Enniscorthy Easter 1916 remembered

Laying a wreath at the ’98 Memorial in Enniscorthy today were Martin Whelan, Master of Ceremonies, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal Districty Council, Minister James Browne TD and Cllr Aidan Browne. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The 110th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy took place this morning beginning with Mass celebrated by Fr. James Cullen in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy. Wreath laying ceremonies at Market Square, the Athenaeum and the Seamus Rafter monument were amongst the highlights.

The Colour Party from E.Coy 3rd Batt., Co. Wexford consisting of Capt. Aidan Doyle, Cpl. Gareth Lloyd and Cpl. Francis Harrigan, and St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, with Pipe Major Jim Byrne lead the parade through Main Street, Pig Market Hill, Wafer Street, and into Market Square, where the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr. Barbara Anne Murphy delivered an address and laid a wreath on the 1798 Memorial.

Cllr Murphy reminded us that: “On Thursday of Easter Week, April 27th, 1916 the leaders of the Easter Rising in Enniscorthy, took control of several important buildings in the town namely, the castle, the courthouse, the railway station and the Athenaeum where which they made their headquarters. On that same day, the Irish tricolour was raised by members of Cumann na mBan over the Athenaeum. The three young women were Una Bolger, Gretta Comerford and Marian Stokes.

Una Bolger, an Oylegate native who later married 1916 leader Robert Brennan holds a singular place in our history as one of only two women who was ever granted membership of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

A week later Enniscorthy was the last town to surrender in all of Ireland on Monday, May 1st.”

Judy Heffernan read the 1916 Proclamation, a minutes’ silence was observed, Anthony Nolan played the Last Post and Ballindaggin Pipe Band brought proceedings to a conclusion with Amhrán na bFhiann. The Martina Leacy School of Dancing also made a musical contribution to the occasion.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy laid a wreath at the Seamus Rafter Memorial. Also in the picture are Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cllr Aidan Browne and Martin Whelan. (Pic WexfordLocal.com)

The attendance included Minister James Browne TD, Johnny Mythen TD, Cllrs Aidan Browne, John O’Rourke and Pat Kehoe and former TD John Browne. Apologies from Senator Cathal Byrne and Cllr Trish Byrne. Martin Whelan was master of ceremonies.

Other participants included INVU (Irish United Nations Veterans), O.N.E. (Organisation of National Ex-Service Men and Women). Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society members, students and professors from Georgia Southern University, and Cllr Murphy thanked “my friend Dr. Howard for his dedication to strengthening the Wexford Savannah connection, the Easter Monday Commemoration Committee and the staff of Wexford County Council and “each and every one of you who come to this commemoration every year.”

Cllr Pat Kehoe laid a wreath at the Athenaeum, headquarters of the Irish Volunteers in 1916 marking the 10th anniversary of its renovation, and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy laid a wreath at the Seamus Rafter memorial on Abbey Quay.

Oulart Easter Commemoration

The annual Easter Commemoration at Mise Éire monument in Oulart. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Oulart

The 5th annual Easter Commemoration took place at noon today (Sunday) at the Mise Éire monument in Oulart village honouring and remembering local volunteers from the 1916 Rising.

Guest speaker was James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government who claimed he was honoured to be asked to speak in Oulart on Easter Sunday.

“There is something unique in the 1916 generation. They saw nationalism as a way to bring people together, not to divide! They rejected the idea of nationalism as a way of asserting superiority of just one tradition,” said Minister Browne, who continued; “This way of seeing the nation is something that was missing in Europe at the time, and I believe it is one of the key reasons why ours is the only new State to have emerged after the first World War which survived free and more, who nevertheless worked together to strengthen this Republic.”

“All of this is to reflect that we have to drive on with the ambition of the men and women from Oulart and throughout Ireland in continuing to build an Ireland that serves its people which works towards the home emerging and even old and different divisions,” concluded Minister Browne.

Thirty-five names of the Oulart Company 3rd Battalion North Wexford Brigade were remembered with a roll call presented by Sean Dempsey.

The 1916 Proclamation was read by Peter O’Brien. James Adams sang ‘The Foggy Dew’, Eva Wiltshire played Róisin Dubh and The Boys of Wexford on the uileann pipes. Finishing off with Michael Collins and Amhrán na bhFiann beautifully performed by Cllr Mary Farrell.

Bridget Mythen acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed everybody. The attendance included Cllr Pip Breen, Cllr Mary Farrell, Willie French, Chairman of Wexford Historical Society, Pat Hackett, Membership Secretary Wexford Historical Society and local acclaimed historian and author Brian Ó Cléirigh.

Minister Browne signed the distinguished Book of Oulart, following in the footsteps of journalist Martina Devlin, Dr Ray Bassett, renowned newspaper editor, writer and historian Tim Pat Coogan and last year, Barry Lacey, the Ballycarney-born archaeologist and historian.

Refreshments were served afterwards at the renovated Bygone Days homestead.

