News and Sport and Events that matter across County Wexford.
The search for missing Wexford man Brandon Roche has been stood down following the discovery of a body south of Wexford Bridge.
The 19-year-old is believed to have entered the water near Wexford Harbour at around 2.05 am on Sunday, October 27th.
Gardaí have confirmed that a body was recovered from Wexford Harbour earlier today.
A multi-agency operation was underway over the last ten days, including teams from Rosslare Coast Guard, Wexford RNLI and Slaney Search and Rescue.
By Dan Walsh
Wexford GAA has announced being awarded €3.5 million in Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Funding towards phase three of the Halo Tiles Wexford GAA Centre of Excellence at Ferns.
This phase will see the development of new dressing rooms, gym area, the installation of a floodlit 4G pitch and a spectator stand, for games with a small capacity. The Halo Tiles Centre of Excellence is a hub for inter county team preparation from under 14 to senior as well as the base for school games, Go Games activities and club underage finals.
Including land purchase, the investment to date by Wexford GAA has been €10 million with another €5 million to be invested in the final phase.
Wexford GAA Chairman, Micheál Martin welcomed the announcement stating; “This funding will not only see the completion of our Centre of Excellence but will mean that every action of the infrastructure plan we set out in 2021, will be completed on time and within budget. The opening of phase two of the centre, in December 2023, brought the total number of pitches to seven and has facilitated a huge increase of participation across all codes.
“In conjunction with the opening of Phase Two, we signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Wexford LGFA and Wexford Camogie to ensure that the centre will be fully inclusive and give access to men and women and boys and girls of all ages. A significant amount of time and energy has been invested into this application and I wish to thank all those involved in ensuring our application was successful.
“Wexford as a strong dual code county, have significant demand for pitches for Hurling, Camogie, Gaelic football and Ladies Gaelic football. The growth of our games depends on ensuring access to the best and most modern facilities to all our players.
“The completion of this project and the delivery of all-weather pitches in Killeens in conjunction with Wexford County Council will help alleviate that demand that is a direct result of the work of our coaching programmes with clubs and schools,” concluded Mr Martin.
By Dan Walsh
Long serving New Ross Cllr Michael Sheehan has resigned from the Fianna Fáil Party and announced his intention to contest the forthcoming General Election as an Independent or Non-Party candidate.
Although Cllr Sheehan only made the announcement a few hours ago, WexfordLocal.com understands that the news is no surprise amongst many party supporters.
News of Cllr Sheehan’s departure from the Fianna Fáil Party comes days after Party Leader and Táiniste Micheál Martin invited retired international referee Michelle O’Neill to become a member of the party and run as a candidate in the four-seat Wexford constituency.
The date of the General Election will be announced in the coming days and Polling Day is likely to be Friday, November 29th.
Cllr Sheehan was first elected to New Ross Town Council in June 1999 and Wexford County Council since 2014 and has served as Cathaoirleach of both Wexford County Council and New Ross Municipal District Council.
By Dan Walsh
The death has occurred of the legendary showjumper, Captain Con Power, (71), of international fame who is universally acknowledged as one of the finest riders of his generation and enjoyed a sparkling career during the 1970s and 1980s.
A native of Loftus Hall, Fethard-on-Sea in south-west Wexford Con married Margaret Latta, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, and they set up an equestrian home at Derrypatrick House, Summerhill, Co. Meath.
Beginning his career in the Army Equitation School in 1973, he developed into one of the world’s best riders, with notable successes at Aachen, New York and Toronto, while he was the leading rider at the Dublin Horse Show in 1976 and 1979.
Con will forever be remembered for being part of the dream team who won the Aga Khan trophy three times in a row, in 1977, 1978 and 1979, famously being the only rider to ride three different horses.
He will never be forgotten and leaves an incredible legacy on equestrian sports in Ireland. His son Robert, affectionately known as Robbie, also enjoyed a spectacular career in the saddle as a National Hunt jockey, winning many of the top races including the 2007 Aintree Grand National on the 33/1 winner Silver Birch for Gordon Elliott and the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Sizing John, while daughter Elizabeth has also forged a successful Eventing career, and won the five-star RDS Stakes at the Dublin Horse Show in 2019.
Deepest condolences to his wife Margaret, Robert and Elizabeth, Lovingly remembered by his family, daughter-in-law Hannah, sisters and brothers; Ann, Pat, Ted, Mandy, Vonnie, Vivienne, Pierce and Helen, extended family, friends and neighbours. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
By Dan Walsh at the Irish National Heritage Park
The World Championship Shore Angling 2024, featuring YOUTH (under 16) and JUNIORS (under 21) categories takes place on the Wexford coastline until November 9th showcasing the talents and passions of young anglers from around the globe in a competition that promises excitement, camaraderie, and the spirit of sportsmanship against the backdrop of Ireland’s stunning coastline.
The teams arrived at Hotel Curracloe yesterday and all nine counties participated in a colourful parade held at the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig this afternoon.
“This event is a celebration of sportsmanship, where we gather not only to compete but also to forge new friendships, challenge each other, and revel in each other’s company,” said Pat Walsh, President of the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, who added; “Ireland boasts some of the finest shore angling spots in Europe, promising an exciting competition ahead.”
The nine countries competing are Ireland, Croatia, France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, England, Netherlands and Portugal. The fishing competition will begin on Tuesday and last for four days.
