A man in his 40s has died in a two-vehicle road traffic collision involving a car and a motorcycle on the R742 at Johnstown, Castlebridge, at approximately 9.20am this morning.
The driver of the motorcycle (a man aged in his 40’s) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the second vehicle (a woman aged in her 60’s), was taken to Wexford General Hospital to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life threatening at this time.No other injuries were reported.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area between 8.30am and 9.30am this morning, Wednesday 15th January 2025, to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on (053) 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
O’HANRAHAN BRIDGE, New Ross. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
New Ross Civil Defence and the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have come together to establish a CFR (Community First Responders) Group within New Ross town.
The group will go ‘live’ from next Monday, January 20th and will respond to calls received from the National Ambulance Service.
The group consists of trained volunteers from both organisations who will respond to cardiac arrest and choking incidents within New Ross town.
The group is made up of volunteers who are trained in first aid and the CFR group has been fully supported by the National Ambulance service, who scheduled scenario training events which may be encountered while responding.
Jonathan Lynch from the National Ambulance Service said; “The National Ambulance Service is delighted to work with Wexford Civil Defence to bring a community first responder scheme to New Ross town.
“We are grateful to the volunteer members who have given so freely of their time in preparation for this and upon activation will join over 300+ other first responder schemes nationwide in responding to cardiac emergencies within the community in support of the Ambulance Service.”
The volunteers will be alerted to calls by NAS via a mobile application, once two volunteers are available, they will respond utilising the existing AEDs which are located around New Ross town. The volunteers will respond to calls within the New Ross area, to include the town and immediate surrounding areas.
If anyone is interested in joining the Group, please contact Peter O’Connor, Civil Defence Officer, emailcdo@wexfordcoco.ie
Katie Daly’s Bar and Restaurant on Main St., Gorey. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The community in Gorey are shocked at today’s breaking news announcing the closure “with immediate effect” of the popular Katie Daly’s Bar and Restaurant on the Main Street.
With sadness a statement said; “Due to the current economic climate and the issues that hospitality is facing nationwide, it is no longer sustainable for us to continue.”
Trading for 14 years, there was praise for the loyal customers. “Thank you for sharing all your special occasions with us, for the laughter, the joy and your support over the years.
“Katie Daly’s was more than just a restaurant and bar in Gorey, it was a place where memories were made, cheers were shared, and friendships were forged.”
Tributes were also paid to the current team, many who have worked at Katie Daly’s for 14 years. “We can’t thank you enough for your loyalty, commitment, dedication and friendship. You made Katie Daly’s what it is.”
The statement was signed by Darragh, Nicola, Clare and Noel and it concluded; “We hope for brighter days ahead in the hospitality industry and we wish the new management the very best of luck.”
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting
Today’s January meeting of Wexford County Council held in County Hall, Carricklawn, had a kind of New Year nondescript atmosphere about it with many local issues raised, many for the umpteenth time, and the Chief Executive and the officials were busy answering questions. Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, presided.
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh complimented Deputy Verona Murphy on becoming the first Wexford person to become Ceann Comhairle in Dáil Éireann. “It is a great achievement from a county, personal and family viewpoint,” he stated.
VERONA MURPHY TD, new Ceann Comhairle in Dáil Éireann.
Cllr Michael Sheehan supported Cllr Kavanagh but lamented the fact that Deputy Murphy’s appointment has reduced the Wexford constituency in the Dáil from four members to three! He alleged “No Presence. No Power. No Passion” which drew laughter from the chamber, but nobody else addressed the matter.
Cllr Jim Codd congratulated the staff salting the roads and keeping the New Line open during the cold snap and he didn’t forget the staff at the Cornmarket Centre who opened it up and gave great assistance during the cold weather.
However, Cllr Codd wasn’t too pleased about the water being off in the tourist centre that is Carrig-on-Bannow district for the past two Sunday’s. “The pumphouse needs a few fuses,” said Cllr Codd who also raised coastal erosion difficulties along the south Wexford coastline.
CLLR OLIVER WALSH, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge District.
Cllr Oliver Walsh also raised concerns about coastal erosion in the east of the county and he complimented the road staff for gritting during the recent cold snap. Cllr Walsh asked if the Kilmuckridge, Blackwater, Curracloe coastal road could be included in plans for future weather events? Cllr Pat Barden also raised concerns about coastal erosion.
Cllrs Paddy Kavanagh and Pat Kehoe raised insurance matters that prevented local farmers and contractors from voluntary helping in the rural communities during times of snow or harsh weather conditions.
