History and change are marked by new plaques
THE PACE of change in Gorey was brought into focus last Tuesday, with the unveiling of two plaques - one which remembered the founding of the town, and another which celebrated its latest development.
Three distinct blue plaques have been placed by North Wexford Historical Society at various heritage locations around Gorey.
Society chairperson Willie Willoughby was joined by Gorey District councillors and staff in unveiling the plaque on the wall of the historic graveyard at Market Square. The plaque, right, marks the site of Gorey founder Bishop Ram’s Church which was built in the early 1600s, and the location of his tomb.
Other plaques have been placed on the Market House, and at the fire station car park, the site of the former Rams Hotel. He hoped the councillors will make a firm commitment to keep the Market House in good repair for the people of Gorey and the surrounding area.
He thanked the committee of the Historical Society for bringing the project to completion; engineer Neville Shaw; stone mason Peter Kavanagh; and the Council staff.
Gorey District chairman, Cllr Pip Breen, thanked the Historical Society for its efforts, and said that three more historical plaques are planned. He agreed with the sentiments that the Market House remains in public ownership.
Then, on The Avenue, Cllr Breen unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of the renewal project. The work included an almost complete replacement of the paving, replacement of the trees, provision of seating, and the restoration of the road surface.