Wexford village marks anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising
Proceedings on the day were opened by Oulart Hill Chairman Chris Furlong who introduced James Adams who sang a beautiful rendition of the song 'Grace.' This song was named after one of the Gifford sisters who married Joseph Plunkett just a few hours before his death and never married afterwards.
Sean Dempsey then took up centre stage and read out the names of the 35 Oulart volunteers. This was then followed by a powerful reading of the 1916 Proclamation.
Barry Leacy, a Ballycarney historian and archaeologist, read his own encouraging address called 'The importance of the Past in the Present.'
Councillor Mary Farrell, whose grandfathers were in Enniscorthy with the Oulart company, stepped up to the microphone to deliver a haunting rendition of 'Meet me at the Pillar' before rounding it out with the national anthem.
"This is always a proud day for my family as both grandfathers John Hayden and James Dempsey are listed on the monument and remembered with the other men named for their bravery at that crucial time of Irish history. It was once again a privilege to be asked to sing at the event,' she said.
In attendance was also Minister James Browne, Cllr Pip Breen, Rev James Hammel of the Uacthtarán Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society, and Willie French of the Wexford Historical Society.
Refreshments and tarts were then provided to the crowd in the Storytelling House by Eileen Dempsey, where visitors were also treated to a showing of a new video centred on the 1798 rising.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Agriland
33 minutes ago
- Agriland
OPW launches heritage research journal
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has launched a new Irish heritage studies journal showcasing original critical research rooted in the office's role in managing Ireland's state property portfolio, including 780 heritage sites and associated collections. In partnership with Gandon Editions, Irish Heritage Studies highlights original critical research focused on the extensive martial culture, built heritage, artistic collections, and national and international histories linked to Ireland's heritage sites and objects. The remit of the journal extends to the broader role of the OPW in Irish life over the past two centuries. The journal articles aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the remarkable collection of national heritage in OPW's care, and investigate new perspectives on aspects of its history. Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said that as custodians of so much of Ireland's rich heritage, they are excited to launch Irish Heritage Studies. Minister Moran said: 'It will help to foster a deeper understanding of Ireland's cultural legacy and OPW's role in protecting and conserving that legacy. 'The journal will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, inspiring preservation of our heritage and celebrating our nation's history. 'It also represents the first phase of OPW's plans to mark OPW200, the celebration of 200 years of OPW in Irish life.' Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran. Source: Sasko Lazarov (Photocall Ireland) Irish Heritage Studies also explores OPW's rich history, which ranges from civil engineering, famine relief, and loan administration to major building projects, and architectural and archaeological conservation and presentation. It aims to be a vital resource for schools and colleges, heritage professionals,and all those passionate about Ireland's history and its social and physical fabric. Every volume will feature new research findings focussing on aspects of Ireland's most iconic heritage sites. The first volume is available from OPW heritage sites. Copies are also available to order from the Gandon Editions website.
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
New Wexford housing development to be named in honour of the Knights of Saint John
A new housing development in Wexford town is to be named in honour of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem who settled in the area in the 12th century. Revealing details of the eight-unit development on Belvedere Road in Wexford town, county architect Shay Howell said it would consist of a duplex, three two-bed units, and four one-bed units. Mr Howell brought this information to the May meeting of the Wexford Borough District where he provided two suggestions for the naming of the new development. 'There was a bit of research done on this and two things came out of it,' he said. 'It's in St. John's Parish, which used to be known as the St. John's Knights in the twelfth century. Also the area is historically linked to the St. Iberius Ward. We looked at some Irish names for this and came up with Cluain Ridire, which means Knight's Meadow. The alternative is Bealach Iberius which means Iberius Way.'
Irish Examiner
7 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Imasha Costa: As a migrant, learning Irish is my favourite way to integrate
One of the first things they teach you in Irish class is 'How are you?' and 'Where do you come from?'; sentences which help you illustrate your identity as you communicate in a new language. Last autumn, after celebrating five years of leaving everything behind and moving to Ireland, I decided it was time that I would learn Irish. This would have been my fifth language, and I knew it would help me integrate into Irish society further. If having a thick Cork accent was not enough, I now wanted to learn Irish, be able to order a pint of Guinness or Beamish at the bar as gaeilge, and finally try to understand a conversation that is being shared in Irish. My alma mater was offering Irish classes for adults at different levels, from beginners to intermediate, and I felt this was the perfect place to dip my toes in and learn. Learning a new language can be daunting at times; there are moments when you may feel lost and confused, but I knew I was enjoying every second of my two-hour-long evening classes, including the scheduled tea break. But I did not expect that these classes would end up with a trip to a Gaeltacht in West Kerry. It was there that I fell deeply in love with the Irish language, and the culture. It was a bleak May weekend, the rolling hills of the Kingdom covered with thick fog as we made our way West, entering the Gaeltacht. Dingle Bay was hidden away under the dense cloud as we drove along winding roads, salty air kissing our cheeks as we drove with the car windows down. We were 13 people from the adult course, staying in the village of Ballyferriter, a single street of four pubs, no shop and battering winds that push you back as you walk against them. During the weekend, a seanchaí told his family story. He told us about the history of West Kerry, how he only knew how to make the sign of the cross in Irish, and called the former minister of education Donogh O'Malley, who made secondary education free, his hero. At the pubs in the village, I ordered rounds of pints, asked how much a Guinness cost (€5.50), in Irish. I also met some of the Irish Rugby sevens team who were travelling around West Kerry. I love Ireland with my whole heart. But, Ballyferriter made me fall deeply in love with the Irish language and the people. File picture: Don MacMonagle I met a man from Cork City who now lives in Ballyferriter, locals who said I had the blas in English and in my beginner's level Irish. I sang Siúil a Rúin to a crowd in pub number two before being asked to give another tune. We sat drinking pints, chatting away and listening to stories before we were told to leave the pub well after closing time. We sheltered under the rain in Tigh Áine, near Dun Chaoin, eating our lunch as we stared out at the Atlantic Ocean. We spent time in the Blasket Island centre – reading and listening in Irish. The words of Muiris Ó Súilleabháin were etched into the wall at the centre. They will forever sit with me: '… 'But if you are not an Irishman', said he again, 'what are you?' 'A Blasket man, my boy, ' says I.' My heart was full of grá as I left West Kerry, knowing fully well that I would come back to see warm hearts and newfound friends who offered me the opportunity to milk their cows. Migrants like me have been taking it upon themselves to learn the Irish language, and according to a recent study from the University of Galway, offering migrants the opportunity to learn the Irish language could help with integration in some rural communities across the country. Imasha Costa: 'I am proud to be one of these migrants learning the language and supporting the current generation and the resurgence of the Gaelic culture.' File picture: Larry Cummins Ireland has been seeing an increasing migrant population, which has led to larger communities and the need for more support to help with integration. I am proud to be one of these migrants learning the language and supporting the current generation and the resurgence of the Gaelic culture. Almost every second person I know is a Gaelgeoir, and they have been so welcoming to a migrant like myself who has just a few phrases or sentences to carry some conversation. We are welcomed with open arms, and there is no problem with correcting our pronunciation. This August, I will be celebrating six years living in this beautiful country, which has welcomed me and made me feel like I am home. I love Ireland with my whole heart. But, Ballyferriter made me fall deeply in love with the Irish language and the people. Read More What Street Feast reveals about our hunger for community
