SlaNey hiStory SlaNey ad & heritage
The French Connection As they say ‘it’s an ill wind’ that doesn’t benefit someone, so as Brexit digs in for the long-haul making Rosslare more and more important as an EU port destination, relationships between Wexford and France, and Normandy in particular, are being explored and developed. Our historical connection was very much in evidence recently at the Ports Past and Present Maritime Festival organised by Leo Coy and his amazing committee, at Harbour Rosslare, where Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society welcomed the Lord Mayor of Ouistreham, Normandy, to the Wexford port, the colourful group in full Norman regalia, embracing and celebrating our shared heritage. With informative talks and a host of activities throughout the weekend, the inaugural Festival was a major success, bringing our two cultures together in an effort to copper-fasten the links between our common Norman back story. It was indeed heart-warming to also see a Welsh delegation share the Festival weekend, declaring adamantly their wish that the close association between the regions would continue and prosper despite Brexit. A week later, it was the turn of New Ross to host our Norman allies at a reception at the Dunbrody Historic Centre for the President of Normandy Herve Morin and Ambassador Vincent Guerend.
Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society at Rosslare with Roman Bail, the Mayor of Ouistreham, Normandy, and his entourage.
After his tour of the town of New Ross, President Morin told Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society that they have similar re-enactment groups in France and at the present time are developing an old Norman site at Caen, not far from Bayeux. €20 million is being pumped into the Caen development to reconstruct a Norman fortress as it would have been built in the 12th century using exactly the same materials and building techniques, with a view to holding major re-enactments going forward. President Morin presented me with his
card and contact details so we could keep in touch. Watch this space – a trip to Normandy could be part of our re-enactment future. The President and his entourage were then treated to the most deliciously prepared banquet showcasing all the excellent food of Wexford, the quality, array and presentation having the desired effect. Two Normandy delegations in the same week is no accident, the links between our two cultures have never been stronger, with the Normans the common factor.
Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society on the beach at Rosslare.
I have been saying it for years and I am so delighted that finally it seems Wexford has decided to take ownership of the Normans. They landed here in 1169, and as Leo Coy pointed out in his most informative talk on Norman names, they are still here with us today – Busher, Codd, Devereux, Stafford, Lambert, Rossiter, Power, Hore, Furlong, and many, many more. Waterford has laid claim to the Vikings – it’s time Wexford declared the Normans, and all that go with them, her own. – Words and all photos by Maria Nolan
Page 104 - 5th July 2022
