3 minute read
History & Heritage
Ballymurn – echoes of times past
L to R: Sean Colfer, Breda Redmond, Martina Boylan (Editor), Margo Breen, Marie Hayes (Assistant Editor), Michael Fortune (Folklore.ie), Nellie Fortune, Nan Fortune, Eppie Fortune, Aileen Fortune and John Ennis.
Advertisement
Ballymurn Hall was the venue on November 19th for the Launch of Ballymurn Heritage Group’s book Ballymurn Echoes Of Times Past. This, their third book, has been compiled and researched by the hard-working group over the past few months.
Well known historian Michael Fortune, from Folklore.ie, launched the book, with musical entertainment for the evening provided by Aileen, Nellie, Nan and Eppie Fortune and local musicians.
On behalf of the group, Margo Breen paid tribute to the late Joe Bishop, founder and Chairman of the Group, and sent good wishes to present Chairman Mog O'Connor who is ill at the moment.
The book is filled with photos, articles and stories relating to Ballymurn including the Ballymurn Bombings, John Hay and 1798 and WWI casualties, and it is bound to be of huge interest to anyone at home or abroad with connections to the area.
Echoes Of Times Past is a real trip back in time and will invoke many memories.
The book would make a great addition to any collection and the group would urge anyone with an interest in history to pick up a copy which is available in Peter Doyle's shop in Ballymurn or from any committee member. n
Nicky remembers a lifetime of Christmases in Wexford
From the Cromwellian Christmas to a Covid online Christmas, Nicky Rossiter will be in Wexford Library on 8th December looking back over various Christmas seasons in Wexford in peace, in war and in industrial strife. But there will be a special emphasis on those Christmas times that will resonate more with fans of his books. From the old “16 weeks to Christmas” through excursions to Dublin, “darts for chickens”, the Yuletide Dance, Santa parcels and visiting the cribs, you will be transported by Nicky to a bygone era which will help us all get into that Christmas spirit. Nicky Rossiter has published, alone or in conjunction with others, 19 books on the social history of Wexford as well numerous articles in journals, magazines and newspapers. He has also broadcasted on South East Radio and RTE Radio and finds it impossible to cease researching the heritage of Wexford.
Nicky’s latest book ‘Looking Back’ is available locally including at Red Books in St Peter’s Square and through their online outlet.
Wexford Library, Thursday, December 8th at 7:00pm. Booking is essential. Click here to book your place: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/3959772 Or call Wexford Library on 053 9196760 or email wexfordlib@wexfordcoco.ie n
Nicky Rossiter
The National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy is now currently closed to the public due to hosting the fantastic Santa's Enchanted Christmas! For information, visit www.santasenchantedchristmas.ie
Developments at Vinegar Hill
Pic: Sean Fogarty
History talks at Gorey Library
Thursday, December 8th, 7-8pm, Gorey Library. A Family History for Beginners event with local historian Celestine Murphy. Booking essential, to reserve your place call 053 9483820. n
Celestine Murphy
At the November meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, it was reported by Council officials that The Heritage Officer of Wexford County Council is working on appropriate designs for the interpretive panels to be located on Vinegar Hill. It is expected that there will be a presentation to the December meeting of the Municipal District in relation to this matter. n NORTH WEXFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY TALK: WEXFORD AND CANADA CONNECTIONS
Thursday, December 15th, 7-8pm, Gorey Library. December's North Wexford Historical Society talk will be delivered by folklorist Michael Fortune who will discuss Newfoundland and the Wexford connection.
This is a free event and all are welcome. Booking is essential. To reserve a place contact the library on 053 9483820. n
Michael Fortune
