At this evening’s wreath-laying ceremony at the 1798 memorial in Market Square were (left to right); Matt Ryan, Napolianic Association of England, Ed Parker, 44th Essex Regiment, Minister Paul Kehoe T.D., Cllr Keith Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, James Browne T.D., Liz Hore, Enniscorthy District Manager, and Ray Murphy, Enniscorthy Re-enactment Group.

A weekend of battle re-enactments to commemorate the 220th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion commenced in Enniscorthy’s Market Square this evening (Friday) with a wreath laying ceremony commemorating all who died during the rebellion.
Cllr Keith Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Minister Paul Kehoe did the honours in the presence of a group of re-enactors who added period character to the occasion and Deputy James Browne T.D.
Speaking at a reception afterwards in Enniscorthy Castle, Cllr Doyle welcomed everybody to the official opening of the re-enactment weekend.
“As part of our programme of events to commemorate the 220th year we have had a survey that celebrates Vinegar Hill’s most eminent battle site, but the people of Enniscorthy have always known this. Enniscorthy is very passionate about it’s heritage, history and sense of identity and place,” said Cllr Doyle, who added; “Thanks to all the re-enactors from Limerick, Mayo, Kilkenny, Edenderry, Prosperous and Meath, and Ed Parker and all those who travelled over from the UK.”
Cllr Doyle congratulated Matt Ring on his announcement that he is to be awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the communities in the city of London.
There was a presentation to Ed Parker from the 44th Essex Regiment for his contribution to the re-enactment scene in Enniscorthy and Mr Parker said it was a joy to come to Enniscorthy and he thanked the local committee for their generosity.
Liam Doyle (piper) and the quartet of Padraig and Bridget Sinnott, Paul O’Reilly and Tom Murphy, supplied the music, while a special re-enactment video compiled by Jim Scanlon and Cathy Keane was also on display.
On Saturday, pike charging rebels and musket firing redcoats will recreate the epic Battle of Ross on Mary Street at 2 pm. Action close up and personal on the street.
The Battle of Vinegar Hill will commence on Sunday at 2 pm where the sights, sound and smells of pike charging rebels and musket firing redcoats will engage in a battle extravaganza.
The general public is invited to attend and participate.