Re-enactors who brought 1916 history to life in Enniscorthy today.
Hundreds of people gathered in the sunshine in Enniscorthy’s Market Square today for the 99th anniversary Easter Monday Commemoration.
Minister for State, Paul Kehoe, T.D. spoke about the period 1913-1922.
“It is impossible for those of us living today in a modern, democratic, stable Ireland to truly understand what it was like for those who lived through the uncertainty of those times,” said Minister Kehoe.
He said Enniscorthy has a unique history in being the only town outside of Dublin to rise during Easter Week and the last town to surrender.
“As we approach the centenary of the Rising we look to the past at those historic days in Enniscorthy in 1916,” added the Minister of State at the Department of Defence.
Cllr Barbara Ann Murphy, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal Council, also delivered an address and laid a wreath at the ’98 monument in Market Square.
Ms Judy Heffernan read the 1916 Proclamation.
Highlight of the day was the battle re-enactment which involved over 100 re-enactors from Kildare, Kilkenny, Cork and two local groups – the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society and Enniscorthy Men’s Shed.
St Aidan’s Cathedral was packed for a special Commemorative Mass.
The event was organised by Wexford County Council in conjunction with the 1916 Commemorative Committee.
