Michael O'Hanrahan Weekend, New Ross

wexford | history and heritage | event notice Monday September 30, 2013 23:22 by O.O'C. - Michael O'Hanrahan Weekend New Ross

Inaugural Michael O' Hanrahan weekend will have something for all the family - O' Connell

One of the organisers of the inaugural Michael O' Hanrahan weekend has said that the event will offer something for every member of the family. Oisin O' Connell said that the weekend will include a memorial lecture which will bring diverse speakers including Professor Anthony Coughlan and writer Geraldine O' Connell Cusack to New Ross.

See Ohanrahan.Org for latest info and updates

"The Michael O' Hanrahan Memorial Lecture will bring an eclectic mix of speakers to a non political audience," Mr O' Connell said.

"As well as an historical lecture on the life and times of 1916 rebel leader Michael O' Hanrahan, there will also be contributions from Professor Anthony Coughlan, secretary of the National Platform for EU Research and Information Centre, and Irish American writer Geraldine O' Connell Cusack."

"There will be many other events held for those not interested in lectures and debates. A family fun day complete with free music and face painting will be held in Pearse Park on the Saturday from noon until two, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at O' Hanrahan Bridge. We'll also be holding a fun table quiz on the Friday night and a hike up Carrigbyrne hill on the Sunday morning, giving everyone something to take from this event."
"As we move towards the centenary of the 1916 rising, it's important that we reflect and acknowledge what an incredibly important turning point this event was in Irish history. It's important that everyone has a chance to remember what happened and from where our modern state came. No one group has a monopoly on the memory of great patriots like Michael O' Hanrahan and that's why the organisers of this event would invite everyone, young and old, regardless of political beliefs, to take part in the first annual Michael O' Hanrahan Weekend."

Friday 4th October:

Table Quiz, The Rag, Conduit Lane (between Post Office and The Tholsel), @ 9pm;

Saturday 5th October:

Picnic in Pearse Park; (between Garda Station/Co-op and Topaz/Lidl) free face-painting, informal music session, @ 12 noon;

Wreath laying ceremony, New Ross Quayfront & O’Hanrahan Bridge, @ 2:30pm;

Memorial Lectures, 13 South Street (upstairs hall, O’Briens/Spiders) @ 4pm
Refreshments served @ 3pm;

Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin: “Michael Hanrahan and the Irish Revolution”. Fionntán is on committee of North Wexford Historical Society; author of 1798 book “Towards The Mountains of Liberty”, & booklet “Celebrating 100 years of Sinn Féin in Co. Wexford” (2005);

Anthony Coughlan: Senior Lecturer Emeritus in Social Policy at Trinity College, Dublin, will speak on the Republican legacy and sovereignty. He is also Secretary of National Platform EU Research & Information Centre, and successful Supreme Court litigant in “Coughlan Case” resulting in a more balanced RTE coverage on referenda campaigns.

Geraldine O’Connell Cusack: author of Children of the Far Flung, will speak on her latest historical novel set in Chile - The Limit of Words and Silence, and how it relates to Ireland’s struggles.

Musical Function & Evening Entertainment, Bolg Buí, Mary Street @ 6pm onwards

Sunday 6th October:

Heritage Hike on Carrigbyrne Hill, (outside New Ross on N25, between Ballinaboola and turn-off for Adamstown); specific entrance to Coilte woodlands is signposted, with route board on display and memorial cross; we will follow the Yellow Slí - with detour to 1798 Campsite. Bring a picnic! @ 1pm.