The scene at New Ross remains preserved for forensic examination.
By Dan Walsh
Gardaí are investigating the circumstances in which an 8-year-old girl has died following a fatal assault at a domestic residence on Lower William Street, New Ross last night.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene at around 11.45pm.
The girl was taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment but has since passed away from her injuries in the early hours of this morning.
A woman and man (30s) are receiving treatment in hospital too and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The scene remains preserved for forensic examination.
A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at New Ross Garda Station.
Investigating Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this incident to come forward.
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.
A treble for Rob James at the Carlow Farmers Foxhounds point-to-point at Borris House today takes the Killanne rider to the 14-winner mark for the season and tonight he shares the leadership of the point-to-point riders’ championship with Barry O’Neill.
James won the maiden race for four-year-old mares on newcomer Heron In The Park for Donnchadh Doyle by nine and a half lengths and then was mounted by Donnchadh’s brother, Sean Doyle, on another newcomer Hold The Serve in division one of the maiden race for four year old geldings and that ended happily with a two lengths success.
ROB JAMES.. three winners at Borrisi House today.
James’ treble was completed when he partnered Jump Style for Colin Bowe in the maiden race for five-year-olds and came home clear of the field by two lengths.
Barry Stone rode his 50th career winner aboard newcomer Means Miracle in the colours of Peter Aspel and trained at Tomhaggard by Benny Walsh in the maiden race for five-year-old mares. Thirteen lengths to spare. Eoin Staples enjoyed his fourth success of the season on Edward O’Grady’s Priory Park in the open race confined to novice riders.
There was also racing today at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, where Eamonn Doyle, brother of Donnchadh and Sean who were in winning form at Borris House, saddled newcomer Kings Bucks who won by a head in division one of the maiden race for four-year-olds and the first of a double success for Jamie Scallan. Scallan teamed up with Sean Doyle, a double on the day, aboard Between Waters who had 32 lengths to spare at the finish of the mares Winner of Two race.
Jonathan Fogarty who had a treble success at Killinick last week was in the winners’ enclosure again today. He saddled newcomer Walk Tall in division two of the maiden race for four-year-olds which resulted in a two and a half lengths victory ridden by Noel McParlan.
Another good Sunday for the Wexford raiders. Last week we missed the victory of Rouben who dead-heated in the four-year-old maiden race at Moig South handled and ridden by Luke Murphy from Inch, Gorey.
Winners in the 4-seat Wexford constituency. (left to right); Verona Murphy, James Browne, George Lawlor and Johnny Mythen. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the Wexford Count Centre
It’s all over at the Wexford Count Centre and the Wexford constituency team for the 34th Dáil is Verona Murphy (Non-Party), James Browne (Fianna Fail), Johnny Mythen (Sinn Fein) and George Lawlor (The Labour Party).
Verona Murphy was elected on the First Count last night with 11,340 first preferences. James Browne (11,292), Johnny Mythen (10,550), and George Lawlor (10,066) were all elected on the 11th count this evening. The candidate that lost out was Cathal Byrne (7,439). All the remaining candidates were eliminated along the way.
Wexford is on the eighth count at lunchtime and high profile candidates Michael Sheehan, Mick Wallace, Michelle O’Neill and Jackser Owens have all been eliminated. Bridín Murphy is out of the race on the ninth count. And Aontú candidate Jim Codd goes out on the 10th count with 5,078 for distribution amongst the remainder – James Browne, Cathal Byrne, George Lawlor and Johnny Mythen.
VERONA MURPHY… elected on the First Count (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Outgoing Deputy Verona Murphy was elected on the first count in the Wexford constituency with 11,340 first preferences last night.
No one elected so far today, but the trio likely to fill the remaining seats are James Browne (Fianna Fail), Johnny Mythen (Sinn Fein) and newcomer George Lawlor of The Labour Party.
The new TDs for the Wicklow-Wexford constituency. (left to right); Barry Brennan, Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain and Malcolm Byrne.
By Dan Walsh
County Wexford will have seven TD’s in the 34th Dáil, which is an unprecedented achievement after three candidates from Wexford have been elected to the new 3-seat Wicklow-Wexford constituency. The official declaration was made at the Count Centre in Kilanerin Community Centre.
Newcomer Brian Brennan (Fine Gael) topped the poll with 10,339 votes and was immediately followed by Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Sinn Féin) with 10,222 votes. Malcolm Byrne was elected without reaching the quota on 9,156 votes. The only other candidate standing was Pat Kennedy (Fianna Fáil) with a final tally of 6,609.
Poll topper Brian Brennan is a well-known businessman who lives in Gorey but spent most of his working life in Arklow. He ran the family business, The 64 in Gorey and spent nearly 20 years in Arklow as the proprietor of the Arklow Bay Hotel, operating the Brennan Hotel Group and employing over 600 people.
Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin works as a Special Education Teacher in Gaelscoil Moshíológ and Coolgreany National School. He was elected to Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council since 2014 and served a term as Leas-Cathaoirleach during the 2023-’24 term.
