By Dan Walsh at Riverchapel
Following on from the Easter Rising of 1916 in Co. Wexford, and Enniscorthy in particular, it has been a tradition to remember the occasion publicly and in a dignified manner. Sinn Féin Co. Wexford is remembering Ireland’s Patriot Dead at annual Easter Commemoration wreath laying ceremonies across the county.
Johnny Mythen TD became the first Wexford Sinn Féin member of Dáil Éireann to attend today’s remembrance at the grave of Sean Etchingham, one of the volunteer leaders during the 1916 Easter Rising, who served in Dáil Eireann, 1919-1922, and held the position of Minister for Fisheries, at Ardamine graveyard.
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council gave a brief outline of Etchingham’s life and times and a wreath was placed on his grave while a Colour Party saluted his memory by lowering of the flags.
Born at nearby Ballintray in 1870, Sean R (Redmond) Etchingham was the first Republican Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and Cathaoirleach of Cumann Luthchleas Gael Loch Garman, 1902-1904, 1919-1922.
A journalist with The Gorey Echo, his home at Courtown Harbour was destroyed by the Black and Tans and he passed away at Courtown on April 23rd 1923. Sean Etchingham rests in Ardamine graveyard where a tall Celtic Cross stands, erected to his memory by his friends for his devotion to the cause of Irish Freedom.
Also, today (Saturday) Sinn Féin held a wreath laying ceremony at the grave of Máire Comerford at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, Hollyfort, and later this evening at Ballymore, near Camolin. A wreath was laid at New Ross on Thursday.
Tomorrow (Sunday) ceremonies will be held at Wexford (12pm) and on Easter Monday at Murrintown (12pm) and Enniscorthy (2pm). For further information it is advised to contact the Sinn Féin area representative of cumann for further details.
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