Samaritans to support revellers at the Fleadh

Visitors to the Fleadh enjoy the music from the Wexford Credit Union Gig Rig. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Volunteers from Samaritans will support revellers at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town this weekend, offering emotional support to those in need or struggling to cope.  

Thousands of people are expected to join the celebrations over the coming days, but for some the weekend may be challenging.  

Samaritans Festival Branch will be on duty from Friday night to Sunday (9th – 11th), offering support to those who look lost in the crowd. 

Samaritans volunteer and Festival Director, Anne Carlisle, said; “Events like Fleadh are vibrant and designed to be fun and enjoyable occasions for all, including participants and visitors. However, for some people it can be a case of ‘lost in a crowd’, albeit in a festival atmosphere. They may be overwhelmed by feelings of loss and/or despair because of what’s happening in their lives.  

“We know that young men in particular tend to bottle up their emotions, for a variety of reasons. By being present at this event, we want people to know that Samaritans are there to listen, give time and support, in a face-to-face setting, to anyone feeling under pressure, for whatever reason.” 

Anne believes that sometimes it is “just easier to talk and share things with a stranger”.  “As Samaritans, we are trained to listen. We do not and cannot assume to know anyone’s full situation, so we don’t advise. We don’t offer solutions, but we do give people time and space to talk, to express their feelings, and we help them to explore options, in dealing with any issues facing them,” she added.  

Samaritans Festival Branch attend approximately eight festivals each summer, supporting hundreds of people every year.  

Samaritans’ presence at Fleadh will complement freephone helpline and email service. Anyone struggling can call us on our free to call number 116 123- 24 hours a day, seven days a week – or email jo@samaritans.ie  

Gap Arts Festival 2024 opens in Gorey

At the launch of the Gap Arts Festival 2024 in Gorey Civic Offices last month were; (left to right); Cllr Nicky Boland, Garrett Kehoe, Festival Director, a character from the festival and Cllr Joe Sullivan. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

The 14th annual Gap Arts Festival opened in Ballythomas, Gorey, last night (Thursday) and continues over the weekend. It presents a mix of theatre, photography, poetry, dance, drama, painting, puppetry, filmmaking and storytelling workshops. And audiences are welcome.

“Thanks to great audience support this year this theatrical festival will be extended to three nights”, said Garrett Keogh, who added; “This festival has adapted spaces indoors and out, bringing professional performances and art to this community place in the in the hills of north Wexford at Ballythomas.”

A new documentary, ‘Croghan’s Gold’ about the Wicklow Gold Rush of 1795, commissioned by The Gap Arts Festival and financially supported by the Wind Farm Community Fund will be screened each night before the Dublin Theatre Company’s new play ‘Madeira’, featuring Geraldine Plunkett who played Mary Moran in Glenroe, The Clinic, and so much more, features in this year’s play.

The weekend will also feature photographic exhibitions, late night family movie under the stars, local history, talks, music etc. For more information contact http://www.GapArtsFestival.com

Friday Fleadh racing at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Racing returns to Wexford Racecourse tomorrow (Friday) evening as part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann music festival and following on from Wednesday’s successful fixture.

It is a seven-race card – six hurdle races and an INH Mares Flat Race – with the first race off at 4.55pm.

Maximum entries for all races, the track is described as ‘good’ with selective watering in progress and there is a dry forecast.

Top trainers and jockeys will battle for the prizes and hopefully punters will fare well although the bookies deserve a profitable existence too as they are an integral part of the racing scene.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Ursula Sinnott, Managing Director at Wexford Racecourse said; “We would like to welcome you to Wexford Racecourse and especially visitors attending Fleadh Cheoil nah Éireann this week for out two evening race meetings (the first took place on Wednesday and the second on Friday) this week. We hope you have a great racing experience at Wexford Racecourse this evening.

Plenty of parking on the course. However, traffic may be heavy on the roads heading for Wexford, so the message is to undertake the journey a bit earlier than normal. It should be noted that on Wednesday the track attracted enthusiastic racegoers, owners and trainers from as far away as Tyrone, Sligo, Down, Armagh, Fermanagh, Meath, Kildare, Cork, Tipperary and Limerick, and of course, our neighbouring counties of Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wicklow. 

