Huge praise for Wexford’s 1916 events
THE 1916 commemoration events in Enniscorthy and across the county this year were described as proud and momentous moments for the county.
Director of Services for Housing, Environment and Emergency Services John Carley said the local authority tried to be as inclusive as possible with its programme of events in 2016.
‘We had a programme that stretched the length and breadth of the county,’ he said, adding that the Cherish The Children concert in Enniscorthy’s St Aidan’s Cathedral and the events over the Easter weekend were among the highlights.
‘We had a wide range of events and we hope that we commemorated 1916 with dignity and in the right way.’
The work of Padraig O’Gorman, who spearheaded the programme for the council, was acknowledged, as was the work of former county manager Eddie Breen who oversaw the programme as chairman.
Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy congratulated the council on its organisation of what she described as an ‘absolutely wonderful’ calendar of events.
‘ Tourism numbers were up this year and how we commemorated 1916 played a big part in this. It was one of the best things we have done as a council and the relatives night we did in Enniscorthy, where we presented certificates to family members of those involved in 1916, was one of the most emotional and memorable nights I have ever been involved with in my time on the council.’
Cllr Murphy praised Enniscorthy Town Council’s foresight in putting aside money over the past decade to fund the 1916 commemoration event.
Cllr Michael Sheehan said: ‘It was one of those very rare events where the entire community buys into it. All of the events were handled with grace and dignity. There is a great lasting legacy we can build on for other events.’
Cllr Deirdre Wadding said it was incredibly moving experience for her to see relatives of people involved in the rebellion of 1916 at the night of presentations.
‘Having spent a year reflecting on what 1916 meant and honouring the Rebellion and the Rising, it’s important that we would really carry on that sense and sentiment into the remaining years of this council,’ she said.
Cllr Fionntáin Ó Suilleabhain said the community grant scheme was a great initiative, while Cllr Oliver Walsh praised Wexford County Council’s staff for their work.
Cllr Jim Moore said the Wexford programme of events fitted in seamlessly with the national programme.
‘What we delivered over the last year was a great tribute to the leaders of 1916. The delivery right down to the local communities and the role in a lot of schools is a great credit to the officials from the local authority.’
Cllr Johnny Mythen praised the creative vision of the artists responsible for writing poems and plays about the Rising which were performed in the county, adding that it is important for the county to continue in the same spirit for the coming years, ‘as we have lost it a bit recently’.
Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan said 1916 was a very proud year for County Wexford and for the people of Enniscorthy in particular.
‘After going through a really tough time with the terrible recession we had in the county it brought back a feeling of pride,’ she said.
Cllr Codd Nolan praised Mr O’Gorman and Mr Carley for the energy and work they put into the programme of events.
Cllr Keith Doyle said the Wexford programme provided a template for other areas across the country.
He said: ‘People who didn’t know about what happened in Wexford in 1916 do now. It exceeded everybody’s expectations.’
CEO Tom Enright paid tribute to the work of the council’s staff and to Mr Carley and Mr O’Gorman in particular.
‘A lot of time and effort was put in outside of their own jobs. You made sure everything ran smoothly.’
He also paid tribute to the reenactors who, he said, added authenticity to the commemoration events.
‘What was important was that it was inclusive of individuals and families on both sides of the conflict, which made it all the more special. Easter Monday on the square in Enniscorthy was a truly special day.’
Mr Enright said preparations will shortly begin to remember the 800 Wexford men who perished in World War I.