Presentation was made to Padge Reck, Chairman of the Wexford Memorial Trust at the annual memorial ceremony in the Pauper’s Graveyard. Pic: Jim Campbell
THIS YEAR’S Pauper’s Graveyard Annual Patron took on some extra meaning for the volunteers and committee of the Wexford Memorial Trust when they paid tribute to their Chairman Padge Reck for his hard work.
This year’s Patron was brilliantly attended with a huge crowd of local people gathering to pay their respects to all those who had lost their lives and been buried in the Pauper’s Graveyard.
Wreaths were laid by: Cllr. George Lawlor on behalf of Wexford Borough District; Michael Dillon in memory of his late father Noel Dillon, former Co. Manager; David Martin on behalf of Scouting Ireland and in favour of his late father Stevie Martin, founder and chief of the 13th Unit; John Fowler on behalf of the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women; David O’Grady on behalf of the Wexford Order of Malta; Triona Barnes on behalf of the Wexford Lions Club; and by Gillian Anglim on behalf of the Celtic Women, F.A.B. Women’s Group.
Music was provided on the night by the Holy Family Confraternity Band and the Wexford Male Voice Choir. Prayers were officiated by Bishop Denis Brennan, Monsignor Denis Lennon, Fr. Aodhán Marken and Canon Arthur Minion.
Trust secretary Helen Corish Wylde thanked everyone present for coming to pay their respects and to honour the memory of the men, women and little children buried in the graveyard – the poor, the deprived, the destitute, the mentally and physically challenged and inmates of the former Wexford Union Workhouse.
“They received no obituary or proper funeral and with one exception, all were laid to rest without a headstone as there was no money to pay for one. Large stones mark the graves, placed there by family members so they could distinguish their loved ones’ resting place.”
[Full story and tribute in this week’s Echo]
