WexfordLocal.com

Rosslare-Cherbourg ferry service doubles

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Europort has warmly welcomed the decision by Brittany Ferries to more than double its weekly services between Rosslare and Cherbourg, with the service expansion beginning next Monday, November 4^th.

During November, Brittany Ferries will operate four services in each way between Rosslare Europort and Cherbourg in Normandy, up from two each way currently. The service will then increase further to five each way at the end of the month.

The expansion of the Brittany Ferries service comes hot on the heels of the opening in recent weeks of Rosslare Europort’s new freight check-in and passenger vehicle check-in facilities, offering a quick and seamless port experience for freight and passenger vehicle customers of the port.

Welcoming the service expansion by Brittany Ferries at Rosslare Europort, Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann – Port Authority for Rosslare Europort – said “the success of our partnership with Brittany Ferries goes from strength to strength with Brittany Ferries announcement that it will more than double services on the Rosslare Europort/Cherbourg route. Freight and passenger customers on Brittany Ferries’ expanded service offering will also benefit from the unprecedented developments at Rosslare Europort. Our new freight and passenger check-in facilities have opened, supported by our new state of the art SmartPort system; while the port environment is being transformed through our Masterplan investment and the T7 Border Control Post development in partnership with the Office of Public Works.”

Man charged with murder of Steven Ring

A 41-year-old man appeared in court charged with the murder of a 27-year-old man whose body was found in in a disused quarry last Sunday.

Steven Ring, (27), a native of Oylegate, whose body was discovered just before lunch time in the water at Carrigfoyle Lake Quarry, at Barntown, around 6kms from Wexford town.

The discovery was made by gardaí almost two weeks after he was reported missing on October 15^th.

A woman has also appeared in court in connection with his death.

Christopher Judge and Jane Corcoran, both with an address at Páirc na Dara in Clonard, Wexford, were being held at a garda station in Wexford and they appeared before Wexford District Court.

Gardaí gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

Detective Garda Leonard Casey told the court he formally arrested Mr Judge and that the accused made no reply when he was charged and cautioned.

The court also heard Detective Garda Brian Cummins describe how Ms Corcoran made no reply when she was charged and cautioned at Wexford Garda Station. She is charged with aiding and abetting a crime.

Solicitors for the accused both made an application for legal aid and Judge John Cheatle granted this. No application for bail was made

Mr Judge and Ms Corcoran were remanded in custody to appear in court again via video link next Monday, November 4^th.

Steven Ring was laid to his eternal rest following his funeral Mass in St. David’s Church, Oylegate.

Stay safe this Halloween

By Dan Walsh

In advance of the Halloween festivities in our towns and villages, An Garda Síochána is advising people to be safe and sensible and say “they will be working hard to keep people safe during this period.”

By following this simple advice, you can make sure that you, your family, friends and neighbours can all have a safe Halloween:

Please be mindful and respectful that not everyone in our community will be participating
Children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick or treating
Please trick or treat in lit up areas or otherwise ensure that you are highly visible to road users
Remember that it is a criminal offence for any person to throw fireworks in the street or in other public places
Do not engage in throwing things like eggs and flour. This is vandalism and may be classed as criminal damage
Please care for the environment – illegal fireworks and illegal bonfires can not only be extremely dangerous but cause lasting environmental damage.

Operation Tombola is an An Garda Siochana nationwide operation focusing on preventing and detecting the sale of fireworks and associated public order and anti-social behaviour issues during the Halloween period.

Superintendent Ann-Marie Twomey, Garda National Community Engagement Bureau told WexfordLocal.com; “Those who attempt to profit from the sale of illegal fireworks by putting them into the hands of those that are not licensed to safely use them are proactively targeted by Gardaí nationwide – the fireworks are seized to prevent anti-social behaviour and dangerous incidents including possible injury and we will prosecute those responsible.

“As always, we prioritise the safety of young people and the wider community. If you are celebrating Halloween this year, we want you to safely enjoy the night and we’re asking young people, in particular, to please be sensible.

“You can get into the spirit of Halloween without causing distress to others, potentially endangering yourself by using illegal fireworks or doing anything potentially criminal that will get you into bother,” concluded Superintendent Twomey.

An Garda Síochána is also asking drivers to slow down and show extra caution while driving over the next 48 hours as more people including small children will be out on roads.

If you, or a friend or someone in your group becomes in danger or in an emergency at any time during Halloween, please call 999/112 for An Garda Siochana assistance and that of other frontline services.

Should anyone feel unsafe or in danger in their home, we ask that they please call 999/112 and support will be given.

