At a recent event commemorating the historic events of ’98, Alderman Joyce, the Mayor of Limerick, delivered a stirring speech that resonated with the audience. The occasion was organized by the ’98 Committee, and the Mayor expressed his gratitude for being invited to the historic soil of Wexford for the first time.
In his speech, Mayor Joyce praised the bravery and courage of the Wexford men and women who fearlessly fought and sacrificed for Ireland during the pivotal events of 1798. He emphasized that there was not a single individual present who would “fear to speak of ’98” or “blush at the name.”
The Mayor shared his personal connection to Wexford’s history, recounting how he learned about the county’s proud heritage from a young age. Reading books such as “The History of ’98” by Myles Byrne and “The Forge of Clologue” by James Murphy left a lasting impression on his youthful mind, inspiring him to visit the gallant county of Wexford today.
Mayor Joyce highlighted the shared connections between Wexford and Limerick, as both counties have a history steeped in the struggle for Irish freedom. He mentioned significant events such as the Three Rocks and the Three Bullet Gate of New Ross, which further strengthened the ties between the two regions.
The Mayor expressed his longstanding desire to visit Wexford, as it holds a special place in Irish history and has inspired him to pay tribute to the brave souls who fought for the cause of freedom. He recognized the significance of the events of ’98 and how they continue to resonate with people today.
In conclusion, Mayor Joyce conveyed his deep appreciation to the ’98 Committee and the people of Wexford for inviting him to partake in this momentous occasion. He acknowledged the shared history of Wexford and Limerick and expressed his admiration for the gallantry and sacrifice of those who fought for Ireland during the tumultuous period of 1798.
The Mayor’s speech left a lasting impression on the audience, evoking a sense of pride and reverence for the heroic deeds of the past. The event served as a powerful reminder of the rich and enduring legacy of ’98, inspiring the attendees to continue honouring and cherishing their shared history.
Free Press (Wexford) – Saturday 12 August 1905
“The 1798 Wexford Rebellion: A Pivotal Chapter in Ireland’s Quest for Independence”
In 1798, Wexford, Ireland, played a significant role in the Irish Rebellion of that year, which is often referred to as the Irish Rebellion of 1798 or the United Irishmen Rebellion. The rebellion was an uprising against British rule and was fueled by the desire for Irish independence and the establishment of a republic.
In Wexford, the rebellion gained momentum, and the local population rose up against British forces and landlords. The primary leaders of the Wexford rebellion were people like Bagenal Harvey, Anthony Perry, and Father John Murphy. The latter, a Catholic priest from Boolavogue, became one of the most prominent figures in the Wexford uprising.
The rebellion in Wexford officially began on May 27, 1798, when rebels captured the town of Enniscorthy after defeating British troops. The rebels continued to gain ground and enjoyed some early successes in battles against British forces.
One of the most significant events of the Wexford Rebellion was the Battle of Vinegar Hill, which took place on June 21, 1798. It was a major engagement between the Wexford rebels and British forces. The rebels held a defensive position on Vinegar Hill, overlooking the town of Enniscorthy. The British launched a full-scale assault, and despite the brave resistance of the rebels, the Wexford forces were eventually overwhelmed. The British victory at Vinegar Hill was a turning point in the rebellion.
After the defeat at Vinegar Hill, the rebellion in Wexford started to decline. The British forces launched a brutal campaign to suppress the uprising, resulting in atrocities committed by both sides. Many rebels were captured, tried, and executed, and the rebellion in Wexford was ultimately crushed.
Father John Murphy was captured and executed by the British forces. His death, along with that of many other rebels, led to a significant loss for the cause of Irish independence.
The Irish Rebellion of 1798 had a profound impact on Irish history and nationalism. It further fueled the desire for independence and influenced subsequent generations in their pursuit of freedom from British rule. The events in Wexford remain an important chapter in the struggle for Irish independence and are still remembered and commemorated today.
Limerick Gazette, 28th July 2023
Gerard J. Hannan
