A man has been charged with the murder of John O’Connor, (58), at Cluain Fada, New Ross, on New Year’s Eve.
Wayne Roche, 34, formerly of Dominic’s Place in Waterford, and currently of no fixed abode, appeared before a special late sitting of Wexford District Court on Thursday night.
Detective Garda Conor Walsh told the court that he arrested Mr Roche at 10.32am, on Thursday, January 2nd, and charged him with murder at 10.01pm.
Defence Barrister Donna Kelly made an application for free legal aid for Mr Roche.
Ms Kelly told the court that Mr Roche was not currently working and was a man of limited means.
Judge John O’Leary granted the request and assigned solicitor Lana Doherty.
Judge O’Leary also recommended that Mr Roche receive such medical and psychiatric attention as he may require while in custody.
No application for bail was made as the District Court cannot grant bail where an accused is charged with murder.
Judge John O’Leary remanded Mr Roche in custody to appear in Wexford District Court again on January 6th via video link.
JOCKEY JJ SLEVIN salutes the crowd following his second success in the Boylesports Irish Grand National on Intense Raffles at Fairyhouse last April deputising for the injured Daryl Jacob and wearing the ‘Double Green’ colours. (Pic; The Racing Post).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford jockey JJ Slevin, (32), got the best possible New Year’s news when announced as the new retained jockey for powerful owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede and replacement for fellow Wexford jockey Daryl Jacob, who retired at Leopardstown last Sunday.
He has had a sensational start to his new job. Slevin lost no time in delivering double victories -Al Kalila (4/6 fav) and O’Toole (14/1) at Ayr in Scotland today (Thursday) – in the famous ‘Double Green’ colours both trained in Larne, Co. Antrim by Stuart Crawford.
Anthony Bromley, who manages the sizeable Munir and Souede enterprise spanning Britain, Ireland and France said; “It came as a slight surprise over Christmas when Daryl retired, but this means there will be a seamless transition because JJ’s a regular rider for us. We’ve got a strong connection with him, and it’ll hopefully work very neatly.
“We had a great 11 seasons with Daryl, so JJ’s got big boots to fill, but his Grade 1 strike-rate is incredible. He’s been a big-race jockey and we’ve known him for a long time. We’d call ourselves friends and he’s been a part of the double green team for a number of years.”
From Caim, near Enniscorthy, JJ who holds a degree in journalism from Griffith College, Dublin, expressed his delight; “I’ve known them for a good few years’ now. I’m really looking forward it and it’s a good role to get. Daryl had his last ride on Sunday and Simon called me after that and asked if I’d like to come aboard. Obviously, I was delighted to.
“I’m still going to ride for Sean and Bernardine Mulryan, and for Joseph [O’Brien], and that was important to me. Sean and Bernardine have been very good to me, and I will try to ride for them as much as I can, but it is a case now that Double Green are number one with Ballymore just behind,” added JJ.
Slevin triumphed in his second Boylesports Irish Grand National last April at Fairyhouse when Jacob was injured and he slipped into register his second victory on Intensive Raffles, trained by Thomas Gibney, in the ‘Double Green’ colours. He had ridden General Principle for Gordon Elliott to gain his first success in the 2018 Irish National.
JJ ‘James Joseph’ Slevin from Kiltra, Caim, Enniscorthy, began his career as an amateur rider and turned professional in August 2016. He has ridden more than 300 winners, including 34 under point-to-point rules. He has also won three times at the Cheltenham Festival.
Under the Rules, his first winner was Chapel Garden (John Clifford) Thurles, December 22, 2013. He has been associated with many trainers, including Joseph O’Brien,Gordon Elliott,Liz Doyle, Richie Rath, Sean Doyle and Shay Slevin.
He rode 34 point-to-point winners with his first success coming on Herecomestherain, trained by his father Shay, at Ballydarragh, Craanford, Gorey, on November 14th, 2010.
