There is a large entry -115 – for the six-race point-to-point card run under the auspices of the Killinick Harriers at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, tomorrow (Sunday). The first race is off at 12.30pm.
The field racing over ‘the banks course’ at Lingstown. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The up-to-date report on the ground conditions is “yielding, soft in places” while the forecast is expected to be “windy and cloudy” and afternoon temperatures of 12 degrees Celsius.
The biggest field on the day is the maiden race for four-year-old geldings with 44 entries while the Open Race run over the famous Lingstown ‘Banks Course’ may have up to 14 facing the starter.
Racing took place today (Saturday) at Boulta in west Waterford where Rob James rode newcomer Rosa Diaz to victory for Tipperary handler Pat Doyle by a neck in the maiden race for four year old mares’.
Author MARY COTTER at the launch of her latest book A Boat for Benny at Creative Grounds, Enniscorthy today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Creative Grounds, Enniscorthy
A second novel from Mary Cotter titled A Boat for Benny was launched this Saturday afternoon at a pleasant literary event held in Creative Grounds, Irish St., Enniscorthy.
Cathy Keane acting as master of ceremonies said she has known the author for many years but was “shocked and honoured when asked to proof-read her book,” which she went on to describe as “a wonderful read.”
Mary Cotter was busy signing books and meeting her fans who had come along to support her and she read a number of short passages from the book with a professional delivery and a large share of humour mixed together.
Mary Cotter’s second publication A Boat for Benny is a poignant and beautifully crafted young adult novel that delves into the emotional journey of a boy coming to terms with grief and loss.
Set in a small town in Ireland, the story follows Benny as he navigates life after a profound personal loss, seeking solace in the natural world, his friends, and his connection with his twin sister.
The novel has already received many favourable reviews and few more encouraging than the following; “Mary Cotter has created a timeless tale that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced life’s challenges head-on.”
Having retired from teaching in 2010 and settling at Tincurry, near Ballycarney, Mary has been focussed on writing and already has two novels, two books of poetry and two volumes of short stories to her credit. And the good news… more writings from Mary Cotter is on the way!
A Boat for Benny by Mary Cotter, paperback, 210 pages, supported by Wexford County Council, the Irish Writers’ Centre and the Arts Council. Available at Creative Grounds, Irish St., Enniscorthy. ISBN 9798340638489.
Big Enniscorthy Christmas Lights ‘Switch On’ drew a packed capacity crowd to Market Square. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy’s famous Market Square was a blaze of colour, character and excitement and packed to capacity this evening for the traditional switching on of the Christmas Lights. Santa Claus with a little assistance from Mrs Claus flicked the magic switch and the town was illuminated.
A parade comprised of elves, cartoon characters and children in fun-filled costumes brought fun, colour and celebration to the town as they marched from Enniscorthy Castle and were accorded a warm welcome on arrival in the town centre. The parade was made up of members of Rathnure Pantomime Society and the locally based Martina Leacy Academy.
Liam Sharkey built up the enthusiastic audience with fun and banter leading to the countdown and the loudest cheers as Santa hit the switch and the lights came on! Family groups and small children had begun to assemble early and for them this was the most magical time of the year!
AUDIO ADDITION; Turning on the Christmas Lights in Market Square, Enniscorthy, this evening.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Aidan Browne welcomed everybody to Enniscorthy and thanked everybody who made it all happen, especially District Manager Claire Lawless, Senior Staff Officer Edel Nolan and the outdoor staff of the council.
The message that Cllr Browne sent out from the stage is “to shop local in Enniscorthy town and district this Christmas” and he emphasised that “for euro spent locally generates four euro in the economy.”
The attendance included Deputy Johnny Mythen and Cllrs Jackser Owens, Cathal Byrne, Barbara-Anne Murphy and Pat Kehoe. The event was organised and funded by Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
Blackwater Tidy Towns received the Best Overall Entry award at the Wexford County Council Environment Awards 2024 in the Ferrycarrig Hotel. (l to r)- Cllr Cathal Byrne, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Mayor of Wexford Cllr George Lawlor, Lillie O’Brien, Wexford County Council, Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach Gorery Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Beatrice McHugh, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Doug Taylor, Cllr Jim Codd Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District, Bridget Cullen, Cliona Connolly Environment Awareness Officer, Wexford County Council. (Pic: Jim Campbell)
By Dan Walsh
More than 250 children, community groups, volunteers, resident groups and individuals were at Ferycarrig Hotel, Wexford, recently, for the annual Wexford County Council Environmental Awards where wonderful community spirit was graciously acknowledged.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen welcomed and congratulated all the participants and there were presentations and awards to 11 schools, 53 community groups and one individual.
Cllr Breen said; “It is heartening to see groups of local volunteers showing such spirit and endeavour and, in the process inspiring others in their community to follow their example.
