War plaque ‘disappears’ at Peace Park?

By Dan Walsh

A commemorative plaque erected in memory of all those from Enniscorthy and district who fought and died during the Great War, 1914-1918, has ‘disappeared’ from the wall where it was fixed at the Orchard Peace Park in Enniscorthy.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council Cllr Jackser Owens said only the screws fixing the plaque to the wall remained when members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society arrived at the location to lay a wreath to mark Remembrance Day.

Cllr Owens is appealing for the plaque to be returned. “The Council don’t know anything about the plaque going missing, so I am asking whoever has taken it to please return it,” he added.

Ray Murphy from Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society said that when the group approached the location, they first noticed that the plaque was missing. “We don’t know how long it has been missing,” stated Mr. Murphy, who added; “I hope that it will be returned as it is of no use to anyone.”

The plaque was erected by Enniscorthy Municipal District Council in 2018 to mark the centenary of the end of the Great War and remember those from the town and district who fought and died during the period, 1914-1918.

The Orchard Peace Park has been targeted in acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour since it opened to the public and Gardaí have been keeping a close eye on developments while Enniscorthy Municipal District Council has condemned those who abuse the facilities and are investing in more CCTV coverage.