Wexford Remember ……..

President Higgins joins hundreds in Wexford to commerate the death of John Redmond

Press Release - 15th April 2018

This morning Sunday 15 April Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D Higgins was in Wexford Town for a day of commemoration to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of one of Wexford’s most famous figures, John Redmond.

Events got underway at 9.00am with a seminar in Wexford Library where President Higgins delivered the opening address.  The President was joined by Mr Dermot Meleady who spoke on the topic ‘From Parnellite to National Leader”. Also on the podium was Mr Ronan McGreevy who delivered a paper on ‘John Redmond and World War One’ while Dr Martin O’Donoghue also contributed with his presentation ‘The Legacy of John Redmond’.

The seminar was followed with an afternoon Ceremony of Remembrance and Wreath Laying at the Redmond Mausoleum in St John’s Graveyard, John Street. Events got under way with a parade, led by a colour party from the 3rd Battalion, Irish Defence Forces, and which included members of the ONE Commodore John Barry Wexford branch, His Worship the Mayor and Members of Wexford Borough District and other local dignitaries.

Following the welcoming address by the Mayor and keynote speech a series of wreath-layings took place at the Redmond Mausoleum with President Higgins laying a wreath on behalf of the State. A Minute’s Silence was followed by the Piper’s Lament played by the New Ross FCA Pipe Band, the playing of The Last Post, the raising of the national flag and Reveille.

The blessing was given by Fr Aodhán Marken and Canon Arthur Minion and this was followed by  Amhrán na bhFiann, played by St Patrick’s Fife & Drum Band.

Included in today’s celebrations was the launch of Talking History Wexford, an innovative smart audio facility, located at three well-known Wexford sites associated with the Redmond family. Using smart phone technology, Talking History Wexford tells the Redmond story in a new way – from the family’s perspective. Three Redmond sites have been given the gift of speech: the bust of Major Willie Redmond, located at Redmond Park, the Redmond family monument in Redmond Square and the Redmond Mausoleum in St John’s Graveyard.

Members of the public can swipe their smart phone on the purple plaque at each monuments and then accepting a call from a member of the Redmond family who will tell important elements of the Redmond story. These monuments have been voiced by broadcaster Anne Doyle, actor Gary Lydon and playwright Billy Roche.

An exhibition describing the life and legacy of John E Redmond and his remarkable contribution to Ireland’s political landscape is currently on display in Wexford Library until the end of April 2018.