Kilmore Quay RNLI towing 10-metre fishing boat with a fouled propeller into Kilmore Quay. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh).
By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay RNLI responded this morning (Monday) to help the crew of a 10-metre fishing boat with a fouled propeller south of the Saltee Islands.
The Irish Coast Guard requested the volunteer crew to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat RNLB Killarney at 8.55am.
Coxswain Aidan Bates and four crew members promptly launched the lifeboat and headed to the scene.
Arriving at the location at 9.30am, the lifeboat crew checked that all on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation. It was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the disabled craft back to shore.
Weather at the time was described as overcast with a Force 3 to Force 4 north easterly wind and slight sea state.
The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay arriving shortly after 10am. The lifeboat returned to its berth in the marina at 10.18am.
The Gardaí are requesting the public’s help in locating a missing teenager.
Jack Mason, 15, has been missing from Rosslare, Co. Wexford since Friday, March 7th.
Jack is described as being around 6 feet tall, with a stocky build, black hair and blue eyes.
He was last seen in the North Main Street area of Wexford Town and was wearing a grey tracksuit.
Anyone with any information on Jack’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
VITAL ISLAND with Richard O’Keeffe (handler), green jumper; Barry Stone (winning rider) and supporters following his historic sixth victory ‘over the banks’ at Lingstown races today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Lingstown races
Vital Island, a 13-year-old gelding, made history today at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, by winning ‘over the banks’ for the sixth time.
Owned and handled by Richard O’Keeffe, Newtown, Taghmon, Vital Island will now go forward to the Punchestown Festival next month and attempt to repeat his 2023 success under Benny Walsh.
Winning by three lengths Vital Island was ridden by Barry Stone and was the second leg of a double for the Cleariestown rider.
Stone enjoyed a six lengths victory on Kasino Des Mottes in the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings for Gaynestown Stud Partnership and handler Jonathan Fogarty, who were also on a double.
Earlier the Fogarty’s were successful when Barry O’Neill brought Katie’s Melody home six lengths clear of the field in the maiden race for five-year-old mares. Mikey Fogarty, representing the stable, said afterwards; “She is a nice mare with a good pedigree. Has taken a bit of time. She will be sold now.”
Jack Hendrick rode his 102nd career winner in the opening maiden race for four-year-old mares when Cormac Doyle’s newcomer Sapphos Word came home four and a half lengths to the good in the colours of Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership.
If You Believe was an impressive winner for the Redbridge Stables of Michael Murphy at Duncormick in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings, Four and a half lengths the verdict and ridden by Darragh Higgins. “He’s a lovely horse, jumped well, and he’ll come on for the run. He’ll go to the sales,” said Murphy afterwards.
Portlaw handler Richard O’Hara saddled the winner of the final race of the day – the maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards confined to handlers with 10 wins or less – a one and a half lengths victory for Kilbuny Supersonic ridden by local rider Sean Staples from Duncormick.
The fixture run under the auspices of the Killinick Harriers drew the largest attendance seen at a local point-to-point for some time, aided and abetted by a pleasant Spring day on the south coast of Wexford.
There was also point-to-point action at Belclare, Co. Galway, today where Rob James enjoyed a treble success. He had two for Tipperary handler Pat Doyle – Kap De Cerisy and Lifetime Ambition – and teamed up with Donnchadh Doyle and the Monbeg Syndicate with Generous Risk who scored by 15 lengths in the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings.
The O’Rourke family from Clonard, Wexford, also celebrated their day in the west! Owner Phyllis, handler Pat and rider Jimmy saddled Carrick Hill in the maiden race for seven-year-olds plus and carried off a two lengths victory.
There was also a point-to-point meeting at Castlelands in Co. Waterford where Gearoid Doyle (owner), Sean Doyle (handler) and Jamie Scallan (rider) recorded a double success. Newcomer Midnight Jukebox won the maiden race for four-year-old geldings by three-quarters of a length and Hydration Station had six and a half lengths to spare at the finish of the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings.
Jumping the famous Lingstown banks. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Traditionally the Spring Lingstown point-to-point races take place on the Sunday before the Cheltenham Festival and this year is no different.
133 entries have been received for tomorrow’s (Sunday) Killinick Harriers fixture. First race off at 1pm.
The going is ‘yielding’ and the weather forecast for tomorrow is dry and mostly sunny, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 16 degrees and light to moderate northeast winds.
Thirteen entries have been entered for the unique Open Race run over the famous ‘Lingstown banks’ which is always a popular challenge with the punters in attendance.
Joint-champion riders’ Barry O’Neill and Rob James are level at the top of the table with 24 winners each after both had a winner each this afternoon.
