Gorey to keep its past in town!

By Dan Walsh at Wells House and Gardens

A proposal to transform the old chamber room in the Market House into a Gorey historical feature and retain historical books and documents in Gorey for the people of Gorey and district was supported unanimously at today’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in Wells House and Gardens at Ballyedmond.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux confirmed that he had spoken to the CEO of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, and asked that the suggestion be expediated. “There are plenty of willing volunteers to run the place and convert the Market House into a tourist attraction,” he said.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhán reminded the members that the matter was raised at Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council and he supported the proposal. “It is very positive,” he said, and added the two centenary events at Castletown soon and claimed there are some amazing collections that could be placed on display. “Perhaps, we could be ready for next Easter – the centenary of Sean Etchingham – and the start of the tourist season.”

District Manager Philip Knight had concerns about artefacts deteriorating and felt they would be better in the County Archive conservation space!

Cllr Devereux objected to any suggestion that the historical material go to Wexford, but to keep them in Gorey where people can have access.

Cllr Joe Sullivan agreed with his fellow members and spoke of the rich trove from North Wexford covering the 1916-1922 period and said people would be reluctant to let it off to Wexford! He suggested the restoration of the Market House to its former glory, put the artefacts on display, and he hoped the management of the County Council would be supportive.

Cllr Pip Breen said the artefacts not only cover the 1916-1922 period, but the Civil War and the events of 1798 too! He recalled people generously submitting historical items to the Castle Museum at Enniscorthy and they were taken to the Wexford archive. They are not documented and didn’t come back! “Market House is the ideal place for a display of the history of Gorey.”

Cllr Breen said preservation of the history is necessary, called for plans to work on the roof. “It (the Market House) has to be restored to what it was and protected for the future,”

Cllr Andrew Bolger said he agreed with the historical aspect for the people of Gorey to understand the history of Gorey.