Joe Duffy to open Drama Festival

By Dan Walsh

RTE presenter Joe Duffy will officially open the 18th South Wicklow Drama Festival at St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, from March 14th to March 22nd.  

Broadcaster JOE DUFFY will open the South Wicklow Drama Festival.

Details were announced at the festival launch in Jim Byrne’s Lounge, Carnew, on Thursday night. The festival was launched by Linda Dunne, a retired School Principal of Colaiste Bhride in Carnew.

Ms Dunne became nationally famous when crowned The Calor Kosangas Housewife of the Year in 1985. In retirement, she has a bit more time for golf and this year is Lady Captain in Coolattin Golf Club.

Ms. Dunne stated that she was honoured to be invited to launch the festival. She remarked on the positive impact of the collaboration between the Drama Group and the School, highlighting the advantages for students to have the Drama Festival readily accessible and the opportunity to experience numerous productions.

Line up of Plays Nightly at 8pm except final night – 7.30pm start.

Friday 14th March; Bridevew Drama Group – The Weir by Conor McPherson (sponsored by Kenny’s Corner House).

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).

The Chairman and Committee of South Wicklow Drama Festival are delighted to welcome Declan Drohan as Adjudicator for the 2025 Festival. 

Patron Tickets for the Festival are available from any of the Festival Committee, from Mark Kennedy in Hall’s Shop, Main Street, Carnew; Carnew Training & Consultancy Centre. Purchasing a patron ticket enables you to see all nine of the following plays for just €50.

The Carnew Community Art Group will hold their annual Art Exhibition in Roberts’ Garage next to St. Brigid’s Hall. The exhibition will open on Thursday, March 13th, and will be available daily throughout the duration of the Festival.

Ballyfad School is set to close

BALLYFAD NATIONAL SCHOOL (Scoil Naisiunta Baile Fada) is to close after this academic year.

By Dan Walsh

Ballyfad National School near Inch, Gorey, will close after this academic year. After thorough consultation among Bishop Ger Nash as Patron, Very Rev. Denis Browne as Single Manager, and other key stakeholders, this decision has been reached.

The current School Principal, Ms. Anne Ryan, will be retiring at the end of the school term. Additionally, the current 6th class students will transition to secondary education, resulting in only one student remaining in the school. This student has been accepted into another school for 6th grade next year.

Despite best efforts to boost enrolment, Ballyfad parish’s school has no students registered for the 2025/2026 year. Keeping the school open is not feasible.

The closure decision will be reported to the Department of Education this week, followed by consultations about the building’s future use.

In a statement to WexfordLocal.com, Bishop Nash said; “I offer my sincere thanks to many people for their tremendous efforts on behalf of this school over the years. Many people will feel great sadness and regret because of this closure and indeed it is a very significant event in the life of the curacy. However, this does not take away from the great work done by so many people in the school over the years, or from the achievements and successes in the school or from the very happy memories that many people have of their time spent in Ballyfad National School.

Scoil Naisiunta Baile Fada has served the community since it replaced the old national school, now the Community Centre, in 1950.

Wexford TD announces loss of his mother

By Dan Walsh

Condolences to Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, recently elected TD for Wicklow-Wexford, on the sad passing of his mother.

DEPUTY FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN

Eileen O’Sullivan (née Gibbons) passed peacefully at Wexford General Hospital on Saturday at 97 years old.

Deputy Ó Súilleabhain announced on social media, “This wonderful lady, our beloved mother Eileen O’Sullivan of Pallas, Gorey, has passed away. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”

FAMILY NOTICE; Eileen O’Sullivan (née Gibbons) The Mill, Pallas, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Died 1st March 2025 peacefully at Wexford General Hospital in her 98th year. Beloved wife of the late Pat and loving mother of Murth, Ann, Eddie, Pat, John, Francis and Fionntán. Deeply regretted by her loving daughter, sons, sister, brother, grandchildren Caroline, Emmet, Andrea, Diarmuid, Daire, Ciarán, Emiliano, Donnchadh, Róisín and Éireann, great-grandchild Fionn, son-in-law Éamonn, daughters-in-law Mary, Siobhán, Sheila, Miriam and Ale, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours.

May She Rest In Peace.

Eileen will be reposing at her residence today Monday from 1pm to 8pm. Removal will take place on Tuesday (March 4th) at 11.30am to S.S Peter & Paul’s Church, Kilanerin for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Limbrick Cemetery, Kilanerin.

Bridge and Enniscorthy are winners at Kilmuckridge Drama Festival

By Dan Walsh

The 66th Kilmuckridge Drama Festival concluded last night at KMH in Kilmuckridge. The winners this year are Bridge Drama in the Open Section and Enniscorthy Theatre Company in the Confined Section.

Run under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland the 9-night festival was very well supported and was classified a big success by the organisers.

BRIDGE DRAMA GROUP

Imelda McDonagh was the adjudicator.

OPEN Section
1st; Bridge Drama; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Conor Stephens.
2nd; Ballyduff Drama Group; The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Tóibín (adapted by Conor Horan).
3rd; Ballycogley Players; Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig.
CONFINED Section
1st; Enniscorthy Theatre Company; The Seafarer by Conor McPherson.
2nd; Kilmuckridge Drama Group; Juno and the Paycock by Séan O’Casey.