In all, he rode 11 winners as an amateur, including two for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies in Britain. His first success as a professional came when he dead-heated on the Sean Doyle-trained Craig Star with Liam Cusack’s Lasocar in the Tote Handicap Hurdle at Roscommon on August 29, 2016. Just four days later, he enjoyed his first outright success when Doyle’s Crosshue Boy landed the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.
JJ was still an amateur when enjoying a notable success on the Richie Rath-trained Moylisha Tim in a Grade 3 novice hurdle at Cork in November 2015, but a higher profile success came his way at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2017 when he landed the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle on the Gordon Elliott-trained Champagne Classic.
A murder investigation has been launched into the death of John O’Connor (58), following an incident that occurred at Cluain Fada, New Ross, on Tuesday, December 31st.
Shortly after 11 am, Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident at a residence in Cluain Fada, where the man was found unresponsive.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later.
Gardaí said they commenced a murder investigation following a post-mortem examination carried out by the state pathologist today (Wednesday).
The findings of the post-mortem are not being released for operational reasons.
Two men were arrested over the man’s death on Tuesday.
A Garda spokesperson said a man, aged in his 30s, arrested in connection with the investigation remained in custody on Wednesday afternoon, while the second man, aged in his 30s, has been released.
The Garda technical bureau is continuing to examine the scene.
Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses to contact them and are seeking any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from those who were in the vicinity of Cluain Fada, New Ross, at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426030 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
The damaged stone wall and protection barriers at Abbey Quay, Enniscorthy, this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy
Safety barriers have been erected on both sides of the stone wall as a protection measure between the busy junction of Abbey Square and Abbey Quay and the River Slaney near the Seamus Rafter Bridge in Enniscorthy.
The wall was stuck by a stolen vehicle some weeks ago, but in recent days some of the damaged stonework has deteriorated and gaping holes and falling stones and mortar have appeared converting the popular scene, which favours access to the river, into a danger zone.
The barriers are a warning to the public, the traffic flow is not affected at this time and the footpath is useable with care, and it is expected that repair works will commence early in the New Year.
This riverside part of Enniscorthy changed into its modern format as part of the N11 inner ring road scheme which culminated in the erection of the Seamus Rafter Bridge which was officially opened by Padraig Flynn TD, then Minister of the Environment, on May 31st 1991.
The bridge, which is named after Séamus Rafter from Ballindaggin, Commandant of the Irish Volunteers in 1916 whose 1958 statue stands in Abbey Square, has been the subject of blame for flooding over the years.
Going forward, plans for Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme – Phase 1 – is titled the New River Slaney Bridge Project.
This phase of the project will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in the town centre.
The baseline data for this phase is currently being updated. Traffic surveys are complete, ecology survey reports are complete. Public consultation will take place in Q1 (Quarter One) 2025.
The planning application is to be submitted in Q4 2025.
A man in his 60s has died following an incident that occurred at Cluain Fada estate, New Ross, earlier today. (December 31st).He has been named locally as John O’Connor.
Shortly after 11 am, Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident at a residence in Cluain Fada, where the man was found unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later.
A man in his 30s was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident at a nearby location and is currently detained at a Garda station in the Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
The scene is preserved for technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau and the Office of the State Pathologist and local Coroner have been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged.
A senior investigating officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at New Ross Garda Station. A family liaison officer (FLO) has also been assigned to support the family.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them and are seeking any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from those who were in the vicinity of Cluain Fada, New Ross at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426030 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
ELLEN DOYLE… treble success today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Enniscorthy handler Ellen Doyle ended the 2024 point-to-point year in thrilling style at Dromahane, near Mallow, this afternoon when she saddled the winners of the first three races on the card.
First up was a 23 lengths victory for Afancy Getaway in the maiden race for four-year-old mares before adding both divisions of the maiden race for four-year-olds; Modern Man won division one by three lengths while Starzand led from the fourth fence and came home an easy 25 lengths ahead of the field in division two.
