Grand Marshal

Grand Marshal

Download Nomination form 2024 


2018 Grand Marshal – Gorey Little Theatre
 
Gorey Little Theatre has been running strong since the 1950′s and has been the catalyst for the arts development in Gorey and the surrounding area.
Over the years they have put on countless performances providing all types of entertainment for countless people.
They host the very successful annual South Leinster Drama Festival in which amateur drama groups from all over the country come to perform.
From their humble beginnings and due to the tireless work of those involved down through the years they have undergone many changes, from their first home in Courtown Harbour to the fine modern 300+ seater auditorium today.
Gorey Little Theatre play an active role in the community and due to constant cooperation with other organisations and bodies they have succeeded in promoting and developing north Wexford as a vibrant place to live.
The committee members of Gorey Theatre Group will be leading the 2018 Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade and we are delighted to honour this organisation and all the entertainment it has brought to Gorey.
 
Gorey Little Theatre Committee
President: Nancy Byrne
Chairperson: Jan Cullen
Vice Chairperson: Ann May
Secretary: Clara Carter
Treasurer: Barbara Byrne
PRO: Debbie Gartland
Artistic Director: Malcolm Byrne
Festival Directors: Clara Carter and Denis Howell
Committee Members: Jazz Stynes, Cathy Quirke, Amanda Sheil, David Pepper, Veronica Lombard
Trustees: Denis Howell, Roy Byrne, Nancy Byrne, Garry Lombard, Malcolm Byrne, Mairead Walker

2017 Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade

Grand Marshal – Friends of Gorey District Hospital

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There are not too many families in the Gorey Town and surrounding areas that have not had family or friends in Gorey District Hospital. The wonderful care that is offered to patients and their families is there for all to see.

Wonderful work has been done supporting and improving the facilities for many years by the Friends of Gorey District Hospital and we are delighted that they will be leading the 2017 Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade as Grand Marshal.

The Friends of Gorey District Hospital was formed twenty years in 1997 instigated by Ann Coakley present Director of Nursing with the aim to provide extra patient comfort care.

Meetings in the early stages were held in Gorey Hospital and some of the founding committee were Sydney Stephens, Maura Doran and the late Tom Darcy among others.

Initial fundraising was high on the agenda for The Friends with lots of different events like dances, tea on the lawn, golf classics and donations. This allowed The Friends to provide special beds, reclining chairs, televisions, new mattresses, duvets and matching curtains.

Their aim over the years is the same and the committee and subcommittee have evolved over this time. Fundraising events are mostly organised by individuals or groups and include many different ideas and ways to donate.

In recent years the two main projects undertaken by The Friends was the refurbishment of rooms in the hospital to accommodate two new en-suite rooms and a family room that was officially opened in 2015 at the cost of €175,000. The second project was the secure garden within the grounds of the hospital.

The funding to pay for the work completed by The Friends over the past twenty years was made possible by the continued support of the public in Gorey Town and the wider community.

The committee are looking forward to celebrating twenty years with an open day later this year and look forward to the completion of the work committed by the HSE worth €3.5m.

The present committee consists of Chairperson Patricia Masterson, Hon. Chairperson Jane Hassett, Assistant Chairperson Ann Redmond, Hon Secretary Eileen Stafford, Treasurer Cecily Doyle, Assistant Secretary Mary Cooper, and Assistant Treasurer Ann Coakley.

Sub-committee – Noel Carter, Cyrus Kavanagh, Olive Noonan, Maureen Chamney, Statia Gahan & Pat Coady.

Grand Marshal 2016 – Gorey Credit Union

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goreycreditunionlogoAll involved in Gorey Parade are delighted to announce that Gorey Credit Union has been nominated and selected as our 2016 Grand Marshal.

Gorey Credit Union was founded in 1966 and will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.

The four surviving founder members are Stan Hempenstall, Pat Doyle, Joe Sheehan and Tony Woulfe, these  forward thinking men, and like-minded others, after having had a series of meetings with representatives of the Irish League of Credit Unions and other Credit Unions which were already established.

