The popularity of the Wexford races is expanding within the industry and for the second meeting in succession the entry has been above average, thus necessitating an eight-race card and that takes place tomorrow (Friday) with the first race off at 3.20pm.
The track is in excellent condition with the going expected to be ‘yielding’ and following 28mm of rain yesterday (Wednesday) there is a mainly dry forecast with passing showers (3mm approx.) which is the latest update tonight thanks to Horse Racing Ireland.
The card consists of four hurdle races and three steeplechases and due to the large entry the visitwexford.ie handicap hurdle will be run in two divisions providing an 8-race card instead of the standard 7-race card.
Top trainers and jockeys will be in action, plenty of local trainers have entries and some local jockeys have good rides, this is the end of summer racing at the track and it would be great if the celebrations concluded with a large attendance to witness top class jump racing.
A section of the large attendance that turned out to cheer on New Ross Olympics star SOPHIE BECKER. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Report from New Ross by Dan Walsh
It was sporting celebration time in New Ross last evening where a large crowd turned out for the official celebration homecoming for ‘Our Olympian’, the new world superstar from New Ross, Sophie Becker who won a silver medal at the 2024 European Athletics Championships with a team that set a new national Irish record and was a member of the team that finished fourth in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris a few weeks ago.
Sophie was given a warm welcome back to New Ross by Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District Council.
AUDIO ADDITION; Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council CLLR BRIDÍN MURPHY speaking at the Sophie Becker welcome in New Ross.
Retired RTÉ newsreader Eileen Dunne was a guest in her role as Chair of the Board of the Kennedy Summer School and interviewed Sophie on stage where she talked about her experiences at the Olympics, explained how she was thrilled to see so many people turn out for her homecoming, and chatted positively about the future of her athletics career.
AUDIO ADDITION; RTÉ newsreader EILEEN DUNNE interviews SOPHIE BECKER on the stage at New Ross.
SOPHIE BECKER addressing the crowds in Pearse Park, New Ross.
The 27 years old from Ballykelly, a few miles outside New Ross who competes in sprint events and mainly specialises in the 400 metres recently represented Ireland at the Olympic Games in Paris and the World Athletics Championships won a silver medal at the 2024 European Athletics Championships with the women’s 4×400 metres relay team which set a new Irish national record.
Speaking at the homecoming Susan Lannigan, Chairperson, St. Joseph’s Athletic Club outlined the athletic achievements by Sophie who played football with Horeswood GAA Club and attended St. Mary’s Secondary School in New Ross.
Sophie was welcomed at Pearse Park by a large attendance and St. Michael’s Pipe Band played a musical escort to the stage where Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager of New Ross Municipal District Council acted as master of ceremonies.
The attendance included Deputies Johnny Mythen and Verona Murphy, Cllrs John Fleming, Michael Sheehan, Pat Barden, John Dwyer and Matty Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, members of the Becker family, friends and well-wishers.
The scroll was signed by Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Trish Kavanagh, on behalf of the fundraisers and Keith Miller on behalf of the crew. Liam Griffin, signed on behalf of the Gaelic Athletic Association. (Pic; RNLI/Larry Dunne).
By Dan Walsh
Rosslare Harbour RNLI is one of the latest lifeboat stations to be part of ‘Connecting our Communities’ for the search and rescue charity’s 200th anniversary, an event where a specially commissioned scroll travelling through RNLI communities, to be signed by representatives at each location.
The scroll was signed by Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Trish Kavanagh, on behalf of the fundraisers and Keith Miller on behalf of the crew. Liam Griffin, signed on behalf of the Gaelic Athletic Association.
The Rosslare Harbour stop was a special one, as the RNLI choose to honour the charity’s life-saving partnership with the GAA, by having the legend, Liam Griffin, former Wexford GAA hurling manager who brought All-Ireland senior championship success to Wexford in 1996, sign the scroll on behalf of the GAA. The two organisations have been working together for several years to bring water safety messages to young people across Ireland and reduce drowning.
Liam Griffin told WexfordLocal.com; “I’m very proud that the GAA and the RNLI have come together to save lives. This is also the place where the GAA was first involved with the lifeboats, as our community received All-Ireland medals for a rescue in 1914 of the ship, Mexico, where 12 lives were saved and sadly 10 lives lost, including nine lifeboat crew from Fethard. The partnership reflects the community. The RNLI is all over Ireland and the GAA is all over Ireland and anything that would save people from drowning is a great initiative.
Mr Griffin continued; “Dickie Walsh, a very famous former Coxswain in Rosslare said to me when I was a young man, “If you don’t respect the sea, you won’t win’ and I never forgot that.”
Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jamie Ryan said; “We are delighted to be part of such a significant event for the RNLI’s 200th year saving lives at sea. This scroll is a snapshot in time where lifeboat crew and fundraisers came together to acknowledge the incredible contribution of all the generations that came before us and hopefully for all that will come after us, in saving lives and serving our community. To honour the work of drowning prevention and saving lives through education, Rosslare native and GAA legend Liam Griffin also added his name to the scroll, to recognise the charity partnership with the GAA.
