Design for Ireland Monument Unveiled at Public Presentation
VANCOUVER - The design for the Ireland Monument has been released. The first public presentation of the plans for the Ireland Monument in Vancouver took place at Mahony's Public House, 5990 University Boulevard, UBC, on November 26.
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TWO YEARS in development, the design for the new Ireland Monument planned for John Hendry Park at Trout Lake was finally unveiled at a public presentation at Mahony's Public House |
Two years in development, the striking design of the granite and steel monument was revealed by the Ireland Monument Project Committee Chairman, Brendan Flynn, who stated, "This monument will be a completely positive, non-sectarian expression of unity and peace, recognizing those of Irish heritage in Canada regardless of religious or political view."
Flynn explained that the Ireland Monument, planned for the John Hendry Park at Trout Lake in Vancouver, will use imagery and text to honour and commemorate the contribution that people of Irish heritage have made to the building of Canada.
One side of the monument design features a map of Ireland supplied by Ordnance Survey Ireland together with the flags of Canada and of Ireland linked by the dove of peace. Another side of the monument will pay tribute to 100 people of Irish birth or heritage, from the past and present, who have contributed significantly to Canada.
This list will include names such as the Hon. Lester B. Pearson, former prime minister and winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace; D'Arcy McGee, a Father of Confederation; Dr. Fred Banting, developer of insulin; and Nellie McClung, women's rights advocate.
Present day achievers such as John Furlong of VANOC and Patrick Reid, Canadian Maple Leaf flag developer, will be there along with sports names like Bobby Orr, Danny Galivan, Brian Burke, Joe Malone and Harry Trihey.
A third side of the Monument will recognize the Irish contribution to sports in Canada including hurling and its offshoot, hockey.
The fourth side will recognize the Irish contribution to science, arts and entertainment. Names like Dr. Pat McGeer, Alzheimer researcher, and Will Millar a founding member of the Irish Rovers, will be listed along with other major contributors in the field of Irish dancing in Canada.
The monument will be topped by a model of the "Brian Boru" harp, the oldest Celtic harp in existence, also called "The Trinity College Harp," which will be fashioned in stainless steel. This harp is the symbol of Ireland seen on the flag and on all things officially Irish in the same way that the Maple Leaf is the symbol of all things Canadian.
The presentation evening included entertainment by actor Tom Byrne, who recited Darcy McGee's pre-confederation speech, by the exciting and talented Eire Born Irish Dancers and by the talented flute playing of Theresa Thoreson, who also played the national anthems of both Ireland and Canada.
The original design by artist, Catherine Flynn, won immediate approval from the enthusiastic audience who attended the presentation. The committee is very grateful to all of the above for their contribution.
The Ireland Monument Project with its foundation, site preparation and landscaping is estimated at $300,000 in 2007 terms. A fund-raising plan to draw $360,000 from local, national and international donors was outlined together with the intention of giving permanent recognition to the donors.
The names of all contributing supporters, corporate, institutional or family will be recognized at the site of the monument and supporters are encouraged to reserve their names when the reservation date is announced. Names will be accepted on a first come basis and there is a limited number in each category available.
The Ireland Monument Committee will continue a series of presentations to the community while continuing to work through the approval process with the Vancouver Parks Board. Chairman Flynn says the targeted completion date is fall 2009, before the 2010 Olympic Games.
Those interested in hosting a presentation evening are welcome to contact the committee for more information at: irelandmonumentvancouver@hotmail.com, or call Brendan Flynn (604) 873-3167.
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