Malcolm Byrne was first elected to Gorey Town Commissioners in 1999 and served as a councillor until 2019 including a term as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council. He was elected to Dáil Éireann in November 2019, but lost his seat in the following February General Election and became one of the shortest serving TDs in the history of the State.
The count in the new 3-seat Wicklow-Wexford constituency will recommence this Sunday morning at 9am at the Count Centre in Kilanerin Community Centre.
There appears to be an extraordinary result emerging with all three seats going the way of North Wexford candidates – Brian Brennan (Fine Gael), Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fáil) and Sinn Fein’s Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin.
Brian Brennan of Fine Gael remains in the lead with 9,112 votes followed by Malcolm Byrne of Fianna Fáil on 8,577 and then Ó Súilleabhán.
Aontú’s Sinéad Boland has been eliminated and her votes (1,667) will be distributed.
BRIAN BRENNAN
Count 4 will resume in the morning. Quota is 9,560.
Sinéad Boland (Aon) 1,667
Brian Brennan (FG) 9,112
Malcolm Byrne (FF) 8,577
Pat Kennedy (FF) 5,597
Peir Leonard (Ind) 4,606
Fionntán O’Súilleabháin (SF) 8,475
Aontú’s Sinéad Boland is eliminated. Votes to be distributed tomorrow
Ann Walsh of the Green party has been eliminated and her 910 votes are currently being distributed.
FIONNTÁIN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN
Count 2: Distribution of Lawlor and Nolan votes
Quota 9,560
Boland (Aon) 1,545
Brennan (FG) 8,856
Byrne (FF) 8,344
Kennedy (FF) 5,493
Leonard (Ind) 4,134
O’Keefe (PBP/Sol) 1,089
O’Súilleabháin (SF) 7,790
Walsh (GP) 910
Ann Walsh of the Green Party eliminated. 910 votes distributed.
MALCOLM BYRNE
Following the first count in the Wicklow-Wexford constituency, Fine Gael’s Brian Brennan leads the way with 8,820 votes, followed by Fianna Fáil’s Malcolm Byrne on 8,311.
Fionntán Ó Súilleabhán of Sinn Féin is in third with 7,719 and Fianna Fáil’s Pat Kennedy, who is based in the South Wicklow area of the constituency, received 5,478 votes.
Independent candidate Pier Leonard who is a councillor also based in South Wicklow – in the town of Arklow – received 3,824.
Aontú’s Sineád Boland who is from Kilmacanogue which is outside the constituency received 1,350 votes; Asilinn O’Keefe of Solidarity/People Before Profit received 1,021 votes while Ann Walsh of the Green Party received 897.
With a total valid poll of 38,236; no one has reached the quota of 9,560 in the first count.
Frances Lawlor of Independent Ireland who received 648 votes and Independent IIse Maria Nolan who received 168 votes have been eliminated.
Thumbs up from victorious Verona Murphy as she takes in another radio interview at the Wexford Count Centre. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Count Centre
Outgoing Deputy Verona Murphy has been elected on the first count in the Wexford constituency with 11,340 first preferences. Her surplus of 838 is now being distributed by the Returning Officer Deirdre Burke.
Verona has been afforded a rousing reception by her many followers who were in attendance and amongst the first to congratulate the Ramsgrange woman was outgoing Minister James Browne.
Others expected to be elected include outgoing Deputies James Browne (Fianna Fail) and Johnny Mythen (Sinn Fein) and newcomer George Lawlor of The Labour Party.
Seasoned observers told WexfordLocal.com that Cathal Byrne cannot make up enough ground to retain the Fine Gael seat vacated by Paul Kehoe.
Wexford Count Centre opened at 9am this morning in Wexford. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Count Centre
In the last few minutes the spotlight has been focused on poll topper elect Verona Murphy. Ms. Murphy will come in with about 11,000 first preference votes.
VERONA MURPHY will be first to be elected in Wexford. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com
The official tally figures for Wexford constituency have just become available and it looks like sitting Independent TD Verona Murphy will top the poll with over 21% of the poll.
James Browne (Fianna Fail) is coming in at around 16%. Johnny Mythen (Sinn Féin) just over 14%. George Lawlor (Labour Party) is almost 14%.
It will be difficult for Fine Gael to secure a seat – Cathal Byrne almost 10% and Bridín Murphy just under 6%. Jim Codd (Aontú) is just over 7%.
All 169 boxes are open and the count is continuing.
The count for the 2024 General Election got under way at 9am at Loreto Secondary School Sports Hall, Ballynagee, on the outskirts of Wexford town.
Boxes from 168 polling stations in the 4-seat Wexford Constituency are being sorted and counted.
The first official tally figures are expected around mid-day.
15 candidates are chasing just four seats in the 34th Dáil.
The Emigrant Park in New Ross was recognised at the prestigious Excellence in Local Government Awards recently, winning the title of Best Municipal District Initiative Award.
Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of the New Ross Municipal District, said “As Cathaoirleach of the New Ross Municipal District I would like to congratulate everyone one involved in the development of this project. I am incredibly proud of the Emigrant Park winning the award and putting New Ross on the map.”
