SPC RECOMMENDS COMMISSIONING OF STATUE

At the meeting of the County Council's Strategic Policy Committee for Culture, Community Development & Amenities held in Cabinteely House on Wednesday 27th February 2008 members passed a resolution recommending to the County Council that it explores a proposal to commission a statue of High King Laoghaire to commemorate the part played by the Town Hall and the people of Dún Laoghaire in the national struggle for independence. The proposal envisages that a statue of Laoghaire would be unveiled in 2019/2020 during the national commemorations of the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1919 and the fact that the Councillors in the Town Hall at the time, as part of the national struggle, voted to restore the name "Dún Laoghaire" to the area in a demonstration of our national sovereignty and in celebration of the area's ancient heritage. In proposing the resolution Michael Merrigan told the SPC that the restoration of the old name to the area was an act of defiance by the predecessors of the current County Councillors - a clear and unambiguous statement of support for the first Dáil. Above all, he said we can be proud of the fact that it was a peaceful, democratic and dignified assertion of our national identity and our right to independence. It is vitally important that the contribution to the national struggle made by our hometown must not be overlooked during the 100th anniversary commemorations. Indeed, what better way to mark the occasion than to have a statue erected of the eponymous founder of our Town, High King Laoghaire. The 5th century High King Laoghaire is reputed to have met St. Patrick and indeed, permitted him to continue his mission unmolested. Surprisingly there are no early Irish Christian martyrs as the conversion of a religiously sophisticated population was achieved peacefully. The resolution at the SPC was proposed by Michael Merrigan and seconded by Cllr. Jane Dillon-Byrne. In addition to seeking the pro-active assistance of the County Council in this endeavour, the Community Association also will bring the proposal to the wider public in an effort to attract a single individual benefactor for the project who would commission and erect the statue for and on behalf of the citizens of our Town. The suggested model for any statue is the memorial to Vercingetorix in France - see side panel.

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Holyhead-Dún Laoghaire Link Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The member oganisations of the Holyhead-Dún Laoghaire Link will celebrate its tenth anniversary at a function to be held on March 15th 2008 in the Trearddur Bay Hotel outside Holyhead, north Wales. This unique international organisation promotes cooperation and friendship between the communities in Ynys Mon (Anglesey) and the Dublin region through regular meetings, workshops and other events. This Association has been an active member of the Link since 2001 and has greatly valued this type of international cooperation. Currently the Link is involved in formulating a proposal for INTERREG funding for the its activities and to encourage innovation, development and enterprise. Our shared cultural heritage is a central theme running through the Link’s activities and objectives. Individual members of the participating organisations, like this Association, are invited to attend the 10th anniversary celebrations. For further info. contact John Paul Durkan, Link Secretary, E-mail: durkanjp@gmail.com for costs, reservations etc.