BRIAN BRENNAN TD, Wicklow-Wexford constituency.
Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe and the officials took on board all the views expressed by the councillors. Mr Taaffe promised a coastal survey overview of coastal issues and strategy to be brought to a future meeting.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen welcomed Deputy Brian Brennan, newly elected TD for the newly established Wicklow-Wexford constituency in the November General Election, who was attending his first meeting of Wexford County Council.
The scene of a two-car collision at Seamus Rafter Bridge, Enniscorthy, tonight. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Rush hour traffic through Enniscorthy was disrupted this evening following a two-car crash on the Templeshannon inner ring road junction leading onto the Seamus Rafter Bridge.
The head-on collision occurred at around 6pm when two cars travelling in opposite directions collided on the one-way system. Both were displaying N plates.
No injuries are reported. Gardaí were quickly on the scene and traffic crossing the bridge was diverted.
An Taoiseach Simon Harris has confirmed he will be guest speaker at the Wexford IFA 70th anniversary Gala Dinner taking place in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, next Saturday evening.
IFA president Francie Gorman and President of Wexford IFA Jer O’Mahony will also be amongst the speakers.
Mr O’Mahony said the most important aspect of the evening is to hear the stories of IFA members. “For me, it’s about the history. A lot of people today, and a lot of members would not understand the efforts that people 30, 40, 50 years ago put into the IFA. They had very little representation in terms of power. People just didn’t listen to them,” he said.
“It will be a great night, it will be full of stories, full of fun. It will also be a reflection for everybody on how far farming has come and changed in the past 70 years, with the help of the IFA,” added Mr O’Mahony, who is a beef and tillage farmer from Wellingtonbridge and soon to complete his term as Wexford IFA chair.
Alice Doyle, the IFA Deputy President, who farms at Ballyoughter, Gorey, alongside husband Tom on their beef and tillage farm outlined the long and proud history of the IFA in Wexford which has 54 branches.
In the 1960’s, Ms. Doyle said that farmers from across the country took to the roads and walked to Dublin from around the country as part of a national protest for better rights.
She said that around 80 farmers, including some from Wexford, were jailed in Mountjoy prison for a time for refusing to pay fines.
In 1980, a group of farmers from Wexford took a landmark legal action, which resulted in the abolition of rates for farmers. End of the so-called Griffith’s Valuation of Ireland system.
Wexford IFA (Irish Farmers’ Association) was known as the NFA (National Farmers’ Association) when it was established on January 6th, 1955.
Much of the history of Wexford IFA can be found in the IFA Farm Centre, Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, which was opened in 1977.
Author CARRIE FINN signing copies of her book In My Own Time at the launch in Gorey Library today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Library
Gorey Library was a busy venue this afternoon for the celebration and launch of a new book called In My Own Time from a new local author Carrie Finn.
Originally from Dublin but living in the Gorey area for the past 17 years, Carrie is a proud first-time self-published author.
Carrie enjoyed the occasion and was busy signing copies after reading several passages from her work in the presence of a captive audience.
Two decades in the making, In My Own Time explores the early heartache Carrie experienced when she lost her Dad, to having three children by the age of 26 and navigating Autism, ADHD, and their family being built around a huge secret that could have blown their world apart.
This book is also the story of two teenagers who had everything stacked against them from the start but created a unique and loving family despite it all.
Carrie’s memoir speaks to parents, especially parents of children with special needs, those grabbling with mental health struggles, and anyone touched by grief or feeling like the ‘black sheep’.
“It offers comfort and empowerment, showing that the bravest journey is often the one where we embrace our true selves.
“This book tells it all. The good, the bad and the hard truths. It is our story,” Carrie told WexfordLocal.com at the well-attended launch.
The Shillelagh & District point-to-point cancelled due to weather conditions last Sunday was rescheduled for today (Saturday) and action took place after surviving an 8am inspection.
Highlight of the day was a double for Barry O’Neill who won for the 20th time on David Christie’s 11-year-old Winged Leader who scored his remarkable 15th successive success in the Open Race.
The Fermanagh-based handler was delighted with the victory. “I was worried today because we missed a lot of work. You wouldn’t get on our gallop this morning with the frost. We’ve done very little with him all week.”
