A 34-years-old Wexford man, Steven ‘Wally’ Wallace from Cleariestown has been found dead at the Playa Chica beach in Lanzarote at around 7.30am on Tuesday, November 5th.
STEPHEN ‘Wally’ WALLACE
Local police are investigating, and it is understood that they are not treating his death as suspicious.
It is understood that Mr Wallace was coming to the end of his holiday with his partner, who is from north Wexford. It is reported that when he failed to return to their accommodation, she called his mobile phone which was answered by local police, who subsequently gave her the devastating news.
Rosslare District Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien, who was a close friend of Mr Wallace said he was “a talented gentleman; his death at such a young age is an incredible tragedy.”
“Wally will be greatly missed, he touched many hearts in Wexford and beyond and we are all forever grateful for the memories of him that we will now cherish,” added Cllr O’Brien.
Mr Wallace’s family are currently working with authorities and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust to bring Steven’s remains home. Funeral details have not yet been published.
A prayer of remembrance was read at Masses in Bree Church last weekend as the congregation learned of the sad passing of Molly Leacy at her home in Manchester last Wednesday. A native of Bree who never lost contact with her birthplace, she was in her 103rd year.
MOLLY LEACY (née Hogan) pictured here on her visit to Bree while celebrating her 100th birthday. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Born at Knockduff Lane, near Bree, on June 1st, 1922, she was christened Mary Ellen Hogan, but she was always affectionately called Molly Hogan (even after her marriage) and was the daughter of Ellen Hogan who worked at Doyle’s of Carrig. She never knew her father!
Molly’s grandparents delivered the post on foot in the Bree area and were paid nine shillings (less than 50 cent in today’s currency) per week to live on.
In 1928, Molly first attended the old two-room school on Bree Lane where Master and Mrs Breen were the teachers, and a stove kept the school warm! She could read and write when she left at the age of 14 in search of work.
There was no work for Molly in the first year after leaving school, she took a season’s work in Tramore, before returning to her native Bree to work at Warren’s of Clonmore House, beside St. John’s Church, for six years and then work with the Curtis family at Knockduff. According to Molly both chores were similar; “milking cows, making butter and cleaning from 7 o’clock in the morning till 7 o’clock in the evenings – seven days a week!”
Molly emigrated by ship through Dun Laoghaire in 1949, renewed her friendship with Tom Leacy of Kilgibbon and they married in St. John’s Church, Chelmsford, and they settled down and raised a family in Salford, Manchester.
Locally, she was always known as Molly Hogan. She paid almost yearly visits to her native parish over the years where she would catch up with family and friends to reminisce about the different times that they experienced growing up in rural Co. Wexford.
On June 1st, 2022, Molly celebrated her 100th birthday with her family and friends at her home in Manchester and in September of that year realised an ambition that fulfilled every dream she ever hoped for – a centenary visit to her birth townland at Knockduff that was topped off with a special celebration Mass in Bree Church, where she was baptised a century earlier, and invited to speak to the pupils in Bree National School.
Growing up in Knockduff the Hogan’s and Walsh’s were close neighbours and on Molly’s final visit home one of the family’s wishes was that I would record her life and times. This duty was fulfilled on September 30th, 2022 when we met in Bree Community Centre and with the family permission here are the edited highlights from that interview…
AUDIO ADDITION; MOLLY LEACY (née Hogan) speaking to DAN WALSH about her life and times at her 100th birthday celebrations on September 30th 2022 when they met in Bree Community Centre.
FAMILY NOTICE;MOLLY LEACY (née Hogan), Cadishead, in the city of Salford, Greater Manchester, who passed away on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, peacefully at her home. Beloved wife of the late Thomas, mother of Tom, Sarah, Pat, Martin, Michael, Helen and the late John and Jimmy, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May She Rest in Peace.
At the launch of Community Calendar 2025 today; (left to right); Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, and Dymphna O’Connor, Head of Community Department Wexford County Council.
The Community Team at Wexford County Council launched its Community Calendar 2025 and presented the first calendar to Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at County Hall, Wexford, today.
Cllr Breen said; “Following the success of the first calendar in 2024, I’m delighted to see the Community Team continue this initiative. It is an innovative and engaging way to highlight the work of the Community Team, while also providing valuable signposts to supports and opportunities both for individuals and communities.”
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services with responsibility for Community said; “We are proud to share this, our second calendar, which showcases some of our work and celebrates our Wexford communities. The value of the Community Calendar has been recognised nationally, with the initiative being shortlisted for an Excellence in Local Government Communications Award, with the Awards being held later this month.”
Dymphna O’Connor, Head of Community said; “Whether you are interested in arts and culture, sports and recreation, education and training, or community development and support you will find something in the calendar that suits your needs and interests.”