The First Board of Directors consisted of:

  • President Roibeard O’Cinnseallaigh
  • Vice President Peter O’Loughlin
  • Secretary Willie Kinsella
  • Hon. Treasurer Tom Kirwan

Other Directors appointed were: Mrs Peg Graham, Michael Lacey, Matthew Lacey, Stanley Hempenstall, Sean Donelan, Michael Devereux, Paddy Doyle, Dr P.N.O’Gorman, Jim Sheehan, Joe Sheehan, Tony Woulfe, Sean Dwyer was appointed as P.R.O.

The area of common bond was defined as a 3 mile radius from Gorey town. A small room was rented from Gorey Town Commissioners in the Market House Gorey and the first collection was held on the 20th of May 1966. At the close of business that night the membership stood at 77 with shares totalling £106. As a result the growth in members during the year they moved premises to the Parish Hall, Church Street. By the end of the year membership stood at 233 with £3335 in shares.

Membership continued to grow and in 1969 they purchased the premises No 81 Main Street and No 1 Mc Dermott street, Gorey and their bond area was increased to a 7 mile radius of Gorey.

A number of collections centres were subsequently set up in Ballycanew, Camolin, Monamolin, Coolgreaney and Kilmuckridge. These were all manned by dedicated voluntary workers who provided a tremendous service to all members in these areas.

In 1973 thei bond area again broadened to over a 10 mile radius of Gorey and was further extended to take in the Kilmuckridge area.

In 1983 Gorey Credit Union appointed its first full time Manager, Mr Tom Kirwan, a man of great vision who cherished the ethos of the Credit Union movement and through whose foresight and dedication developed Gorey Credit Union within the community to what has become a major success story.

In 1985 shares topped £2 million and Gorey Credit Union was awarded the Credit Union Cup for its achievements by the Irish League of Credit Unions.

In 1992 total shares approached £6,000,000 and after having acquired No 2 McDermott Street some years previously more office space was provided through the integration of No. 1 & No 2 McDermott Street, Gorey. In 2008 they moved into the purpose built offices, where they currently operate.

In October 2015, Gorey Credit Union Ltd. completed a transfer of engagements with Avonmore Credit Union Ltd, who were based in Rathdrum, Avoca & Roundwood. Now Gorey Credit Union Ltd. is open in these locations as well as on McDermott St in Gorey. With 4 Locations, 47 staff and online technology Gorey Credit Union is now more available to the public than ever before.

Membership continues to grow at a fast pace, and they now have approx. 26,000 members with assets in excess of over €100,000,000 and the loan book stands at almost €45,000,000. The friendly staff are willing to deal with any queries in any of the locations, online or on the phone.

Today Gorey Credit Union ranks in the top fifty in Ireland out of the 400+ Credit Unions. This demonstrates a great vote of confidence by the people in the area in both Gorey Credit Union and Credit Union movement as a whole.

All of the members both present and previous have played their part in contributing to this success and are to be congratulated.

Built on a solid foundation, which was laid by the first Directors and voluntary workers Gorey Credit Union has continued to grow as a strong financial co-operative. It serves as a vehicle enabling people to help themselves, thus developing a spirit of self-reliance and to help others thereby fostering a fruitful caring community awareness and involvement.

We believe that Gorey Credit Union has been a part of almost every family in Gorey and the surrounding areas by allowing people to save or providing loans for education, cars, deposits on houses, weddings etc.

If it were not for the foresight of these gentlemen who knows what the town of Gorey would be like. Gorey has most definitely benefited from the success of Gorey Credit Union and we are proud to recognise this.

 


 

Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade
2015 Grand Marshal
Margaret Cooper

Mgt

All involved in the Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade are delighted to announce our Grand Marshal for 2015 – Margaret. In our opinion Margaret’s involvement in so many local organisations defines what true volunteerism is, she is without doubt one of the most selfless people you could come across.

Margaret arrived to Gorey from Laois to live and work with her aunt Miss Allen in Leggett’s shop on the Main Street where she got to know and love Gorey. She met her husband David in the Tara Ballroom, Courtown, where many a great romance started. They spent some time in David’s home place of Arklow before settling in Gorey many years ago.

