Enniscorthy promotes its history and heritage…and there is more to come!

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy.

A camp site featuring the redcoats and the pikemen was the feature at the inaugural Rebellion Day held in the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy today.

Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society were in battle dress for the occasion and there was great curiosity in the weapons of the period on demonstration, particularly from the families and younger generation who showed up in strong numbers.

Renowned blacksmith Finian Liam Christie from Coolgreany had his furnace in full fire and was busy informing visitors about the ancient art of pike-making.

Today’s event, held in pleasant outdoor weather conditions, was the beginning of some history and heritage events happening in Enniscorthy.

Tuesday – the longest day June 21^st – is also the anniversary of the Battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798 and the local re-enactors are welcoming the public to join them on Vinegar Hill at 7pm for a small commemoration ceremony that has been an annual pageant for as long as most people can remember!

On Saturday, July 2^nd, Enniscorthy will host a special commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Enniscorthy, which raged for four days on the streets of the town from July 1^st-4^th, 1922.

The proceedings open at 11am, local historian Barry Lacey will give an outline of the events in 1922 and

A re-enactment of the Battle of Enniscorthy will take place at Enniscorthy Castle featuring re-enactors from Lord Edwards Own and Enniscorthy Historical Re-Enactment Society.

The keynote speakers will be Sean Haughey, grandson of Seán Lemass, who fought at the Battle of Enniscorthy and Carmel Smyth, author of Monteith – The Making of a Rebel.

There will also be a prayer for all who died in Enniscorthy and Wexford in the War of Independence and Civil War.

It promises to be a wonderful commemoration located around Enniscorthy where all the action and activity occurred in 1922. WexfordLocal.com will bring more details as the event gets closer, but this advance publicity is aimed at information for families and friends to decide to attend and make plans. All are welcome. Enniscorthy welcomes everybody!