The scroll carries the RNLI pledge, which reads; Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives. We’re powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us. This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together. Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible. That is what has always driven us to save everyone we can. It’s what makes every one of us a lifesaver.
Over the course of seven months, the five-metre-long scroll will pass through 240 RNLI locations around Ireland and the UK before finishing its journey on the Isle of Man, which was home to the RNLI’s founder, Sir William Hillary.
Revenue officers from Rosslare were granted a three-month cash detention order by a judge following the seizure of €2,000 in cash. It is suspected that the cash is the proceeds of, or intended for use in, criminal activity and is detained by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation.
A quantity of alcohol with a retail value of over €2,300, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €1,300, was seized in another standalone operation.
These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.
A new Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey 21;25hrs rail service (Monday to Friday) starts today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
A new 21;25hrs Wexford to Gorey Iarnród Éireann service commences today (Monday) delivering a later evening connection from O’Hanrahan Station, Wexford to Dublin Connolly.
The service leaves Wexford Station at 21;25hrs, calling at Enniscorthy 21;50hrs and arriving in Gorey at 22;09hrs where the new Monday to Friday service will terminate and passengers can transfer to an existing service to Dublin Connolly.
The new Wexford to Gorey timetable is part of extra services for Galway, Waterford, Wexford, Cobh and Midleton confirmed in the new timetable with extra Belfast services to follow, Iarnród Éireann has announced.
An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson advised customers to check times before their next journeys with the introduction of the new timetable, saying “we are delighted to once again expand our timetable, and to deliver more capacity, with the highest ever number of rail passengers forecast for this year. Whether new services are being introduced on your route or not, we would remind customers on all routes to check times before travel: even small changes may affect your journey, which is particularly important for daily commuters.”
A large attendance at Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat station where the scroll was signed by Coxswain Eugene Kehoe, Shop Manager Johnny Moore, fundraiser Teresa Hinchy and Water Safety Officer Declan Roche. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh)
By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Station today (Sunday) took part in the next stage of the RNLI’s ‘Connecting our Communities’ relay-style event – one of the ways in which the charity is marking its 200th anniversary in 2024.
At Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Station, the scroll was signed by Coxswain Eugene Kehoe, Shop Manager Johnny Moore, fundraiser Teresa Hinchy and Water Safety Officer Declan Roche.
The event sees a scroll, bearing the RNLI pledge, being passed through RNLI communities – lifeboat stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches – around the UK and Ireland and being signed by representatives at each location on its route.
The pledge reads: “Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives. We’re powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us. This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together. Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible. That is what has always driven us to save everyone we can. It’s what makes every one of us a lifesaver.”
While much has changed in 200 years, two things have remained the same – the charity’s dependence on volunteers, who give their time and commitment to save others, and the voluntary contributions from the public which have funded the service for the past two centuries.
Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to remember its important history and celebrate the modern lifesaving service it is today, while hoping to inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters.
At the dedication ceremony for the Mick Quigley Memorial Bench at Fairgreen, Enniscorthy today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
A memorial bench was officially launched at Fairgreen, Enniscorthy, this morning (Saturday) honouring one of boxing’s greatest ambassadors, Michael ‘Mick’ Quigley, from Greenville, who sadly passed away on September 21st, 2021, but always remembered with pride in his native town.
The memorial was the brainchild of the Wexford Ex-Boxers Association who previously honoured Mick in 2018 in the Riverbank Hotel, Wexford, and is located beside another great Enniscorthy ambassador, the late Bernard Dunne.
There were tributes from Jim Sullivan, President of the Ex-Boxers, Paddy Redmond, Treasurer, and Cllr Jackser Owens. Francis Keeling, Secretary of the Ex-Boxers acted as master of ceremonies. The memorial was officially unveiled jointly by Mick’s great friend Paddy Redmond and his great grand-daughter Amelia Grace Doyle.
Speaking on behalf of the Quigley family, Ms. Teresa Quigley said; “It is great to see you all here this morning for this lovely event. Daddy (Mick) would be as proud as punch as would Mammy (Annie) and all of Daddy’s family – Uncle Tommy, Aunt Kitty and Aunt Lizzy and Mary, who is here today. And do you know what else he would say; I deserve it! And so he does!
“He’d also be delighted by the fact that himself and Bernard (Dunne) are side by side again as they were so many times in life.
MICK QUIGLEY in the ring in 1959. (Pic; Images of Ireland – ENNISCORTHY Compiled by Dan Walsh (pub. Gill & Macmillan Ltd. 1998.)
“Looking around there are so many parts of Daddy’s life represented here; you know who you are! And the fantastic civic minded things ye all did together before there were grants or social initiatives or anything like their thoughts of setting up clubs and keeping them going on a shoestring with little or no support and all based on the desire to do something in, for, and with the community.”
Ms. Quigley concluded; “A thanks to the Wexford Ex-Boxers Association because without you, we wouldn’t be here at this great occasion today. I know there has been paperwork and red tape to be overcome but the honour that you are paying to our Daddy, brother, uncle, cousin, grandad and great grandad is so much appreciated. Thank you one and all on behalf of Mick’s family.”