2,516 tin whistles shatter the world record

Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief of Guinness World Records with the new record at the Tin Whistle Guinness World Record at Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. The record attempt is just one of a myriad of diverse activities happening as part of this year’s festival, which is expected to draw over half a million visitors to the Sunny Southeast. A new world record was set with 2,516 tin whistle players. (Pic; Joe Dixon).

By Dan Walsh at Chadwicks Wexford Park

History was made today at Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town as 2,516 musicians shattered the Guinness World Record for the most tin whistles played simultaneously. The successful record-breaking attempt took place at Chadwicks Wexford Park GAA Stadium this afternoon. Tunes played were The Boys of Wexford and The Dawning of the Day.

The event drew participants from across the globe, including the USA, China, and Australia, showcasing the widespread international impact of Irish traditional music. Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records, was flown in to adjudicate the attempt officially. 

The new record of 2,516 musicians playing tin whistles continuously for five minutes established today -August 8th 2024 – surpassed the previous record of 1,015 players rendering ‘The Dawning of the Day’ at an event organised by Scoil Acla (Ireland) in Keel, Achill Island, on July 31st 2010.

Speaking on the achievement, Catherine Roche, lead instructor for the ensemble, said; “We’re thrilled to have broken the previous record – it’s truly a testament to the power of music and community. We’ve spent months teaching people, from kids to people in their eighties, and the journey to today has been nothing short of inspiring. Thanks to everyone who took part!”

Eddie Taaffe, Chairperson of the Wexford Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee, said; “Today’s success is a perfect embodiment of this year’s theme: ‘A Fleadh For All’. We’ve brought people together from all corners of the globe and all walks of life to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and make a mark on history. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

The record attempt is one of the highlights of this year’s festival, which is expected to draw over half a million visitors to the Sunny South-East before its ends on August 11th.

The festival, organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and hosted by the local Fleadh Executive Committee, is kindly supported by Wexford County Council, Fáilte Ireland, and Wexford Credit Union. RTÉ and TG4 will once again act as broadcast and live broadcasting partners, respectively.

For a full rundown of all the exciting events happening this week in Wexford for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, click here.

Lamented death of Fr. Jimmy Moynihan

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Fr. James (Jimmy) Moynihan, a well-loved and highly respected priest of 36 years’ service, who sadly passed away at Enniscorthy Road, Ferns, on Wednesday. He was aged 60 years.

FR. JIMMY MOYNIHAN

Born in 1964, son of well-known musical parents, David and Patty Moynihan (née Redmond) he attended Ferns Boy’s National School, St. Peter’s College, Wexford, and St. Peter’s Seminary where he was ordained on June 5th,1988.

He had short appointments at St. Senan’s Parish, Enniscorthy, Chaplain at Wexford General Hospital, Our Lady’s Island and the Cathedral parish of Enniscorthy when he was appointed curate in Gorey on September 16th 1989.

In a statement on social media, St. Michael’s Parish, Gorey said; “During his time in Gorey, Fr. Moynihan won the admiration and esteem of all who met him, and was an immensely popular priest who is still fondly remembered by the parishioners of Gorey and Tara Hill. A faithful shepherd of the flock, and labourer in the Lord’s vineyard. May he rest in peace.”

Fr. Moynihan remained in Gorey for 12 years and left for Clonard in 2001 where he served as a curate for 9 years. He also ministered in Murrintown and served as parish priest of Raheen and Newbawn, where in September, 2023, he participated in a Farewell Mass in Newbawn Church in appreciation for the friendship and devotion he showed the parishioners. 

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Fr Jimmy Moynihan, Enniscorthy Road, Ferns, Formerly parish priest of Newbawn and Raheen. Loving son of the late David and Patty. Brother of John, Tommy, David and Arthur. Deeply regretted by his loving brothers, aunts Mona and Breda, sisters-in-law Ann, Margaret, Eleanor and Dena, his good friends Fr Jim and May, Bishop Nash and his brother priests of the Diocese of Ferns, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PEACE

Reposing at Kavanagh’s Funeral Home, Castlelands, Ferns today (Thursday) from 5 o’clock until 8 o’clock and Friday from 4 o’clock. Removal at 7 o’clock to St Aidan’s Church, Ferns, for reception prayers. Requiem Mass on Saturday at 11 o’clock with burial afterwards in St Aidan’s Cemetery, Ferns.

