By Dan Walsh in Gorey

There was nothing summer-like about May 1st with rain and cold dominating proceedings for most of the day, however, the celebrations were in full flight in Gorey with an impressive ceremony accompanying the planting of a permanent May Bush (Hawthorn Tree) in the grounds of the Civic Centre on The Avenue, Gorey.
The May Bush tradition is very old and was once almost extinct, but in recent years the tradition has been revived in many places around the county and Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin was on hand to unveil Gorey’s decorated showpiece.

Cllr Fionntan Ó Súilleabháin, Ms Rachel Úi Fhaoláin, children from Ceol Mo Croí and artists from the Gap Arts Festival at the planting of the May Bush in the grounds of the Civic Centre, Gorey, this evening.

Cllr Ó Súilleabháin gave a brief outline of the tradition that is the May Bush and said the tradition was carried on in many places years ago, including Ballygarrett, which never broke with the tradition, and Kilanerin.
The planting came at the end of a parade featuring giant puppets and a dragon from the talented people at the Gap Arts Festival, the Gorey Pipe Band participated, and the children of the Ceol Mo Chroí traditional singers performed newly penned songs about the May Bush which was organised by Rachel Úi Fhaoláin.
The May Bush was sourced locally from Springmount Garden Centre on the Ballycanew road especially for the Gorey May Day/Bealtaine celebrations.
Gorey Tidy Towns’ and Wexford County Council also facilitated the planting. Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach, Gorey Municipal District Council, was amongst a fine attendance on a particularly wet evening.