Magical night in Enniscorthy
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Wednesday March 10 2010
THE NIGHT was lit up by fireworks and the streets of Enniscorthy came alive with noise as the Enniscorthy 1500 programme was launched with an open air spectacle on Saturday night. The recession defying parade of enlightenment captivated the children and earned the admiration of the adults as it passed along the way from the Fair Green to the Quays with fire, music, drama and extravagant costumes.
'The atmosphere was magic,' reported relieved and delighted Town Council chairman Seán Óg Doyle after the crowd pleasing event was blessed with fine weather. 'It certainly helped to lift the spirits at this difficult time and it was up there with all the other great days of celebration and remembrance held over the years in Enniscorthy.'
Master of ceremonies Liam Sharkey passed on word over the public address system from Garda Superintendent Peter Finn that the turnout on a fine, dry, cool evening was estimated to be at least seven thousand spectators. Those who came to enjoy the free show were treated to some classic street theatre designed by Colm Lowney of Buí Bolg to make a lasting impression.
The theme of enlightenment was illustrated first by a section of the parade representing fire and the anarchy that preceded the arrival of Christianity to the Slaney valley. Then came a huge St. Senan's bell as a reminder of the town's founder. The final section of the parade was built around Strawberry Queen Chloe Mythen carried on high aboard a float amidst all the dancers and marchers as the monarch of the river.
Fire-eaters, street dancers, stilt walkers and roller bladers made their way through streets that reverberated to the beat set by the Garda marching band. Also in the mix were the drums of the Wexford samba band, while more traditionally Irish entertainment was provided by St. Colman's pipe band, coming all the way from Ballindaggin in their red kilts to bring up the rear.
The people of Enniscorthy were joined in admiration by tourists and people from all around County Wexford on a night when the town staged an extravaganza on a national scale. The money for the event was saved over a period of years much of it was blown in a firework display such as never witnessed before in Enniscorthy presented by Pat Whelan of Wexford Pyrotechnics Once the pipers had blown their last note, the countdown began to the illumination of dark sky from a launch pad above the Rock Factory. Those gathered on the Promenade probably had the best view as the fireworks of all colours fizzed and banged their way over the town. Afterwards, the public house and takeaways did bumper Saturday night business before the crowds dispersed for the night. The weekend extravaganza was the opening shot in a programme that will be less spectacular from now on. The next major event on the Enniscorthy 1500 is the Anúna concert in St . Aidan's cathedral on March 19.