Director of Services, Eamonn Hore said; “The new Emigrant Park in New Ross won a further honour at the Excellence in Local Government Awards held in Dublin. Voted the ‘Best Overall Municipal District Initiative’ throughout the country, the newest award nicely complements the Best Urban Planning Award win of earlier this year also achieved by the Emigrant Park. The Emigrant Park is a beautiful public realm space replacing the old oil tanks site which dominated the quay front in New Ross for many years.
“The Emigrant Park honours and reminds people of the strong history of emigration from the Port of New Ross, whilst providing a reflective space to relax and enjoy the wonderful views along the River Barrow. The park’s location beside the Dunbrody adds meaning and context to the park and is another link in the chain of projects to return the river to the people of New Ross to enjoy. The award is very welcome recognition of all the quality work invested in this latest project. Thanks to all concerned.”
This accolade reflects the hard work and dedication of all Wexford County Council staff involved in the project, from the Special Projects Team and the New Ross Municipal District.
New Ross Municipal District faced stiff competition in the category, but this recognition not only elevates the status of New Ross but also serves as an inspiration for future community initiatives. Earlier this year, the park also won a Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) Award for Best Urban Planning, making Emigrant Park New Ross a multi award-winning location.
The General Election for the 34th Dáil takes place today, November 29th with polling stations open from 7am to 10pm in the new 4-seat Wexford constituencyand the new 3-seat Wicklow-Wexford constituency.
WexfordLocal.com is urging everybody to cast their vote. Make sure you are on the register! If you didn’t get a polling card in the post, contact the polling station where you may have voted on a previous occasion.
Unlike some media sources WexfordLocal.com doesn’t suggest who to vote for, but we can urge you to cast your vote – a once-every-5 years opportunity to choose your legislators and have public representation in the national parliament.
Candidates are harmless and powerless until elected, they will court your vote and canvass your neighbourhood, but once elected the system demands obeyance to the party allegiance and your voice is reduced to a whisper!
It is vitally important for all of us to have hardworking public representatives, the ones with a proven track record and strong political experience (and a passion for the county ahead of the party), but others are in the contest for the very first time and should be afforded a chance to prove themselves! Best of luck to all 25 candidates in the two constituencies that will make a difference in Co. Wexford during the next five years (or months)!
WEXFORD CONSTITUENCY (4 seats)
The following 15 candidates have been nominated to stand in the Wexford constituency. Please note; they are not in the order here as they will appear on the ballot paper… so study the form ahead of casting your vote!
STEPHEN POWER The Irish People, a painter from Wolfe Tone Villas, Wexford.
VERONA MURPHY Non-Party, a public representative from Ramsgrange.
MICHAEL SHEEHAN Non-Party, Educator from Ballinteskin, New Ross.
JOHNNY MYTHEN Sinn Féin, a public representative from Enniscorthy.
BRIDÍN MURPHY Fine Gael, a social worker from Clonroche.
CATHAL BYRNE Fine Gael, Solicitor based in Enniscorthy.
PEADER McDONALD Green Party/Comhaontas Glas, a community worker from Clonard, Wexford.
JIM CODD Aontú, a teacher from Taghmon.
JACKSER OWENS Non-Party, a county councillor from Enniscorthy.
MICK WALLACE Independents 4 Change, a builder from Wellingtonbridge.
GEORGE LAWLOR The Labour Party, parliamentary assistant from Wexford town.
MARTINA STAFFORD People Before Profit-Solidarity, an administrator from Dublin 8.
JASON MURPHY The National Party – An Páirtí Náisiúnta, a factory worker from Broadway.
JAMES BROWNE Fianna Fáil, public representative from Enniscorthy.
MICHELLE O’NEILL Fianna Fáil, fitness instructor from Wexford town.
SOUTH WICKLOW-NORTH WEXFORD (3 seats).
The following 10 candidates have been nominated to stand in the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency. Please note; they are not in the order here as they will appear on the ballot paper… so study the form ahead of casting your vote!
ANN WALSH Green Party/Comhaontas Glas, a psychologist from Castletown, Inch.
PEIR LEONARD Non-Party, a County Councillor from Arklow.
BRIAN BRENNAN Fine Gael, a hospitality consultant from Gorey Hill.
PAT KENNEDY Fianna Fáil, a public servant from Rathdrum.
SINEÁD BOLAND Aontú, a former teacher from Kilmacanogue.
FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN, Sinn Fein, a public representative from Guaire.
AISLINN O’KEEFFE People Before Profit – Solidarity, a tour guide from Dublin 8.
MALCOLM BYRNE Fianna Fail, public representative from Gorey.
FRANCES LAWLOR Independent Ireland, homemaker from Greystones.
IISA-MARIA NOLAN, Director of Medical Company from Dublin 18.
WexfordLocal.com will be based at the Wexford Count Centre from Saturday morning when the boxes are open and the votes counted and will bring you all the news and developments until all the seats are filled.
WexfordLocal.com 