Choir       

Wexford Male Voice Choir was founded by Dr. George Hadden in1941

and is now believed to be the longest established Male Voice Choir in

Ireland.Hundreds of Wexford men have passed through its' ranks since

then and the Choir has continued to grow and develop over the years,

mainly due to the commitment of its members and the support of the people

of Wexford. During its first fifty years the Choir was mainly nomadic,

moving from one rehearsal room to another, never having a place to

call 'home'. However, in 1991, the Committee of the day had the foresight

and courage to purchase what was then known as 'The Royal British

Legion Hall' in Westgate, and in 2005, we became the proud owners of

the hall, now renamed 'Wexford Male Voice Choir Hall'. The premises has

been completely renovated with the installation of a tiered rostrum, a new

floor, a new piano, new kitchen and toilet facilities etc. making it one of the

finest rehearsal rooms in town.Over the years the Choir has performed in

Concerts and Competitions all over Ireland, as well as in England and

Wales. In 2001 we had the privilege of singing in Boston, U.S.A. and in

March 2002 the Choir was honoured to sing at the first 'Official' St.

Patrick's Day Mass in Westminster Cathedral, London and then to

perform at a Concert in Trafalgar Square, that afternoon, to an audience

of over 50,000. The enormity of that occasion could only be experienced by

being there!Many people over the years have played a major part in

ensuring that the Choir would achieve this success, people such as the late

John Clancy and his son, Nicky, and Ger Lawlor, all of whom served as

Musical Directors for many years. Their hard work and dedication is

continued today under the Directorship of Greg Currid, who with the help

and cooperation of our Accompanist, Fiona Kelly, has endeavoured to

bring the Choir to new heights.Many men have served on the Choir

Committees down through the years, and their hard work and dedication

is heartily acknowledged. Without their hard work, foresight and

dedication the current Choir would surely not enjoy the success that it so

obviously does.  

Coat of Arms  

                                       

The Wexford Coat of Arms consists of three burning ships with the motto

"Per Aquam et Ignem". The Genealogical Office, Dublin Castle, has no

record of a formal grant of the Arms but it was registered in that office at

the time of the 1618 Heraldic Visitation. The records of the Visitation

appear to show that the Arms were in existence before that time. However,

the statement contained in the Fox-Davies Book of Public Arms, London

1915, an entry which is in other respects evidently inaccurate, states:

"Granted by Molyneux, Ulster King of Arms, and recorded in the Visitation

of Wexford".  The motto translates as "through water and fire". 

Regarding the three burning ships, there are different theories as to their

significance:

1.Three ships which were being built in the dockyard at Kaat's Strand

   were set alight by a marauding party.

2.A marauding party left three ships at anchor in Wexford Bay and local

   inhabitants set them alight.