1798 Pikemen and Pikewomen March in Gorey, Co. Wexford - June1998

Here is a rough six minute clip which I filmed in June 1998 in Gorey during the 1798 Commemorations featuring pike groups from Ballygarrett, Kilmuckridge, Askamore, Craanford, Monaseed, Blackwater, Ferns, Monageer, Oulart and Boolavogue. I can’t remember filming this until the sister showed it to me today. My father, along with my two sisters were part of the Ballygarrett pike group and I’ve decided to share it as it was his Month’s Mind yesterday. I’m sure there are many more people in this who have since left us. I was in college in Limerick at the time so only got home for a few of the marches.

1998 was a magic year in County Wexford, with pike groups cropping up in nearly every village in a bid to remember those who took part in the 1798 Rising. These events, in which there were hundreds, were truly democratic, stemming from the ground up and reflective of the people who took part in the 1798 Rising. They also proved to be huge social gatherings for those involved and like my own father, these gatherings created proud, positive and lasting memories.