On Sunday 24th of April 2016 we all gathered at the Patriots Flag at Abbey Square in Enniscorthy to honour those who took part in the rising in Wexford. The parts of Wexford under the control of the rebels has the honour of being the last place to surrender in the aftermath of the Easter rising 1916.
The oration was given by Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD, who also laid a wreath at the monument. The proclamation was read by James Browne TD. We had a colour party and guard of honour from the retired members of our defense forces. We had a piper who played The National Anthem and a bugler who player the Last Post and Reveille. We had a few beautiful songs and seven lilies were laid by descendants of those who took part in the rising and by representatives of our government and youth. Brian Walace did a great job as master of ceremonies and our timetable ran like clockwork.
We then went to the cathedral for an ecumenical service. Large crowds also attended this service and were well rewarded by the contributions from the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic officiants. Here also we were well rewarded with both the music and singing from the gallery. If fact it was a talking point as we gathered for a bit of a mingle and chat in the grounds outside of the cathedral. Well done to all who participated there.
We then retired to the Riverside Park Hotel (to the appropriately named Rafter suite). Here we had light refreshments and some not so light. There was an informative display of photos and letters pertaining to the Rising along the walls of the room.
Micheál Martin made presentations to our retiring Oireachtas members, John Browne and Jim Walsh. We had a group of young traditional musicians and a plethora of great singers. Councillor Keith Doyle gave a nice historical talk that put the rising in Enniscorthy into context. Councillor Barbara Anne Murphy recited a poem and Micheál Martin said a nice few words.
Brian Walace then closed the proceedings with a thank-you to the organisers.
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