By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre
The Wexford Normandy Cultural Association held a special event in Wexford Arts Centre this evening with the dual purpose of welcoming the new Honorary Consul for Wexford and saying farewell to His Excellency, Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland who will be leaving at the end of his posting.
Monsieur Guérend spoke fondly of his visits to Wexford (“this must be 10 or 12 visits now”, he said) and embraced the close association and friendship between Wexford and France and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome always accorded to him and the staff at the French Embassy.
Monsieur Guerend congratulated the Secretary of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association, Melanie O’Reilly, on her appointment as Honorary Consul of France in South East Ireland and based in Wexford.
The announcement was made by the Ambassador at Bastille Day celebrations at the Ambassador’s residence in Dublin, but today’s event was the inauguration of Ms. O’Reilly in her new representative role, and she was made a presentation in her adopted Wexford.
Ms. O’Reilly is the fourth Honorary Consul in Ireland and it is a fitting tribute to Melanie and to the importance of the links between France and the South East of Ireland. Toutes nos félicitations Melanie!
A fluent French speaker, Ms. O’Reilly was thrilled to receive the accolade of Honorary Consul, she thanked the Ambassador and the French Embassy and said she looked forward to carrying out her duties and consolidating the friendship between France and Ireland.
Leo Coy, Chair of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association paid tribute to the Ambassador whom, he said; “Really liked Wexford and its Norman connections and visited us many times, during his time in Ireland.”
Ms. Maura Bell acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed the Ambassador and his staff and invited guests and detailed the background to the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association. Cllr Jim Codd made a special presentation to Monsieur Guérend- a large bowl of delicious Wexford strawberries!
The attendance included Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Jim Codd, Deputies Brendan Howlin, Verona Murphy and Johnny Mythen, Senator Malcolm Byrne, Lorcan Kinsella, President Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Maree Lyng, Chair of Wexford Rotary Club, Eamonn Murphy, Director Wexford Enterprise Association/Tradebridge and officials of the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association.
Refreshments were provided and Wexford Arts Centre was the perfect venue for the pleasant ceremony.
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