Aintree Grand National winner Nick Rockett (Patrick Mullins up) led by Katie Walton (groom) and Stewart Andrew (owner) with Willie Mullins (trainer) received a tremendous homecoming reception in Loughlinbridge, Co. Carlow, this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Leighlinbridge
The village of Leighlinbridge was basking in sunshine this afternoon as the community came out in large numbers to honour the father and son team, Willie and Patrick Mullins, and star steeplechaser Nick Rockett who won last Saturday’s Randox Grand National at Aintree.
Mullins saddled the first three home in the world’s greatest steeplechase and Nick Rockett (Patrick Mullins up) was flanked by stablemates I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner and runner-up on Saturday, ridden by Danny Mullins, deputising for last Saturday’s jockey Paul Townend, and the third placed Grangeclare West (Brian Hayes). Amazingly, Willie became the first person to train the first three home in the 177 years of the great race.
The parade set out from Lord Bagenal Inn, past the Credit Union, over the River Barrow and posing at the foot of the bridge in front of Meaney’s and Rainbow’s bar and returning through the Main Street to the point of departure.
The impressive winner was led by his proud owner Stewart Andrew and Katie Walton (groom). It was an occasion to remember. Nick Rockett’s victory will always hold a special place in the Willie Mullins roll of honour.
“This is when it really sinks in. It’s an incredible turnout. This is the village I grew up in, went to school in, lived in. To see the kindness of everyone, it’s mind-blowing. I’ve always been on the edge of the parade so it’s definitely an incredible experience to be in the middle of it,” said Patrick Mullins.
By Dan Walsh Minister James Browne stated that the Government cannot impose water charges without further legislation, in response to questions from two Wexford deputies during today’s (Tuesday) debate on the Water Services (Repeal of Water Charges) Bill 2025 in Dáil Éireann.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne
Deputy Johnny Mythen of Sinn Féin stated that recent reports suggest the Government is considering introducing water charges. Although the Government has denied this, it has been reported that discussions about water charges have been ongoing within Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael since 2009.
“The charges were utterly rejected by the Irish people. When Right2Water organised there were 100 massive demonstrations throughout the country in 2014,” said Deputy Mythen, who added; “We know the plans for water charges are now taking a different strategic approach and are being filtered through a piecemeal incremental package, such as the option of the introduction of a charge for the excess use of water. This would eventually lead to the introduction of a charge by volume which, in turn, would entice private companies to compete with Uisce Éireann and possibly take over our water resources altogether.
“Water is a human right and must always be protected. We have seen what the privatisation of water means and the consequences that follow,” concluded Deputy Mythen.
Deputy Fionntán Ó Súileabháin (Sinn Féin) told the Dáil; “Uisce Éireann has failed miserably in so many villages in the counties of Wexford and Wicklow. Recently in Aughrim and previously in Camolin, I met builders who are ready to build desperately needed housing but Irish Water’s failure to invest in wastewater treatment plants in both villages means they cannot proceed.
“Householders and small businesses, whether in Bunclody, Gorey, Arklow, Rathdrum or other areas, are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. A water tax would represent the last straw,” concluded Deputy Ó Súilleabháin.
“People power on the streets of counties Wexford and Wicklow and elsewhere defeated water charges in 2015. I have no doubt it will do so again in 2025 if necessary. The Water Services Act 2017 is still on the Statute Book. The Government and the Minister have said there are no plans to enact these extra taxes. If so, they have nothing to fear from backing our legislation so we can draw a line under this and put an end to this long-running saga once and for all.
DEPUTY JOHNNY MYTHEN
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne said; “The Government opposes this Bill. I highlight the fact that the previous programme for Government included a commitment to introduce water conservation charges. Despite the commitment in that programme, Sinn Féin did not table any legislation to prohibit water conservation charges. Water conservation charges do not form part of the new programme for Government, yet we now see Sinn Féin tabling this legislation, wasting time and inventing a phantom to fight against rather than engaging in good faith.
“It is important to remember that the legislation to implement water charges was contained in the Water Services Act 2014 and this legislation was repealed by the Water Services Act 2017. There is therefore no statutory basis for the introduction of water charges. The Government simply has no power to do it. No legislation exists that allows us to do it,” said Minister Browne, who added; “Uisce Éireann will be investing €250 million every year up to the end of 2030, fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.
