Wexford honours frontline and emergency services with National Services Day

The new Rescue 117 helicopter was among the highlights of National Services Day celebrations in Wexford yesterday, Saturday, September 5, as members of the public gathered to recognise the work of the country’s frontline, emergency and security services.

Wexford was one of eight main locations across Ireland hosting events for National Services Day 2026.

The annual event brings together the people and organisations who devote their time to protecting, assisting and supporting communities throughout Ireland. It also gives members of the public an opportunity to meet volunteers and personnel, see their equipment at close quarters and show their appreciation for the work they carry out.

The Wexford celebrations began at noon with a parade departing from Selskar. The procession travelled along Main Street and Henrietta Street before continuing around Crescent Quay and finishing at Wexford Quay, where a ceremony, hosted by South East Radio's Alan Corcoran took place, part of which included a commemorative wreath-laying, by Mayor Vicky Barron.

After the ceremony, Wexford Quay hosted displays involving the various emergency services, along with an Emergency Services Challenge designed to give children the chance to learn lifesaving skills.

A demonstration involving the new Rescue 117 helicopter formed one of the key attractions of the day's programme.

National Services Day events were also held in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Naas, Kilkenny and Drogheda.

The gathering highlighted the broad range of organisations involved in supporting communities and reinforced the purpose of National Services Day: to bring those who provide vital services together with the people they serve, while providing an opportunity for the public to show their appreciation.