The Mise Éire Memorial, designed by Oulart historian Brian Cleary with inscriptions by Paudric Doyle, Bunclody, and stonework by Martin Codd, Rathnure, opened on October 1st, 2017.

Easter double for Mark Scallan

By Dan Walsh

Cleariestown handler Mark Scallan enjoyed a double training success today (Sunday) beginning with Sittin On a Fortune in the colours of the Know When to Foal’em Syndicate who came home one and a half lengths clear of the field in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with Brian Lawless up at Quakerstown, Co. Clare.

BARRY STONE had a winner in Waterford today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Scallan’s second winner came at Curraghmore, Co. Waterford which facilitated four Wexford winners this afternoon. The Ocean Queen owned by William Bates, Kilmore, was an eight lengths winner in the five-year-old mares’ plus maiden race for Scallan. Luke Murphy was the winning rider.

Barry Stone won the maiden race for four-year-old mares on Robert Tector’s Whiskeyontherocks. The verdict was four lengths.

Jonathan Fogarty saddled newcomer Lead Officer (Finian Maguire up) who registered a two lengths success in the maiden race for geldings.

And Vincent Devereux, Tacumshane, saddled Meetmebythelake ridden by Shane O’Rourke who was the three lengths winner of the first division of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

110th Enniscorthy 1916 Rising Commemoration

MARKET SQUARE will remember the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthyn on Easter Monday. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

The 110th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy takes place on Easter Monday with a celebration of Mass at 10am in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy.

The Reserve Defence Forces’ Colour Party and St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, will lead the parade through Main Street, Pig Market Hill, Wafer Street, and into Market Square, where the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr. Barbara Anne Murphy will lay a wreath.

It is understood that the newly formed Slaneyside Players and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society will be wearing period costume for the annual Easter event.

A series of events will follow at the Athenaeum in Castle Street, (headquarters of the Volunteers during Easter Week 1916), which cost £2,207 to build in 1892, including;

Laying of a wreath by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, a brief outline of Easter week by historian Barry Lacey, a poem written by Jer Ennis for the occasion will be read by Graham Cadogan, a guard of honour for Padraig Pearse by Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society members, an extract from a Padraig Pearse speech, a rendition of The Foggy Dew by Niamh Crowhurst and some refreshments to close the proceedings.

‘Points’ wins keep rolling for Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Easter Saturday point-to-point races took place at Loughanmore, Co. Antrim where four of the seven winners had made the long journey from Co. Wexford.

Rob James trained and rode newcomer Glebe House in the Matchmaker Syndicate colours to victory in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Boolavogue rider Matt Gahan scored a fine victory on French Adventure for Caitriona and Michael Goff, Clondaw, Ferns, in the maiden race for five-year-old mares.

Barry Stone, Cleariestown, in the colours of Deborah Halley steered Common Sense to an 18 lengths success for Coolbawn Rathnure, handler Robert Tector, who is enjoying a great season, in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

And champion rider Bary O’Neill teamed up with David Christie to win the Winner of Two race with Fortune Lad who had an incredible 32 lengths advantage at the finish line.

ELLEN DOYLE enjoyed midweek success.

There was a midweek point-to-point at Ballyknock, Co. Cork, on Wednesday where Ellen Doyle and the Baltimore stables Syndicate from Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, were successful with Pointofdifference who won the Winner of One race by six lengths with Brian Dunleavy in the saddle.  

Sign fell down at 1798 Centre

A major portion of the signage at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre has fallen from the roof. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

A large portion of the signage on the roof at the entrance of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy has come crashing to the ground.

The unprecedented incident happened last week ahead of the busy Easter period at the Centre, however, the soothing news is that the Centre continues to welcome visitors and the café is open for business.

The news comes just days before the €287,864 Historic Towns Initiative funding announcement for Enniscorthy, although since the ’98 Centre is less than three decades in existence it is unlikely to qualify under the heritage banner.

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre was built on the site of the CBS Monastery in 1998 to commemorate and mark the bicentenary the 1798 Rebellion.

There was controversy in 2020 when Wexford County Council decided not to proceed with the sale of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy after conceding that it would probably not get the support of councillors.

In an email sent to councillors, the Council said a Section 183 notice, which would allow for the sale to a private company will not now proceed.

The sale of the centre was due to come before councillors at their monthly meeting on Monday.

It was intended to attract more than 100,000 visitors annually. However, at the meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Council official Carolyne Godkin said the number of visitors to the centre “didn’t cover the cost of the electric”.

It was planned for the 1798 exhibits to be rehoused in the castle.

Local Enniscorthy Cllr Cathal Byrne said the original decision to sell the centre “came as a bolt out of the blue” and he welcomed the change of heart.

“The proposal was met with shock by the entire Enniscorthy community. I have been inundated with constituents dismaying their shock at the proposal.

“The sale of the 1798 Rebellion Centre would have represented a hammer blow to the town at the worst possible time,” said Cllr Byrne who is currently a member of Seanad Éireann.