Jack Hendrick rides 100th winner at Borris

JACK HENDRICK achieved his 100th career success on Nevershedatear at Borris House. Also in the picture is Timmy Farrell, Lily McDonald (groom) and Thomas Byrne (handler). (Pic; WexfordLocal.com) 

By Dan Walsh at Borris House

Jack Hendrick achieved his 100th career winner and added another at the Carlow Farmers’ point-to-point at Borris House today. Garrett Murphy saddled his first double, and shared with rider Barry Stone, during the races held in Spring-like conditions.

25 years old Hendrick from Mayglass had been on the 99-winner mark for a while but recorded his 100th career winner on Nevershedatear by two lengths in division two of the maiden race for four-year-old mares. The owner/handler is Thomas Byrne, Kilmore, who had an exciting weekend. On Saturday Byrne was named ‘Man of the Match’ following Wexford’s defeat of Waterford in the Allianz GAA football league.

Hendrick made it a double success on Port Authority for Matthew Flynn O’Connor, Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, in the maiden race for five-year-olds.

Garrett Murphy’s Tullycanna Stables, Ballymitty, the Turbine Syndicate and Barry Stone, Cleariestown, teamed up for a double. Chosen Comrade bred by Francis Whelan, Duncormick, will be aimed at the sales ring following victory in division one of the maiden race for five-year-old mares. The second success of the day came with Moments In Time by 24 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. This was a first double for handler Murphy.

Gearoid O’Loughlin who is operating from Cormac Farrell’s old yard at Ballyprecus, Bunclody, took the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards with Night Time Lover to give Ballindaggin rider Cormac Byrne his second success in the saddle.

Two Meath stables made the trip to Borris House, Claire O’Connell from Ashbourne saddled Glenmalure Lady (Joey Dunne up) in the Jim Treacy Memorial Cup Winners of Two (for mares) race and scored by 14 lengths. Tony Martin from Summerhill saddled Lyreen Og in the Maureen Mullins Memorial maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards and survived a steward’s enquiry to claim the spoils and give rider James Costello from Athenry his first success in the saddle.

There was also point-to-point at Ballycahane, Co. Limerick, today, where the Harley Dunne owned and handled newcomer Ash Hobbs came home first by nine lengths under Oulart rider Bertie Finn in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.

Research on political candidates with disabilities

DR VIVIAN RATH from Kilmuckridge and Trinity’s School of Education on the TOMMY TIERNAN SHOW on RTE February 2023. (Pic; RTÉ)

By Dan Walsh

A study on disabled political candidates in Ireland found financial costs and canvassing difficulties as key barriers to their participation in politics.

The research included detailed interviews with seven political candidates with intersecting identities who have disabilities, along with representatives from eight organisations representing migrant, LGBTQ+ and Traveller communities, disabled people’s organisations, and education and training organisations.

Research identifies barriers such as inaccessible environments, poor communication, negative attitudes, fear of violence, lack of funds, and insufficient support.

Dr. Vivian Rath from Trinity’s School of Education stated: “This research highlights the experiences of disabled election candidates with intersecting identities in Ireland. The small number of participants indicates the low representation of disabled people and those with intersecting identities in elections. Despite this, the candidates’ insights and participating organisations’ reflections clearly outline pathways to political life.”

“Ireland’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires not just acknowledging barriers but actively dismantling them. This report offers a roadmap for change,” stated Dr Rath, who hails from Kilmuckridge. 

Key recommendations: 

  • The State should be responsible for collecting self-reported data on disability and other identities (including gender, LGBTQ+ identities, ethnic and racial minorities including members of the Traveller community and migrants, etc.) from election candidates. This should be published in a way that does not identify or endanger candidates. 
  • Political parties should dismantle structural barriers to the participation of disabled people with intersecting identities in all aspects of their work. This should include the development of inclusion guidelines at the branch level and building intersectionality into existing support structures. Parties must also consider the need for greater diversity when proposing candidates for election and for co-option, including disability and other identities.
  • Civil society organisations should be funded and supported to establish and run regular training and mentoring for disabled people, including those with intersecting identities who want to explore the idea of putting themselves forward for elected office.

The survey was conducted by researchers in University of Galway and Trinity College Dublin and funded under the National Disability Authority Research Promotion Scheme.

Large entry for Borris on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

The Carlow Farmers’ point-to-point races take place tomorrow (Sunday) at Borris House where a large entry has been received -154 – so it could be an extended card with dry weather conditions and temperatures around 11 degrees.

The first race starts at 1pm with yielding ground conditions.

Most entries are for the first three races; the four-year-old mares maiden (33), the four-year-old maiden geldings (29) and the five-year-old geldings maiden race, (39) so it will be fast and furious and ultra-competitive.

JAMIE SCALLAN and SEAN DOYLE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

A successful day’s racing is expected, with strong support from Wexford anticipated in the neighbouring county Carlow.

