Wexford welcomes new trad weekend

At the launch of WexfordTrad Weekend in County Hall, Wexford.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford town will host the first-ever WexTrad Weekend over the St. Brigid’s Bank Holiday, featuring various Irish cultural events throughout the area from Thursday, January 29th to Bank Holiday Monday, February 2nd.

Supported by Wexford County Council, as a Fleadh legacy project, and is additionally supported by Wexford Credit Union, Wexford Town Vintners, The Talbot Hotel and Crown Live.

The festival will include a programme of concerts, presentations, a free indoor multi-group stage and a late-night Festival Club.

The opening event will revive a traditional Wexford Mummers Ball, featuring displays by mummers’ groups from around the county and dancing to a lively House Ceilí Band.

Additionally, over the weekend, associated events are being run by partner arts bodies, such as the National Opera House, Wexford Arts Centre and Eclectic Avenue.

Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann will run a series of Comhaltas-led events over the same weekend, to include instrument workshops with renowned national musicians, youth events, family events and a set dancing ceilí with The Legacy Ceilí Band.

Another exciting parallel event taking place over that weekend will be the Smithwick’s trad trail, which will be held in over twenty pubs and hotels in Wexford town featuring will featuring lively pub sessions of Irish traditional music, rousing ballad performances, and superb gigs by live bands.

More details will emerge closer to the event. WexTrad events tickets are available at Wexford Arts Centre.

Let’s talk about St. Senan’s Hospital

The former St. Senan’s Hospital (1868-2013) at Enniscorthy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

A panel exhibition discussion titled Walls of Containment takes place in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, on Friday at 7.30pm. It is a free event, all are welcome, but booking is required.

The subject for discussion is the immense building work involved in the building of asylums across the island of Ireland, the state’s ability to deliver these structures, the function of the buildings, the use of the structures then, and now, and their subsequent dereliction and demise.

Featured are artist David Killeen, author Patrick Quinlan, and Research Fellow in the School of Philosophy at UCD Dervla McManus and special guests GKMP Architects who are currently redeveloping St. Senan’s Hospital in Enniscorthy.

DAVID KILLEEN (photographer) LISA BYRNE and CAT MAHER at the opening of the Walls of Containment exhibition at the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy. (Pic; Presentation Arts Centre).

This panel discussion is in response to the current exhibition of photography by David Killeen, which documents twenty-one psychiatric hospitals across the Republic of Ireland. Constructed between 1814 and 1922, they represent one of the largest public programmes ever undertaken in Ireland.

Big focus will be on St. Senan’s Hospital where the first patients arrived in April 1868, and admissions ceased in February 2011. Closure came in 2013.

This exhibition is a conversation about the immense building work involved in the building of the ‘asylums’.

This exhibition and panel discussion is part of the First Fortnight, the annual Mental Health Arts and Culture Festival.

CCTV may not be the solution to illegal dumping?

No rubbish in sight on the entrance to Enniscorthy on the south side. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting

Wexford County Council Environment Section recently held a public consultation seeking to use cameras (CCTV) for the sole purpose of preventing litter and illegal dumping and the enforcement of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, and the Waste Management Act, 1996.

The issue was raised at today’s Wexford County Council meeting, chaired by Cllr Joe Sullivan in Carricklawn, Wexford.

Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy noted that the report was approved last November and again asked when the CCTV for illegal dumping would be operational.

Social media showed widespread dumping at Brownswood near Enniscorthy last weekend.

Submissions to the report proposed CCTV sites at Turret Rocks and Esmonde Road, Enniscorthy and calls for “The proposed use of CCTV for 24 hours per day” and added; “Environment staff currently carry out hours of patrols.”

It was also proposed to use CCTV to cover dog fouling in Wexford town, Bring Banks and “on-call and out of hours patrols for environmental staff in tandem with the use of CCTV.

Cllr Jim Codd said there were “trailer loads of rubbish at the old railway station in Bridgetown,” and he added that “you could get a suite of furniture any day in the week.”

Wexford town-based Cllr Biddy Walsh recently was amazed at the amount of dumping on the way to Taghmon. “I couldn’t believe it. It (rubbish) was everywhere,” she gasped!

Cllr John Fleming said CCTV will solve very few problems. “Do it the old-fashioned way, go through the rubbish and bring the evidence before the courts,” he suggested.

Director of Services Eamonn Hore told the members that the Council cannot ‘name and shame’, but he emphasised it is not all “doom and gloom” and pointed out that districts were “getting gold, silver and bronze medals” in the recent National Tidy Towns’ awards and had improved their markings in the IBAL awards.

County Secretary Michael Drea said the GDPR data surrounding CCTV is very detailed and must be legally compliant to progress to a final option.

Cllr Jim Codd returned to the discussion and asked about road signs to say that cameras were on the road. The public must be informed that cameras are present. He complimented community groups picking up litter.

Support for Wexford farming community

By Dan Walsh

CLLR JIM CODD at the Athlone Rally today.