She is the mother to Jennifer who lives in Australia with her husband Darren and their two children Sean & Rebecca. Her son Allan and daughter Helen live locally along with Allan’s wife Aileen and grandchildren Will, Rory, Ross & Rosie. Margaret is a very proud mother and grandmother.

There are truly not many organisations in Gorey that Margaret has not been involved in or help out at events. She has great faith and is a valuable member of the Church of Ireland community. She is a vital part of events related to the Church, Gorey Central School and Girls Brigade.

Margaret was one of those involved in the original fundraising for St Aidan’s Services in Gorey and remains involved to this day. She also remains an active part of the St Columba’s Club who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

In recent years Margaret has been volunteering with the Talk to Tom organisation and was also involved in the setting up of the Gorey Heartsafe project.

She has supported fundraising efforts for the Happy Heart Foundation, local food appeals and Gorey hospital. Margaret is a familiar face in the Gorey Theatre Hall, regularly calling bingo, helping out for many years and has a love for the arts in Gorey.

Margaret believes that you must pull out all the stops and do whatever you can to get something done and she has led by example. She believes she has been lucky to be involved in so many worthy groups as she has met wonderful people and seen great results – but these groups are lucky to have Margaret. They know if she is asked to do anything it will be done, to her best and with her friendly and kind personality shining through.

We recognise what a remarkable woman Margaret is and are delighted that the ‘professional volunteer’ she is has accepted the honour of becoming our Grand Marshal and will lead the Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade this year.

 

Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade

Grand Marshals

Elected Members of Gorey Town Council

 

In recognition of the great support of the Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade throughout the years we are delighted that the members of the Gorey Town Council will lead the 2014 Parade.

 

Before the Gorey Town Council ceases in May the members will act as Grand Marshal’s then take their place on the reviewing stand for the last time. Gorey Parade is saddened to lose the Town Council but want to honour all that the members have done for Gorey and its people.

 

Since the Parade started 34 years ago members of the Town Council have been involved in supporting us and the events surrounding the Parade. The current members are walking in recognition of their efforts and those of all the past members of Gorey Town Council.

 

We thank them sincerely and wish those stepping away from public representation all the best and good luck to those running for the expanded Gorey District Council.

 Lorcan AllenClick for full photo of Lorcan Allen (opens in new window)                             

Malcolm ByrneClick for full photo of Malcolm Byrne (opens in new window)    

Bernard Crosbie  Click for full photo of Bernard Crosbie (opens in new window)                        

Michael Darcy     Click for full photo of Michael *Cathaoirleach Darcy (opens in new window) 

Angie Dooley Click for full photo of Angie Dooley (opens in new window)                                   

Robbie IretonClick for full photo of Robbie *Leas Cathaoirleach Ireton (opens in new window)

Darren KeeganClick for full photo of Darren Keegan (opens in new window)                   

Patricia Quinn Click for full photo of Patricia Quinn (opens in new window)

Colin Webb   Click for full photo of Colin Webb (opens in new window)                       

 

 


Grand Marshal Role of Honour

2000, Kathleen Breen

2002, Ada Doyle

2003, Maura Doran

2004, Michael Doran

2005, Kevin Molloy

2006, Michael Fitzpatrick

2007, George Godkin

2008, Sean Stafford

2009, Darragh McDonald

2010, Bronagh Stafford

2011, Anne Slator

2012, Jimmy Breen

2013, Eileen O’Loughlin

2014, Members of Gorey Town Council


Grand Marshal 2013 – Eileen O’Loughlin

We are delighted to announce Eileen as Grand Marshal of the 2013 Gorey St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Eileen is originally from Bray and she moved to Gorey in 1965.  She is a qualified PE teacher but this was put on the sideline when she married the late Charlie O’Loughlin from Carnew.  They moved to Gorey and together established and built up a local business in Courtown – a poultry farm, selling eggs and pullets. The business flourished over the years into a well established and renowned company selling fresh, frozen and ambient foods- servicing the South East and East coast of Ireland. It originally started from humble beginnings of 3 staff – and now currently employs almost 40 staff; which is a great asset for the Gorey/Courtown area during this economic climate.