DEPUTY FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN
Minister Browne said; “When the previous Government proposed doing it, Sinn Féin did not bring forward any legislation because it was not on the front page of the national newspapers. Here, we have an opportunity for a little media attention, which is why Sinn Féin has jumped on it, even though it is the clear intention of this Government not to do so. The Government has no legal power to bring in water charges without additional legislation.
“It is extremely frustrating that we are dealing here with a distortion of the truth and a misdirection from Sinn Féin. That is really disappointing and unfortunate,” concluded Minister Browne.
ENNISCORTHY COMMUNITY COLLEGE awarded the LGBTQ+ Quality Markat a ceremony in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, recently.
By Dan Walsh
Three Wexford based schools and Youthreach centres have received the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark recognising their work over an 18-month period to foster LGBTQ+ wellbeing and inclusion for their students.
The three schools and centres awarded were New Ross Youthreach, Enniscorthy Community College and Gorey Youthreach.
The schools were presented with their awards at an event in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin which was attended by over 350 staff and student representatives, including those from Wexford and hosted by social media influencer and TV presenter James Kavanagh.
In total, 44 schools were presented with the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark at the event, representing 17 counties and 26,000 post primary school students across the country.
The accreditation initiative was developed by Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland in 2022. That year, the School Climate Survey by Columbia University revealed that 76% of LGBTQ+ young people in Wexford and across Ireland do not feel safe in post-primary schools.
The initiative draws on national and international best practice to create an environment where students feel safe and welcome regardless of who they are. This is done through a host of practical, proactive actions such establishing an LGBTQ+ and Allies Club for students, training whole-staff teams on supporting LGBTQ+ students and promoting the representation of LGBTQ+ families and identities in classroom teaching.
Speaking at the launch, Michelle Keating, Co-Ordinator at New Ross Youthreach commented; “Following 18 months of work and engagement, New Ross Youthreach was proud to receive the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark. The initiative provides a comprehensive approach to promoting wellbeing and inclusion for LGBTQ+ young people in education throughout Ireland.
She added; “The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark focuses on the four key areas of wellbeing promotion from an LGBTQ+ perspective, working with parents, community organisations and other local LGBTQ+ youth projects or groups to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion,”
The Stena Line ferry service operating between Fishguard and Rosslare Europort experienced a series of consecutive cancellations over the weekend.
A ‘technical issue’ and ‘adverse weather conditions’ are responsible for the Stena Europe unable to leave her berth in Fishguard until this afternoon, Monday April 7th.
The first indication of any problem with the Stena Nordica came on Saturday when her 2pm sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare was delayed and then cancelled.
ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
This led to the cancellation of the evening service from Rosslare to Fishguard.
Passengers were given the option of sailing on Stena Line’s Holyhead to Dublin route, while others remained on board in the hope that the Nordica would be able to sail at 1.30 am on Sunday.
In its updates to passengers, Stena Line said that these cancellations had been forced by ‘technical issue’ and offered advice on amending bookings or changing to alternative sailings.
Sunday’s 2pm sailing from Fishguard was originally said to be ‘on time’ but was cancelled ‘due to adverse weather conditions’!
However, Sunday evening’s 7.30pm sailing from Rosslare to Fishguard was flagged up as cancelled due to the ‘technical issue’.
Passengers were automatically transferred to Irish Ferries’ Pembroke Dock to Rosslare service.
The Stena Nordica is due to next sail from Fishguard today (Monday) afternoon, but the Stena Line website says that this crossing is sold out.
Over 1,000 people attended the inaugural Pecker Dunne Music Festival at St. Peter’s Square in Wexford town on Saturday. (Pic; Wally O’Neill).
By Dan Walsh in Wexford town
Over a thousand people attended the inaugural Pecker Dunne Music Festival at St. Peter’s Square in Wexford town on Saturday. Organisers described the event as successful, claiming that it exceeded their expectations.
Melanie Cleary, one of the architects of the festival, said that the organising committee had been overwhelmed by the generosity and goodwill of the people of Wexford.
