By Dan Walsh
Some extraordinary links between France and Ireland emerged as Melanie O’Reilly, Secretary of Wexford Normandy Cultural Association was special guest at the 80th anniversary of the D Day Landings ceremonies in Saint Lo recently.
Ms. O’Reilly who relates the atmosphere of the historic occasion exclusively in an audio presentation on WexfordLocal.com (see Audio Addition on this page) had a brief meeting and handshake with President Emannuel Macron of France, who said; “We are friends with Ireland.”
But there are other connections too. The Red Cross and a nurse from Wexford, the role played by Rickard Donovan of Ballymore, Camolin, and, of course, the beach at Ballineskar used to recreate the scenes of Omaha beach in the Steven Spielberg movie Saving Private Ryan.
A poignant ceremony marking the 80th anniversary Commemoration of the D-Day landings took place at Ballineskar Beach, hosted by the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association where wreaths were laid, including one by Ambassade De France En Irelande Vincent Guérend.
Ballineskar Beach was the location for the filming of scenes for the film Saving Private Ryan and the wreaths were in honour of all those who lost their lives on June 6th, 1944.
That was the day that the Allied Forces stormed the beaches in Normandy, France, a day which was recreated to spine chilling effect in Steven Spielberg’s 1998 war epic.
Some upcoming events related to the D-Day include Saturday, June 15th; Melanie & guests: Rosslare Harbour Festival. Railway Club at 8.30pm.
Wednesday, June 19th; La Fête de la Musique at 2pm; Melanie O’Reilly Jazz Trio with special guest Brewen Favreau at Wexford Arts Centre,Presented in association with l’Ambassade de France en Irlande, and Wexford Normandy Cultural Association.
Friday, June 21st, at Sigginstown Castle, 8pm; The Allabair Trio: The Last of the Irish Bards. Saturday, June 29th at Jazz at Johnstown Festival, Johnstown Castle : Summer Song Trio at 4.15pm
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