Oliver Sheppard's statue of the Pikeman in the Bullring Wexford was unveiled in 1905. When digging the foundations of the monument human remains were found. It was presumed they were the remains of victims of the Cromwellian massacre of October, 1649. The builders of the monument left them where the lay.

The Bullring got its present name from the medieval sport of Bull-baiting. From 1621 until 1770, bulls were baited twice a year and their hides presented to the Mayor. During the 1798 rebellion, the Bullring became an open-air factory, making and repairing weapons for the insurgents.

Nolan Stone Works & Memorials of Ardcavan Wexford were employed to remove the 'Pikeman' and dismantle the pedestal. The monument was then stored until the site was refurbished.

The Bullring has been the venue of many political rallies and protests: Daniel O'Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, John Redmond, James Larkin and Eamonn de Valera have addressed audiences there.

The Main Drainage Contractor, Roadbridge Ltd., (formerly Mulcair's) commenced the work of transforming the Bullring with the addition of cobblestones, constructed granite seats, trees and widened footpaths.

A ''Tree of Liberty", an oak, has been planted in the centre, behind the Pikeman. The limestone setts which sit on either side of the monument feature inscriptions relating to 1798 while bollards in the shape of cannonballs line the area.

The re-construction of the Bullring was carried out as a 1798 bicentenary project. The new-look Bullring was officially opened by The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese on 31st May 1998

• Roadbridge Ltd., Main Contractor
• (formerly Messrs. Pat Mulcair)