“When we planned this event little over four weeks ago, we had planned a small intimate affair but with the outpouring of love for Pecker, it naturally led to a much greater larger event and we are so thrilled that this will now be an annual festival – bigger and even better,” stated Ms. Cleary.
Michael Fortune of Folklore.ie, another organiser, said that it was ‘a positive community event’. He noted the number of tourists attending, including two women from Newfoundland.
Wally O’Neill of local bookshop Red Books and part of the committee said the festival was further proof of the incredible potential of Wexford town for cultural tourism on the same level as Galway or Kilkenny.
“Wexford has something special that is absence in many other towns. People travelled from all over the country for this festival. It is the perfect tonic for those who would try to talk the town down and spread negativity and proof that Wexford is a great place to live, to do business and to visit,” added Mr. O’Neill.
The organising committee, comprising Cllr Tom Forde, Melanie Cleary, Stephen Dunne, Matt Murphy, Pippi Firman, Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien, Michael Fortune, Deirdre McGarry, Eoin Firman, Deborah Doyle, Kieran O’ Brien and Wally O’Neill were eager to thank the Dunne family, the musicians who took part, Wexford County Council, Darlex Risk Management, Practical Printers, Cllr Leonard Kelly, Cllr Jackster Owens and Cllr Jim Codd for their support.
Three point-to-point fixtures across the country today and more Wexford winners. Topping the bill were riders Barry O’Neill and Barry Stone who both recorded doubles and handler Colin Bowe also saddled a double.
Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe headed for the races at Dromahane, Co. Cork, today (Sunday) and were celebrating on the way home following a double success.
Newcomer Fairy Park took the maiden race for four-year-old mares by eight lengths while another newcomer from the Kiltealy stables named Unflinching scored by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
It was a brilliant weekend for champion O’Neill who rode in the Foxhunters Chase over the ‘National fences’ at Aintree on Thursday and rode three winners yesterday at Newry.
BARRY STONE … two winners in Westmeath today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Barry Stone from Cleariestown was in Castletown-Geoghegan today and enjoyed a double at the Westmeath track.
Stone got off to a winning start in the maiden race for four-year-olds handled by Garrett Murphy, Ballymitty, who is having a great run of luck. Murphy has been training for four seasons and this was his 12th career winner and his sixth of the current season.
Stone’s double was achieved aboard Princesse Milania for handler Robert Tector, Coolbawn, Rathnure, in the maiden race for mares’ five-year-old plus. The winning distance was four lengths.
Michael Murphy from the Redbridge Stables, Duncormick, also ticked the scoresheet. He saddled Shining Marble in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and enjoyed a four lengths victory with Darragh Higgins up. Murphy is in his sixth season as a handler and this was his 20th career success.
There was one Wexford winner at Rathcannon, Co. Limerick when newcomer Crystal Island handled by Eamonn Doyle, Ballindaggin, won the four-year-old geldings race by three and a half lengths with Jamie Scallan in the saddle.
BARRY O’NEILL …a treble this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Saturday point-to-point action took place at Newry, Co. Down and Wexford stables were in winning form in the opening three races, but it was champion rider Barry O’Neill who stole the show with three wins on the trot.
Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill continued their winning ways with a nine lengths victory for Lady Doyanne for John Dawson in the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares.
O’Neill continued successfully on two of David Christie’s winners; Vaucelet in the Open Race and King In The Park in the Winner of One race. The latter was a close finish with ‘a head’ separating King In The Park ridden by Harry Goff.
Cormac Doyle saddled newcomer Freshers Week in the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership colours in the maiden race for four-year-olds to score by a neck under Darragh Higgins. Runner-up was the Rob James handled and ridden Son Of Tyran.
Sean Doyle won the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with Park Talk in the silks of the Monbeg Partnership. Jamie Scallan the winning rider and one length the advantage on the finish line.
JORDAN GAINFORD …two winners at Wexford today as he heads to Aintree tomorrow for the Grand National ride. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
Local jockeys and trainers were in brilliant form at Wexford races this afternoon with Jordan Gainford riding a double, Sean Flanagan and trainers Paul Nolan and Seamus Neville all keeping the local punters sweet.
Sean Flanagan who rides Vanillier in tomorrow’s Aintree Grand National was in the winner’s enclosure following a two lengths victory on Rue Taylor (10/1) for Paul Nolan in the novice hurdle depriving Gordon Elliott of a four-timer.