Charlie may have started the business – but behind every great man there is even a better woman! Eileen never shied away from work, continuing to support her husband in this growing business until 6 years ago when sadly Charlie passed away. Her eldest son John took over the business and now her younger son Charlie is MD. Eileen and Charlie have 4 children Carol, John, Mia and Charlie, and now in later years, she has nine grandchildren to keep her busy.

During the early 70’s Eileen joined the Gorey Community Development Group which was originally founded by the late Michael Doran, a former Grand Marshal.  Along with other founder members: Jack McEvoy and Brenda Dunbar, their aim was to set up and support 13 schemes in Gorey and its locality with the financial and invaluable assistance of Wexford County Council. Eileen campaigned tirelessly and selflessly as Chairperson and committee member for quite a number of years.

The Gorey Development Group’s aim was to develop and promote Gorey and its environment by initiating and setting up the following: Gym Club, Scouts, Girl Guides, Brownies, running an ANCO course, mobile library, Town Park, Tidy Towns, traffic warden at the Loreto school;  their only disappointment was not to get a swimming pool in Gorey but however they did manage to organise swimming lessons in Courtown and during the winter months transport to & swimming lessons in Wexford town, again with the assistance of Wexford Co Council.

Many will recall the Gorey Community Development Group Summer Fair programme – a 10 day festival which ran for 16 years in our town from 1985-2001.   It is also only right that we also acknowledge her husband’s Charlie input to our area – as he was involved with the Courtown Failte Festival for a number of years and later he chaired the 1998 National & World Sheep Shearing event in Gorey.

Eileen still remains actively involved with the Gorey Community Development Group & The Week of the Elderly, which was set up by Fr Walter Forde and now is running for 29 years. Along with another of Fr Forde’s projects – the Byrne Perry summer School which is also running for 18 years. More recently Eileen has also become involved with Courtown Tourism.

Gorey Parade Ltd are delighted to announce and acknowledge Eileen for all her hard work, enthusiasm and efforts in developing, enhancing and promoting Gorey & Courtown for young and old, locals and tourists.


 

2012 Grand Marshal

street-pic3Jimmy Breen was born in Gorey in 1952, the 5th of the 6 children of Catherine and James Breen from The Rock in Gorey.  Jimmy has 4 brothers and one sister and the family is quite well known in the Gorey area.  Jimmy attended school in Gorey and was still living here at the time that the idea for a Camphill in Ireland was being considered.

Camphill is an organisation whose aim is to support rich and meaningful lives for people with intellectual disabilities.  It began in Scotland 70 years ago.  The first Camphill in Northern Ireland was Camphill Glencraig and it began in 1954.  Camphill Glencraig is a community for children and a number of children from Ireland went there as there was no equivalent opportunity here in Ireland.  When it came time for the children who were mainly from Dublin to leave Glencraig, a parents group from Dublin began the hunt for a suitable place to begin a Camphill in the Republic.  They found a possibility in Duffcarrig House and the plans to create a Camphill for young adults were put in place.

Camphill Duffcarrig began on 2nd February 1972 with a small group from Camphill Glencraig moving into the community.  A number of young people with special needs joined the community in that first year, including 20 year old Jimmy Breen who joined in June 1972.  At the time Jimmy joined, the community comprised Duffcarrig House, a small flat and 14 acres of land.  Jimmy began his time in Duffcarrig working in the garden and making clay animals for sale.  The community and Jimmy have grown and matured together.  The community is now on 60 acres with 9 houses and around 70 people live there (including 26 people with intellectual disabilities) with 15 employees coming in to help on certain days of the week.

After Camphill acquired the Cloonagh Farm Jimmy began working on the farm.  He loves working with the animals and is a great help on the farm.  In the last couple of years Jimmy decided to try out working on crafts again and is in our candle and general craft workshop in the afternoon.

While the volunteer co-workers and employees have come and gone, Jimmy is one of the people with special needs that over 40 years have faithfully upheld the desire to live in community with others and put great effort into seeing that the impulse for a Camphill community in the Gorey area continues.  He has been willing to patiently share his life with the hundreds of volunteer’s co-workers that have lived in Camphill Duffcarrig over that time and still declares that he wouldn’t change a thing because he loves Duffcarrig just the way it is

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