Reverend Mother reports ‘streaker’

May 1978

There have been reports that one of the first ‘streakers’ of 1976 has been sighted in Wexford – despite the wind and rain of recent days.

And notably, one of the reports has come from none other than the Reverend Mother at the Loreto Convent on Spawell Road.

Gardaí have confirmed that the Reverend Mother contacted them on Monday morning of this week to report that a man was seen in the area in his nude last Sunday evening. The Garda spokesman said they have also received reports from some residents in the area that a man was seen walking around without any clothes on. They say he is described as being approximately 5’8” to 5’10” in height, of average build, possibly aged 35 to 40, and of very hirstute (hairy) appearance.

One of the residents who made a report spoke to this newspaper this week. She told how she was fixing her upstairs curtains around dusk last Friday evening when she happened to spot the man outside.

‘I just saw him from behind as he was walking away, but he was very definitely nude,’ she said. ‘ Thankfully there didn’t seem to be any other people out also walking at the time, and the road was quiet of traffic too.

‘I think it’s shocking that somebody would choose to go around like this and I hope that the Guards catch him soon,’ she added.

The Reverend Mother at the Loreto did not wish to discuss the situation this week, and said nothing other than confirming ‘I had occasion to ring the Gardaí’.

Gardaí advise people in the area to be on the look-out for the man and to let them know immediately if he is spotted again.