The attendance included the Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllrs Cathal Byrne, Jackser Owens and John O’Rourke, representatives of the Capt. Thomas Wafer Branch of the O.N.E., a large contingent from the Wexford Ex-Boxers Association, family members, neighbours and friends and well-wishers.
The inscription on the memorial bench reads as follows; “Placed here in memory of Michael Quigley, Greenville Lane, dedicated Boxing Referee, Judge, Coach and Local Voluntary Community Worker. By Wexford Ex-Boxers Group 2024.”
MAYGLASS WATER SUPPLY PROJECT (Pic; Uisce Éireann)
By Dan Walsh
Providing a reliable water supply for Co. Wexford continues to be a top priority for Uisce Éireann with the recent completion of the Mayglass Water Supply Project in south Wexford. The water mains works were completed ahead of the busy Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann festival.
Delivered through Uisce Éireann’s national Growth and Development programme, works involved the installation of over 3.5km of water mains which will take raw water from two boreholes; located near St Fintan’s Church and at Mulrankin, to the existing Mayglass Water Treatment Plant for treatment.
LISA COGAN, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann. (Pic; Uisce Éireann)
Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, Lisa Cogan told WexfordLocal.com; “This is a vital piece of infrastructure for the locality, and we are delighted to have completed this project for the people of Wexford. We would like to thank the local community for their support and co-operation as we carried out this essential work. South Wexford can look forward to a more resilient, reliable water supply that will benefit the local community for decades to come.”
Reflecting on the importance of the works, Fionnuala Callery, Acting Senior Engineer Water Services with Wexford County Council, said; “The installation of these new pipes in Wexford will provide a more resilient and reliable water supply for the area, and will have a positive impact and significantly benefit the daily lives of our local community.”
Ms. Callery recognised the “huge effort in getting this project delivered ahead of the Fleadh Cheoil” and added; “This new infrastructure ensures we were able to cope with the extra demands on the network during the festival, which attracted an estimated 650,000 people to Wexford this year, but will also ensure the resilience of the water supply in all seasons for South Wexford into the future.” Coffey Construction Ltd, working on behalf of Uisce Éireann, delivered the works. The completion of this project marks another major milestone in Uisce Éireann’s work to upgrade and improve the water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most and enabling these communities to thrive. To find out more visit www.water.ie.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, this week announced funding of €49,500 for St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, which is part of 53 projects nationwide, funded under the Project Development Measure (PDM) 3 of the Town Centre Suite of Supports 2024.
Minister Humphreys informed WexfordLocal.com that the “Project will develop plans for the replacement of the roof, upgrade of disability toilet facilities and enhancement of the front of historical St. Michaels’s Theatre. It will also include the design and specification of the energy savings measures, taking it through design and tender stage.”
CLLR BRIDÍN MURPHY, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District Council.
Welcoming the announcement, Board Member and Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council, Cllr Bridín Murphy thanked Minister Humphreys “who has invested a huge amount of money into our town.”
Cllr Murphy added; “Having been a board member on the theatre for the past five years I welcome this funding. I have always been committed to driving the Arts in our district and this will protect the priceless asset of our theatre.”
St. Michael’s Theatre on South Street has a long and distinguished history and was originally the Norman Church of St. Michael. The present building was built in 1806, eight years after the Insurrection of 1798, and served as the parish church until 1902 when the new parish church, St. Mary’s & Michael’s, was opened.
Today, St. Michael’s Theatre boasts a 298-seat theatre, a 50-seat studio venue, an art gallery, a cinema, a coffee shop and a bar. Now a fully-fledged arts centre, St. Michael’s has a staff of 12 who bring a year-round arts programme unrivalled in the South East to visitors and locals from New Ross town and district, and even further afield.
Wexford County Council has announced that Castlebridge has been allocated €10,000 towards the establishment of a Town Centre First Team and extends an invitation to residents to join Castlebridge Town Team.
To ensure that as broad a representation as possible sit on the Castlebridge Town Centre First Team, Wexford County Council are hosting a drop-in information session in Castlebridge Community Hall, on Friday, August 30th from 2pm to 6pm, looking for local people to express an interest in serving on the Castlebridge Town Team.
Town Regeneration Officer with Wexford County Council, Mick McCormack will be on hand to host information briefings on the hour and will meet and answer questions from anyone who calls to the event. It is hoped that all the sectors/groups within and around Castlebridge will come and express an interest in sitting on this new Town Centre First Team.
Welcoming the news Chair of the Castlebridge Town Centre First Team, Cllr. Robbie Staples said; “I am looking forward to working closely with the community and the new Town Team in starting a process that will strengthen Castlebridge Town Centre and enhance the lives of the residents of Castlebridge and surrounding areas. This is a great opportunity for Castlebridge and I would encourage as many groups and people as possible to attend this event.”
Town Centre First aims to create towns that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit. It supports towns to function as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community, is Government Policy informed by data and best practice and is delivered by local authorities in partnership with communities.
WexfordLocal.com 