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Irish Independent
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Top Irish historian on Daniel O'Connell's legacy and the day he held a monster rally in Wexford
In 1843, 'The Liberator' spoke in front of hundreds of thousands of people in Enniscorthy Wexford man Dr. Kevin Whelan, Professor of Irish History at the University of Notre Dame in Dublin is one of Ireland's most renowned historians, and a graduate of FCJ Bunclody. As a historian he says, 'I am a jack of all trades and a master of none', but has a particular interest in 1798, and teachers from O'Connell House, Daniel O'Connell's former home in Merrion Square. Who better to speak about his legacy, a week on from when the state officially marked the 250th anniversary of his birth at Derrynane House.
Irish Independent
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford teenager passes away just three years after her twin sister – ‘She inspired us all to keep fighting no matter what'
Faye was diagnosed with cancer in November of that year after specialists found a tumour in her pelvis. This diagnosis came only after her mother, Lorna, spent months bringing Faye to her doctor and to both Wexford General Hospital and University Hospital Waterford. After an x-ray of Faye's hip revealed no abnormalities she was sent home on anti-inflammatories and pain medication. However, Lorna demanded that an MRI be carried out and eventually the tumour was discovered. Still grieving for Aimee, who passed away after a lifelong fight with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, the family accompanied Faye as she underwent intensive bouts of chemotherapy which included a visit to Germany for radio beam treatment in 2023. Supported by the fundraising efforts of the local community, Lorna suffered a further tragic blow when her husband Peter passed away last October, also from cancer. And now the Wexford mother is grieving the loss of another daughter who was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Bunclody following a celebration of life ceremony on Sunday afternoon. Tributes have begun to pour in for a young woman who touched the lives of so many people during her short life, including international pop singer Pink who met Faye and Lorna during a visit to Ireland for a gig last year. Not only did the Grammy-award winning singer meet Faye and spend time with her, she also dedicated a song to her during her show in Dublin in the following days. Oscar's Kids Ireland, who shared footage of the meeting between Faye and Pink on social media over the weekend, said that the Bunclody teenager showed 'exceptional strength and resilience' during her illness. 'Faye was so strong in life and showed exceptional strength and resilience, she adored her family and friends and was an incredible artist with such immense talent,' they said. 'We have to take a moment to acknowledge the strength of Lorna, the most loving wife and mother who has cared for her husband and two children through life to their passing and beyond. We will do everything we can to support her on the journey ahead.' FCJ Bunclody, the secondary school which Faye attended, said it was 'so saddened' to learn of her passing after 'a long and courageous battle with illness'. Students from the school formed a guard of honour at Our Lady of Lourdes National School on Sunday afternoon. Hillmount Montessori in Ballindaggin also offered their condolences to Lorna and her family, saying, 'It was such a privilege and joy to get to know this happy, bubbly little person. We are so proud of the talented, courageous, decisive, young lady you became, Faye.' A student from FCJ, who remained anonymous, said they had 'fond memories' of playing camogie with Faye and she had 'a smile that could light up a room, not to mention her talent for music that had us all in the palm of her hand'. "She inspired us all to keep fighting no matter what and was loved by all around her,' they added. Faye's artistic and creative abilities were further referenced by someone who saw first-hand her talents while working at the renowned animation studio, Cartoon Saloon. 'She was a truly gifted artist,' they said. 'I loved browsing through her sketchbooks. Having her with us was so inspiring and her enthusiasm so uplifting.' Meanwhile, St. Patrick's Special School in Enniscorthy recalled how Faye was an 'amazing sister' to the late Aimee and regularly visited the school during her time there.