Promoting Wexford investment and job creation

**Pictured at the new Heads of Agreement signing ceremony were (Back L to R); Lorcan Kinsella, Wexford Chamber, Breege Cosgrave, Head of** Enterprise Wexford County Council, Paula Roche, CEO Wexford Chamber, Liz Hore, Director of Services Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council. (Front L to R); Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Conor Robinson, President County Wexford Chamber.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council and County Wexford Chamber of Commerce have signed a new Heads of Agreement paving the way for further strategic collaboration in promoting County Wexford for investment, economic development and job creation.

Wexford County Council’s economic strategy supports the creation of a dynamic economy in County Wexford that stimulates job creation, fosters an enterprise culture and support skills development.

This three-year agreement with County Wexford Chamber of Commerce will support this strategy and align to the Chamber’s objectives in supporting and representing the business community in County Wexford. The Heads of Agreement will add value to the Council’s economic programme while supporting the Chamber in its delivery of its three-year Strategic Plan.

Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, outlined the importance of the Agreement, stating that it is another step in achieving Wexford County Council’s ambitious economic plans which will significantly enhance the profile of the entire County as an attractive environment for international companies seeking to locate in the County, or for existing companies looking to expand.

Wexford County Council Chief Executive, Eddie Taaffe stated that, “by working in collaboration with partners such as the County Chamber, we can maximise funding and other opportunities to support our business community”.

Wexford County Council has had a long tradition of supporting SME’s who deliver quality products in a competitive environment and have proven to be dynamic and innovative proudly representing “The Model County”. Wexford County Council also supports new growth areas of the Green Economy, Digital Infrastructure and the Marine Sector.

Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber, commented: “This Heads of Agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with Wexford County Council. By aligning our efforts, we are poised to maintain and build an even more vibrant and resilient economy in County Wexford. This collaboration will not only attract new investments but also support our local businesses in their growth and innovation journeys. Together, we are committed to cultivating an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute to the prosperity of our community.”

Call for support in search for Brandon

By Dan Walsh

The search operation for a missing man in Wexford Harbour is entering its third day and resumed this morning (Tuesday).

The missing man is named as Brandon Roche, (20), from the Bishopswater area of Wexford town who is believed to have entered the water at Wexford Quay around 2.05am on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, Brandon’s cousin, Keith Murphy issued a statement on behalf of the family expressing “serious gratitude for all the kind words and support that’s been offered over the weekend.”

He continued; “Unfortunately, the time has come for us to expand the search for Brandon. We’re just seeking help from the community. So, if anybody over the next coming days have any time to offer, we will be conducting searches along the coastline, and we’d be grateful for anybody who can participate.”

The family have set up a volunteers WhatsApp group which can be accessed by clicking HERE, should anyone wish to join them in the search for Brandon.

Michelle and Jean bringing in the crowds!

By Dan Walsh

Creative cousins, artist and football referee Michelle O’Neill, and multi- disciplinary artist Jean Maskell who are exhibiting at Clayton Whites’ Art Exhibition have been bringing in the crowds with their unique creations.

Visitors have commented on the distinctiveness of both their approaches. Michelle O’Neill presents her new series of paintings, ‘Wexford Skyline Series, The Heartbeat of Wexford’ and an immersive experience box, where the viewer can see the effect of light interacting with a multilayered painting technique that creates a movement and colour spectrum.

**JEAN MASKELL and MICHELLE O’NEILL pictured at their wonderful art exhibition at Clayton White’s Hotel, Wexford, until November 2nd.**

Over the Bank Holiday weekend visitors were queuing to view the experience box, which Michelle had built by hand.

Jean Maskell’s handmade porcelain dioramas bring both her ceramic and creative writing skills together to create fantastical scenes that tell stories full of human empowerment and optimism, featuring dancing trees and sage foxes in the mysterious land of the Slaney.

Michelle told WexfordLocal.com; “We have both been painting independently for many years, whilst pursuing successful careers, and have the confidence to experiment now, pushing traditional skills in new directions.”

This is a strongly Wexford focussed exhibition where the range of work from both artists has been influenced by their love of their family roots in the county.

Michelle O’Neill and Jean Maskell’s brilliant Art Exhibition continues in Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, until November 2^nd. Well worth a visit!

Great social occasion at Wexford races

Chairman of Wexford Racecourse Michael Murphy making a presentation to Jim Mernagh (red jacket) on his last day as ‘best turned out’ judge at Wexford races after 30 years in the company of his family and racecourse friends. (Pic; *Wexford Racecourse*).

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

In contrast to Sunday’s horrible weather conditions today’s fixture was held in pleasant dry and mild conditions, and the brilliant low sunshine on the hollowed Bettyville Park turf, at one stage caused the last fence in the straight to be omitted for health and safety reasons, but nobody amongst the large attendance were complaining.

There were music and food, social interaction and betting, and of course competitive racing on the track. Unfortunately for the second day in a row there were no Wexford trained or ridden winners, however, well-known Wexford owner John Brennan admitted a ‘share’ in bumper winner, Ira Hayes, (9/1) who is trained in Co. Meath by John McConnell.

