April.2014
WEISFJORD NEWS
he publication, in our last issue of the photo of Mary Buckley and the wonderful story that accompanied it, has prompted me to recall the story of John Clowry. John Clowry lived in what was number 13 Barrack Street, Wexford. As a young man he went to work in Pierce’s where he became involved with Dick Corish and the fledgling ITGWU. Following the ‘Lock-Out’ of 1911, James Connolly came to Wexford in 1912 to negotiate on behalf of the workers. Connolly and his daughter, Nora, stayed at Dick Corish’s house in William Street, and at a rally in Swan View, Connolly’s platform was surrounded by a bodyguard for fear of an attack by the police. John Clowry was part of this bodyguard, often regarded as the forerunner of Connolly’s Citizen’s Army. With the outbreak of the First World War, John joined the British Army to ‘fight for small nations’. He saw action on many fronts and was taken prisoner. While in the prisoner-of war camp, he and a fellow Wexfordman, ‘96’ Doyle, who lived at the top of Grogan’s Road, fell in with a French prisoner, and proceeded to teach
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him English. Little did they realise how significant their lessons would become, as that same Frenchman later found worldwide fame as a star of the ‘silver screen’. - He was none other than Maurice Chevalier! On his return to Wexford after the War, john renewed his friendship with Dick Corish who had by now entered the world of politics. Such was his admiration for Corish, John Clowry was even arrested for ‘personation’, having voted at least
three times for Dick at one Election! Needless to say, they remained life-long friends. John Clowry died at St John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy, on December 23rd, 1969. If I could remember even HALF of the stories my grandfather John Clowry told me I could keep you entertained for months! I’m sure there are many more old photos out there with some wonderful stories to go with them of some of the old characters of Wexford town and County.
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campaign has recently been set up for the restoration of Wexford Town’s landmark County Gaol. The proposal would see the old women’s cell block set up to include a much needed museum incorporating general, local and maritime history. The County of Wexford is steeped in history, even having its own local language, Yola (a mixture of English, Flemish and Germanic) which was widely spoken at one time. This was due to the vast amount of trade the county had through its harbours. Steamships offered passage to England and fishing vessels put bread on the table. The build up of sand has hindered that in recent times with the harbour officially closed for large ships. Locals have adapted to this change, most notably with the 'Wexford Cot'. Built with a flat bottom the 'Wexford Cot' can easily make its way through Wexford Harbour where in some places, it's only 6 inches deep. The Gaol was built in 1812 with walls 20ft high enclosing 58 cells and 16 exercise yards. It held mostly those who had committed petty ‘crime’. For those who were gaoled for murder, they ended up facing the hangman’s noose outside the entrance in a ‘spectacle’ for the public. From 1902-1922 part of it was transformed into St Brigid’s Centre for ‘inebriates’. When the civil war started, the Free State army transformed it into a military barracks to hold anti-treaty republicans. On
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March 13th 1923 republican volunteers John Creane (Taghmon), James Parle (Clovervalley) and Patrick Hogan (Wexford Town) were executed by Free State Forces at the side of the gaol. An extract on that fateful day from the republican priest, Fr Patrick Walsh, reads "I went up again then. It was a lovely morning. Earlier, one of the boys, Parle, had remarked to me in a pleased happy voice, 'do you hear the birds, Father?' We chatted, all together about 7.30 for a few minutes (they had received Holy Communion and all, of course, now.) Parle sat beside me and asked me to break the news to his parents: Creane made the same request: both were from Taghmon; the other was Wexford, and grand poor fellow whose only regret was the loss he be to his father in his work or business. Parle also asked me to advise Bob Lambert (the one time Sinn Fein T.D. and O/C of the famous Kyle Flying Column, he was an important leader of the Republicans in South Wexford.) and his boys to do nothing rash (in the way of reprisal etc.) to give them all his love, and say he died perfectly satisfied and happy. We were awaiting the officer now, all five standing together when Parle asked me with a smile 'what time is it now, Father'. I said 'It it is twenty minutes to light now Jim', as calmly and cheerfully as I was able. 'Well, Father' he continued, 'I never felt as happy in all my life', quite truly I am certain, but
quite as evidently for the purpose of, himself, helping me just think of it -not to be sad." Today the Republican Garden of Remembrance beside the women's block has been well looked and maintained by the Wexford Republican Graves Association who have done a fantastic job. The womens block, which is the building for the proposed museum, was renovated in the early 90's but has fallen into some dis-repair since. Attracting visitors to Wexford would provide a muchneeded boost for the economy of the town and create jobs in the museum itself. The high rate of unemployment is a serious issue in this town. The museum has the potential to employ dozens of people through the restoration and long-term employment of those who will run it. What better way to teach our children, and our children's children, the history of our County and its people. A number of attempts have been made through the County Council over the past 30 years to get this up and running but to no avail. One final push is needed. A petition in support of the museum was started a number of weeks ago to give people a chance to be heard and voice their opinions. The campaign is a work in progress with a non party-political committee to be set up in the near future. Those who are interested in joining the committee or finding out more can do so via Facebook at facebook.com/wexfordcountygaol
Kevin Diffley Longford Jumping for it in the Allianz GAA Football League Div. 3 Round 7 Wexford v Longford in Wexford Park Photographer: Patrick Hogan
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Meadhbh Monohan, Emna Nolan, Katie Mirocha at The Fashion Show at The Talbot Hotel recently . Photographer: Patrick Hogan