THE EMIGRANT Flame which was lit on the New Ross quay-front last weekend brought world media attention to the Barrowside town in addition to ensuring its place in history.
In a truly incredible few days for the town, and Co. Wexford, images of New Ross and some of its most prominent citizens were relayed all over the world.
Beginning early last week the town was featured on Sky, CNN, NBC, BBC and RTE which broadcast three hours of footage on Saturday relating to the lighting ceremony on the quay-front.
Members of President John F. Kennedy’s family, including his daughter, Caroline, and his sister, Jean Kennedy-Smith, travelled over for the event.
Thousands of people gathered on the quayside to witness history being made.
What made the lighting ceremony truly unique and significant was the fact the flame used to light the wick in New Ross was taken directly from the Eternal Flame which burns at the graveside of JFK in Arlington Cemetery, Virginia.
For the first time in American history its military, along with the Kennedy family, gave permission for the flame to be used in such a manner. It never happened before and it’s very unlikely to ever be repeated.
The once-off event involving the memorial to one of the 20th centuries most famous icons and Co. Wexford came about because of the hard work of a dedicated committee in New Ross.
Among those who worked on the project over the last two years were Cllr. Michael Sheehan, in his capacity as Chairperson of the JFK50 sub-committee of New Ross Town Council, Sean Reidy, from the JFK Trust, New Ross Town Manager, Eamonn Hore, Town Clerk, Anthony Bailey, and Dep. Paul Kehoe.
Former Town Clerk, Ger Mackey, was also instrumental in the formative stages of the plan before being reappointed to the Environment section in Co. Hall.
From the moment the Irish Naval vessel L.E. Orla docked on the town’s quay with the flame from JFK’s grave on board the excitement grew among the crowd.
What followed was one of the most remarkable events ever witnessed in the town. The flame was brought along the quay to the JFK statue where it remained while leading international acts like Judy Collins, Michael Londra, Extreme Rhythm, the American Spiritual Ensemble, the Valda Chamber Choir and Colm Toibin entertained the crowd.
The events on the quay culminated with the flame being brought over to the Emigrant Flame globe at the Dunbrody Centre where the Taoiseach, Caroline Kennedy and Jean Kennedy-Smith lit it for the first time.
It was a magical moment at the end of a truly unforgettable weekend.
