Barry Stone wins Eastern title

By Dan Walsh

With the point-to-point season coming to an end shortly Barry Stone has won the Eastern riders’ title and the Cleariestown champion celebrated today in Galway where he rode a double and brought his seasonal tally to 27 – a personal best!

BARRY STONE … Eastern region point-to-point champion and a double today at Galway. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Stone won the first division of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings on newcomer Big Ticket by 16 lengths for handler Jonathan Fogarty and added the five-year-old geldings maiden race on True Harmony for handler Garrett Murphy. Four lengths the verdict.

Rob James also rode a brace of winners in the west. He succeeded on Jury Roses, which he also trains, by five lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares and completed the double on Donnchadh Doyle’s Kamille Au Kanada by 14 lengths in the mares’ maiden race for five-year-olds plus.

Point-to-point action at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, today too. Jack Hendrick had an easy 18 lengths victory on Cormac Doyle’s newcomer Indulto Rouge in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Sean Doyle saddled Adonedeal to a 17 lengths success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Jamie Scallan was the successful rider. And Tinahely rider James Walsh, who is returning from injury, scored on Some Spanner handled by Marc Costello by six lengths in the maiden race for six-year-old plus geldings.

May Bank Holiday Monday racing took place at Dawstown, Co. Cork, and it yielded two Wexford winners. Argent Royale won for Eamonn Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with Alan Harney up. The winning distance was three lengths.

Rob James good form continued and he handled and rode I C U In My Dreams for Caim owner, Tom Sinnott and gained a four and a half lengths success in the maiden race for mares’ five-year-old plus. 

Saturday’s action took place at Toomebridge, Co. Antrim, and Rob James handled and rode Cavalier Du Luy to a single length success in the maiden race for four-year-olds.

Michael Goff, Clondaw, Ferns also saddled a winner – Zagurlie (Michael Kenneally up) by half a length in the maiden race for mares five-year-olds plus.   

Punchestown honours for Richard O’Keeffe

Transprint with trainer Richard O’Keeffe and jockey Anthony ‘Tony’ Doyle won the Kildare Hunt Club Cross Country Steeplechase for the Ladies Perpetual Cup at Punchestown on Tuesday. (Pic; Healy Racing)

By Dan Walsh

The Wexford hero of the Punchestown racing festival this week was Richard O’Keeffe, who trains at Newtown, Taghmon, with a pair of spectacular wins ‘over the famous’ Punchestown banks.

Today, Saturday, he won the Howden Cross Country Chase with the 13-year-old Vital Island, a former winner of the Ladies Cup and the La Touche, and afterwards, O’Keeffe declared Vital Island, “as one of the all-time greats around this unique course with a third win at the festival.”

Ridden by Barry Stone, Vital Island’s victory capped a fine season for both trainer and jockey. O’Keeffe had saddled the first two home in the Ladies Cup on Tuesday, while Stone tasted Cheltenham success at the first time of asking in March.

Great scenes on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival last Tuesday when Transprint (22/1) and trainer Richard O’Keeffe, who won the prestigious Ladies Cup ridden by Anthony James ‘Tony’ Doyle from Duncormick who rides out at O’Keeffe’s stables.

It was a first winner under Rules for the rider.

Winning trainer Richie O’Keeffe said: “Transprint keeps going and was third around here last year. Tony rides out for me at home and he picked Transprint.

“It’s a dream result. They were running well in point-to-points and that stands to them. They loved the ground,” said O’Keeffe, who also saddled the runner-up, Turnupthevolume ridden by Barry Stone.

Yvonne Latta from Ballinakill stables, Ballycarney, enjoyed a hurdle victory on Wednesday with Thisistheway (9/1) ridden by John Shinnock.

Owned and bred by her husband Charlie, the Doyen six-year-old was sent off a 9/1 chance and swept to the front on the lengthy run to the last.

“It’s a long time in the planning. The minute she came back in to go hurdling this has been the target all along,” Andrew Latta, assistant trainer to his mother Yvonne, said.

Thursday’s feature was the La Touche Cup over the famous Punchestown banks won by Busselton (7/1) ridden by JJ Slevin from Caim, Enniscorthy, and trained at Carrick-on-Suir by his cousin, Joseph O’Brien.

“I’ve been watching these races from Punchestown as long as I can remember and this is one race I’ve always wanted to win,” said Slevin afterwards. JJ’s father Shay Slevin saddled the 2017 winner, Treo Eile.

It was a good festival for JJ Slevin. On Wednesday he won the Grade 3 chase on James Du Berlais (7/4) for the all-conquering Willie Mullins stable.

On Thursday Jordan Gainford, Caim, was successful on Cushendale Lad (7/1) for Gordon Elliott’s stables.

Sean Flanagan repeated his Cheltenham success on Marine Nationale (2/1) for trainer Barry Connell in the Champion Chase on opening day.

