Memorial event set to take place on historic hill close to New Ross

Lacken Hill is an important historical location, as the hill coupled with Carrickbyrne Hill and Sliabh Coillte are a trio of hills which formed an integral part of the 1798 rebellion and the history of the area.

Prior to planting with trees, the hill was utilised for agricultural purposes and field boundaries are evident throughout the forest today. In 1798, Lacken Hill had a commanding 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside, and the hill was an ideal location for a rebel camp and look-out post during the rebellion.

Today, Lacken hill is a place of peace. The Dunbrody Forest, comprising of 25,000 native trees planted by Coillte to replace trees used in building of the Dunbrody Famine Ship, is located on the hill.

The rebels had a look-out post on Lacken Hill prior to and after the Battle of New Ross, which took place on June 5. The battle was one of the bloodiest of the 1798 Rebellion. It is estimated that between 2,500 and 3,000 rebels lost their lives and many were wounded during the ten hour battle. Some of the rebels who fought in the uprising, died on Lacken hill and are buried in unmarked graves on the hillside.

This Sunday people are encouraged to make a pike using a broom handle and cardboard and to come along dressed as a rebel. They are asked to arrive at the car park at around 1.15 p.m. to walk to the hilltop from the forest entrance at their own pace.

An entry parade take place at 2 p.m. featuring the RDF colour party, followed by New Ross FCA Pipe Band, O.N.E. members, pikemen, schoolchildren and members of New Ross Scouts.

A welcome address will then be given by Jim Roberts, with a blessing by Fr Seán Devereux and Rev Ivan Dungan. At 2.20 p.m. an historical account of Lacken Hill and the battle of 1798 will be given by Bernard Browne.

There will be singing by pupils from Rathgarogue and Cushinstown national schools, followed by the reading of the Proclamation of Independence. A wreath laying ceremony follows with Maura Murray, Pat Butler and Seán Connick doing the honours.

An historical account of New Ross Pipe Band and its long association with Lacken Hill will be given by Tom Callaghan, followed by a lament by the New Ross FCA Pipe Band.

After a minute’s silence the Last Post and Reveille will be performed by Confraternity Brass Band members Selma and Shauna, with a flag raising ceremony followed by Amhrán na bhFiann being played and a conclusion by Jim Roberts.

Light refreshments will be available and there will be music and Irish dancing from the Power School of Dancing to conclude the event.