Traditionally the events of 1916 are commemorated at Enniscorthy on Easter Monday and the sunshine came out today for this special occasion in the town’s calendar of commemorations.
Speaking at Market Square, Cllr Willie Kavanagh, Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, said Enniscorthy is the only town outside of Dublin to rise during the Easter period 1916 when the town was held for four days by the rebels who held the tricolour flying over the Athenaeum in an assertion of the fight for political self-determination. “Indeed Easter 1916 marked a crucial turning point in the history of our country,” he added.

The 1916 Easter Parade pauses for a minute in tribute outside the Athenaeum Hall in Enniscorthy. Pic; WexfordToday.com

Cllr Kavanagh recalled last year when one of the leaders, Seamus Rafter, was commemorated. “While Seamus didn’t live to see an end to the fight for Irish independence, his legacy lives on in the many landmarks in Enniscorthy named in his honour, including Rafter Street, Rafter Bridge, and the imposing limestone and granite statue at Abbey Square, unveiled in September 1958.”
Cllr Kavanagh acknowledged the presence of dignataries, participants and the people of Enniscorthy and district. “It is most fitting that we have joined here together on the occasion of the 103th anniversary to commemorate and remember all those who fought in the 1916 Rising similar to the ideals of equality of the United Irishmen of 1798,” he concluded.
The proceedings commenced at St. Aidan’s Cathedral where Fr. Odhran Furlong celebrated Mass followed by a parade to Market Square where wreath-laying took place.
The parade proceeded from Market Square, stopping outside the Athenaeum Hall, before moving to the Patriot’s Flag and the Seamus Rafter memorial at Abbey Square where more wreaths were laid.
The attendance included Minister Paul Kehoe, James Browne T.D., Cllr Keith Doyle, Chairman Wexford County Council, Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Paddy Kavanagh, Johnny Mythen and John O’Rourke, Liz Hore, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager John Carley, Director of Services, Commr. Fintan Fanning and Inspector Sean Clince, An Garda Siochana, descendants of 1916 families and members of the public.
Participants included the FCA Colour Party, 1st Batt. Enniscorthy, Enniscorthy History Re-enactors, UN Veterans, pikemen, St.Colman’s Ballindaggin Pipe Band, Judy Heffernan (who read the Proclamation) and Anthony Nolan (trumpet).
In the afternoon, the annual Easter Commemoration group were in procession from Springvalley, through Abbey Square, Castle Hill, Market Square, Wafer Street, Pig Market Hill, Main Street, Irish Street, Island Road to St. Mary’s Cemetery laying a number of wreaths along the way.
An oration took place at the Keegan family grave delivered by Sinn Féin T.D. Imelda Munster and the event concluded in the Market Square with the singing of Amhrán Na bFiann.