Political backing for Wexford farmers at Saturday’s No to Mercosur rally in Athlone came from Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, and Aontu Cllr Jim Codd.

“I attended the No to Mercosur rally in Athlone and was happy and proud to stand with the agricultural community of Co Wexford as they along with farmers and all agri sectors of Ireland voiced their opposition to the Mercosur deal provisionally approved by the EU states on Friday,” said Cllr Sullivan.

Cllr Jim Codd (Aontu) joined over 100 Co. Wexford farmers at the event and noted the strong turnout of young people.

AUDIO ADDITION; Cllr Jim Codd speaking with Dan Walsh from WexfordLocal.com explains some of the obstacles facing the Wexford farming community due to the Mercosur deal.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, CLLR JOE SULLIVAN supporting Wexford farming community at Athlone Rally today.

Chairman of Wexford IFA Tom Doyle attended as did his wife Alice Doyle Deputy President of the IFA at national level. 

The rally was attended by up to 20,000 people and organised in the main by Ciaran Mullooly MEP and Micheal Fitzmaurice TD along with their colleagues in the Independent Ireland Party.

Longford MEP Ciaran Mullooly is calling on all Irish MEPs to vote no against the deal, adding: “There is opposition to this rotten trade deal right across the continent”

Distance double for Robert Tector

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely

Rathnure handler Robert Tector enjoyed a day to remember when he saddled a double this afternoon and narrowly missed out on a three timer.

ROBERT TECTOR trained a double today.

Tector was in Tinahely today and saddled Doubleosue to win the opening race – a maiden for five-year-old mares – while Phantom of Delight was winning a similar event at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork -250 kilometres away!

Afterwards, Tector described Doubleosue as “a lovely mare and straight forward” and is likely to go to the sales now! This was a true family success as Doublkeosue, making her track debut was bred by the handler’s father Neil Tector.

Tector was unlucky not to make it a treble when newcomer Gentle Ocean was beaten into second position in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings by Dream On Mick trained by Kieran Roche at Adamstown for popular Carnew publican Michael Kenny. The winning rider was James Murray, Ferns, having his first winner of the season and his fifth career success.

Tomhaggard rider Jamie Scallan rode Tector’s Doubelosue to a two and a half lengths victory and recorded a double on Gale Force Jet for handler Sean Doyle with a two lengths success in the Open Lightweight Race.

The Winners of One race for Novice Riders was won by Lord Desart trained in Tipperary by Sam Curling and ridden by Daniel Hyde in the family colours of Mrs T.P. Hyde. Cormac Doyle’s Mint Approved (Donal O’Connor up) filled second place.

Locals Larry O’Hara, Sean Osborne and James Walsh were half a length out of luck with Dontcall in the maiden race for six-year-old mares beaten by Westmeath raider Mini Getaway ridden by James Costello for Suzanne and Martin Lynch.

And the final race for maiden six-year-olds and upwards geldings went to Always Scoring trained by Cian Hughes Newcastle, County Dublin, and ridden by Pa King. Two lengths the verdict.

The meeting was cancelled last Sunday due to the track being unsuitable for racing. Following an early morning preliminary inspection today, the event proceeded as scheduled. Attendance was strong, and commendation is due to the Shillelagh & District Hunt for organising and conducting the fixture in a safe and efficient manner.

Next Sunday the Ballinagore Harriers race at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, with a 12.30pm start. Entries close on Tuesday.

Talk Nights in Askamore -Night 2

By Dan Walsh

The popular four-week series of Talk Nights in Askamore Community Centre on Tuesdays starting at 7.30pm moves to Night 2 on Tuesday, January 13th.

Niamh Redmond has suffered from MS since 2015 and experienced progression for the first five years, however, it was stabilised in 2019 after a stem cell intervention and she has now regained some control of her life, and is secretary of local friends of people with MS.

She will be one of the speakers on Tuesday night when there will be a panel discussion on MS.

Wexford camogie star Ursula Jacob.


In the second section of the night there will be a guest appearance from former Wexford Camogie star Ursula Jacob. Ursula who is now best known for her punditry work on RTE Sunday Game will share her analysis of how she coped with the internet trolling a couple years ago.
Admission on the night will be €10 or for all nights €25.
Night 1 was last Tuesday night, and it was an enormous success when Farmers Journal political correspondent Pat O’Toole interviewed three local TDs.
They were very honoured with an address from Dr Susan Brannick from Aware, who gave a very insightful presentation on mental health.

For more information phone 085 2156848.  

Noel in the 2025 Special Honours List

British Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Paul Johnson presents the British Empire Medal to Noel Franklin at the British Embassy, Dublin,

By Dan Walsh

A Wexford man has been recognised in the 2025 Special Honours List for his work as Chairman of the Wexford Royal British Legion branch.

Noel Franklin from Bree, Enniscorthy, was honoured with the British Empire Medal for services to the Royal British Legion in the Republic of Ireland.

