Clonmel commemorates events of 350 years ago when Oliver Cromwell and his forces surrounded the town.
Clonmel saluted the twenty first century yesterday with a ceremony and music in the town centre. It is also the official start of a programme of events to commemorate the three hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the siege of Clonmel in Tipperary.
It is a very significant year for the local community, explains Mayor of Clonmel Alderman Tom Ambrose.
Their ancestors who in 1650 participated in the siege of Clonmel have the distinction of holding the forces of Oliver Cromwell at bay,
The only town in Ireland that managed to do that.
There were also ecumenical prayers for peace and the lighting of the community millennium flame at the West Gate. The celebrations ended in style with a spectacular fireworks display.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 January 2000. The reporter is Damien Tiernan.
