Jimmy Deenihan TD Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will today (Thursday 20th October, 2011) visit Galway where he will launch two publications.
At 12.30 in Clonberne Enterprise Centre, Clonbern, County Galway Minister Deenihan will launch ‘Clonbern Graveyard its Monuments and People’ published by the Follies Trust. The publication aims to raise awareness of Ireland’s rich heritage of follies and marks the conservation of a significant structure – the Dennis Mausoleum.
The Mausoleum is located in a Galway County Council owned graveyard of Clonbern church ruin, Co Galway, and dates from 1863. It is a rare example of a cast-iron mausoleum and is in fact the only one of its kind in either Ireland or Great Britain.
It is freestanding and round-plan in form, constructed of smooth cast-iron panels, with a moulded plinth. The roof supports a cylindrical pedestal on which stands a funereal urn. Following damage in a recent storm a programme of works was undertaken to restore the mausoleum. Minister Deenihan said “This truly remarkable monument is unique in Ireland. Its manufacture, of cast iron, is highly accomplished, and it presents an array of good classical detailing. The mausoleum holds two coffins containing the remains of Colonel Maurice Dennis and his brother John Dennis.” Minister Deenihan complimented the Follies Trust saying “the Follies Trust, deserves tremendous credit for identifying and undertaking this restorative work programme and I understand that this is the third such project in three years. The book, ‘Clonbern Graveyard its monuments and people’ - which I am launching today, certainly provides a wealth of information and is aptly titled” said Minister Deenihan
Later in the day at 17.00 hrs Minister Deenihan will launch ‘Glorious Galway – Hookers, Currachs, lake and River Boats in the Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, County Galway. Commissioned by Galway County Heritage Forum, and funded by Galway Council and the Heritage Council, this beautifully illustrated bi-lingual publication is an audit or 'health check' extending in part from the currach to the Galway hooker. “This publication is a treasure trove of information on a great diversity of vessels that have traditionally been the work-horses of this part of Ireland transporting turf, seaweed, building materials, goods, people and livestock. Indeed, the popular hooker regatta programme and other initiatives has helped to stimulate interest in training courses on boat-building and sail-making, supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta,” said Minister Deenihan.
This publication is well worth taking time to examine, ‘Glorious Galway provides the most comprehensive study of a single region ever undertaken in Ireland and credit is due to the Heritage office of Galway County Council, Galway County Heritage Forum and the local community who have displayed considerable energy and foresight in delivering this study” concluded Minister Deenihan