WexfordLocal.com

Your guide to St Patrick’s Day 2025 Parades

By Dan Walsh

The traditional St. Patrick’s Day parades are taking place across Co. Wexford, mostly on Monday, but two events will take place on Sunday – Rathgarogue and Fethard-on-Sea – but here is a list of the parades closest to you.

RATHGAROGUE; This is the first ever parade in Rathgarogue and it takes place on Sunday at 11am at the old Railway Walk opposite Rathgarogue Church.

FETHARD-ON-SEA; Also on Sunday at 2pm. There are prizes for the best Fethard Float and a ‘Best Dressed Dog’ competition!

DUNCANNON; The Duncannon Village St. Patrick’s Day gets under way at 11am.

CARRIG-ON-BANNOW; Cllr Jim Codd has confirmed his attendance at Carrig-on-Bannow St. Patrick’s Day parade at 2pm. Always a great day for families and community pride, and of course, plenty of traditional music.

CLONROCHE; The floats will gather at Clonroche Mill and head through the village, past the viewing platform from a 1.30pm start. Over 25 business, local voluntary and sporting groups will participate.

COOLGREANY; Mid-day start to the annual Coolgreany St. Patrick’s Day parade. Expect colour, music and vintage vehicles. The annual duck race takes place after the parade.

BUNCLODY; Sets off from Tírlán at Carrigduff and down through the Main Street and onto Ryland Road. 10.40am start. Blessing of the shamrock at Market Square. No one is allowed on trailers or floats this year.

KILTEALY; The Kiltealy St. Patrick’s Day parade starts at the Community Centre at 1pm.Prizes for the best floats.

‘The Commons’ Curragraigue, Ballindaggin, renowned as “the smallest, shortest and least known parade” is a fun event that has been taking place on St. Patrick’s Day in recent years. All are invited to participate. It commences at 11am and is completed by 11.05am or maybe a bit later! Contact Michael Fortune at folklore.ie for more details.

ENNISCORTHY; Usual route. Starts at the Shannon Chapel in Templeshannon, over the Rafter Bridge and finishing in Market Square. Viewing stand in Abbey Square and music in Market Square afterwards. Gets underway at 3pm.

GOREY; 3pm start. The parade will have bands and floats and travel the long Main Street and onto Esmonde Street. This year’s theme is ‘Going Green’.

NEW ROSS; Commencing at 2pm from the Irishtown. This year’s theme is ‘Heroes’ and local athlete Linda Kelly is Grand Marshal. The parade concludes on the quay close to the Dunbrody Visitor Centre.

WEXFORD; Thousands are expected to line the quayside between Trinity Street and Redmond Square with a 10.30am start. Bishop Ger Nash will perform the blessing of shamrock ceremony at 9am in Bride Street Church. Prize-giving awards ceremony in Macken’s, The Bull Ring at 7pm. The Wexford town parade is always a spectacle and has been honouring St. Patrick in this way since 1904!

Carnew is the place to be this week!

At the opening night of the South Wicklow Drama Festival last night were (left to right); Kevin McEvoy, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, Joe Duffy, who performed the official opening, and this year’s adjudicator, Declan Drohan.

By Dan Walsh

RTE broadcasting legend Joe Duffy was guest of honour in Carnew last night where he performed the official opening of the 18th South Wicklow Drama Festival at St. Brigid’s Hall.

First on stage for the 9-night festival – it runs until Saturday, March 22^nd was Bridevew Drama Group who staged The Weir by Conor McPherson.

Line up of plays nightly at 8pm except final night – 7.30pm start.

Saturday 15th March; Tinahely Drama Group – Thy Will be Done by Michael Carey (sponsored by Fitzgerald Kitchens)

Sunday 16th March; Lislea – Dead Guilty by Richard Harris (sponsored by South East Security and Safety Ltd)

Monday 17th March; Thurles – Rathmines Road by Deirdre Kinahan (sponsored by K&K Windows, Craanford).

