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.
BARRY STONE…winner at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
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.
While it will be the end of next week before the polling day date on Friday, November 29th is officially announced by the government the General Election campaign is ‘unofficially’ in full flight in the two constituencies serving Co. Wexford – Wexford constituency (4 seats) and the new South Wicklow North Wexford constituency (3 seats).
Fianna Fáil has selected former international referee Michelle O’Neill, (46), as their candidate for the Wexford constituency. She will be joined on the party ticket by outgoing TD and Minister of State James Browne.
MICHELLE O’NEILL (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Ms. O’Neill stood for Deputy Verona Murphy’s Independent Alliance in last June’s Local Elections in the Wexford Borough District where she received 368 first preference votes.
Ms. O’Neill said that the party’s investment in female sport was a key aspect in her decision to run. “Fianna Fáil believes in the power of women in sport and that has been shown by the overall percentage of women on boards across the sport sector. I am someone who has broken glass ceilings throughout my career, I pledge to continue to do that,” she said.
Tánaiste Mícheál Martin said that he was “delighted” to welcome Michelle O’Neill as the party’s additional candidate.
Ms. O’Neill, who is originally from Enniscorthy, but grew up in Bree, retired from refereeing last month, and had a long and decorated career. In 2019, she became the Irish person to officiate at a FIFA World Cup Final, overseeing the United States’ 2-0 victory against the Netherlands.
Renowned for generations as ‘Beautiful Blackwater’, the characteristic coastal village has retained its title as Co. Wexford’s tidiest village and were rewarded with the Gold Medal at the Supervalu National Tidy Towns 2024 awards presented in Croke Park, Dublin, this morning.
BEAUTIFUL BLACKWATER (Pic; Courtesy of Blackwater Tidy Towns’ Facebook page)
Wexford town were runners-up with Enniscorthy filling third position, both celebrating as recipients of Gold Medals. Gorey and New Ross were both awarded a Bronze Medal. Ballindaggin secured an Endeavour Award.
The official report said; “Blackwater is a very pretty village, and it was your adjudicator’s delight to acquaint themselves with its charms on their first visit.”
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said; “As in previous years, the standard of competition was exceptional this year in all categories, with 904 entries received overall from the almost 1000 active groups nationwide. I want to pay tribute to all the winners today across all the various categories.
“In particular, I want to recognise the vital role of volunteers across the country who are working so hard all year round to ensure our communities are vibrant, sustainable places to live, work and visit,” said Minister Humphreys.
Minister Humphreys also announced a special allocation of €1.5 million in funding to support the work of Tidy Towns groups in their continued efforts to make their towns and villages better places to live, work and visit. Since 2017, the department has provided almost €11 million in funding to support the activities of these groups.
New car check-in at Rosslare Europort (Pic; Iarnród Éireann)
By Dan Walsh
A state-of-the-art passenger check-in facility has opened at Rosslare Europort, set to revolutionise passenger experience and create a seamless transition from land to sea for port users, signifying the latest milestone achieved for the port in the delivery of its ambitious masterplan.
Part of the largest ever investment in the history of Rosslare Europort, this brand-new passenger vehicle check in facility includes;
over 14,000m2 of new queueing lanes
new passenger rest and recreation facilities
new passenger information systems
a smarter and more efficient check in experience with the new smart port system
a first-class customer experience for port users
The opening of the new passenger vehicle check-in facility comes only a few weeks after the opening of a new Freight Check-in area at Rosslare Europort which has streamlined freight movement around and through the Port, saving time and congestion in and around the Port.
With a quick and seamless port experience now offered for both freight and passenger vehicle port users, Rosslare Europort is well on track to continue its recent expansion and realise the goals outlined in the port Masterplan.
In addition to delivering the streamlined freight and passenger check in facilities at the Port:
Works are continuing at pace on construction of the new Terminal 7 infrastructure, the new permanent border control post being delivered at the port in partnership with the Office of Public Works. These works are set for completion in late 2025.
Project designs are being finalised for Rosslare Europort’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub with a view to planning being lodged with An Bord Pleanála before the end of this year. Subject to planning being granted and funding being allocated, it is expected that construction will commence in late 2025/early 2026.
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 4th.
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.”
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.
STEVEN RING
The discovery was made by gardaí almost two weeks after he was reported missing on October 15th.
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 4th.
Steven Ring was laid to his eternal rest following his funeral Mass in St. David’s Church, Oylegate.
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.
Pictured at the new Heads of Agreement signing ceremony were (Back L to R); Lorcan Kinsella, Wexford Chamber, Breege Cosgrave, Head ofEnterprise 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.”
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.
BRANDON ROCHE
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.
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 2nd. Well worth a visit!
WexfordLocal.com 