Gainford in tune on ‘Jazzy Matty’ at Wexford Fleadh races

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Caim, Enniscorthy jockey Jordan Gainford scored his third winner of the week at his local track in Wexford this evening when partnering Jazzy Matty (14/1) to success in the Traynors of Wexford Beginners Chase and the five-year-old gelding was winning for the first time since taking the Fred Winter Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.

Local jockey JORDAN GAINFORD is interviewed by Racing TV following his success on Jazzy Matty (14/1) in the Traynors of Wexford Beginners Chase at Wexford races this evening.

Jazzy Matty is trained by Cian Collins at Robinstown, Co. Meath, and the Collins/Gainford partnership were also a winning combination with Brandt in a chase at Roscommon on Tuesday. Gainford rode a double at Roscommon aboard Vaureal (25/1) for Kiltealy Stables Colin Bowe in the maiden hurdle.

Also on Tuesday at Roscommon the Willie and Patrick Mullins team took the INH Flat Race with Keep Up (4/1) and the champion team repeated the successful act at Wexford when Korinthia (9/4 fav.) scored by two and three quarters of a length.

Paul Nolan saddled third placed An Peann Dearg ridden by Conor Stone-Walsh in the opportunity handicap chase and Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, finished runner-up with Ricky Langford (Simon Torrens up) behind Jack Holiday (6/1) in the RacingTV.com handicap chase.

It was a good evening’s racing. A good attendance, the track was in top shape and plenty of runners on a value for money eight-race card.

Racing returns to Wexford Racecourse on Friday evening as part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann music festival. It is a seven-race card – six hurdle races and an INH Flat Race – with the first race off at 4.55pm. Plenty of parking on the course.

Kilmuckridge Sunflower in full bloom to raise Funds!

By Dan Walsh

The indifferent summer weather has been delaying nature’s response, but the good days are never far away and the team behind the eagerly anticipated Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field is thrilled to announce its much-anticipated launch event next Friday, August 9th at 7.30pm. 

This is a heartwarming community project aimed at raising funds for the Daffodil Nurses of Ireland through the Irish Cancer Society and other local community groups, As the sunflowers are about to burst open and create the most stunning view, they would like to invite everyone to visit, pick a sunflower, and donate to this worthy cause.

Over the past few months, members of various local community groups have come together to plant and nurture the sunflower crop, transforming a shared vision into a radiant field of hope. The dedication and collective effort of the community have been instrumental in bringing this project to life, demonstrating the village’s solidarity and support for those impacted by cancer. A heartfelt thanks is due to all the volunteers for their tremendous work in making this possible.

CLLR MARY FARRELL, Project Co-Ordinator Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field event. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“Now that the sunflowers are almost in full bloom, the field will open to the public from Friday and we are inviting visitors to pick their own sunflowers. In exchange, visitors are encouraged to donate to support this worthy cause. To facilitate contributions, honesty boxes and donation buckets will be placed throughout the field, and there will also be an online option for those who prefer to donate digitally,” Cllr Mary Farrell told WexfordLocal.com.

“The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field is more than just a beautiful display of nature,” said Cllr Farrell, Project Co-ordinator of the Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field project; “It symbolises the strength and resilience of our community, and it’s a beacon of light and hope for those who have been affected by cancer. We invite everyone to visit, enjoy the beauty of the sunflowers, and support the vital work of the Daffodil Nurses and the Irish Cancer Society.”

The community-driven project is expected to attract numerous visitors, each contributing to the cause and helping to make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer. The official launch is set for Friday, August 9th at 7.30pm, and everyone is encouraged to join in for this special event.

The field is located at the back of The Crosses Pub in the village of Kilmuckridge, or use Eircode Y25 V0Y1.

For more information about the Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field and to stay updated on the launch, please follow this Facebook page: Facebook.com/Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall or donate online: Please Support Kilmuckridge Sunflowers Fundraising Page.

8 races for Wednesday Wexford card

JJ Slevin from Caim, Enniscorthy, is one of the jockeys in action at Wexford Races. Seen here being led into the winner’s enclosure following his success on Nurburging in last weeks’ Guinness Galway Hurdle at the famous Galway Races. (Pic; Horse Racing Ireland).

