WEXFORD’S MUSICAL community were out in force at the Talbot Hotel, Wexford, last week for the launch of this year’s Guinness Singing and Swinging Pubs Competition.
The heroes of Wexford’s 1996 All-Ireland hurling team joined with local dignitaries, representatives, friends and neighbours to herald in the start of the 64th annual competition.
A rousing rendition of Cúchulainn’s Son, as performed by Councillor George Lawlor, evoked a sense of purple-and-gold pride among those present and had everyone looking forward to the busy cultural season ahead for the county.
Addressing those gathered, Chair of Wexford Festival Opera Ger Lawlor proclaimed how he is the son, grandson and cousin of former winners and hopes to be the father and grandfather of winners to come.
As they were recognised on stage in commemoration of their achievements on the hurling field 20 years ago, Wexford’s stars of ’96 recalled fond memories.
“You’ll never ever witness the homecoming that we got that year and it was very emotional to me as the townie associated with the team,” Larry O’Gorman said.
Martin Storey, meanwhile, told those gathered that winning the All-Ireland that day was “a childhood dream come true.
“I wouldn’t swap the one for ten in Kilkenny,” he joked.
Guinness’ Singing and Swinging Pubs competition will take place from October 21st to November 5th this year and promises to once again prove one of the highlights on the Irish festival calendar.
Read more in the Wexford Echo.