Temperate Wexford                       

In 1840, Father Matthew was a force to be reckoned with in Ireland as he swept over the land preaching the virtues of temperance.

He visited Wexford on April 8th. 1840 and appears to have made a great impression as a later temperance rally is said to have attracted thousands from all over the county to the local Friary churchyard. As in most towns such rallies led to the establishment of Temperance Societies and the group in Wexford appears to have been quite strong. Within a short time they had rented a room in a local hotel for use by their members. The first temperance society secretary in Wexford was a man named Thomas D'Arcy McGee who would go on to help build the Canadian nation.

The temperance club was a real alternative to the inn or public house. It was a place where men could meet in a friendly atmosphere without the obligation to drink. Local and national newspapers were provided as well as magazines and these were often read aloud for the benefit of those unable to read.

Four temperance clubs were established in Wexford in the mid 1800s. One of them, in the Selskar area is still recalled in the street name of Temperance Row.

Another organization in this area with strong roots in Wexford are often mistaken for a political group of later days. They were the Anti-Treating League; no they had nothing to do with the Treaty. These were the first organized opponents of the 'rounds system' in pubs. The league was established in the early years of this century, with members taking a pledge

"Never to give nor receive intoxicating drink in a public house".

This group and other like them influenced many public displays in favour of temperance. A public meeting in 1902 voted in favour of the early closing of public houses on Saturday nights. Events were organised to raise funds to purchase a 'coffee van'. This would attend race meetings and fairs, to provide an alternative to alcoholic drink.

However, perhaps the greatest temperance promotion of all relating to Wexford is both famous and unknown at the same time.

How many people realise that one of the favourite ballads of natives of the county is an anti-drink song?

Most people can sing the first patriotic verse, but few even know the subsequent stanzas with lines like

'And if we failed to keep them,

Twas drink that brought us down'

or

'My curse upon all drinking

It made our hearts full sore

For bravery won each battle

But drink lost ever more'

So we see the irony that a song much sung by merry bands in the public house is warning against the dangers of strong drink.

Nicky Rossiter