The victory is a 28th in the point-to-point fields alone for Winged Leader and his 32nd overall. Barry O’Neill has ridden him to victory on 20 occasions. O’Neill scored a double on Last Round for Gordon Elliott’s Meath stablers, who in turn enjoyed a Tinahely double with Welcome Back (Harry Swan) taking the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
ROBERT TECTOR was a winner at Tinahely today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Racing got under way with the maiden race for five-year-old mares and a six lengths success for newcomer Chanonry Point handled by Robert Tector at Coolbawn, Rathnure, and ridden by Jamie Scallan.
Niall Heffernan and handler Richie Rath, Screen, saddled Bob The Builder in the Winner of One race for novice riders and with Frankie Murphy up the result was a six lengths victory.
Josh Berry from Tomhaggard was aboard Richieandsams Lady for the Run For Fun Partnership and Darragh Berry in the mares’ maiden race which concluded in a nice eight lengths victory.
A second fixture, Ballindenisk in Cork, also postponed from last Sunday went ahead today and the five-year-old mares maiden provided Rob James with a victory with Carry On Heidi for the local Baragry family from Fermoy.
Garry Murphy from Ballymitty saddled Loaded and Locked for the Turbine Syndicate and the result was a one length victory under Ross Sugrue in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
Donnchadh Doyle and the Monbeg Syndicate were also on the winning sheet. Er Dancer won the Open race for novice riders to give Alan Harney a well deserved winner.
This was the frosty scene at Gorey Town Park playground on Thursday. Even the slides were out of bounds. Weather improving for the weekend with temperatures creeping into double figures again. (Pic; Michael O’Callaghan).
Cloud will increase from the southwest today with patchy rain and drizzle developing over south Leinster. Elsewhere will stay dry. Still feeling quite cold with highest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees with easterly winds increasing moderate.
Tonight; Cloudy tonight with outbreaks of rain and drizzle spreading northeastwards. Not as cold as previous nights with lowest temperatures of 1 to 3 degrees in a light to moderate southeast breeze.
Tomorrow; Tomorrow (Saturday) will be cloudy with outbreaks of rain clearing into the Irish Sea by afternoon, though isolated patches of drizzle will linger through the day. Highest temperatures of 6 to 8 degrees in light to moderate southerly winds.
Michael Londra has a new show – number 5 in the series – of ‘Ireland with Michael’ on PBS TV in America. Pic; michaellondra.com
By Dan Walsh
Well-known Wexford singer and entertainer, Michael Londra, has a new series starting this week on PBS TV in America called ‘Ireland with Michael’ where he will be highlighting the best three tourism attractions in the South-East – counties Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny.
A singer, producer and TV show host, Michael’s production is broadcast to millions of people across the USA and this year marks series 5 of the hit show.
In a forthcoming episode, while in Wexford, Michael will focus attention on his hometown’s finest cultural and historical highlights including Wexford Arts Centre, where the Frederick Douglass exhibit – part of Ireland’s Frederick Douglass Trail – connects local history with global significance.
Frederick Douglas (1818-1895) was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman. This poignant feature highlights Wexford’s historic commitment to justice and equality, linking the county with the broader story of the American Civil Rights Movement.
Bridging Ireland’s Ancient East and the world, Michael Londra has always been more than a performer; he’s a proud ambassador for his hometown and the south east region! Whether through his Emmy-nominated PBS special, his music and travel series, live concerts, or guided tours, he has introduced countless people to the heart of Ireland as a whole.
For 2025, Michael has curated eight guided tours designed for those inspired by the show, offering visitors the chance to experience Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny first hand with bespoke itineraries that includes local landmarks, unforgettable meals, and scenic countryside, his show ensures that every visitor leaves with a true taste of Ireland.
A former lead tenor of Riverdance, on Broadway, his passion for his homeland shines in all his work. His commitment to preserving and sharing Irish culture has garnered him fans worldwide. A skilled theatrical producer, Michael is also a lead producer of ‘Get Happy’, a Broadway-bound musical set to premiere in 2025, based on the MGM classic movie ‘Summer Stock’.
Michael Londra from Wexford town has had a distinguished career. In June 2013, he was invited to perform in Arlington, Virginia, at the graveside of President John F. Kennedy as part of the JFK 50 celebrations. He also performed in New Ross for visiting guests including Caroline Kennedy and many members of the Kennedy family. He performed Amazing Grace with Judy Collins.
He was made Wexford Ambassador in 2012 along with Eoin Colfer, Colm Tóibín and Dermot O’Leary. In 2015 he partnered with Steve Peters of Venuworks, to form a theatrical production company. Their first venture, NOËL, is a musical written by Eoin Colfer and Liam Bates debuted at the National Opera House in December 2016.
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