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

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

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.

Chef NICKY CULLEN

“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 14th 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.

Fishing boat crew assisted by lifeboat

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.

Teenager missing from Rosslare

By Dan Walsh

JACK MASON

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 achieves sixth banks race success.

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.

 

Big entry for Sunday races at Lingstown

By Dan Walsh

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.