Pictures: South Kilkenny Historical Society celebrates Lá an Dreoilín

The South Kilkenny Historical Society’s events for 2023 came to a spectacular end on St Stephen’s Day with its inaugural Lá an Dreoilín in Mullinavat. 

Events began with the ‘coronation’ of Paddy O’Shea as Wren Boy 2023, followed by a parade to the local GAA complex where the group paraded along the newly opened community walkway. As they returned to the parish hall, the Wren Boys met up with the local Harriers who were starting their traditional St Stephen’s Day hunt. 

The gathering was treated to singing, dancing and music on their return to the parish hall and prizes were presented to the best dressed Wren Boys and Girls, who not only dressed up but also participated in a fashion reminiscent of olden days.

The organisers of the event were very pleased with the turnout, the level of participation and the quality of musicians and singers. This was the first attempt at a revival of the ancient tradition and marked a major milestone in the society’s attempt at making Lá an Dreoilín (Wren Day) a major event in the area again.

Thanks to the musicians, whose performances was greatly appreciated, to those who made a huge effort by dressing up in traditional costume, Mike Coffey of Kerry for supplying straw hats for the occasion, and Kilkenny County Council for financial aid under the Event Grant Scheme 2023.

The next society event takes place on Friday, January at 8pm – a lecture – ‘Water Diviners experiments in Ireland 1891 and 1899’ in Mullinavat Parish Hall. The speaker is Brian White, and the talk will include the input of Mr Jones of Mullinabro, Kilmacow/Ferrybank in the experiments.