neighbour Matthew Flynn O’Connor from Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, saddled newcomer Risky Obsession who won by a head in the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings ridden by Wicklow rider Brian Lawless.

And Michael Goff, Clondaw, Ferns enjoyed a winner too – Passing Diamond by three lengths in the Winner of One Race and a third career winner for Boolavogue rider Matt Gahan.