The presentation was made by the British Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Paul Johnson, at a function held in the British Embassy in Dublin.

“It was a proud moment for me, my family, my street and town, said Noel who thanked the Foreign and Commonwealth Office “who are the people involved in making this happen,” he added.

“My brother and three members of our branch attended with me at the Ambassador’s residence and we were all treated the best,” concluded Noel who has given a lifetime of dedicated service to the Royal British Legion in Wexford.

2025 marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of Wexford branch of the Royal British Legion in honour of Major Willie Redmond (1861-1917).

Wexford; a view from a bicycle!

Famed TV personality and French maître d’ Fred Sirieix will journey through Wexford. Here he reaches Hook Lighthouse.

By Dan Walsh

Famed TV personality and French maître d’ Fred Sirieix will journey through Wexford, uncovering the county’s rich heritage, thriving food culture, and coastal beauty in an upcoming episode of Tour de Fred Ireland: Part Deux, airing on ITV1 this Saturday, January 10th at 12.30pm.

The programme follows Fred as he explores some of Wexford’s most iconic locations by bicycle, offering viewers a personal and inspiring look at the county as a must-visit destination.

Visit Wexford, the official tourism marketing body for the county, worked with the production to highlight key attractions and local businesses that reflect Wexford’s unique character and visitor appeal. 

Those to be featured include the Irish National Heritage Park, the walled gardens of Johnstown Castle Estate, Hook Lighthouse; and the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross. Fred also harvested oysters with Tommy Hickey and sampled the famed Wexford strawberries with Cyril Wheelock, founder of The Village at Wheelocks in Enniscorthy.

Robert Millar, Chair of Visit Wexford and Area General Manager of the Talbot Collection Hotels, said; “I know every place Fred visited. I’ve walked the gardens of Johnstown Castle more times than I can count, and the view from Hook Lighthouse still stops me in my tracks. The locations featured are just a small taste of Wexford’s many treasures — but it’s the people behind them who make the real difference. Passionate and welcoming, they go above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences. 

“It’s that special combination of authenticity, warmth and beauty that makes Wexford such an appealing destination, and it’s incredibly easy to get here. We’re just 90 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport and right on the doorstep of Rosslare Europort, with frequent ferry crossings from Pembroke and Fishguard.

“This episode airs at a perfect time for summer holiday planning, and I’m thrilled that audiences across Ireland and Britain will get to see what makes this county so special. We can’t wait to welcome them in 2026,” concluded Mr Millar.

The five-part series is supported by Tourism Ireland’s International Programming Ireland Fund and Irish Ferries and covers Wexford, Waterford and Cork.

Racing goes ahead at Tinahely

By Dan Walsh

LATEST NEWS; Racing goes ahead following a precautionary inspection at 7.30am on Saturday morning at Tinahely ahead of the rescheduled fixture that is due to take place later that day.

The Shillelagh & District point-to-point races at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, have been rescheduled to Saturday. The first race is at 12.30pm, with a total of 79 entries for the six race card.

The 48-hour preliminary inspection shows that the track is fit for racing. Going is ‘soft, yielding to soft in places’. 5-7mm of rain expected Thursday into Friday.

The fixture was planned for last Sunday, but low temperatures and freezing ground conditions made the track unfit for racing and the meeting was cancelled.

Racing goes ahead on Saturday and the original entries stand. A good day’s racing is planned, and the organisers are hoping to welcome a good Saturday crowd.  

As Gaeilge poetry book launch in Gorey

ÉIRE NÍ FHAOLÁIN

Ar an 22 de mhí Eanáir ag 7in, seolfaidh an scríbhneoir, amhránaí traidisiúnta agus ceoltóir Éire Ní Fhaoláin a dara leabhar filíochta ‘Puisín Beag an Diabhail’.

Is cnuasach filíochta é ‘Puisín Beag an Diabhail’ a bhfuil naoi ndánta Gaeilge ann, a ghlacann inspioráid ón nádúr, mar aon leis an mbéaloideas a bhaineann leis an gcat dubh agus le huimhir a naoi.

Leag Éire dearadh an leabhair agus na léaráidí amach le cabhair óna deartháir cruthaitheach Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin agus foilseofar an leabhar mar chuid de theach foilsitheoireachta a teaghlaigh; fóġṁar – fómhar.

Translation; Local Irish language writer, traditional Irish singer and musician Éire Ní Fhaoláin will launch her second poetry book ‘Puisín Beag an Diabhail’ in Gorey Library on Thursday 22nd January at 7pm. 

‘Puisín Beag an Diabhail’ is a collection of nine Irish language poems inspired by the natural world as well as the folklore surrounding the black cat and the number nine. The poetry book will be launched by bilingual poet Ben MacCaoilte. 

The book design and illustrations are all Éire’s own work with the help of her creative brother Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin and the poetry book is printed in Ireland under her family publishing press; fóġṁar – fómhar – harvest.