Shooting arrows in the rain at Hook Head

By Dan Walsh at Hook Lighthouse

“It was nice to get the honour. It was a fantastic experience and will go down in the history books,” Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council, told WexfordLocal.com today having led the way at the annual New Year’s Day ‘shooting the arrows’ celebration held at Hook Head.

Cllr Connick, armed with bow and arrow and carefully supervised by the Dunbrody Archers, was one of over 20 archers who sent arrows into the air in the presence of a large crowd who braved heavy rain and atrocious weather conditions.

Cllr Connick said the ceremony is symbolic of “taking ownership of the estuary”. He added; “It is a unique ceremony, and it was organised so well today, and we managed to weather the storm!

The age-old tradition dates to 1687 when the mayor and the corporation of New Ross Town Council claimed their authority over the Tower and waters by travelling to the point of the Hook and shooting an arrow into the sea from Hook Head Lighthouse.

The tradition was revived about 20 years ago and has become a popular New Year’s Day activity. “It is a very important occasion, attracts a great deal of public attention and is great for Hook Lighthouse tourism,” said Lorraine Waters, Manager, Hook Heritage, who was the chief organiser. She thanked New Ross Municipal District Council, the Coast Guard, An Garda Siochána, the Dunbrody Archers, New Ross District Pipe Band led by Brian MacMahon and the large crowd who turned up in the worst possible weather conditions for supporting the event

The attendance included Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council and Cllr Michael Whelan, Chairman and Wexford County Council’s representative on the board of Hook Lighthouse and Heritage Centre.

The Visitor centre which is open year-round at Hook Lighthouse and offers guided tours of the Medieval lighthouse tower, built by William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke and the most famous Knight of his time, as part of the development of his Lordship of Leinster. Purpose built as a lighthouse 800 years ago, and still fully operational today.

Guided tours take you through the lighthouse with fascinating insights, stories and facts of this unique building. Enjoy the spectacular view from the balcony. Our Visitor Centre located in the former keepers houses where there is a first-class gift shop, café and bakery.