By Dan Walsh
A series of events have taken place in Kilmore Quay to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rising commencing with an impressive oration delivered by Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, who outlined how “the ideals of the United Irishmen of 1798 are so relevant and meaningful to this day.”
The Cathaoirleach also laid a wreath at the memorial stone commemorating the bicentenary of the 1798 rebellion at Kilmore Quay.
The wonderful day began with music by the Danescastle traditional group in the sunshine with the Saltee Islands as the poignant background.
There followed the Last Post and Reveille performed to perfection by trumpet soloist Anthony Nolan, the raising of the United Irish Flag and the playing and singing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
It was next into the Stella Maris Centre for refreshments before settling to listen and take part in what turned out to be a magnificent Summer School based on the theme of Three Landlords, Three Castles, Three Leaders which examined the roles played by Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey, Cornelius Grogan and Dr. John Colclough in the rising of 1798.
Wonderful words were spoken by historians Ray Corish dealing with Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey, Bernard Browne informing the audience of Dr John Colclough and Eamonn Barrett’s thoughtful insight into Cornelius Grogan. These were all landed gentry who gave their lives for their ideals and deserve to be honoured and remembered.
Later the attendees travelled to the cemetery in Mayglass where a wreath was laid at the grave of Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey and a poem was read by the Bard of Mayglass, Fintan Murphy.
The Summer School played to a full audience where the master of ceremonies, Cllr Jim Moore acknowledged the participation of his fellow Cllrs Ger Carthy and Frank Staples, District Manager Nóirín Cummins, Wexford County Council, the musicians and all who helped to make the event so successful, not least the three excellent speakers.
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