Change of ownership for local radio

SOUTH EAST RADIO studios on Custom House Quay, Wexford. (Pic; Radio Days).

By Dan Walsh

Midlands 103 has announced an agreement to acquire the popular Wexford town-based radio station South East Radio. No financial detail has been disclosed.

The proposed transaction is subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Midlands 103 is part of the Tindle Group, which also operates local media outlets in the UK and Channel Islands.

Presenter Alan Corcoran told RTE News that the 20 plus staff at the radio station were feeling confident about the move and see it as a positive step forward.

Managing Director of Midlands 103, Will Faulkner, said he was committed to preserving the local ethos that has made South East Radio a trusted voice in Co Wexford.

“This investment reflects our confidence in the future of audio, particularly locally sourced, quality content,” he added.

South East Radio’s Managing Director, Eamonn Buttle, said this was an exciting new chapter in the station’s 35 years of operations.

“On behalf of my brother Norman, the Buttle family, and myself, I would like to express what an honour it has been to serve the media industry for over four decades,” Mr Buttle told WexfordLocal.com.

History of South East Radio; South East Radio broadcasting studios were constructed in the old bank premises on Wexford’s Custom House Quay and the station was officially launched on Friday, October 20th 1989 by the then Minister for Justice and Communications, Mr Ray Burke.

Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Comiskey blessed the premises, and the first live broadcast was made by the first Head of Programmes, Noel Andrews, brother of the famous BBC ‘This is Your Life’ and other shows presenter, Eamonn Andrews.

The Chief Executive of South East Radio was Eamonn Buttle, who was also Managing Director of the Echo Group of Newspapers. Mr Buttle had led a successful application for the Wexford radio licence at the South East hearing of the Independent Radio and Television Commission in Waterford the previous April.

County Wexford Job Fest

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber is bringing top employers and talented employees together for the County Wexford Job Fest later this month.

The County Wexford Job Fest offers a fresh, modern approach, designed to encourage genuine, relaxed interactions between employers and local talent – in person. This is a valuable chance to highlight your business, connect with skilled candidates, and support job creation in our community.

The Job Fest will be on Thursday, March 27th, in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford. It is open to the public from 11.30am – 4.30pm. Wexford Rotary have been of huge assistance, organising secondary school pupils to attend the early morning session.

With exhibitors from key employment sectors, from private enterprises to State agencies, this is a great opportunity for anyone looking for a first job or a career change.

For employers seeking the best recruits, this is also a valuable chance to highlight your business, connect with skilled candidates, and support job creation in our community.

To find out more, email info@countywexfordchamber.ie or contact 053 912 2226.

Locals bring joy to punters at Wexford races

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

Paul Nolan, Sean O’Keeffe, Cormac Loughlin (and his young son, Harry) and James Nolan pictured at Small Doses success at Wexford races today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

There wasn’t a lot of shamrock to be seen at today’s St. Patrick’s Day races at Bettyville Park, but there was a large crowd in cold, but dry conditions and the locals managed to share in many of the celebrations.

Fresh from Cheltenham Festival success last Thursday, Paul Nolan saddled a few runners at his local track and delighted his supporters when Small Doses (3/1) scored in the maiden hurdle and ridden by another hero from Cheltenham last week, Sean O’Keeffe.

Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell saddled the winner of the novice handicap hurdle, Mercury Mission (12/1) ridden by Aidan Kelly. A neck was the winning margin.

Top trainer Gordon Elliott had a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day saddling six winners at two tracks – four at Down Royal and two at Wexford.

His first Wexford success came in the opening mares’ maiden hurdle where Speculatrix (11/4) was victorious under Caim jockey Jordan Gainford. Eliott’s double was completed in the bumper where Thefyingking (6/5 fav.), ridden by Harry Swan, held off Paul Nolan’s Thedeviluno (Conor Smithers) by half a length.

