Huge wartime ‘Éire’ sign uncovered by fire
The uncovering of a huge ‘Eire’ marking on Bray Head has ignited a passion for local history in the people of Bray according to Brian White, chairman of the Bray Cualann Historical Society.
After a massive wildfire scorched Bray Head last month, the garda air support unit released photos revealing the more than 70-year-old relic of World War Two.
Members of the local defence forces created the sign between 1942 and 1943 as navigational signs for pilots flying bomber planes over neutral Ireland. This was done at the suggestion of US diplomats in Ireland.
Look out post volunteers manned posts on at least 83 sites, of which Bray Head is number eight.
The stone sign is in excellent condition, given its age. The letter E is less visible than the others, but can be seen. The number of the nearby look out post, 8, can also be seen, if not quite as well as the other markings.
Each letter is about 30 feet long, made from large stones laid in four foot wide lines. The men kept them whitewashed so they would stand out clearly.
The site would have been manned at all times. Brian said that gardai had to come to the post twice daily to check for reports, and to ensure the men were at their posts.
The coastwatchers were responsible for identifying and reporting on shipping and aircraft movements and also on any communications between ship and shore. The Marine and Coastwatching Service was disbanded in October 1945.
Many of the men who manned the Bray post had names still recognisable in the town today, including Naylor and Mulvey.
Reports were also delivered back to military intelligence. Many of the signs have disappeared.
Historian Ray Cranley, a resident of Windgates, recalls seeing part of the Bray ‘Eire’ sign back in 1995, after a similar fire.
Brian said that the attention the sign has been getting is very welcome. ‘People are fascinated with this emerging after 70 years,’ he said.
Brian said that the look out men would have cooked and eaten at the site.
The national archives have records of the plans drawn for the sign, and the log books which the look out men submitted as part of their duties.
‘It was known that it was there,’ said Brian. ‘But it hadn’t been uncovered.’
The discovery follows a days-long gorse fire on Bray Head last month. Fire- fighters and the air corps extinguished the blaze which saw smoke billow all over Bray. BALLINACOR Community Project will hold its annual family fun weekend on Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12 in the community field.
A clay pigeon shot takes place on the Saturday, starting at 12 noon.
The annual family fun day takes place on the Sunday. There will be a treasure hunt, white elephant, home baked goods and teas and coffees. The usual stalls will also be present.
For further information contact (089) 4230086 or email ballinacorcommunityproject@ gmail.com.