Capt. Claire Mortimer, Grainne Doran (archivist Wexford. Co. Council), Tommy O’Sullivan and Karen O’Connor pictured at the launch of ‘The Irish Volunteers in Focus 1913 – 1918’ exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle. Pic: John Walsh
THERE WAS a huge turnout on Friday for the launch of The Irish Volunteers in Focus 1913 – 1918 Exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle.
The exhibition was designed and developed by the Staff of the Military Archives and officially unveiled in November 2013 by President Higgins to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Irish Volunteers.
Since then, it has been travelling to different venues around the country, and Enniscorthy is one of the few non-military venues chosen to display the national exhibition.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman of Wexford County Council Malcom Byrne said this is “a testament to the town’s significance in the 1916 Rising”.
MC for the evening, County Archivist Grainne Doran thanked all for coming especially Rory O’Connor and the staff of Enniscorthy Castle for housing the exhibition and members of the Enniscorthy Historic & Re-enactment Society for getting involved on the evening.
Bridget Sinnott, Padraig Sinnott, Jim Somers, Conaill Cooper and Jacqui Hynes at the launch of ‘The Irish Volunteers in Focus 1913 – 1918’ exhibition in Enniscorthy Castle. Pic: John Walsh
“I am encouraging everyone to avail of this invaluable opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the period and to remember those who were at the forefront in the fight for Irish independence,” she commented.
“It is also appropriate given the emphasis placed on the preservation of the Irish language by the Volunteer movement that the exhibition is presented in bi-lingual format.”
She told the large gathering that there were numerous events planned for the next 18 months including a Day of Letters at Enniscorthy Library – where people are encouraged to bring any letters that they might have from the period of November 1915 to October 1916 – a Cumann na mBan Tea at Enniscorthy Castle and much more in the lead up to 2016.
The exhibition will run until February 27, is free of charge and open for anyone interested in coming along.
Full story in this week’s Echo.