O’Neill made the long journey to Kirkistown, Co. Down, where he partnered My Life Be Like for David Christie for a seven lengths success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
James went to Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, where he teamed up with the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle for a six lengths victory with Catalani in the maiden race for six-year-old geldings plus.
EDDIE TAAFFE, Chairperson of Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee and MAURA BELL, Chairperson of the Fleadh Accommodation Committee are welcoming people to register for accommodation from Monday, March 10th.
By Dan Walsh
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and language events, returns to Wexford Town and 650,000 are expected to attend the week-long event from August 3rd to the 10th.
The Fleadh Executive Committee are reaching out to Wexford homeowners who can offer a variety of accommodations to rent, including a spare room or a holiday home not in use. Those interested in providing property or rooms to visitors can register their accommodation atfleadhcheoil.ie.
The highest demand for accommodation during the Fleadh in 2024 was primarily for the second weekend when the competitions occurred, and this trend is expected to continue in 2025, with events scheduled from Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 10th.
Additionally, another observation from Fleadh 2024 revealed that many visitors preferred shorter stays, typically ranging from 2 to 4 nights, rather than a full week’s accommodation. These insights could influence your decision on whether to offer your accommodation to Fleadh attendees in 2025.
Chairperson of the Wexford Fleadh Accommodation Committee Maura Bell said to WexfordLocal.com; “After the 2024 Fleadh, it was noted that the highest demand for accommodation was for the second weekend. Please consider this when deciding whether to offer your accommodation. Additionally, many of our visitors will be seeking 2, 3 or 4-night stays, so keep this in mind when registering your property”
Chairperson of the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe, in a press release to WexfordLocal.com said: “We are excited to announce the return of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Wexford this summer. Following on from the success of the Fleadh 2024 which would not have happened without the assistance and co-operation of the locals, we are once again asking people to assist in providing accommodation.
“If you have a space available for rent, we kindly ask you to register it on our website. Help us display our renowned Wexford hospitality by opening your doors and providing a warm welcome to the Fleadh festival attendees!”
For more information and to register your accommodation for the Wexford Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025, visit fleadhcheoil.ie. Any queries on accommodation can be directed to accommodation@fleadhcheoil.ie.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN is pleased Spike Bridge has been prioritised. He thanked Coillte for resolving the matter promptly. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh
Concerns about the future of a popular Wexford Walking Trails route have been alleviated by Coillte’s statement today that “reopening Spike Bridge is a priority.”
Coillte Communications has released the following statement in response to an enquiry from WexfordLocal.com regarding a story published on February 26th:
“Coillte wishes to inform the public and stakeholders that Spike Bridge in Courtown Wood has been temporarily closed due to health and safety concerns.
“The safety of our visitors is our top priority and this action was taken following a recent on site assessment of the bridge. We appreciate that this is a valued local amenity and are currently carrying out works to make the bridge safe and enable us to reopen to the public this weekend.
“In the meantime, we appreciate the patience and understanding of the community as we complete these essential safety measures, and we ask the public to kindly abide by all safety signage on site. We will continue to monitor the bridge and assess any further works that may be required in the future.”
The bridge was marked with a ‘closed’ sign, raising questions about its future, especially among members of the Courtown Heritage Group.
Cllr Joe Sullivan supported the locals and corresponded with Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae TD with responsibility for the Department of Forestry and Coillte management.
Cllr Sullivan told WexfordLocal.com that he is pleased the Spike Bridge has been prioritised. He thanked Coillte for resolving the matter promptly.
The official trail map shows that if the bridge closes, the bridge walk will no longer be connected to the Wexford Walking Trail network in Courtown.
Currently the bridge allows for access to woodland managed by Coillte on the north side of the Owenavorragh river, linking the 1.4km Bridge Walk which is especially popular for active travel and river anglers.
GLENN CARR, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann and General Manager of Rosslare Europort welcomed 20 Harbour Masters last Wednesday.
By Dan Walsh
A 20-strong delegation of Harbour Masters from across Europe, including representatives from Portsmouth, the Port of Dover, Ystad, Jersey, and the Port of Tyne, visited Rosslare Europort on Wednesday to witness digital transformation in live operation.
The purpose of the visit was to showcase Rosslare Europort’s SmartPort technology, a key component of the port’s €1.5 million digitisation initiative under the Rosslare Europort Masterplan.
Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann and General Manager of Rosslare Europort, welcomed the delegation, stating: “We are delighted to welcome this group of European Harbour Masters to Rosslare Europort to experience first-hand how our technology is transforming port operations. The SmartPort initiative is a game-changer for Rosslare Europort and for the wider maritime industry. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, we are optimising freight and passenger movements, streamlining customs processes, and enhancing security, all while driving sustainable growth and competition.
