Wexford welcomes French ambassador

Posted byDan WalshPosted inBREAKING NEWS, NEWSTags:
Pictured at the press reception at Enniscorthy Castle this evening were (left to right); Leo McCoy, Chairman of Wexford Normandy Cultural Association (WNCA), Brendan Crowley, President of Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell in her role as Hon. President of WNCA), Cllr Cathal Byrne, His Excellency Vincent Guerénd, Ambassade De France En Irelande, Melanie O’Reilly, secretary WNCA and master of ceremonies, Catherine McPartlin, treasurer WNCA, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The French Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Vincent Guérend visited Enniscorthy this evening where he advocated to “the strengthen the relationship between Ireland and France” and was delighted to participate in the 225th commemorations of the Rebellion of 1798.

Monsieur Guérend spoke at a press reception in Enniscorthy Castle, after he was given a tour of the castle by Eve Furlong, Deputy Manager, and the castle staff.

The ambassador returned thanks for the invite and described Ireland as “the EU’s closest country” post Brexit and alluded to the Year of the French, 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the EU, and referred to “the next chapter post Brexit.” He concluded by expressing his delight “to see so many friends of France.”

Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council welcomed Monsieur Guerend and spoke of the links between France and Ireland, and in particular, the Rebellion of 1798.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chair of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre Committee, gave a brief history of Enniscorthy castle and the events of 1798.

Melanie O’Reilly from Wexford Normandy Cultural Association acted as master of ceremonies, welcomed all to the reception and a pleasant occasion was shared by all in attendance.

The ambassador was later guest of honour at the Lecture Programme held in the Presentation Arts Centre where the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in conjunction with the Wexford Normandy Culture Association presented a public conversation entitled The ideals of Revolution; Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité

It featured historians, Dr. Liam Chambers of the University of Limerick and Dr. Elaine Callinan from Carlow College. The moderator was Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy from Wexford County Council.

Music was provided before the conversation by the Irish and French musicians of The Allabair Trio, Melanie O’Reilly (vocals), David Creevy (guitar) and Brewen Favrau (uileann pipes and Irish whistle).   

This event was kindly hosted in conjunction with Wexford County Council, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, The Wexford Normandy Cultural Association and Melanie O’Reilly, who is a fluent French speaker.

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