Racing took place today (Saturday) in Duhallow, Co. Cork where Sean Doyle’s seven-year-old mare Between Waters won her fourth race of the season in the Open Race. Ridden by Jamie Scallan the winning verdict was one length.

Ellen Doyle’s Baltimore Stables at Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy, saddled newcomer Divine Diva (Brian Dunleavy up) in the maiden race for four-year-old mares and celebrated with a two lengths victory.

€50,000 for Gorey & Courtown community service

By Dan Walsh

Meals on Wheels Gorey & Courtown has been awarded €50,000 from the Community Recognition Fund 2024 to purchase a brand-new electric van for its service! 

This funding is a testament to the compassion and inclusivity of the Gorey and Courtown/Riverchapel communities. It highlights the positive impact of embracing and supporting new neighbours – strengthening our towns and ensuring vital services like Meals on Wheels Gorey & Courtown continue to serve all who are in need.

In a statement on social media, Meals On Wheels Gorey states; “We were delighted to welcome Deputy Brian Brennan TD to our office as he shared the fantastic news of our €50,000 grant for a new electric delivery van! This milestone is a major step forward in making our service more sustainable and efficient for the community.

COLIN WEBB and BRIAN BRENNAN TD welcomes Meals On Wheels funding.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to Deputy Brennan and Cllr Darragh McDonald for their incredible support, both on this funding and on other matters involving Meals On Wheels Gorey & Courtown.

There was also appreciation to former TD Paul Kehoe “who has provided superb representation and worked behind the scenes to support our cause.”  

A big thank you as well to Eoghan Greene, Community Recognition Fund Project Officer at Wexford County Council “for his advice, patience, and perseverance in guiding us through this process. Not only was he able to tolerate our pestering but we appreciate his support in ensuring our application was successful!

“This grant is a direct investment in the communities of Gorey and Courtown/Riverchapel, and we are proud to see such strong support for vital community services like ours!”

Pipe laying completed on €19m Enniscorthy water upgrade

Pictured at a sod-turning ceremony at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant on May 28th 2024 to mark the commencement of the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme are;(l-r): Eamonn Hore, Wexford County Council; Fionnuala Callery, Wexford County Council; Cllr Cathal Byrne; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy; Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming; Diane Carroll, Uisce Éireann Portfolio Manager; James Browne TD, then Minister of State at the Department of Justice; Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Jackser Owens; Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cllr Aidan Browne. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com/Uisce Éireann). 

By Dan Walsh


Uisce Éireann is making significant progress on a €19 million investment to upgrade the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply with pipe laying now complete. 

The project when complete will benefit more than 11,000 customers, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas.

Critical improvements to the scheme include upgrading the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, replacing the raw water intake facility at Clonhaston and constructing a new pumping station. A total of 2km of water mains is being re-routed to facilitate the transfer of water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Treatment Plant.

Pipe laying along the L-2020 is now complete and a temporary road surface has been laid. Permanent reinstatement of the road will commence from April. Traffic management will be in place during this time, but every effort will be made to minimise disruption for the community. 

Diane Carroll, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “We’re proud of the progress on this critical project for the people of Enniscorthy. The new and improved scheme will ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply, while the increased capacity will support future growth and development of the town.”

Ms Carroll added; “With pipe laying now complete in the town and permanent reinstatement of the road due shortly, we would like to thank the community for all their support to date while we deliver this project’.

The project is being delivered by David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and is due for completion towards the end of 2025. 

Aircraft forced landing at Carnsore Point

The light aircraft forced to land on Carne beach on September 23rd 2021. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com/RTÉ)

By Dan Walsh

The forced landing of a Partenavia P68 Victor aircraft with a pilot and three passengers on board on the beach at Carnsore Point on September 23rd, 2021, was “probably due to separate interruptions to the fuel supply of both engines while operating with low fuel levels”, the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has concluded.

A report by the AAIU concluded the probable cause of the incident was interruptions to the fuel supply of each engine while operating at or below a quarter of the aircraft’s fuel tank capacity.

The French–registered twin-engine aircraft with a group of researchers from University College Cork on board had left Waterford Airport to record sightings of various marine wildlife off the Wexford coast.

The plan for the flight was to fly at low altitude along 16 predefined survey lines – each about 45km – along the south coast between Tramore and Carnsore Point.

The pilot carried out a forced landing on a beach after the left engine lost power as it approached land.

The pilot and one of the passengers sustained serious injuries, while the aircraft was destroyed with part of the wreckage washed away by the tide.

The other two passengers sustained minor injuries, despite their seatbelt brackets becoming detached from the aircraft floor panels because of the forced landing.

The pilot exited the aircraft through the windscreen which had broken on impact, while the passengers exited by the door.

The pilot and front seat passenger who sustained serious injuries were airlifted to hospital by an Irish Coast Guard helicopter, while the other two passengers were brought to hospital by ambulance.

An inspection of the wreckage found no mechanical problems with either aircraft engine that could have caused the forced landing.

The remaining fuel was drained from the aircraft’s two tanks and measured a total of 74 litres.

Following the incident, the operator of the aircraft amended its standard operating procedures and instructed all pilots to have a minimum fuel quantity of 100 litres at all times for a high-risk flight.