German tradition lives on

FOR the 27 th summer in a row, Ulf Brix has arrived in Gorey from Germany with a contingent of students in tow.

Ulf ’s connections to the area go back to 1976, when he was a young teacher hitch-hiking in Bray, and was given a lift to north Wexford by local man Bruce Copeland. He was invited to stay with Bruce’s parents family at Huntington, Clogh, and a life-long friendship began.

This year, Ulf (68), now retired from, has brought with him 29 students, aged from 14 to 17, and four leaders.

They are staying for two-and-a-half weeks with host families in the area, organised by Tommy Fitzpatrick, and brought on various outings by Declan from Gorey Coach.

On weekday mornings, the students attend English classes at Gorey Community School with teachers organised by Jacqueline Sheil, and Ulf said that the team at the school including caretaker Martin Bolger look after them very well.

In the afternoons and on Saturdays, the students get a taste of Irish culture visiting Dublin, the Kildare Stud, Enniscorthy Dog Track, the Tinahely Show, Dunbrody, the Irish Heritage Park, Ferns, Avoca, Glendalough, Hook Head, and more.

Ulf said that some of the students are repeat visitors, while most of the leaders are former students. ‘Thank you to all the people in and around Gorey who support our stay,’ he said. ‘I hope we can come many more years, please God, to celebrate our 30th anniversary.