HOOK LIGHTHOUSE ARROW CEREMONY HITS TARGET
AGE OLD TRADITION CLAIMING WATERFORD ESTUARY FOR COUNTY WEXFORD GETS RE-ENACTED ON BEUATIFUL START TO 2019 IN THE PENINSULA
ON a beautiful New Year’s Day at 1 p.m., an age-old tradition was brought to life at Hook Head when the Dunbrody Archers and the cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District council took part in a traditional arrow firing ceremony.
Having been led from the lighthouse by members of New Ross & District Pipe Band, the archers and Cllr John Fleming took their position on the headland from where they shot arrows into the sea.
This ancient 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 and shooting an arrow into the sea from Hook Head Lighthouse.
The act symbolised the county’s authority over the estuary.
Hook Lighthouse Manager Ann Waters said: `This is always an incredible occasion to witness and we were delighted to continue the ancient tradition, right here on the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East.’