Emily plays at unveiling of new sculpture

SCHOOLGIRL Emily Greaney from Barnaderg played the harp at the unveiling of a commemorative sculpture at County Hall in memory of all those who contributed to the cause of Irish   independence from 1912 – 1922.

Cllr. Peter Roche, in his last official engagement as Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, joined Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive, to unveil a commemorative sculpture at County Hall.

The commemorative sculpture was specially commissioned by Galway County Council, as part of the 1916 Centenary Programme for the County of Galway, and was created by Jethro Sheen, Sheen Stone Works, Gort. 

The sculpture is comprised of a swan, a symbol of rebirth and resurrection and within the wings of the swan is the harp, the official state emblem of Ireland.

The combination of the swan and harp jointly symbolise the rebirth and resurrection of the Irish state, a central element of which was the events of the 1916 Rising, one of the founding moments of our nation.

The symbolism of the sculpture also represents the opportunity that the centenary commemorations of 1916 provides to reimagine and reflect on the Irish State over the next 100 years.

The Ullapool & District Pipe Band from Scotland performed a free open air concert prior to unveiling ceremony.