Seamus Neville who trains at Brideswell, Bridgetown, won the handicap chase with On The Tide (14/1) ridden by Roscrea claiming rider Philip Donovan. “He loves the good ground,” said a delighted trainer afterwards.
Gordon Elliott’s stable sent a strong contingent from Summerhill, Co. Meath, and scored a treble beginning with Kisk Bank (6/4 fav.) ridden by five pounds claimer James Smith by a cosy 23 lengths in the maiden hurdle (incentive race).
Caim jockey Jordan Gainford who rides the outsider Conflated in tomorrow’s Grand National at Aintree was on board Elliott’s other successful pair. He scored on Cooke’s Lass in the mares’ maiden hurdle beating two Wexford contenders; Clody Diamond for Paul Nolan with Sean Flanagan up two and a half lengths back in runner-up spot with third place filled by Alpha Zeta trained by Liz Doyle at Crossabeg.
Gainford’s second success came on Lightkeeper (9/1) by eight lengths in the novice chase. Paul Nolan’s Kiltealy Park (Sean Flanagan) was runner-up, so a Wexford 1,2 there!
Pat Foley, son of the legendary Tom Foley of Danoli fame, popped down from Carlow and saddled Rebel Gold (7/2) in the handicap chase and celebrated with a victory. Alex Harvey was the winning rider.
Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead also got on the scoresheet. He saddled Aspire Tower (Mike O’Connor up) at 4/1 in the beginners chase depriving Willie Mullins’ runner up Westport Cove (Sean O’Keeffe up) by a neck!
It was a good day’s racing. Good attendance too! Next races at Bettyville Park, Wexford, is Saturday, May 17th. Mark it in your sporting diary!
RATHASPECK CHURCH gets funding for restoration. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
An allocation of €100,620 has been made for repairs to the roof, rainwater facilities, and windows of the disused Rathaspeck Church in Piercestown, with the objective of restoration for community and cultural use. It is located close to Johnstown Castle.
The announcement was made during the week as part of the Historic Structures Fund by Minster James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Rathaspeck Church is situated about 5 kilometres from Wexford town on a raised piece of land that is believed to have been a rath, hence the name – Ráth Easpaig “the bishop’s ringfort.”
It is a classic Board of First Fruits funded Church of Ireland church built in 1824. A 14th century catholic church predated the structure but this was already described as ‘ruinous’ in the Down Survey of the 1650s.
The graveyard is the final resting place of United Irishman Cornelius Grogan. Grogan had served as the High Sherriff of Wexford in 1779 and in 1783 was elected to serve as a politician for the Irish Parliament constituency of Enniscorthy.
When the 1798 rebellion broke out in County Wexford Grogan joined the republican movement of the United Irishmen and became an army commander. When the rebellion failed Grogan was brought to court and though he tried to state he had been forced to take up his position in the United Irishmen the British didn’t believe him and he was executed on Wednesday, June 28th 1798, he was hanged and beheaded on Wexford bridge like several other rebel leaders and his body was thrown into the River Slaney. Later supporters of Grogan recovered his body from the waters and interred him at Rathaspeck.
The church itself closed in 1971 but between 1984 and 2009 was home to the Wexford Model Railway Club but due to the deteriorating condition of the church this agreement came to an end in 2009.
The restoration of Rathaspeck Church is to be welcomed. It is a landmark building with links to the distant past and long forgotten families on the edge of Johnstown Castle, now Wexford’s best tourist and visitor attraction, and it ticks all the boxes in retaining a valuable piece of our rural past.
Uisce Éireann advises customers supplied by Wexford’s South Regional Supply Scheme that they may experience low pressure on their water supply following repair works at Taylorstown Water Treatment Plant.
As the plant returns to full production today, it may take several hours for the full supply to be restored to customers on higher ground or at the end of the network. In the meantime, customers in South West Wexford may experience low pressure.
Uisce Éireann thanks those affected for their patience while the interruption to supply was addressed. Uisce Éireann understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and thank customers for their support.
Uisce Éireann are keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and encourage customers to engage through its website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through the customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
WexfordLocal.com 