“The result of your hard work is evident across County Wexford in towns and villages that are more attractive, better cared for, better places to live and more appealing places to visit,” added an Cathaoirleach.
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services said she was “struck not only by the level of commitment you make on a voluntary basis but also the quality and diversity of work being carried out and indeed the creativity and innovation we see from you as dedicated local volunteers.”
There were many notable highlights. Enniscorthy Tidy Towns were presented with a plaque for winning the Community Group Snap IntoAction competition. Gorey Tidy Towns, The Gap Tidy Towns and Heritage Group and Hollyfort Development Group, were also presented with awards for their participation in the North Wexford 2K.
A ‘Sort Of Environment’ Quiz kept all guessing at the beginning of the night and prizes to the first 6 correct answers drawn were presented. Winners were Peggy Doyle, Bernie Wade, Bernie McGee Ella Dundon, Jodie Cashe and Kyle Cullen.
The overall winners of the Keep Wexford Beautiful Competition were Blackwater Tidy Towns.
The schools were well represented with eleven schools receiving presentations from Cllr Breen; Gorey Educate Together Secondary School, St Patrick’s School, Enniscorthy and Tombrack National School, Ferns, were all recognised for receiving their first green flag and presented with a nest box sponsored by The Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club.
Coláiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge, Gorey Community School, Meánscoil Gharman, Inis Córthaidh, Ramsgrange Community School, Selskar College and St Peter’s College Wexford were awarded certificates for their participation in the Rubbish Film Festival Programme.
Niamh O’ Connor, St Fintan’s National School, Taghmon was awarded a Plaque as the overall primary school winner in the Christmas Decoration Competition 2023 for her decoration entitled ‘The White Angel.’
Certificates were presented to Ella Dundon, Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Bunclody who was the Overall Primary School Winner in the Environment Artwork Competition and Júliá Rós Ásmundsdóttir Coláiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge who was the overall secondary school winner of the Environment Artwork Competition.
Kilmyshall National School were also awarded a Plaque for being Wexford’s Cleanest School.
An Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Wexford’s Environment was presented to Jim Hurley.
Carnew Musical Society is staging Beauty and the Beast in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, opening with a Matinee next Sunday, November 24th at 3pm and continuing all next week -Monday to Saturday at 8pm nightly.
The role of Chip (the teacup) will be played at alternative performances by Eli Finnerty and Gearoid Hogan. Both very talented they are most definitely “chips of the old blocks”. Eli is son of Graham, the choreographer for the show, who has played many stage roles with the society while Gearoid is the third generation member of the Fitzpatrick family to thread the boards with Carnew Musical Society.
Playing Chip’s mother Mrs. Potts is Niele Kavanagh. The role of Bellewill be played by Anna Kenny and the Beast will be played by Eoghan Fingleton. Rory Robinson plays Belle’s father Maurice while Richard O’Toole takes on the role of Gaston, with Paul Kehoe in the role of his sidekick Lefou.
Moving on to the enchanted objects, Lumiere, Cogsworth will be played by James Dobbs, John Young and Madame de la Grande Bouche is being played Maria Forest. Monsieur D’Arque by John Donohoe, and Ciaran O’Keeffe is playing the role of the young Prince.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity of seeing this show as tickets are selling fast from www.gr8events.ie
At the launch of the Askamore Art Exhibition (left to right); Alison Bayne, Dave Pearson, Philip Judge, who performed the official opening, Noeleen Deegan and David Bayne. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Askamore Community Centre Hall
The 6th annual Askamore Art Exhibition was launched in Askamore Community Centre Hall tonight (Wednesday) by well-known actor and writer, Philip Judge. It is the biggest Askamore Art Exhibition ever with 41 artists exhibiting 137 pieces of vibrant and original works.
An accomplished actor with many roles on television, film and theatre in Dublin and London, Philip Judge was deputising for singer Mary Caughlan who cried off at short notice. Judge is also well-known as the author of a best-selling book – In Sight of Yellow Mountain; A Year in the Irish Countryside.
“I am delighted to be here. I have had a chance to look around the exhibition about half an hour ago. There is some fantastic works here and I would like to add my congratulations to the artists,” said Mr Judge.
Master of Ceremonies was Helen Kearney, Chair of Askamore Community Council, who welcomed Mr Judge, praised the artists for their wonderful work and complemented the organising committee for putting the four-day exhibition together.
