Completemysteryof missingWW2plaque

August 1981

Wexford is in the midst of a complete mystery because a World War 2 plaque has goine missing and nobody knows where it is.

The plaque had hung on the wall of Quinnsworth at Crescent Quay. It was put there to preserve the memory of sailors from Wexford who lost their lives in the War, and was bought with donations from the widows and friends of those men. Now, however, it has vanished.

While the plaque was previously taken down for safekeeping by the Wexford Maritime Museum for about three years, it was since put up again, and Mr Larry O’Neill of the Maritime Museum said he has no idea where it has gone to now.

Mr Ger Griffin, Borough Accountant with Wexford Corporation, said they have not done any work in the area lately and in any case ‘would have as little reason as anybody else’ to move the plaque.

Mr. Lee, Manager of Quinnsworth, said he had no idea how took it down or where it is now. He did not think it could have been vandalism, and said he would ask round to try find out more.

Mr Eamonn Sinnott, Secretary of Wexford Harbour Board, was greatly distressed to learn the plaque was missing. He said it was terrible to hear it was taken down, and he did not know who did it. ‘I personally knew some of the men whose names are on that plaque. I even went to school with some of them,’ he added.

Our next step was to check with contractors who recently carried out renovation works at Quinnsworth.

Ronnie Routledge, who runs Quay Joinery, said all the work they did there was inside. ‘It was about Easter last, and I remember there was no plaque on the wall at the time. You should ask Mr. Lowney from the furniture store. He got us to do the job. It’s his building and he might know something about it.’

Mr. Lowney was unable to offer any information either, however. ‘We did take it down when we moved into the building, so we could paint the building properly, but then we put it back up again. That was about four years ago and we haven’t touched it since. It’s a real shame if it’s gone missing now,’ he said.

It was then rumoured that it might be in the possession of the Wexford Tourist Office, but a spokeswoman from the office said that was not true.

The plaque remains missing and any information on its whereabouts would be greatly appreciated by all involved.

A few years later, representatives of the faith were forced to leave the town following an assault on one missionary by a Catholic priest.

After the incident, Gardai told the Jehovah’s Witnesses that they would be unable to afford them any more that forty-eight hours’s protection, and they left town.

Field service, as it is called, was resumed again in the late sixties and in recent years many Wexford people have been baptised into the religion.

The former PMPA building, which has been renovated to comprise a meeting room and library to serve as a focal point for local Witnesses, has been bought and paid for by the Wexford congregation. of his club winning the Gorey District Junior Hurling Championship, but they are still waiting for their medals. He said they enquired ‘a few times’ in the years following the victory but never received them, and have heard nothing since then either.

Mr John Cullen (Ballyfad) said that as it happens, his club is still waiting for the medals they are due for winning the same title three years ago.

Mr Pat Tompkins (Askamore), District Chairman, said that district medals should be available for presentation on the day of the District Final.

Mr Murray said the County Board was ‘making a laughing stock of the district’ in regard to these medals. The Chairman said he would take the matter up with them.