Good Friday news for Enniscorthy heritage

ENNISCORTHY CASTLE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy is to receive €287,864 in funding as part of the Historic Towns Initiative, which is a joint initiative between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council.

The funding will help tackle vacancy, provide jobs through heritage-led regeneration, and will support traditional building skills.

The Enniscorthy funding will enable essential conservation works to Enniscorthy Castle and upgrade works at Enniscorthy’s Atheneum Hall.

James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government told WexfordLocal.com; “This is essential funding for my hometown of Enniscorthy. This is about protecting our town’s built heritage and historical character.

“The funding awarded is important in making sure our town is a growing and accessible place to live and work and will protect our older buildings.

“The Historic Towns Initiative works because it provides practical financial support to keep historic buildings in use, ensuring that they retain their position at the heart of community life.

The Heritage Council previously funded a heritage-led regeneration plan for Enniscorthy in 2023 and funded streetscape works to historic properties on Slaney Street in 2021.

The Historic Towns Initiative, which has been running since 2018, seeks proposals that encourage the specific re-use of historic buildings.

Gorey school awarded LGBTQ+ Quality Mark

Pictured receiving the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark at a ceremony in The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, to create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ young people are staff from Creagh College, Gorey. 

By Dan Walsh

Creagh College, Gorey, has received the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark, recognising its work over an 18-month period to create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ young people, at a ceremony in The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Creagh College was among 39 post‑primary schools and Youthreach centres from across Ireland recognised at the event, in total representing over 2,300 staff and 22,000 students from across the country.  

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is the first national accreditation of its kind, supporting schools and centres in Wexford and across Ireland to embed sustainable, long‑term practices that protect LGBTQ+ students’ wellbeing and foster a culture of belonging.

The event brought together school leaders, teachers, Youthreach staff, students, and representatives from across the education sector to celebrate the impact of the programme and the progress being made nationwide.

Commenting at the event, Amylee O’Brien, Teacher at Creagh College said; “Belong To have provided a huge opportunity to schools to showcase the amazing work students and educators are doing every day. It is fabulous to have the focus on inclusion and diversity showcased and acknowledged. We are so proud of our students in Creagh College for achieving the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark for our school.”

Comóradh na Cásca 1916

Sinn Fein Easter Commemoration took place in New Ross on Easter Thursday.

By Dan Walsh

Despite poor weather conditions on Easter Thursday New Ross Sinn Féin held the first 1916 Easter Commemoration in County Wexford. Remembering Michael O’Hanrahan and all those who fought for Irish Freedom.

Main speaker Kayley Goodison spoke about remembering the past and recognising the continued relevance of the ideals set out in the 1916 Proclamation.

The ceremony featured reading the Proclamation, poems and music supported with the Colour Party.

Attendance included Johnny Mythen TD and Cllr Tom Forde.

“Join us this Easter, as right across County Wexford, we remember the brave rebels of the 1916 Rising and all those who have fought and died for the freedom of Ireland. Wear your Easter Lily with pride,” said Wexford Sinn Fein TD, Johnny Mythen.

John Busher Exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle

Enniscorthy-born artist JOHN BUSHER’s Exhibition Fallow Bridge can be seen at Enniscorthy Castle until April 11th.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

Enniscorthy-born artist John Busher presents Fallow Bridge, a new commission and site-specific installation supported by Wexford County Council (Commemoration Award 2025) in Enniscorthy Castle.

A series of sculptures was created in response to the destruction of infrastructure during the War of Independence and Civil War in a local context, which is explored from sites such as Taylorstown Viaduct, Wellington Bridge Railway Station, and Palace East Railway Station in collaboration with Bannow Historical Society.

Taylorstown Viaduct is a seven-arch viaduct built over a river valley, built between 1904/6 and opened in 1906. It was almost destroyed in 1922 but was reconstructed in 1923 following the Irish Civil War.

This was part of the broader Fishguard and Rosslare Railway (FRR) line. Following the partition of Ireland into a Free State, guerrilla warfare saw roads, bridges and railways come under attack, such as Palace East Railway Station.

Research in collaboration with Bannow Historical Society fed into outcomes in a local context, collecting research orally and from a variety of other sources, such as archival services within the County Library and national archives.

A puffball nestles between 75 fallen stars, each commemorating the civil war dead in Co. Wexford. The coming spring, rooting for their abundant growth and transformation.

John Busher is a native of Enniscorthy who graduated from NCAD with an MA Art in the Contemporary World (2015), a Post Grad (2008), and an Honours Degree (1999). Selected solo shows include When All Else Fails, Rathfarnham Castle (2025), Tidal Ballads Sung Wrong, City Assembly House, Dublin (2022), We Often Forget, The Complex, Dublin (2020), and Jostle, Pallas Projects, Dublin (2017).

Works can be found in the collections of the OPW, Wexford County Council and Department of Education & Science.

The Exhibition ‘Fallow Bridge’ by John Busher runs until Saturday, April 11th at Enniscorthy Castle, Castle Hill, Enniscorthy.