Pat Flynn from Carrick-on-Suir enjoyed a training double. He took the handicap hurdle with Duke Otto (22/1), ridden by Gary Noonan before Bite That (8/1) added the handicap chase ridden by Alex Harvey.

Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead teamed up with Majestic Force to win the beginner’s chase.

The next Wexford races take place on Friday, April 4th. Won’t be long coming around.

Brilliant day for Wexford racing

By Dan Walsh

There were three point-to-point meetings this afternoon across the country and brilliant results for Wexford connections with nine handlers and eight riders cheered to victory.

Racing took place at Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny, and in-form Garrett Murphy from Ballymitty saddled newcomer Hidden Fortune to a three-quarter-length victory in the mare’s maiden race for four-year-olds with Cheltenham hero, Barry Stone, in the saddle. This was Murphy’s 10th handler success in four years of training, and he is having his best season to date with four winners.

Jim O’Neill, Ballindaggin, also saddled a winner – newcomer Soomaroy in the four-year-old geldings’ maiden race ridden by Jack Hendrick. Four lengths the verdict.

Colin Bowe and Bertie Finn were the perfect team in the mares’ five-year-old plus maiden race and a half-a-length victory with Whiskey Serenade,

COLIN BOWE – winner today in Kilkenny (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Ellen Doyle from Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, saddled Ciel De Neige, formerly with the champion Wille Mullins, in the Open Race for novice riders providing Blackwater rider Shane Butler with his second success. It was tight! – but one length was good enough.

And Donnchadh Doyle didn’t leave the Kilkenny track without a winner either. The Ballindaggin handler saddled Bass Hunter in the final Adjacent maiden race and enjoyed a seven lengths victory under another Cheltenham hero this week, Rob James.

At Knockanohill, Co. Cork, Cormac Doyle saddled newcomer Lancelot Du Large in the maiden race for four-year-olds and it ended good – a two and a half lengths success under rider Jamie Scallan.

Harley Dunne owned and handled the three lengths winner of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings at the Cork track – Captain Cool ridden by Frankie Murphy, who was on home territory.

There was also racing at Daramona House, Co. Longford where Barry O’Neill brought home a winning double. First up was Tip of the Wings in the colours of William Bates, handled by J.P. Berry, Tomhaggard, by four lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds by four lengths followed by a six lengths success later in the day on Blueys Unicorse for David Christie.

Ubatuba was a popular winner for the Blackhall Stables Partnership and handler Paul Martin Pierce, Killurin, ridden by Sean Staples and two and a half lengths to the good in the maiden race for five-year-olds.

Point-to-point action returns to Co. Wexford next Saturday, March 22nd, when the Island Foxhounds race at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy. First race at 1pm. Entries close on Tuesday.

Wexford races on St. Patrick’s Day

By Dan Walsh

The 2025 season at Bettyville Park Racecourse, Wexford, gets underway on St. Patrick’s Day with the first of seven races off at 1.35pm.

The going is ‘good to yielding’ and selective watering is continuing. The weather is expected to remain dry and all is in readiness for a great sporting day out for all the family.

The card consists of four hurdle races, two steeplechases and an INH Flat Race. The total entry is 86.

Many of the stars of last week’s Cheltenham Festival including Sean Flanagan, Sean O’Keeffe and Paul Nolan will be involved.

Motorcyclist (50s) dies near Taghmon

By Dan Walsh

A motorcyclist has died in a single vehicle road traffic collision on the L3071 local road between Camross and Harristown Little at Poulpeasty, near Taghmon.

The incident happened at around 6.50pm on Saturday.

The motorcyclist, a man aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body was taken to University Hospital Waterford for a post-mortem examination.

An appeal for witnesses has been issued and Gardaí are asking anyone who may have camera footage, including dashcam, and were travelling in the area between 6pm and 7pm to make it available to them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051-426030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Your guide to St Patrick’s Day 2025 Parades

Crowds gather in Enniscorthy for the 2023 St Patrick’s Day parade. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

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 22nd 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 15th, Wednesday, March 19th 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.