Enniscorthy festival of food and family fun

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

Thousands of people squeezed into Enniscorthy town centre on the opening day of the annual Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival where a family friendly atmosphere prevailed in favourable weather conditions.

The focus was on diverse food stalls offering a range of delicious treats, ensuring everyone was satisfied. There was a chance to try unique or newly presented flavours.

The Food Marquee located within the grounds of Enniscorthy Castle hosts various celebrity chefs. This afternoon, an engaging discussion took place regarding the fascinating world of bees and honey production. It was a buzzing area with a hive of activity.

Market Square was the location for an afternoon of music and dancing rock ‘n’ roll. A large crowd of all ages enjoyed the rhythm and moves on the dance floor. Evening sessions were also planned in the town’s hostelries.

I am glad the Athenaeum Hall is now open to the public. This historic 1892 building will hopefully be restored as an arts, entertainment and exhibition centre.

The Volunteers’ headquarters in the 1916 Easter Rising is cherished by the people of Enniscorthy. Let’s all work together to secure its future.

During the festival included in the Athenaeum are arts and crafts displays in the auditorium and the Enniscorthy Camera Club exhibition downstairs. Both are worth visiting tomorrow (Sunday).

Abbey Square hosts a busy Ferris wheel attracting many young visitors testing their altitude challenges and enjoying spectacular views of greater Enniscorthy in the process. Bumpers and other fun fair activities are also available.

The Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival starts the summer with food, fruit, rock ‘n’ roll, exhibitions, and a funfair atmosphere. Join us again tomorrow (Sunday) for a warm welcome and enjoy Enniscorthy in festival mood.

Enniscorthy festival is already rockin’

At the launch of the 10th Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival at Enniscorthy Castle tonight were (left to right); Eric Barron, Festival  Chairman, Deputy Johnny Mythen TD, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Verona Murphy TD, Ceann Comhairle, Richie Cotter, Rock and Roll Club, Claire Lawless, District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Pat Kehoe and Senator Cathal Byrne. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

The 10th annual Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival was officially opened tonight in Enniscorthy Castle by James Browne, TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, followed by a spectacular Fireworks Display on The Promenade.

Minister Browne praised the Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival as “a celebration of what Enniscorthy does really well”, he complimented the organisers, thanked the sponsors and wished everybody a successful festival weekend.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Aidan Browne, welcomed everybody to the town for the weekend, thanked the organisers and the sponsors, the food producers and the rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts. “It is one of Ireland’s greatest family festivals and brings €2 million to the local economy every year.”

The attendance included the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD, Deputy Johnny Mythen TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Pat Kehoe, Jackser Owens, The Reverend Canon Nicola Halford, Paul Kehoe, Chairperson, The Wexford Food Producers Network and Billy Byrne, Tourism Officer, Wexford County Council. Jimmy Gahan acted as master of ceremonies.

Thanks were expressed to Manager Mico Hassett and Deputy Manager Eve Furlong and the catering staff at Enniscorthy Castle.

Richie Cotter spoke on behalf of the rock ‘n’ roll group and was entertaining in his presentation. He said that the rock ‘n’ roll and the food combination was unique for a festival. But it worked perfectly in Enniscorthy and he encouraged support for the long list of rockin’ events during the festival.

Kevin Lawlor, secretary a member of the Board of Enniscorthy Credit Union described the festival as “a major highlight of the social year” and the Credit Union, as a sponsor, “are proud to be involved” and he concluded; “let’s rock this town!”   

Festival Organiser Amanda Whitmore described the Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival as “a celebration of Wexford’s amazing food scene, our incredible local producers and the wonderful atmosphere that Enniscorthy creates each year.” She added; “Whether you are coming for the food, the music or the family fun, there’s something for everyone.”

Festival Chairman Eric Barron said; “We are so proud that the festival has become one of Ireland’s most loved festivals.” He added; “It’s a weekend that showcases the very best of Enniscorthy and Wexford, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to celebrate the 10th year with us.”

The Food Marquee will be in the grounds of Enniscorthy Castle with live chef demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday and featuring celebrity chefs including Kevin Dundon, Edward Hayden, Paul Hynes and Warren Gillen.

The festival is jam-packed with children’s entertainment and family activities including   street entertainment, kid’s rock ‘n’ roll dance classes, art and craft workshops and a Lego Making and Pokémon trading at Eason’s Bookshop, Court Street.

The Fun Fair and Big Wheel will be turning on The Promenade during the weekend, also top class live rock ‘n’ roll across the weekend in Market Square with the best of Irish and international bands.

Many activities are free of charge, with some ticketed events available.

New speed camera installed in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford’s first static speed camera will begin operating at midday tomorrow (Friday).

It will be situated on the Old Dublin Road in North Gorey on the R772 near Aske, which has a maximum speed limit of 80 km per hour.

