By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
The strong smell of gunpowder, the crackle of gunfire and the boom of the cannon rang out over Enniscorthy this afternoon for the annual Rebellion Day commemorations.
Events began at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre for Camp Day with stalls, food, a display of weapons and information about them from the ’98 era and music in pleasant summer conditions.
There was a march of pikemen and red coats along John Street to Market Square where a large crowd gathered to watch re-enactors exchange gunfire in a spirit of commemoration exhibiting living history.
The inter-action continued at the bottom of Slaney Street and along the Capt. William Barker bridge onto the Vinegar Hill side of the town before dispersing at Abbey Square.
Participants included Lord Edward’s Own group, the Battle of Ashbourne Historical Re-enactment Group, In Humbert’s Footsteps from Mayo and the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.
It was a well organised event with everything going according to plan and a large crowd turned out in the streets to appreciate the display of history and heritage.
1798 events continue on Wednesday evening with The Longest Day commemoration on Vinegar Hill while next Sunday there are commemorations at Killanne, starting at 1pm and Ballymurn beginning at 3.30pm and the public is welcome to attend.
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