Sculpture unveiling discussed

There could be an 'issue' about the planned official unveiling of the Dun Ailinne clashing with Holy Week, the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action heard. Chairman Kieron Forde said that concern had been expressed that it might upset some parishioners.

The meeting discussed the possibility, but eventually decided that there was no religious aspect to the unveiling or the sculpture which should cause difficulty.

It was agreed that the event shouldn't be held on Good Friday, but there should not be any objection to an unveiling at sunrise on Holy Thursday, which would correspond to the spring equinox.

JJ Warren noted that sculptor Noel Scullion had 'spent three years of his life' working on the edifice, and that his wish that it be unveiled on a specific date should be respected.

Noel Clare commented that 'everything doesn't stop for Holy Week', and Siobhan Tutty Bardon said that 'the sun will rise that morning whether there is anyone there or not'.

"Having something at sunrise that morning might involve a small number of people," Noel Clare said, "but it would still be important to do."

Making a decision on what to do was important, Kieron Forde said, because the people who have been carrying out recent investigations on the royal site at Dun Ailinne 'may be available' on the Thursday for an unveiling event.

There was further discussion on who might be involved in the unveiling and any associated events. It was decided to consult again with the Kilcullen Heritage Group on what organisations might participate.

"The idea is to make it as big an occasion as possible," JJ Warren said, "and have as many groups and organisations as possible involved." He added that it would 'have national significance'.


Brian Byrne.