Motorists detected speeding on this stretch of road from 12 noon will be subject to prosecution.

It is one of two new static speed cameras to begin operation in Ireland this week.

“It is the first in Co. Wexford. It is quite a busy road and a good quality road. It’s quite straight. People tend to speed there,” said Sinead Casey, Head of Roads & Transportation at Wexford County Council, who added; “There are more plans to roll out further cameras in Wexford in line with the Department of Transport and An Garda Síochána plans for the rest of the country as well.”

Average safety cameras use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to record the time, date, and location of each vehicle that passes through an entry and exit point.

Drivers detected exceeding the speed limit i.e. travelling from point A to point B too quickly, are issued with a Fixed Charge Notice which, when processed, assigns three penalty points to the drivers’ licence and a fine of up to €160.

For more information visit www.garda.ie.

Enniscorthy welcomes 10th Rockin’ Festival

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy is gearing up for the 10th annual Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival, scheduled to take place in the town this May Bank Holiday weekend from Friday to Sunday. The event is expected to attract 50,000 visitors and provide a significant boost to the local economy.

The official opening will be celebrated with a spectacular Fireworks Display at The Promenade on Friday, May 2nd at 9.15pm.

Since the early days with just six traders, the Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival has grown into one of the leading food and family events in the country. It is estimated that 80 food and craft vendors will display their sumptuous goods on the town’s streets this weekend, and, of course, the major focus is on Wexford’s outstanding produce.

The Food Marquee will be in the grounds of Enniscorthy Castle with live chef demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday and featuring celebrity chefs including Kevin Dundon, Edward Hayden, Paul Hynes and Warren Gillen. There is also an event labelled ‘All About Nector’ which is described as “a live, family friendly observation hive talk about the incredible world of bees and honey production.”

The festival is jam-packed with children’s entertainment and family activities including   street entertainment, kid’s rock ‘n’ roll dance classes, art and craft workshops and a Lego Making and Pokémon trading at Eason’s Bookshop, Court Street.

The funfair and Big Wheel will be turning on The Promenade during the weekend, also top class live rock ‘n’ roll across the weekend in Market Square with the best of Irish and international bands.

Many activities are free of charge, with some ticketed events available. To pre-book contact http://www.rockinfoodfestival.ie

Boat on fire in Wexford Harbour

Wexford RNLI attended a fire on board a boat in Wexford Harbour today. (File Pic; Wexford RNLI/Lorraine Galvin).

By Dan Walsh

A fire on board destroyed a small pleasure boat in Wexford Harbour today.

The fire was first noticed around 4pm and huge thick black smoke billowed into the sky on the warmest day of the year so far.

It has been confirmed that no one was on board the boat. The Harbour Master, Coast Guard and RNLI and the owner of the vessel were informed.

The boat was about 100 metres out in the harbour and Wexford RNLI Inshore Lifeboat were able to assist from the water.

Three appliances of Wexford Fire Service rushed to the scene. A spokesperson for Wexford County Council confirmed that “Wexford Fire Service received a call at 4.07pm this afternoon, reporting a fire on a boat in Wexford Harbour.”

2 injured in 3-vehicle crash near Clonroche

By Dan Walsh

A man and a young woman are currently receiving medical treatment in hospital for severe injuries sustained in a three-vehicle collision near Clonroche.

The incident occurred on the N30 at Forestwood around 2.40pm yesterday (Tuesday).

A man in his 50s and a woman in her late teens were removed from the scene to University Hospital Waterford for treatment.

Their injuries are understood to be ‘serious but not life-threatening’.

No other injuries were reported to Gardaí.

The N30 New Ross – Enniscorthy road has since reopened, and investigations are ongoing.

Ballindaggin May Bush celebrations

By Dan Walsh

St. Colman’s Pipe Band will lead the Ballindaggin May Bush Procession in the village this evening (Wednesday) at 7.30pm sharp and perform in their own village. It promises to be an entertaining occasion.

Folklorist Michael Fortune told WexfordLocal.com; “We are so lucky to have our own pipe band here in the small village of Ballindaggin in north west Wexford. They are huge asset for the county and are the most obliging people you’d ever meet.

“Aileen’s father is one of the pipers and they are made up of young and old and they turn out rain or shine for events. If you want to see them in action this evening, head to Ballindaggin village for 7.30pm sharp and hear them perform in their home village.

“And if you are coming, you might as well bring a few flowers, ribbons and egg shells for the May Bush!, concluded Michael. All are welcome.

Man (20’s) in critical condition

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 20’s is in a critical condition at Waterford University Hospital after a collision over the weekend.

The single vehicle incident took place in Garryvadden Upper, near Blackwater, around 6am on Sunday morning.

Emergency services attended the scene, and a man with serious injuries was taken to Waterford University Hospital for treatment.

Gardai are investigating and urge anyone with information to come forward.