Tuesday 18th March; Kilmuckridge Drama Group – Juno and the Paycock – by Sean O’Casey (sponsored by Maxol Candy’s Carnew)

Wednesday 19th March; Bridge Players – The Curious incident of the dog in the night time by Simon Stephens (sponsored by Boggan Motors, Gorey & Wexford)

Thursday 20th March; Kilrush Drama Group – Bailegangaire by Tom Murphy (sponsored by Jim Byrne’s Bar & Lounge).

Friday 21st March; Bunclody Drama Group – The Beacon by Nancy Harris (Sponsored by Quinn Property Carnew & Gorey)

Saturday 22nd March; Wexford Drama Group – Skylight by David Hare (Sponsored by Osborne’s Centra, Carnew).

Declan Drohan is Adjudicator for the 2025 Festival.

The annual Carnew Community Art Exhibition in association with the South Wicklow Drama Festival opened in Roberts’ Garage adjacent to St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, on Thursday night.

The Exhibition was officially opened by the very talented Kate McMeehan, the group’s Art Teacher.

It is open 2-4pm today (Friday), Saturday, March 15^th, Wednesday, March 19^th and Friday, March 21st.

The annual Carnew St Patrick’s Day parade starts at Kenny’s Corner at 12.30pm and travels down Main Street to St. Brigid’s Hall. So plenty happening in Carnew over the next number of days!

Rob James big race win at Cheltenham

By Dan Walsh

**ROB JAMES rode a Cheltenham winner today** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Rob James is the latest Wexford jockey to ride a winner at the Cheltenham Festival this week when taking the hunters’ chase on Wonderwalk (28/1) for Tipperary trainer Sam Curling this afternoon.

“I was probably going too well and got there a bit too soon, but look, we held on. The line came in time, thank God. It’s the biggest race, it’s the one, as an amateur, you always want to win, to get your name on it. It’s absolutely brilliant,” said Rob, who is joint-National Point-to-Point Champion Rider sharing with Barry O’Neill.

From Tomona, Killanne, Rob James has ridden 372 point-to-point winners, currently he is leading the national riders’ table with 27 wins, this was his second Cheltenham Festival success, the first being Milan Native in the 2020 Kim Muir Chase. He also won the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in 2022 on My Wings.

Third behind James was Willitgoahead now trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jamie Scallan, Tomhaggard. Willitgoahead was a three times winner for Ballindaggin handler Sean Doyle with Scallan up including success at Fairwood, Tinahely, last November.

Wexford jockeys Sean Flanagan, Sean O’Keeffe, Barry Stone and Rob James enjoyed festival success. While Paul Nolan, Toberona Stables, Enniscorthy, saddled Daily Present to victory on Thursday.

Cheltenham champagne for Barry Stone

By Dan Walsh

There was a fairytale ending in the final race at the Cheltenham Festival today (Thursday) when young Cleariestown jockey Barry Stone, on his first ride at the festival, won the Kim Muir Amateur Jockey’s Handicap Chase on Daily Present trained at Toberona Stables, Enniscorthy, by Paul Nolan.

J.P. McManus’ Johnnywho was still on the bridle under Derek O’Connor when leading at the second-last, but he was collared on the run-in by Daily Present, who scored by a neck over the 9-2 favourite.

**BARRY STONE pictured at Monksgrange**. (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

While it was the fourth time Nolan had entered the winner’s enclosure at the famous racing festival, this was Stone’s first experience of riding in Britain.

Barry is one of the leading point-to-point riders with 58 career winners to his credit, 19 of them in the 2024-’25 season. Last Sunday Barry rode a double at his local track – Lingstown, Tomhaggard – including a super success on Vital Island, who was winning over the ‘famous banks course’ for the sixth time!

The rider has worked for the likes of Noel Meade, Joseph O’Brien and Jim Bolger, and he ensured family bragging rights over brother Conor Stone-Walsh, who had found himself on the wrong end of a McManus hotpot when second on Thecompanysergeant behind Jagwar in an earlier race.

