Memorial plaque unveiled
IN LATE 2015, Wexford County G.A.A. Board decided to make plans to commemorate its members, players and officials who had played a part in the events of Easter 1916.
Breda Jacob, Irish and Cultural Officer, was given responsibility to research, plan and implement that decision.
Two initiatives were decided upon, firstly to remind the Gaels of Wexford of the life and times of Seán Etchingham and to enlist the help and co-operation of Wexford County Council to refurbish the neglected Etchingham Monument (and its surrounds) in Ardamine cemetery.
It was also agreed to erect a plaque at the Monument, detailing Etchingham’s two terms as Chairman of the Wexford G.A.A. Board.
The plaque was unveiled at a special wreath-laying ceremony in late April, and an oration was delivered by Tony Dempsey (who, like Etchingham, was Chairman of Wexford County Council and former Chairman of Wexford G.A.A.), current delegate to the G.A.A. Central Council.
The second initiative was to erect a plaque in a prominent position at Innovate Wexford Park in honour of all the Gaels of Co. Wexford who had taken part in the Rising, in any capacity.
On deeper reflection, it was decided that those G.A.A. members who had taken part in the First World War and the War of Independence should also be remembered.
Accordingly, the following was inscribed on the plaque: ‘Erected by Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Loch Garman, to commemorate the ideals, bravery and self-sacrifice of the Gaeil of Co. Wexford who took part in Éirí Amach na Cásca 1916, in the First World War and in the War of Independence.
‘Ná déanaimis dearmad go deo ar a n-íobairtí ná ar a n-iarrachtaí.’
This plaque was unveiled last Sunday prior to the AIB Leinster Club Senior hurling game between Oulart-The Ballagh and St. Rynagh’s by Fr. Lory Kehoe, son of the late Micheál Kehoe who was one of two Wexfordmen to serve as President of the G.A.A.