The exhibitors are Susanne Gaughan, Theresa Hogan, Margaret Kenny, Naoise Hennessy, Alison Hayden, Samantha Wall, Allan Kinsella, Breda Byrne, Rita Lee, Susan Crampton, Mary Steacy, Hilary Jacob, Alison Bayne, Aidan Bolger, John Hempenstall, Una White, Barbara Jameson, Liz O’Brien, Maureen Marsh, Joan Byrne, Cloida Morris, Pauline Browne, Mary Doran, Breda Mahon, Joan Byrne, Tommy Patchell, Margaret Jameson, Barry O’Sullivan, Orla Callaghan, Jackie Christian, Brigid Kinsella, Mary O’Toole, Vivienne Byrne, Brigid Roche, Pauline Brown, Ann-Marie Sweeney, Robyn Stevens, Bridget Monks, Shanon O’Bracken, Dave Pearson and Niki Purcell.
The Askamore Art Exhibition in Askamore Community Centre Hall is open daily from 10am to 6pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Revenue Officers have seized almost 26,400 litres of alcohol, with an estimated value of €109,458, at Rosslare Europort.
The seizure comprised of 25,812 litres of beer, 472.5 litres of wine and a small quantity of spirits, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €52,000.
The consignment of beer arrived in an accompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. Following an investigation, both the trailer and the alcohol products were seized.
Investigations are ongoing.
If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.
Dalata Hotel Group, the largest hotel operator in Ireland, has agreed a deal to sell the Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford town to Neville Hotels for €21 million.
Neville Hotels is owned by local Wexford man Seamus Neville and the group’s portfolio includes the Ravenport Hotel in Wexford, Druids Glen in Wicklow and the Royal Marine in Dublin.
Earlier this year, Dalata sold the Maldron Hotel in Wexford to the Neville Park Hotel Group for an undisclosed sum. It is being renamed Newtown Park Hotel.
Therese Kelly, Director of Neville Hotels, said the hotel group was delighted to add Whites Hotel in Wexford to its portfolio of hotels. “This acquisition marks our sixth hotel for the group, and we feel this hotel will complement our new property in Curracloe, The Ravenport Resort, very well,” stated Ms Kelly.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting
Although the old Murphy Flood’s site at Main Street, Irish Street and Barrack Street has been cleared it is “highly unlikely” that it will serve as a car park this Christmas according to information brought to the table at today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre.
Executive Engineer Neville Shaw said the site was progressing, but a few issues need to be addressed including the discovery of old drains on the site. He said there needs to be a topographical survey, a drainage survey, a detailed design drawn up and contractors to be appointed. “There is unlikely to be car parking on the site before Christmas!” he outlined.
Cllr Pat Kehoe acknowledged that the car parking solution was “only temporary”, but he expressed concerns about keeping down costs in the budget! He felt that because it is “a temporary site” expensive works and expensive materials should not be the cause of the delay.
Director of Services Carolyne Godkin said that while it could be a temporary site for the next 10 years (or more) while waiting for investment she emphasised that “construction and service work are paramount for the site.”
The plan for car parking on the old Murphy Floods site was presented to the October Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting by David Whitty from the Special Projects department at Wexford County Council. It was adopted 4-2 by the members.
It comprises of 28 car parking spaces – three are accessible – and includes a realm comprising of bench seating, planter boxes and an embankment with planted vegetation. A 2.8metre flight of steps will take pedestrians to and from Market Square.
In another development Cllr Jackser Owens suggested moving the Saturday morning farmer’s market at Abbey Square to the old Murphy Floods proposed car park site! Cllr Owens said that Cllr John O’Rourke had campaigned to bring the farmer’s market to Rafter St and he supported bringing the weekly market to the town centre!
In a statement to WexfordLocal.com this evening Uisce Éireann says it is working to restore water supply to homes and businesses following operational issues at the Gorey Town Water Supply. As a result, water supply to the Gorey Urban Water Supply Zone, Gorey Town (Gorey Irish Street and Gorey North) and surrounding areas is impacted. Alternative Water Supplies (IBCs) will be deployed at the following locations: Woodlands Manor, Baile Eogain, Cois Doire, Ashwood Grove, Willow Park, Hunters Green, Pearsons Brook, Raithin Cuilin, Creagh Wood, Ardmore, Allenwood Drive, Park Avenue. Customers must boil water taken from tankers before use
MAIN STREET, GOREY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Expert crews are on the ground working to restore normal water supply as quickly as possible to impacted customers. Repair works are scheduled to take place until 7pm this evening (Tuesday,November 19th).
Uisce Éireann would like to apologise for the inconvenience of an unplanned outage of this nature and would like to thank customers for their support while crews work to ensure that a normal water supply is returned to those impacted as quickly as possible.
Following repair works, it typically takes two to three hours for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas as the water refills the network, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network.
Homes and businesses in Gorey and surrounding areas may experience low water pressure, temporary water discolouration or intermittent disruptions to water supply.
Uisce Éireann will continue to keep customers updated as repairs continue. The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, please see the Water Supply updates section of water.ie.
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