Deirdre Lawlor, Pearse O’Hanrahan, Harry O’Hanrahan and Cllr Michael Sheehan (Chairman New Ross Municial District Council) pictured at the unveiling of the plaque on O’Hanrahan Bridge. Pic: Jim Campbell
THE BRIDGE over the river Barrow in New Ross has been rededicated to Michael O’Hanrahan, one of the executed leaders of the 1916 Rising, who was born in the town.
At a special ceremony on the quay on Thursday evening Mr. O’Hanrahan’s grand-nephews, Pearse and Harry, spoke of their connections with the town not just through their grand-uncle but, in the case of Harry, through business interests going back over 50 years.
District Manager, Sinead Casey, welcomed a large gathering of invited guests to the ceremony which included the unveiling of a new name plate on the bridge.
In her welcome she highlighted the fact that the current bridge is the seventh one to span the Barrow and also has the distinction of being “the one that lasted the longest”.
The Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael Sheehan, also spoke briefly and said that when the New Ross bypass is completed a new state-of-the-art bridge will also cross the Barrow but added that O’Hanrahan Bridge will always be synonymous with New Ross.
He also revealed that a plans are underway to erect a statue in the town in memory of Mr. O’Hanrahan.
Cllr. Sheehan told those present that when O’Hanrahan Bridge was being constructed a Guinness bottle containing the names of the men who worked on the project was placed inside one of the support structures.
“I’ve not doubt the bottle was emptied beforehand though,” he quipped.
“I am delighted to be here and delighted to have the bridge rededicated for the future,” he added.
Harry O’Hanrahan then spoke and expressed pride in his family’s links with New Ross.
He commented on the courteous nature of the people in the town and said: “Our home is Wexford.”
“Fifty years ago I ended up in Foulksmills [through business],” he said.
“I thank you for your statue and it’s marvellous for me to see the amount this Council has taken on board [to honour Michael O’Hanrahan],” he added.
“It’s very humbling.”
Ms. Casey then conveyed apologies on behalf of Rev. Sykes before Fr. Thomas Kehoe
blessed the bridge.
The O’Hanrahan brothers, along with Cllr. Sheehan, then unveiled the new nameplate.
World Champion Uileann piper from Gorey, Mark Redmond, was also in attendance and performing a moving musical accompaniment as the plaque was unveiled.
Following the ceremony everyone went back to the Tholsel for some light refreshments.
