By Dan Walsh at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy
A new portrait of John Kelly The Boy From Killanne by world renowned artist Jim Fitzgerald has gone on public display at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy.
The work was presented by Deputy Johnny Mythen TD at a function earlier this evening to mark the official opening of the 1798 Remembrance weekend of events which taking place in the town tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.
Artist Jim Fitzgerald was unable to attend the function in person, but he did appear via video link and explained many aspects behind the work and promised to visit the 1798 Centre very soon.
Manager Mico Hassett welcomed the invited attendance which included Deputy Mythen, Cllrs Pat Kehoe and Trish Byrne, and District Manager Claire Lawless. Niall Wall gave a vocal presentation with his wonderful version of the famous Wexford ballad – Kelly The Boy From Killanne.
Ms. Hassett outlined events at the 4th annual Summer School taking place tomorrow (Saturday) which begins at 10am with a walking tour with Barry Lacey and historic talks from Dr. Elaine Callinan, Myles Courtney and Dr Ida Milne.
There are two free events tomorrow evening; at 4.30pm Jacqui Hynes talks on ‘Vinegar Hill-survey of a battlefield. This is followed by the Longest Day Commemoration on Vinegar Hill from 6pm.
Rebellion Day takes place at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, from 12 noon until 5pm on Sunday.
Manager Mico Hassett says this community-focused day brings history to life; “A family day with live music re-enactors, blacksmith and crafts. It is a fun and educational day that encourages participation.”
Local Re-enactment organiser, Ray Murphy, said “Re-enactors can pay homage to our past heroes and participate in commemorations and re-enactments throughout the year.”
The Enniscorthy Re-enactors Society will set up camp in the gardens of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. Watch out – there may even be a few shots fired!’
The Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann brings the Fringe Fleadh to Enniscorthy, providing live trad sessions and Irish Dancing throughout the afternoon.
Bring the whole family and make a day of exploring the food and craft stalls. Café 98 will be open with a special festival menu or bring a picnic and enjoy the 1798 Centre grounds.
The Centre will be open for tours from 12noon-4.15pm, so if you haven’t been in to see the exhibition or it has been a while, come inside and take in a bit of interactive history.
Deputy Manager Eve Furlong commented; “The Rebellion Day event is a free, family day out and for those wanting to see the 1798 exhibition, a general admission tour ticket will be reduced to €5 per person or only €10 for up to a family of five, a super value, for the whole weekend.”
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