First history and heritage festival is a hit all round
HAVING grown from the Byrne Perry Summer School festival, the first North Wexford History and Heritage Festival came back with a bang and left an impression on the minds of all who were out in support.
The three day festival had something to suit all levels of interest, from history fanatics to those looking to learn something new about their locality.
Senator Neale Richmond started things off with a lecture in Gorey library that focused on the topic of Brexit, and Rosemary Hayes of the committee said it was very engaging.
‘We were delighted as Neale went back in history to explain the formation of the European Union and Great Britain’s involvement in such a way that simplified things.
‘He was well informed and people came away understanding it a lot better. There were all ages there, from teenagers to older people’.
The following day saw a crowd gather at the Ashdown Park hotel to hear four guest speakers give presentations, which varied from local social history to the Indian independence movement and its inspiration from Ireland.
‘We were really fortunate with the speakers, as they were so open and willing to chat afterwards. We definitely have the potential to develop this for next year,’ said Rosemary.
On a fresh Sunday morning, a group gathered to enjoy a historical walking tour with Lorraine O’Dwyer of Gallivanting tours.
‘We had at least 35 people on the beautiful morning. It was fantastic and entertaining, Lorraine always presents history in such a way that people see things in a new light’.
Rosemary said that she was impressed by and thankful to all who attended the festival: ‘People didn’t know what to expect, but we’re very happy’.