Eleven beaches will be used during the seven-day championships at Kilgorman, Old Bawn Beach, Ballinoulart, Morriscastle, Ballinesker, Curracloe, Rosslare, Rostoonstown, Ballyhealy, Burrow Kilmore and Murrough Beach in Co. Wicklow.
Headquarters is located at Hotel Curracloe. The championships are brought to Wexford by the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers.
UPDATE, Tuesday, November 5th; Aoife O’Callaghan, 31 years, who had been missing from Gorey, Co.Wexford since 31st October 2024, has been located safe and well. We would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.
Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 31-year-old Aoife O’Callaghan has been missing from her home in Gorey since last Thursday, October 31st.
Aoife was last seen in the Phoenix Park in Dublin at approximately midday that day.
Aoife is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches tall with a slim build, long brown hair and blue eyes.
When last seen, she was wearing a black top and jacket with dark trousers and white runners, carrying a purple bag.
Gardaí and Aoife’s family are concerned for her well-being.
Anyone with information on Aoife’s whereabouts is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 053 9430690, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
By Dan Walsh
The opening maiden race for four-year-olds at Damma House, Kilkenny, was divided and division one was a close affair between two Wexford contestants. Victory went to Soldier In Mayo (Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neill) by a neck with Kool Kid (Michael Goff/Harry Goff) filling the runner-up spot.
Division two was a different scenario as Conman John, handled and ridden by Rob James, came home a clear 20 lengths ahead of the field.
Owner/handler Shane Roche from Cleariestown in his second season as handler saddled his first winner Leading Endeavour who sailed home by 20 lengths under Barry Stone in the maiden race for mares aged five-years-old and plus.
There was a mid-day start at Rathcannon, Co. Limerick and the opening four-year-old maiden race was divided and there was a close finish – a head victory for newcomer Road Exile handled by Cormac Doyle for the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and ridden by Jack Hendrick, who scored his 90th career winner.
Duncormick rider Eoin Staples enjoyed success in the famous John P. McManus colours on odds-on favourite Priory Park trained by Edward O’Grady who was three lengths winner of the Open Race confined to novice riders.
Next Sunday, November 10th, the Wexford Foxhounds will stage its autumn point-to-point fixture at Knockmullen House, New Ross. First race at 12.30pm. Entries close with p2p.ie on Tuesday next.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford
There is massive shock in social circles in Wexford town with the devastating news that Wexford’s iconic late night and music venue – The Centenary Stores on Charlotte Street – is closed.
First opened in 1988 by the late Michael Tierney ‘The Stores’ as it was affectionately called was one of the South East’s best known nightclubs.
The Centenary Stores was one of several high-profile properties taken over by an investment company back in 2022, and sadly the once-booming business has been in decline in recent times.
Many of the staff have been employed at ‘The Stores’ for over 20 years and there is a lot of uncertainty in the air. One employee told WexfordLocal.com; “We still don’t know what’s going to happen to the staff?”
Paying tribute to Michael Tierney on his sad passing, the Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell said; “Michael Tierney was a massive employer. He will never be forgotten in Wexford, and he shouldn’t be.”
Having established The Centenary Stores in 1988, for many Michael and Adrienne changed the landscape for hospitality in Wexford town and brought it into the modern era.
“I think ‘The Stores’ was kind of the start of nightlife in Wexford really,” long-term colleague of Michael’s and publican Liam Sinnott said. “It got the ball rolling for modern day nightlife in that whole area. It opened in October of 1988.”
The closure of The Centenary Stores ends a glittering generation of nightlife in Wexford town and is a reflection on a changing society, but thankfully it leaves so many people with happy memories of great nights at ‘The Stores’ over about three decades!
UPDATE Monday, November 4th: Daniel Pender, 44 years who was missing from his home in Wexford since Thursday, October 31st, 2024 has been located safe and well.
Gardaí are appealing for information on the whereabouts of 44-year-old Daniel Pender who is reported missing from his home in Wexford town since Thursday, October 31st, 2024.
Daniel is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches tall with a large build. He is bald with a dark brown beard and green eyes.
When last seen, he was wearing a black t-shirt with a large print on the back, denim shorts, black and white Nike runners and a black Adidas backpack.
It is believed that Daniel may have access to a grey Ford Puma car with partial registration 211-WX.
Gardaí and Daniel’s family are concerned for his well-being.
Anyone with information on Daniel’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
By Dan Walsh
Today’s point-to-point action was at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary and winners from three separate Wexford stables were recorded.
Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe took the opening maiden race for four-year-old maidens with newcomer Adamas in the colours of Brian Acheson. The winning distance was five lengths and Adamas is now likely to go to the track.
Jonathan Fogarty from Gaynestown Stud, Cleariestown, saddled newcomer Hank West in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and the pleasant outcome was an eight lengths victory. Another newcomer who will be heading for the sales and was ridden by Barry Stone.
The third Wexford handled winner at the Tipperary track was Sainthilaire owned and handled by Pierce Power, Lofus Hall, Fethard-on-Sea who had a four lengths victory in the five-year-old geldings’ maiden race and was ridden by Jack Hendrick.
Two point-to-points tomorrow (Sunday) at Damma House, Kilkenny and Rathcannon, Limerick. Plenty of Wexford participation at both tracks.
WexfordLocal.com 