All three Doyle winners were ridden by Cork-born rider Brian Dunleavy, who brought his career total winners to 40, and wearing the colours of the Baltimore Stables Syndicate located at Coolgarrow Lane, near Enniscorthy. All winners are for sale.
Ellen Doyle was saddling her sixth success of the season, and today’s treble brought her career total to 40 in her seventh year as handler.
Point-to-pointing returns to the South East next Sunday – January 5th – when the Shillelagh & District Foxhounds race at Fairwood, Tinahely. The first race is at 12.30pm.
Daryl Jacob at Leopardstown today on the occasion of his final ride and retirement following a successful career in jump racing pictured with his greatest admirers – his family members. (Pic; Healy Racing).
By Dan Walsh
The fourth and last day of the Christmas racing festival at Leopardstown on Sunday was an outstanding success with many bright prospects amongst the winners, but the limelight was stolen by the emotional retirement of Enniscorthy jockey Daryl Jacob.
The 41-year-old was out of luck on his final ride in a 25-year racing career (Mr Percy finished 12th in the Listed handicap hurdle) but he was busy with television interviews and answering questions from the press.
A native of Davidstown, near Enniscorthy, Jacob, who partnered his 1,000th winner last month, has endured a challenging final season in the saddle, having spent significant spells on the sidelines due to two collarbone injuries.
The Aintree Grand National winning jockey on Neptune Collonges in 2012 by the shortest winning margin in the history of the race hopes that punditry might be the next chapter of his career.
On his way back to the weighing room for the final time, while being stopped for selfies and autographs, Jacob told The Racing Post; “It’s the end of one chapter, but a new chapter is going to start tomorrow morning. I’m very lucky. I’ve had an amazing time, an amazing career.
“Simon [Munir] and Isaac [Souede] came along at the perfect time in my career and they gave me a lot more longevity than I thought I was going to have. I’ve had an amazing career and so much fun along the way. The time is right now and I’m looking forward to a new chapter.
Asked what the next chapter might include, Daryl replied; “I’d love to do a bit of TV work as I really enjoy it. I love working with Simon and Isaac and all the wonderful horses they have, as well, so hopefully there’ll be plenty of stuff to get stuck into.”
And while the veteran Daryl was stepping away from the weighroom, 19-years-old Conor Stone-Walsh from Cleariestown was making his presence felt in style when partnering Al Gasparo to a half-length victory for trainer Gavin Cromwell in the televised Neville Hotels Premier Handicap Hurdle with a €100,000 prize pot. Nice one!
Former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan has issued a call to sports clubs in Wexford reminding members that the countdown to the January 31st closing date is approaching and applications for a €5,000 award under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative must be made by then.
Noting the benefit to be gained by the award, the popular broadcaster and adjudicator confirmed that “entry is open to all clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal, or gender, including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.”
Now in its fifth year, the annual initiative has already seen funding of over €500,000 distributed to clubs across the 26 counties, of which €20,000 has come to Co. Wexford with successful applicants Kilmore United FC (2021), Menapians Athletic Club (2022), Aspire Gymnastics Academy, Kiltealy (2023) and Naomh Éanna GAA Club (2024) receiving €5,000 in each case.
MATTHEW O’HANLON from St. James GAA Club, Ramsgrange, has called time on his 14 seasons career in the Wexford jersey.
By Dan Walsh
33-years-old St. James GAA Club (Ramsgrange) stalwart Matthew O’Hanlon has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling, after 14 seasons of service in the purple and gold.
Part of the Wexford senior set-up since 2011. He made his debut against Galway in the National League that year before going on to make his first championship appearance against Antrim that summer, laying the foundation for establishing himself as a real rock in the Wexford defence in the years that followed. Overall, he achieved 140 competitive appearances for his county, with 70 of them coming in championship hurling.
Matthew was first made captain of the team in 2014 under Liam Dunne, a position he held by himself until Lee Chin joined him as joint captain in 2017. The undoubted highlight of his inter-county career was winning the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship, (2019) and lifting the Bob O’Keeffe Cup with Chin in Croke Park.
