By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
In his first public assignment as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke was guest of honour at Enniscorthy Castle last night (Friday) where he proudly launched a new exhibition entitled Power to the People; How electricity changed the world.
Cllr O’Rourke complimented Manager Mico Hassett and her staff at Enniscorthy Castle for researching and hosting the exhibition and described it as “a great display” and he welcomes “everyone from Co. Wexford to come and see the artefacts that have been brought forward as part and parcel of a bygone era and introduction to a future era.”
“It’s remarkable and a treasure for Enniscorthy,” said Cllr O’Rourke, who added; “Everyone should come here and look at the exhibition and take away some pointers from it that they can bring home and use to be energy efficient in their own homes.”
Ms. Hassett thanked Cllr O’Rourke for opening the exhibition in the presence of his family members and fellow Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cathal Byrne.
The summer exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle explores the history of the electrification of Ireland and the future of sustainable energy. Beginning with a display of pre-electrical home implements, the exhibit extends through the electrification process to the Carnsore protests against nuclear energy in the 1970’s and 80’s.
The Wexford County Council Archives, under Grainne Doran, and local business North Two Madness, have kindly loaned artifacts from the various time periods for display. Images from the ESB (Electricity Supply Board) electrification scheme archives are also included in a visually compelling and informative exhibit.
Sustainable energy is covered in the second room with family-friendly graphics showing how various types of energy, from wind and wave to solar, are generated. It also highlights the renewed interest in nuclear as a ‘clean energy’ source and raises the pros and cons.
Pinergy Solar Electric have kindly donated a solar panel for up close viewing to the exhibition. Kids will also have the chance to pedal a bike to power their mobile phone, sponsored by Wexford People Helping People bike shop!
The staff of Enniscorthy Castle have been hard at work over the past two years’ bringing exhibitions to their second-floor space and creating more reasons to visit throughout the year.
Entry to the exhibit is included in the Enniscorthy Castle general admission tour ticket of €6 per adult (€5 student/seniors) or €15 for up to a family of five. Running through the end of September 2023 and open Mon- Fri 9.30- 5pm (with last admission at 4.30pm) and on weekends Sat/ Sun 12 to 5pm.
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