By Dan Walsh

The thrills and spills of jump racing and the rhythm of thundering hooves in a highly competitive environment will echo from Wexford Racecourse on Wednesday evening with the first of an eight-race card off at 4.45pm.

It is the first of two days racing at Wexford in conjunction with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (there is another evening fixture on Friday) where the world’s greatest music festival is in full flow, and such is the social attraction that music and sport complement each together in a special way.

Up-to-date information from Horse Racing Ireland tonight informs us that selective watering commenced today (Tuesday), describe the GOING as ‘good’ and the forecast is for “a mainly dry day with some passing showers (2mm approx.).”

There was a huge entry, hence an eight-race programme consisting of four steeplechases, three hurdle races and an INH Flat race that features an entry from the UK and Ireland champion stables of Willie Mullins, just up the road in Coolcullen, Co. Carlow.

The top jockeys will be in action and there will be a special attraction in the presence of Wexford jockey, JJ Slevin from Caim, Enniscorthy, who last Thursday won the featured Guinness Galway Hurdle on Nurburging for his cousin Joseph O’Brien from Carrick-on-Suir. Other jockeys in action include the reigning champion Jack Kennedy and the ever-popular Rachael Blackmore.

All the top trainers have runners including Gordon Elliott, Edward O’Grady, Wilie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead and several local trainers including Paul Nolan, Liz Doyle, Moses McCabe, Philip Rothwell and Sean Doyle.

It is going to be a great evening at Wexford races, a family atmosphere is anticipated and great atmosphere of sport, so if you can, come to Bettyville Park where racecourse parking is freely available.

Day Three at the Fleadh and what’s to come!

Mayor of Wexford Cllr George Lawlor is pictured at the official opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Main Street, Wexford Town, with musicians from local Comhaltas groups, Ciara Banville, Eve Maloney, Lille Power, Catherine Roache, Shelly O’Grady, and Aoife Banville. (Pic; Andres Paveda).

By Dan Walsh at the Fleadh in Wexford


Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is in full swing on Day 3 (Tuesday) with a vibrant array of music, lectures, exhibitions, walking tours, award ceremonies, youth sessions, and more! Among a schedule jam-packed with diverse events and experiences, here are two highlights to look forward to this week:

Bardic Awards, Tuesday, 6th August – 7pm. This annual ceremony honours exceptional musicians and singers who have made unique contributions to Irish Traditional Music through their playing, singing, and dancing. This gala dinner with presentations includes performances by each of the recipients, all of whom are nationally and internationally renowned for their talent and commitment to traditional Irish culture. Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media is scheduled to speak at the awards.

The Comhaltas International Showcase Concert Thursday, 8th August at 7pm. The Comhaltas International Showcase Concert will once again take centre stage at the Fleadh on Thursday. Following an electrifying concert last year in Mullingar, this year’s performance will take place at the National Opera House. The concert will feature guests from Australia, Britain, North America, Singapore, Dubai, and more, showcasing the best of Irish traditional music from Comhaltas branches across the globe. Not only will the audience enjoy great music, but Irish dancing superstar Michael Flatley is also set to attend and speak at the event.

The festival’s massive outdoor stage, the Wexford Credit Union Gig Rig, will also feature many of Ireland’s best trad musicians playing to huge crowds of music fans throughout the week, with notable performances by Music Generation, Tradify, and the Crannhill Céilí Band.

AUDIO ADDITION; At the Fleadh it’s all about the music!

Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and is hosted by the local Wexford Town Fleadh Executive Committee in association with Wexford County Council. The event is kindly supported by Wexford County Council, Wexford Credit Union and Fáilte Ireland. RTÉ and TG4 will once again act as broadcast and live broadcasting partners, respectively.

For a full rundown of all the exciting events happening this week in Wexford for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, click here.

Three injured in New Ross house fire

By Dan Walsh

Three occupants of a house in the Michael Street area of New Ross, two males (20’s) and a woman (40’s) were taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment following a house fire. Their conditions are described as “serious but stable.”

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene in New Ross, during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gardaí arrived at the scene at approximately 12.50am. The blaze was later brought under control by local fire services.

The scene was preserved since early this morning, and an examination took place.

Gardaí are currently appealing for witnesses, anyone with video footage, or anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the investigation team.