He also holds three Walsh Cup medals (2018, 2020, and 2024) and an inter-provincial title with Leinster (2014), while he received an All-Star nomination on three occasions (2016, 2017, and 2019). And many other achievements in hurling and football for club and county at various levels.
Off the field, Matthew has been centrally involved in improving support for inter county players with the Gaelic Players Association for a number of years, and most recently served a three-year term as the co-chairperson.
Matthew said; “It’s with great difficulty, but also with immense pride and gratitude, that I announce my retirement from inter-county hurling. It’s been a privilege to wear the purple and gold and one of the greatest honours of my life to have had the opportunity to lead this group. I’ve loved every minute of it and will cherish the friendships and memories I’ve made forever. I wish to extend a special word of thanks to my club, St. James’, who encouraged and supported me every step of the way,” he concluded.
Wexford senior hurling manager, Keith Rossiter also paid tribute. “I would like to thank Matthew for the commitment & dedication that he has given to his county over the past 14 seasons.
“I wish him (Matthew) every happiness and success in the future. I would also like to pay tribute to his family who have supported and encouraged Matthew throughout his hurling career.’ he concluded.
Newly elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford GAA County Board, John Kenny said; “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Matthew O’Hanlon for the contribution he made to Wexford GAA over so many years.”
Aintree Grand National and 31 Grade 1’s winning jockey DARYL JACOB explaining how he won on his one and only ride at Wexford racecourse on October 30th, 2022.It was a special winner for the Davidstown native. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
UK- based Wexford-born jockey Daryl Jacob announced his retirement following a Grade 1 success on Impaire Et Passe (8/13 fav.), trained by Willie Mullins) at Limerick today and the 41-year-old will take his final ride on Mr Percy in the Listed Neville Hotels Premier Handicap Hurdle at 3.05pm on RTE2 at Leopardstown racecourse on Sunday.
A native of Davidstown, near Enniscorthy, Jacob, who partnered his 1,000th winner last month, has endured a challenging final season in the saddle, having spent significant spells on the sidelines due to two collarbone injuries.
“I worked incredibly hard to get my 1,000 winners but then I broke my collarbone and had a complicated operation,” said the jockey. “It’s thanks to everyone at Oaksey House and my specialist that I was able to get back before Christmas, when I knew I had good rides to look forward to,” he said.
After moving from Ireland to Britain to ride out flat horses for Richard Hannon, Jacob joined Robert and Sally Alner’s Dorset stable and rode his first winner under rules on Orbicularis for Alison Thorpe in an amateur riders’ hurdle at Exeter in 2003.
He landed the first of 31 Grade 1 wins on The Listener in 2006 for the Alners before the pair added victories in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown and Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
Jacob joined Paul Nicholls, initially as a number two to Ruby Walsh, and the trainer gave him his first Cheltenham Festival winner on Zarkandar in the 2011 Triumph Hurdle and the biggest success of his career when Neptunes Collonges landed the 2012 Aintree Grand National by a nose – the shortest winning distance in the history of the world’s greatest steeplechase. I had the pleasure of being present at Aintree that day; one of my 34 visits to the great race.
“Winning the Grand National on Neptunes Collonges was very special, as was Bristol De Mai’s second Betfair Chase success and L’Ami Serge’s French Champion Hurdle win.
“I’ve had a wonderful association with so many brilliant horses, including The Listener, who gave me my first Grade 1 at Leopardstown, which has always been a special place to me,” he added.
From a local viewpoint Daryl Jacob won on his one and only ride at Wexford Racecourse on October 30th, 2022, winning the beginners chase for Antrim trainer Stuart Crawford on Gold Cup Bailey (7/1).
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com afterwards, Jacob said; “It’s nice to come home. I only live half-an-hour down the road. It’s my first ride here and my first winner so we will take that!”
WexfordLocal.com 