Cllr John Hegarty, Chair Gorey Municipal District Council, welcomes broadcaster and historian, John Bowman, to the Byrne Perry Summer School opening in Gorey Library.

An interesting lecture entitled ‘Irish Women since 1916; from marginalisation to liberation’ got the 24th annual Byrne Perry Summer School off to a perfect beginning in Gorey Library this evening.
Drawing on his two latest books – Window and Mirror, RTE Television, 1961-2011 and more recently Irelandand and The Autobiography: one hundred years of Irish life told by its people – John Bowman traced the evidence of how women’s lives were transformed in 20th century Ireland.
John, and his wife, Emer Philbin Bowman, and a large attendance were officially welcomed to Gorey by Michael J, Dwyer, Chairperson of the Byrne Perry Summer School Committee.
The official opening of the weekend events was performed by Cllr John Hegarty, Cathaoirleach, Gorey Municipal District Council
The festival continues tomorrow with a focus on the outdoor history and heritage of Gorey and North Wexford and progress towards the compilation and publication of a book marking Gorey 400.
Tomorrow’s feature is a sunny afternoon bus tour to historical sites. This will include a visit to Ram and Esmonde demesnes, Kilanerin church, Limerick plantation village and 1798 encampment, Bann Valley Bronze and Iron Age landscape, the monumental sculptures at Kilnenor, the site of the Coolgreany evictions, the 1921 ambush site, a recollection of 1798 leaders from North Wexford and recent Bronze and Iron Age discoveries along the M11.
The bus leaves Civic Square, Gorey, at 2 pm and will return at 5.30 pm. The fee is €10. There may be a few places left, just call Mary on 053 9483808.