“Rosslare Europort has undergone a remarkable transformation and as we continue to expand and strengthen our capabilities, we look forward to shaping the future of port operations alongside our European counterparts”, concluded Mr Carr.
Rosslare Europort is leading the way in smart port technology, offering operational and customer service improvements that are setting a new standard for European ports.
The delegation toured the port, observed live operations, engaged with system users, and explored the latest software and hardware innovations driving efficiency and security at the Port.
The SmartPort initiative forms part of a broader €350 million investment, including the development of a Permanent Border Control Post by the Office of Public Works (OPW), the construction of the N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road, and the establishment of Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub, with the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs.
2024 was a record-breaking year where Rosslare Europort became Ireland’s number one port for direct RoRo/Pax services to Europe.
Pictured at Ballyvaloo Retreat: (left to right); Fr. Billy Swan, Wexford Parish Administrator, Cliona Connolly, Environmental Awareness Officer Wexford County Council, Noel Culleton, Chairman, Wexford Parish Care for the Earth group, Mary Ellen Hawkey (nee Finn), Wexford Parish Care for the Earth group, Bishop Ger Nash, Diocese of Ferns, Claire Goodwin, Biodiversity Officer, Helen Corish, Wexford Parish Care for the Earth group. (Front); Gerry Forde, Wexford Parish Care for the Earth group.
By Dan Walsh
The Wexford Parish Care for the Earth group and Wexford County Council Environmental Department staff, Cliona Connolly and Claire Goodwin met with Bishop Ger Nash and the Diocesan priests recently.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a ‘Returning to Nature’ project for Wexford parishes.
“Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato Si’ On Care for Our Common Home issued in 2015 was a compelling call to all people of goodwill … to care for the environment of which they are part”. In response, the Irish Bishops’ Conference, in 2023 agreed that parishes would return 30% of church grounds to nature by 2030.
They stated, “Parishes are asked to expand their circles of solidarity, to protect and care for biodiversity and creation on 30% of their grounds, and to care for this as a haven for pollinators and biodiversity, that can be enjoyed by the whole community.”
Now Wexford County Council is coming together with the Parishes of Wexford and the Wexford Parish Care for the Earth group to commence a pilot project in Wexford with six parishes invited to partake in biodiversity schemes on church grounds in 2025.
Support given will include expert advice from a biodiversity specialist and funding to get projects off the ground. The aim is to allow room for nature to flourish and to manage sites to support wildlife.
Some examples of projects for biodiversity might be reducing mowing frequency to allow flowers to bloom and provide food for endangered pollinators, planting of heritage fruit trees, hedgerow maintenance or planting, erecting barn owl or swift boxes for endangered bird, providing nesting habitat for solitary bees.
Several parishes have already expressed interest in taking part. The project will continue in 2026 and beyond subject to demand. This project is open to groups of all faiths.
To find out more or to apply to be involved please see the Wexford County Council website or contact biodiversity@wexfordcoco.ie
Tributes were paid to maritime legend Jack O’Leary, who was laid to rest in St. Ibar’s Cemetery, Crosstown on Tuesday. A friend aptly described him on social media as “a gentleman, a Wexford seafarer, and a great recorder of Wexford’s maritime history.”
Jack, fondly referred to as ‘Captain Jack’ of Magdalens Terrace in Maudlintown, Wexford town, passed away on Sunday at the age of 80.
Jack started his seafaring career in 1961 on the Rosslare Harbour-Fishguard ferry route with the crew of the ‘St. Andrew’. The operations company, originally Great Western, was later renamed British Rail, then Sealink, and is now StenaLine.
Jack, an expert in maritime history, who earned a diploma in Local History at NUI Maynooth. He co-authored the book ‘Sailing Ships of Wexford 1840s to the 1940s‘ with Brian Cleare, published in 2019.
The work is “dedicated to the memory of the sailors from County Wexford who went to sea in the days of sail, many to find their final resting place in the ocean deep.”
He was a founding member of the Rosslare Harbour Maritime Enthusiasts Group, established in 2012. Additionally, he was a dedicated supporter of the South End Sea Shanty Singers and an enthusiastic advocate for the Wexford Maritime Festival.
Beloved husband of the late Patricia. Dear father of Darragh, Ciara, Conor, Ruairí. Brother of the late Jim. Very sadly missed by his sons, daughter, grandchildren Jack, Sarah, Shay, Cormac, Medb, Arthur, Andrew and Woody. Daughters-in-law Denise, Fiona and Lorraine, son-in-law Phillip, brother-in-law Kevin, sister-in-law Margaret, nephews Brian, Niall and Donal, extended family, neighbours and friends. May He Rest in Peace.
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