By Dan Walsh on Oulart Hill
Deceased members of Oulart pikemen (and women) from past commemorations in 1948 (150th anniversary) and the bicentenary events in 1998 were remembered with pride for their community devotion in maintaining the history and heritage at the 225th commemoration of the 1798 Rebellion in a dignified ceremony held on Oulart Hill this evening (Saturday).
There was a large gathering at the car park on Oulart Hill, site of the first major battle and victory, where John Dempsey, Chairman of Oulart Hill Development Group, presided over a warm welcome to everybody and acted as master of ceremonies. Local pikeman Declan Roche offered a special welcome to the local pike groups represented which included Oulart/Blackwater, Monageer and Boolavogue.
Peter O’Brien of Monavullen was afforded the privilege of unveiling a new stone-based memorial to the United Irishmen, the excellent work of Gorey sculptor Peter Kavanagh, whose talent was acknowledged by the crowd. Carol Ann Waldron presented a new painting of Tulach a t’Solas.
Leading historian Brian Ó Cléirigh spoke of the significance of the harp as an emblem of the Irish nation and the United Irishmen and he gave a brief, but most interesting outlook on Oulart Hill and its history relating to the events of 1798.
Music was a major part of the occasion. Aileen Kennedy and her talented young harpists gave outstanding renditions; Jimmy Adams sang ‘Four Green Fields’, Paddy White played an Irish selection on the accordion and Mary Farrell sang Boolavogue.
Mary Farrell performed Amhrán na bFiann to bring proceedings to an end in the car park and a Colour Party from the Capt. Wafer branch of O.N.E. lead a march from Hill Lane to Oulart Community Centre. Also represented were IUNVA Post 3 from Gorey and IUNVA Post 31 from Enniscorthy.
Afterwards, there were refreshments for all with camaraderie and chat in Oulart Community Centre, compliments of the Oulart Hill Development Group, organisers of the commemoration.
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