The calendar includes local photos and includes key messages and dates each month which the team hope will act as a further support to communities and citizens across County Wexford.
Calendars will shortly be available for free across County Wexford at local Municipal District Offices, at County Hall and through Wexford Public Libraries.
The Community Team will also be distributing in the course of their work over the next few weeks and includes work under the brands of Wexford LCDC, Healthy Wexford, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, Wexford Age Friendly and Sports Active Wexford.
Funding of €4.9 million has been allocated under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media for the first phase development of a new sports complex at the former St. Waleran’s Demesne site to the north of Gorey.
Wexford County Council is ‘match’ funding the project which will have a total budget of around €10 million.
CLLR OLIVER WALSH welcomes funding for new sports hub at St. Waleran’s, Gorey.
Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Oliver Walsh said it is great to see the efforts of the partner clubs and officials rewarded in this way. “€10 million is a significant investment in sports and activities in the county and I am proud that Wexford County Council has undertaken to provide funding to the project. The initiative forms part of the St Waleran’s Masterplan which will provide a new neighbourhood in Gorey with housing, community, and sports facilities,” concluded Cllr Walsh.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr. Pip Breen said; “This is wonderful news, I was chair of the steering group and want to commend the clubs where I witnessed first-hand the hard work that was put into the planning, design, and funding application for this project. This will be a game changer not just for Gorey but the entire East Coast.”
The first phase of the new sports and activities hub will provide facilities for minority sports including hockey, cricket, and athletics, with new playing fields and looped walking tracks throughout. Phase 2 will include facilities to cater for cycling and basketball with a new indoor community sports building.
Full planning permission has been approved earlier this year for the entire project with architects Ailtiri. Wexford County Council established a steering group two years ago with membership comprising representatives from Gorey Hockey Club, Croghan Athletics Club, Gorey Cricket Club, Gorey Cycling Club, Gorey Basketball Club in addition to council officials and Dr. Yvonne Byrne.
Mayor of Wexford Cllr George Lawlor congratulates The Rocks Community Group category winner in the Urban Neighbourhood Community Awards at the Pride of Place awards ceremony in Monaghan last Saturday night.
By Dan Walsh
The Rocks Community Area consisting of Maudlintown and surrounding areas in Wexford Town took first place in the Urban Neighbourhood category at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards held at a gala ceremony in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan, last Saturday night.
Fethard-on-Sea Community Development Association took runner-up in the population 1000-2000 category, with judges noting they are a vibrant coastal community with commitment to the place where they live.
The judges particularly impressed with the strong partnerships and inclusivity of the area and their close working relation with Wexford Local Authority.
Cllr Garry Laffan said; “I was delighted to be at the awards ceremony and celebrate the winning community groups achievements. It is a real mark of success for any community group to be recognised at national level and I want to wholeheartedly congratulate both groups on their many years of positive community activity.”
Director of Services Carolyne Godkin said; “I have had the pleasure of working with both of these impressive communities over many years. It is wonderful to see the positive impact on their areas recognised through the Pride of Place awards. Each year this competition pitches the best communities on the whole island of Ireland against each other, with a judging panel visiting each of the shortlisted communities to see first-hand if they are truly delivering what they say they are.
“Both Fethard-on-Sea and the Rocks area made a very positive impression on the judges resulting in these awards and I have no doubt they will continue to deliver good things for their areas, supported not only by Wexford County Council but also by local business, the wider community and other government agencies,” concluded Ms. Godkin.
Celebrating success at Knockmullen House point-to-point were (left to right); Richard Eustace (owner), Barry Stone (rider), Sage Green (winning horse), Shane Roche (handler) and Susan Eustace (breeder). (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Knockmullen House, New Ross
Pleasant conditions prevailed at Wexford Foxhounds point-to-point at Knockmullen House, New Ross, this afternoon where the highlights were a double each for handler Colin Bowe and riders Barry O’Neill and Barry Stone.
Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill struck winning form in the 10-runner opening maiden race for four-year-old mares with Delta Blues Belle by two and a half lengths and the grey mare by Walk In The Park by two and a half lengths.
English owner Rebecca Surman has enjoyed success with her horses handled by Colin Bowe and she was present and delighted at Knockmullen House when she welcomed home another winner in her colours – Fiddledee completing a double for Barry O’Neill by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for mares aged five-years-old and upwards.
Barry Stone also rode a double. He was aboard the home-bred Sage Green for Susan and Richard Eustace, Barntown, who had three and a half lengths to spare at the finish of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. This was the second winner in a week for promising handler Shane Roche, Cleariestown, who is in his first season training.
Half an hour later and Stone recorded winner number two! He was aboard Inbeforered in the Laura Scallan colours and scored by six lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. “I own half of him with Michael ‘Mustard’ O’Brien,” (who was present and enjoying the celebrations), said Cleariestown handler Mark Scallan who was saddling his first winner of the new season.
Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, saddled the Winner of One race, Manlikemike who scored by eight lengths for rider Jack Hendrick.
And the final race of the day, the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards confined to novice riders went to Co. Carlow and a 20 lengths victory for The Last Minute handled by William Murphy, Ballycurragh Stud, Rathoe, and ridden by Patrick Gleeson.
There was also point-to-point action today at Dromahane, Co. Cork, and success for newcomer Walk The Talk by nine lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old mares in the colours of the Baltimore Stables Syndicate for handler Ellen Doyle, Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy. Brian Dunleavy was the successful rider.
Rob James also got on the scoreboard at the Cork track. He partnered newcomer Affinity Rock for Meath handler Cian Collins in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.
Former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan has launched the 2025 Texaco Support for Sport funding initiative. The scheme is now open to sports clubs in Co. Wexford and across Ireland with a fund of €130,000 to be distributed on a county-by-county basis.
By Dan Walsh
Applications from sports clubs in Co. Wexford and beyond are now being invited under the fifth Texaco Support for Sport initiative in which a fund of €130,000 will be divided in €5,000 amounts and distributed to successful applicants in each of the twenty-six counties.
Leading the adjudication process once again is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan. Clubs that received funding to date span the spectrum of Irish sporting activity – archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowls, boxing, camogie, climbing, cricket, diving, Gaelic football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, hurling, kayaking, rowing, rugby, soccer, squash and tennis amongst them.
Over the past four years, a gross figure of over €500,000 has been distributed to a variety of more than 100 sports clubs across Ireland, of which €5,000 each went to four successful Co. Wexford clubs: Kilmore United FC (2021), Menapians Athletic Club (2022), Aspire Gymnastics Academy, Kiltealy (2023) and Naomh Éanna GAA Club (2024).
Open to all sports clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender (including clubs that may have been unsuccessful in their application previously), the initiative is one that ‘recognises and supports the valuable contribution that sports clubs make to communities and throughout Irish society’.
Following lines similar to that which proved successful over the past four years, clubs wishing to apply should first register their interest on www.TexacoSupportforSport.com, followed, before closing date, by a completed application that should include details of their sporting activity, the importance of the club in their local community, the purpose for which the funding is sought, and the use to which the funds will be put.
A sole qualifying requirement is that clubs must be properly constituted and hold a valid GS Exemption Number (Games and Sports Exemption Number) that features on the list published by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on June 30th 2024.
Closing date for applications is January 31st 2025 with adjudication taking place thereafter.
UPDATE; Monday, November 11th; Ann Lambe Murphy / Murray, 29 years old, who was reported missing since Thursday, November 7th, 2024, has been located safely.
No further media action is required. An Garda Síochána would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance.
Gardaí in Wexford are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a 29-year-old woman who has been missing since last Thursday.
ANN LAMBE MURPHY/MURRAY
Ann Lambe Murphy/Murray is described as being approximately 5’4″ tall with medium-length brown hair and blue eyes.
Last seen in Wexford town, she was wearing a dark grey fleece jacket, light grey tracksuit bottoms and black-framed glasses.
Gardaí say they and Ann’s family are concerned for her safety.
Anyone with information on Ann’s whereabouts is urged to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
A strong entry of 90 has been received for the Wexford Foxhounds point-to-point races at Knockmullen House, New Ross, tomorrow (Sunday). The first race starts at 12.30pm.
Reports from the track say that “the track is in very good condition”, the ground is described as “yielding, good to yielding in places”, the forecast expects “a light drizzle or a light shower” between now and Sunday.
Clerk of the Course Padraig English said “everything is in place for a good day’s racing and we are looking forward to a good sized crowd.”
Today’s (Saturday) point-to-point action was at Quakerstown, Co. Clare where Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill had reason to celebrate after Suburban Legend recorded a nine lengths success in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
BENNY WALSH had a winner as a handler today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
There was a second Wexford success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings when Hickey’s Hill, running in the colours of Jenny Walsh, and handled by Benny Walsh at Tomhaggard, gained a four lengths victory with Barry Stone up. Incidentally, this was Walsh’s 20th career success in his 10 years as a handler, however, he was very successful as a rider and for several season’s combined riding and handling simultaneously.
Hickey’s Hill was secured at Denis Hickey’s Garryrichard Stud, Foulksmills, and the Hickeys were celebrating a success on the racecourse at Gowran Park today when Sonny May (4/1 fav.) prevailed in the novice handicap hurdle and ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, Harveystown, Taghmon.
In other news this week joint-national point-to-point champion riders’ Barry O’Neill and Rob James have been nominated in the point-to-point category of the HRI (Horse Racing Ireland) awards.
WexfordLocal.com 