A TRADITION REVIVED
800-YEAR-OLD TRADITION WAS REVIVED AT HOOK HEAD TO MARK THE START OF 2017
New Ross Municipal District cathaoirleach Michael Whelan with members of the Dunbrody Archers performing the Arrow Ceremony at Hook Lighthouse on New Year’s Day. The ceremony, which dates back to 1687, was revived this year.
An age-old tradition was revived on New Year’s Day at the 800 year old Hook Lighthouse when arrows were shot into the sea.
Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Cllr Michael Whelan and the Dunbrody Archers took part in the historic Arrow Ceremony at Hook.
The age-old tradition dates back to 1687, when the Mayor and the corporation of New Ross Town Council claimed their authority over the tower and waters by travelling to the point of the Hook Peninsula and shooting an arrow into the seas from Hook Head Lighthouse.
Cllr Whelan cast the first arrow into the sea symbolising the Port’s authority over the estuary.
A large crowd turned out to witness the ceremony and to enjoy a bracing walk along Hook Head.
Cllr Whelan said it was great to see such numbers attend the arrow ceremony particularly given the cold weather. ‘People really enjoyed the day and it was a lovely event. The Taking of the Waters ceremony is an ancient tradition and I was honoured to be able to fire an arrow with the Dunbrody Archers.’
Ann Waters Manager at Hook Lighthouse said: ‘We were delighted to host the ‘Taking of the Waters’ ceremony here at Hook Lighthouse, it is an age old tradition and a wonderful opportunity for an ancient element of history to be relived here in Ireland’s Ancient East.
‘It was fantastic to see so many people brave the windy weather and cold to witness the historic event. It’s a really lovely start to the New Year and it made for spectacular viewing.