THE unveiling of Glasgow’s memorial to the victims of the Great Hunger has been delayed due to the restrictions put in place as part of the fight against the coronavirus.
With the funds raised by the Glasgow Irish community and their friends both in Scotland and around the world allowing the final design by John McCarron to be produced, anticipation was building as the site at St Mary’s Church in the Calton district of the city was prepared for the final installation. However, with the measures put in place to tackle the outbreak of coronavirus being faced by nations around the world halting progress the Coiste Cuimhneachain An Gorta Mór (Great Hunger Memorial Committee) have taken the decision to announce the postponement of the unveiling.
The final installation of the Donegal sculptor’s Tower Of Silence (above) will now take place at a later date, when the committee are able to welcome the Irish community to an event that will be a fitting commemoration of the victims of the Great Hunger.
“Since you pushed the appeal over our fundraising target late last year, the committee have been working on plans for the installation and unveiling of the memorial,” Coiste Cuimhneachain An Gorta Mór said. “Our final planning application is in and we had hoped to make an announcement soon about an unveiling celebration in May.
“Sadly, due to the risks posed by the current coronavirus pandemic, it will not be possible for us to hold this celebration as soon as we would have liked. Work on the memorial is progressing and as soon as it’s safe to do so, we intend to hold a community celebration marking this significant milestone for Scotland’s Irish community.
“We’ll keep you up to date with a new date for the unveiling on Facebook and Twitter and through email updates.
“In the meantime, please do what you can to keep yourself and your community safe, and stay up to date with the latest NHS advice. We are building it!”
dan@theirishvoice.com
