June 21st- The Longest Day; and the 220th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion happenings on Vinegar Hill were commemorated in a dignified ceremony at the historic landmark overlooking Enniscorthy town this evening.
Uniformed re-enactors lead by a lone piper (Liam Doyle) marched onto the hill to pay homage to the loss of life on Vinegar Hill, a terrible sacrifice to a noble cause.
District Manager Liz Hore said; “Those who fell here and in other regions of the country, inspired generations to come; they altered the national political dialogue, they enhanced the spirit of those who would succeed them, they changed the face of our nation forever.”
Chairperson of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Willie Kavanagh said; “We are gathered here this evening to commemorate the ideals and aspirations of those in the late 18th century who sought to combat injustice and create a more equal and just society,” and he laid a wreath “to the memory of those who died during the rebellion, and particularly those who died here on Vinegar Hill battlefield.”
Emily Murphy, one of the junior members of the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, laid a wreath “to the memory of those who died and as a symbol of how the ideals of 1798 will be carried on by our younger generations.”
One of the most famous poems related to the 1798 was composed by the renowned poet, Seamus Heaney, ‘Requiem for the Croppies’, was read by Sean Doyle, Chairperson of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre.

All present and correct and standing to attention. Ray Murphy and the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactors on Vinegar Hill this evening.

He related the immortal lines;
Until… on Vinegar Hill… the final conclave.
Terraced thousands died, shaking scythes at cannon.
The hillside blushed, soaked in our broken wave.
They buried us without shroud or coffin
And in August… the barley grew up out of our grave.
Derek Meylar, who is on the staff of the 1798 Centre and Enniscorthy Castle, read one of his own poems, ‘On the Hill’.
Fr Billy Swan, St. Aidan’s Parish, presented a reflection on ‘The Longest Day’ and Rev. Nicola Halford, Rector, St. Mary’s Parish, recited a suitable piece of scripture.
The attendance included Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and John O’Rourke and members of the public.
Tim Corrigan gave a beautiful rendition of ‘The Croppy Boy’ and the open-air ceremony on the hill ended with Liam Doyle playing the national anthem on the pipes.