By Dan Walsh at Vinegar Hill
The Tricolour was ceremoniously unfurled and raised on Vinegar Hill today marking the 175th anniversary of the historic occasion when the Tricolour was first flown publicly on March 7th, 1848.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Aidan Browne said he was delighted that Wexford County Council was marking this important occasion. “This is a significant event worthy of us coming together to remember the meaning of the Tricolour and its relevance to our own lives in 2023,” he stated.
Brian Ó Cléirigh, in his role of Chairman of the Robert Emmet Association, outlined a brief history of the Tricolour and how the colours originated in the Netherlands and France and came to Ireland and Enniscorthy.
An t-Úas Ó Cléirigh presented copies of Emmet’s Proclamation of 1803 to An Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne, the leader of the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, Ray Murphy, and Sean Óg O’Dubhghaill, who he described affectionately as “an old personal friend.”
District Manager Claire Lawless welcomed everybody to the ceremony and acted as master of ceremonies.
Cllrs Jackser Owens, Barbara-Anne Murphy and Kathleen Codd-Nolan were amongst the attendance, Supt. Denis Whelan represented An Garda Siochána, Mico Hassett and Keith Doyle and staff of Enniscorthy Castle and members of the Board of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre.
The Tricolour was raised by Sergeant Tommy Comerford and Lieutenant Billy Molloy from the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny.
Trumpeter Anthony Nolan played the Reveille and Amhrán na bhFiann to conclude the pleasant and reverent ceremony on Vinegar Hill.
A reception was held afterwards in Enniscorthy Castle.
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