Afterwards, Barry Stone said; “It’s magical stuff. I’ve been dreaming of it for years growing up and nothing can top this. This is what dreams are made of. You’re following the best lads around so you can’t do too much wrong when you’re following them boys.

“My uncle (Benny Walsh) was a jockey in Ireland and he’s a trainer now, training point-to-pointers. My brother’s (Conor Stone-Walsh) a professional jockey. We’ve grown up with horses all our lives and places like this is where you’d want to be. He winged the last and when I landed, I knew I just had to keep him up to his work.”

Conor Stone-Walsh from Cleariestown was second in a race on the opening day of the four-day festival and he recored another runner-up spot on Thecompanysergeant for Gavin Cromwell in the handicap chase today.

And yesterday’s winning jockey Sean O’Keeffe from Taghmon was also in the placings today. He was aboard O’moore Park for Wilie Mullins and finished third in the Grade 2 Novice Chase.

Tomorrow (Friday) is the final day of this year’s festival and the feature race is the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at 4pm with Galopin Des Champs odds-on favourite to gain third success in the big race, however, look out for Wexford jockey JJ Slevin from Caim riding the second favourite and King George VI winner, Banbridge, for his cousin, Joseph O’Brien.

14 community centres share funding of €912,884

**ST. MICHAEL’S THEATRE, New Ross has received €100,000 in community centre funding scheme.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has announced funding of €26.1 million under the 2024 Community Centre Investment Fund, which will deliver enhancement, and refurbishment works on 369 community centres nationwide.

14 centres in Co. Wexford are sharing €912,884 in funding and the distribution is as follows;

Blackwater Parish Community Hall €80,512.

Camross Hall €45,829.

Castlebridge Community Hall €81,400.

Ferns Union of Parishes Community Hall €55,000.

Astro Active Community Centre Kilcannon, Enniscorthy, €100,000.

Kilmore GAA Club Community Complex €53,000.

Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall (KMH) €37,386.

Kilrane Rosslare Harbour Community Centre €99,680.

Oylegate Community Centre €49,424.

St. Mary’s Community Day Care Centre, Wexford €45,982.

St. Bridget’s Community Centre, Wexford €37,683.

St. Michael’s Community Theatre, New Ross €100,000.

Craanford Community Hall €44,827.

Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Centre €82,161.

Minister Calleary said: “The funding I am announcing today under the Community Centre Investment Fund will ensure that 369 communities across our cities, towns and villages will benefit from enhanced community facilities. This follows on from funding for over 400 facilities announced in November.

“Community Centres are the lifeblood of our communities. They play host to some of our most important occasions, in good times and in bad. Again in recent weeks we have seen the importance of these centres for their local communities as many of them became emergency hubs in the aftermath of storm Éowyn,” concluded Minister Calleary.

Cheltenham joy for Wexford jockeys

By Dan Walsh

Day two of the Cheltenham racing festival and winners today for two Wexford jockeys, Sean Flanagan and Sean O’Keeffe.

Sean Flanagan, 36, from Palace East, Clonroche, won today’s feature race – the Queen Mother Champion Chase – on Marine Nationale for Barry Connell to record his second festival winner.

Flanagan rode his first winner at the Cheltenham Festival when partnering the Noel Meade-trained 80/1 chance Jeff Kidder to success in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle in 2021.

Flanagan has had three placings so far. He finished second on William Munny in yesterday’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Today he finished third on Vaniller despite nearly going the wrong way in the Cross Country Chase and was also placed third in the Grand Annual Chase.

Sean O’Keeffe, 26, from Harveystown, Taghmon, also enjoyed festival success today when partnering Lecky Watson to a four lengths success for Willie Mullins in the Grade 1 Novices Chase.

O’Keeffe rode his first winner at the Cheltenham Festival when partnering the Willie Mullins-trained Galopin Des Champs (yes, going for his third victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday!) to win the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle in 2021. He also rode a winner for Mullins at the 2022 festival when landing the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices´ Hurdle on The Nice Guy.

