Another forgotten World War 2 ÉIRE sign was discovered at Hook Head on Sunday. An enthusiastic group made up of folklorists, archaeologists, historians and lovers all things local headed to The Hook Peninsula in search of Éire No. 16. The previous weekend they discovered the first of Wexford’s Éire signs at Cahore Point “Éire No. 11” which been lost since WW2.
Hook Head was on the radar eight days later as they headed off armed with just an old aerial photo given to them by Ozzy Kelly who works for the Irish Air Corps.

Within minutes the location was identified, and two small test holes revealed the É from the Éire sign. Lovely cut stone, well laid and some with whitewash on them. This is great news for Wexford as this is 2nd of the seven uncovered in a few days. “We are informing relevant authorities of exact location, size etc and all we can do now, is encourage locals to do the rest,” said Michael Fortune, who added; “Some of the sign has been covered by a car track over the years and the nearby Look Out Post was knocked down – sadly some of us don’t realise the value of recent history until it’s too late.”

“Our next task will bring us up to North Wexford to find “Éire No. 10” at the fantastic Kilmichael Point which still has the Look Out Post surviving. We all work during the week so we can only head out on weekend excursions. Will keep you posted, and you can read all about the Cahore find here and the general background to these signs at the wonderful national project éirespace,” concluded Michael.

To find out more please contact 087 6470247 or micfortune@gmail.com or like the facebook page www.facebook.com/eirenumber11cahore to keep updated on meetings, outings etc.