Chairman of Gorey Municipal District, Cllr. John Hegarty, has extended an open invitation to an evening of celebration and recognition of Gorey’s four centuries of existence and the commencement of a year-long commemoration beginning tomorrow (Thursday, January 31st).

In the Ashdown Park Hotel, the evening will include a presentation to sports clubs and community groups who had notable achievements or celebrated key milestones in the last year.
This will include the county senior hurling champions Naomh Éanna and Leinster finalists Kilanerin, Gorey Rugby Club who are celebrating 50 years, Gorey Tennis Club who have a 50th anniversary, and St. Patrick’s Snooker Club who have been providing services in the town since 1918.
There will be a series of exhibitions, short talks and entertainment commencing at 3 pm and culminating with the Civic Awards ceremony at 7.30 pm.
An exhibition by Gorey Photographic Club exhibition features shop fronts and staff taken in 1989.
There is a Hall of Fame exhibition area which showcases achievements. Visitors can learn more about the Gorey 400 publication. Gorey Chamber of Commerce will be showcasing local business. Gorey School of Art will feature a few short films produced by students in the school.
The Gap Arts festival will screen Tatiana’s Palace and other short films that they have produced. And there will be traditional Sean n-Ós singing and music by the North Wexford Traditional Singing Circle and Ceol Mo Chroí.
Exhibitions open at 3 pm and the formal event commencing at 7.30 pm and all are welcome to attend this free community event.

AUDIO ADDITION;  Amanda Byrne told Dan Walsh of plans for GOREY 400.

EARLY HISTORY

Bishop Thomas Ram constituted a corporate town under a charter in October 1619 called the town of Newborough and this was the foundation for Gorey.
King James 1 (1566-1625) of England issued a charter to the town of Newborough, but the new name failed to stand the test of time and consequently the new town of Gorey emerged from an existing settlement in the Gorey Bridge and Clonattin area.

In the Market Square is the Old Cemetery where the remains of Bishop Ram are buried who’s family were responsible for Gorey’s design and layout and determined the administrative development of Gorey’s affairs for three centuries.

Today, Gorey and its North Wexford environs are under the Local Government jurisdiction of Wexford County Council.