The Medal Society of Ireland’s 40th anniversary convention takes place at The Talbot Hotel Wexford from May 1 to 3.
Back in 1986, a group of collectors gathered at The Talbot Hotel for the first time. In the function room of the Wexford hotel, they carefully unpacked military medals and militaria, many of which had been stored on dusty attics for years on end and some of which had amazing back stories to tell.
It was the infancy of an organisation that has spread across the country, created a real community and uncovered some amazing stories the could otherwise have been lost in the sands of time – the Medal Society of Ireland.
Now, four decades after its foundation, members from right across the island of Ireland are to return to The Talbot Hotel in Wexford once again for a special convention to mark the significant milestone from May 1 to 3.
On something of a reconnaissance mission ahead of the big weekend, Austin Fennessy and Darrell McKinley of the Medal Society of Ireland had spent a long time in the car. Travelling from Co Meath and Co Down respectively, they are evidence of the national scale of members involved with the group.
The pair are excited for the big weekend, which aims to attract enthusiasts and collectors from across Ireland and even further afield with an interest in medals, militaria, coins and historical collectibles.
“It’ll also be a great opportunity for people to bring along items that they have at home if they want to find out their worth or historical significance,” Austin says. “A lot of the time, people wouldn’t be aware of the value of some of these historical items handed down through generations, and it’s information worth having even from an insurance point of view.”
The celebrations will begin on Friday evening with a drinks reception. On Saturday, there will be a guided historical walk, member display competitions, talks and a banquet, before the main event on Sunday – the Medals, Militaria, Coins, Collectables and Vintage Fair, which will run from 12 noon until 5 p.m.
People are encouraged to bring along their items, buy and trade with free valuation and identification of items available on the day.
“It’s going to be a great weekend and the fair is a wonderful opportunity where history meets collectors,” Darrell says. “We’re looking forward to welcoming both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers to Wexford, where everything started 40 years ago.”