Conor Stone-Walsh, 18, from Cleariestown, who is having a very successful season finished runner-up, beaten six lengths, on Robbies Rock for Gavin Cromwell in Tuesday’s Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

Two more days of the Cheltenham Festival to go, and plenty of Wexford participation in readiness, and who knows, perhaps, more success may be on the cards.

New recycling service for Courtown

**At the launch were Roisin Markham, the Facilitator for the Courtown Circular Economy Plan, Linda Sinnott, Chairperson Courtown Community Council, and Colin Webb, Chairperson Gorey Meals-On-Wheels.**

By Dan Walsh

Courtown Community Council and Meals On Wheels Gorey have launched a new recycling collection service for users in the Courtown area supporting the Re-turn Scheme!

The Re-turn Scheme is a circular economy initiative, capturing a higher quality of recycling and maximising existing resources. By reusing and recycling more effectively, it saves energy and water, reduce landfill and there is a lower impact on the planet.

Supporting the scheme as part of the key sustainability commitments is Meals On Wheels Gorey made under the Courtown Circular Economy Plan. The service was launched on the Courtown service, and if all goes well, it will be extended to the Gorey service.

“As strong advocates for inclusion, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take part in sustainability initiatives, regardless of their circumstances. We understand that many of our service users may face challenges in participating due to mobility, isolation, or other limitations—so we’re bringing the scheme directly to them,” said Chairperson Colin Webb, who added; “By offering this service, we’re expanding the service we offer and also making sure everyone can take part in recycling, no matter their circumstances. That’s why we are the first Meals on Wheels service in the country to offer this kind of recycling support!”

Launch of ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign

**Pictured at the ‘*No Dogs Allowed*’ campaign at Knocknagapple, Gorey, were (left to right);** Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council; Mary Murray, Sheep Farmer; John Kelly, Wexford IFA Vice Chairman; Cllr Donal Kenny; Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council; Pat Murray, Sheep Farmer; Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin TD; Catherine Murray, Sheep Farmer; Jackie Whelan Fagan, IFA South Leinster Regional Executive and Cabrini Desmond, Dog Warden, Wexford County Council.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford IFA and Wexford County Council have launched the ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign 2025, urging dog owners to be responsible. The launch took place at Knocknagapple, Gorey.

IFA Deputy President Alice Doyle said dog owners have to be confronted about their failure to take responsibility for the actions of their pets. “The devastation caused must be brought home to those who think their dog would not be part of an attack on livestock. Dog owners cannot absolve themselves of the wreckage left behind when sheep are attacked. The majority of responsible dog owners have a role here also,” she said.

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe said; “Every year, farmers are put to unnecessary expense and hardship, in the aftermath of dog attacks on their livestock. The very simple solution is for dog owners to act responsibly, and ensure their pets are securely housed at night or under control while out for a walk in areas where livestock are present. Even a well-behaved family pet, can turn. By law, dogs are expected to be under control while in a public place.”

The Wexford IFA Chairman, Tom Doyle said the new Government must recognise the deepening issue of dog attacks on livestock. He said IFA first launched the ‘No Dogs Allowed’ campaign in 2021 and despite continuous appeals for action, not enough has been enough to address the issue. “The lack of robust enforcement of the legal obligations on dog owners has allowed horrendous attacks to persist and increase across the country. It is unacceptable,” Tom Doyle said.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, commented; “I would like to remind dog owners that they are required by law to have their dogs microchipped and licensed. Wexford County Council is increasing our number of dog wardens this year, a move that is partially funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This will allow us to monitor for dogs that are not microchipped or registered. Owners can be fined and brought to court where dogs are not microchipped, where fines of up to €2,500 may be imposed.

IFA Sheep Chair Adrian Gallagher said stronger regulations announced by the then Minister Humphreys in late 2023 were a step in the right direction, but they don’t go far enough to protect livestock from dog attacks.

