THE PASSING of US Senator Ted Kennedy last week brought back memories of his fleeting visit to Gorey in late 1962, as he visited the county to prepare the way for his brother's visit the following year.

The brother of President John F. Kennedy even had a small gift for the Chairman of Gorey Town Commissioners Tomas Funge – a memento that his son Joe still has today.

'He gave my father a tiepin,' said Joe Funge. 'It depicted a ship his brother John had served on during the war.'

Joe himself recalls the visit, as he was one of the traders' representatives present on the street when the young Senator came walking up Main Street, flanked by security guards.

'He stopped around French's, and removed his shoes and got up on the bonnet of the car,' said Joe. 'He said a few words, and was then introduced to some of the Commissioners.' 'He did create a bit of a stir,' he added. 'This was his entry into Wexford.'

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