By Dan Walsh at Ballygullen
It must have been a terrifying and bloody laneway between Holyfort and Craanford two and a quarter centuries ago – to the very day – but the 1798 battle site at Ballygullen was resurrected in commemoration and remembrance with a pike march, wreaths laid, and prayers recited, this evening (Tuesday).
Thundery showers made for unpleasant weather conditions across North Wexford, but there was an eerie reverence at Ballygullen as the heavy clouds separated to allow a proud community honour those who fought for freedom in 1798 with dignity and pride.
The march to Ballygullen was led by David Hughes dressed in the priestly attire of Fr. John Murphy aboard a beautiful white horse. Renowned Gorey piper John Cullen followed ahead of pike groups from Boolavogue, Monageer, the host group Craanford-Monaseed, and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society.
At the memorial erected in 1940, Rev. Brian Whelan from Craanford read the prayers and Very Rev. Felix Canon Byrne from Monaseed laid a wreath. Wreaths were also laid by two young people, Richie and Paudie Doyle.
Historian Barry Lacey recalled some of the history, Padraig Kenny sang Boolavogue and John Cullen played Amhrán na bFiann on the pipes and another chapter in the history of Ballygullen and the 1798 Rebellion dissolved quietly to a close.
The master of ceremonies was Cllr Donal Kenny who offered a warm welcome to everyone, thanked the participants and the organisers, he made special mention of Richard ‘Dick’ O’Sullivan who put endless energy in arranging the commemoration and the sun set with refreshments for everyone in Craanford Community Centre afterwards.
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