Colm Murphy and Conor Stone-Walsh were runners-up by half a length with Depalma against One Big Boum in the maiden hurdle. A long steward’s enquiry followed but the result was unaltered.

The only Listed Race run at Wexford is the Michael Hickey Memorial Race, it was a little disappointing that the field reduced by 50% and only three competed and success went the way of Heart Wood, (8/13 fav.) ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe who had a treble on Sunday, so the young jockey from the townland of Upperlacknalooha, near Malow in Co. Cork will have good memories of the October Bank Holiday at Wexford.

Today was the last day in the parade ring for Jim Mernagh, Clohass, Davidstown, who was ‘best turned out’ judge at Wexford races for about three decades.

He was fair, honest and an astute judge of the best horses in each race on the day and the management and staff were joined by the goodwill of the attendance as his praises were highlighted and some presentations were made to Jim who was accompanied by his supportive family.

Wexford takes a rest for the winter months, but the 2025 season will emerge on March 17^th, known to you and me as St. Patrick’s Day and it falls on a Monday – so a long weekend in prospect. Eleven fixtures in all planned for the new year.

Search resumes in Wexford Harbour

By Dan Walsh

The search operation for a missing man in Wexford Harbour is in its second day and resumed this morning (Monday).

According to the Coast Guard; “Search teams from Rosslare/Carnsore, the drone team and search team from Curracloe Coast Guard units alongside the Wexford RNLI inshore lifeboat are on scene to commence a search of the area.”

The search is for a young man, who is aged in his late teens, who is believed to have entered the water at around 2.05am on Sunday morning.

A search will also be conducted by the Garda water unit, with support from Slaney Search and Rescue.

The resumption of the search follows an extensive operation in the Wexford Harbour area yesterday which had to be called off in the afternoon due to deteriorating weather conditions.

Body discovered in Carrigfoyle Lake

**CARRIGFOYLE LAKE** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Gardai in Wexford have arrested a man and a woman following the discovery of the body of a man in his 20’s in the water at Carrigfoyle Lake, near Barntown, formerly a working quarry and now a recreational area on the outskirts of Wexford town.

The two people who are detained, a man in his 40’s and a woman in her 30’s, are being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and they may be either charged or released tomorrow. They are both detained at a Garda Station in Wexford

The deceased man is Stephen Ring, (27), who was reported missing on Tuesday, October 15^th. The missing person appeal was stood down following the discovery of a body earlier today.

Gardaí closed off the area following the discovery around mid-day on Sunday and had to turn away several people looking to use the trails around the lake this afternoon.

Stephen Ring’s remains have been removed to University Hospital Waterford for a post mortem examination expected to take place tomorrow (Monday).

Gardaí have sealed off the scene and members of the Garda Technical Bureau have finished their work for today and uniformed members remain at the scene.

Great day for Bowe and James

By Dan Walsh

Four winners today – two at Tinahely and two at Tattersalls – for champion Colin Bowe puts the Kiltely handler six ahead with 11 victories in the first month of the 2024-’25 national point-to-point championship. It was also a good day for Rob James with a treble at Tinahely that places him sharing the top of the table in the riders’ championship with Barry O’Neill.

At Tinahely the four-year-old maiden race was divided with the Benjamin Halsall owned Purple Owl getting home best by one length for Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe team. Division two went to Donncha Doyle’s newcomer Show In The Sky by an impressive 14 lengths and the start of a treble for rider Rob James. Doyle added another winner in the Open Race when Er Dancer scored by two lengths with Alex Harvey up.

James captured number two on Colin Bowe’s Wild Nephin by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. James made it three on Rebel Treaty by three lengths in the mare’s Winner of One Race for Ballincollig handler Con McSweeney.

There was only one finisher at the end of the maiden race for five-year-old mares Emily Love owned and trained at Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, by Denis Murphy. Another success for Jack Hendrick.

Bob The Builder took the final race for six-year-olds plus and confined to novice riders for owner Niall Heffernan, Screen handler Richie Rath and rider Eoin Staples. The verdict was four and a half lengths.

Point-to-point action also today at Tattersalls, Co. Meath where Colin Bowe and Bertie Finn won the first two races with newcomers. Mayo Shirocco won the four-year-old mares race by four lengths and Etna Bianco won the four-year-old geldings race by one and a half lengths. Benjamin Halsall owns Etna Bianco and Purple Owl who won at Tinahely and Bertie Finn’s double puts him on the 30^th career winner mark.

Donnchadh Doyle had a double at Tinahely and made it a treble for the day at Tattersalls when he saddled Atomic Level for the five-year-old plus maiden and the happy outcome was a five lengths victory under Brian Lawless.