By Dan Walsh
Details of events associated with the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion have been announced with the highlight expected to be the National 1798 Summer School at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy taking place May 26th-28th.
With a range of historic talks, guided walks and tours and cultural events on the schedule, the Summer School offers engaging events for the local community and visitors to Enniscorthy alike.
The opening night will take place in the Presentation Arts Centre with keynote speaker, Dr. Kevin Whelan, on the topic ‘The 1798 rebellion in Wexford: what should we think about it now?’. Following the lecture, the Fr. Murphy Centre at Boolavogue is hosting an evening of song at The Harrow and all are encouraged to attend.
Saturday will see a series of guided walks and tours around Enniscorthy town, Enniscorthy Castle, The National 1798 Rebellion Centre and Vinegar Hill. Saturday evening will see the Bygone Days Story House commemorate the Battle of Oulart Hill with stories and songs in this picturesque and poignant location.
Three talks will be held at the Presentation Arts Centre on Sunday, beginning with the Battle of Arklow by Christopher Power, who will have copies of his book available on the day. Local archaeologist and historian, Barry Lacey, will provide a rural view of the Rebellion with ‘Who fears to speak of 98′ exploring the legacy of the 1798 rebellion using the Ballycarney area as a case study. Dr. Margaret Ward of Queens University, Belfast, will finish the afternoon with ‘Through women’s eyes: two centuries of rebellion in Ireland’ and an in-depth look at the role of women during the fight for Irish independence.
Sunday evening will welcome Paddy Cullivan to the Presentation Centre stage for ‘The Murder of Wolfe Tone’, a compelling one-man show, sure to educate and entertain.
Additionally, on June 9th, Enniscorthy will be pleased to host a visit from the French Ambassador to Ireland, Vincent Guérend, in conversation with historians Liam Chambers of University of Limerick and Brian O’Cléirigh of Oulart on ‘The Ideals of Revolution: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité – how the French Revolution impacted Irish Rebellion’ at the Presentation Arts Centre. Music will be provided before the conversation by the Irish and French musicians of The Allabar Trio. This event is kindly hosted in conjunction with the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association and Melanie O’Reilly.
All events are free to the public, thanks to funding provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, but most events must be booked in advance at www.presentationcentre.ie
Complete schedule and programme information can be found at www.1798centre.ie
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