Weekend dedication ready

Plans are fully in place for this weekend's dedication of the Dun Ailinne Interpretive Park in Kilcullen.

The actual dedication will be carried out by members of the town's Scout Troop in the presence of a many guests from the locality and beyond.

The park is a representation of the Dun Ailinne royal site a few kilometres south-west of Kilcullen, and includes a landmark sculpture based on the head of a javelin found during archeological excavations at the site in the 60s/70s.

Sir Anthony and Lady O'Reilly of Castlemartin have provided sponsorship for a specially composed piece of music which will get its inaugural performance during the dedication programme.

The piece has been written by uileann piper Liam O'Flynn, a founder member of the famous Planxty group. It is described as a 'musical celebration' of the ancient Royal site.

The javelin sculpture was commissioned from local sculptor Noel Scullion by Kilcullen Community Action and paid for with the help of grants from KELT and Kildare County Council. An explanatory sign at the site was funded by the Heritage Council.

The director of the original archaeological digs at Dun Ailinne, Professor Bernard Wailes, will be the main guest of the opening. Dr Pat Wallace, Director of the National Museum of Ireland will also be there, along with guests from a variety of cultural and heritage groups in Ireland.

In addition, the occasion will incorporate the Irish launch of the Report on the Dun Ailinne excavations, edited by Dr Susan Johnston, a colleague of Professor Wailes.