Among the measures proposed by the Working Group for Control of Dogs were stricter regulations and increased enforcement on the ground to tackle the issue of irresponsible dog ownership. “It is unacceptable that these practical proposals have not been acted on,” said Mr Gallagher.

Increased resources as recommended by the Working Group for Control of Dogs report is vital for owners of dogs found worrying livestock to be sanctioned with significant on-the-spot fines while providing stronger powers of enforcement for dog wardens and Gardai particularly at a time when a dog owner is liable for damages associated to an attack on livestock.

Farewell to Chef Nicky Cullen

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of legendary head chef Nicky Cullen, Kilmore Quay, who had a lifetime of experience in owning and running restaurants and kitchens and reached celebrity status at Mary Barry’s.

The following tributes was issued on social media; “Today is a sad day for us all at Mary Barry’s. Our Head Chef, the heart and soul of Mary Barry’s, our dear Nicky Cullen has passed away. Nicky was instrumental in making Mary Barry’s what it is today, his passion was infectious and his creativity was second to none.

“We will all miss you so much. Nicky we are all heartbroken, we will always remember you, your kindness, the chats, your encouraging words. Our thoughts are with Nicky’s family at this sad time. RIP Nicky, Top Chef, Top Man, Legend.”

Chef Nicky Cullen became universally known when his name was extensively used for marketing the multi-award-winning Mary Barry’s Seafood Bar and Restaurant at Kilmore where he was credited as creating the path to culinary excellence.

Nicky Cullen has stayed loyal to the fishermen of Kilmore Quay, his lifelong neighbours and friends. In his youth Nicky had travelled the world working as a chef in the Merchant Navy, so the fruits of the sea were always dear to his heart. To this day, the freshest of locally caught seafood remains at the core of Mary Barry’s success.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Nicky Cullen, Libgate, Kilmore Quay, Wexford. Beloved son of the late Paul and Maureen and predeceased by his brother Tom. Beloved brother of Francy, Frank, Pat, Rena and Mary. Sadly missed by his brothers-in-law Gerry and Frank, Rena’s partner Seamus, sisters-in-law Laura and Margo, nieces, nephews, extended family and his wide circle of friends. Also greatly missed by his work colleagues in Mary Barry’s.

May He Rest in Peace

Reposing at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Wellingtonbridge on Wednesday from 3pm to 8pm. Reposing at his residence on Thursday from 4pm to 8pm for family and close friends only.

Removal on Friday, March 14^th to St. Peter’s Church, Kilmore Quay arriving for Funeral mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kilmore.

House private on Friday morning.

Motion calls for advancement of N11-N25

**How long until the M11 extension from Oylegate to Rosslare Europort is completed?** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

A motion calling for the advancement of the N11/N25 Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour project submitted by Cllrs Lisa McDonald, Garry Laffan and Ger Carthy received full support of the members at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber, County Hall. Cllr Carthy, Leas-Cathaoirleach, presided.

The purpose of the motion was “to improve road safety, certainty of travel times to Rosslare Europort, tackle the existing chronic traffic congestion all along the Wexford ring road, the long traffic tailbacks through the village of Oylegate and environmental problems.

Other issues raised were the current sub-standard national roads and to give certainty to those living in the development corridor.

It was suggested that the Active Travel component of the scheme to be developed offline along the existing N11 and N25 roadways, which will be reclassified as rural routes on completion of the N11 Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour scheme.

Cllrs McDonald, Laffan and Carthy, in the words of the motion believe “This will reduce project costs, reduce land take from landowners and property owners, speed up the design phase of the already protected delivery of the scheme, avoid the necessity of a further CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) and lead to a better outcome for all interested parties in this nationally important project.”

The motion was approved by the Council members on a show of hands and will be forwarded to the eight Oireachtas members from the Wicklow-Wexford and Wexford constituencies, the Minister for Transport and Transport and the Office of An Taoiseach.