WITH THE groundwork now underway for the new Abbey Square monument, which will feature a 16 metre stainless steel flagpole with a tricolour flying from the top, the new centrepiece for the town is expected to be in place by St Patricks Day.
While the vast majority of people were delighted to see the sculpture that had been dubbed “the beak with the leak” removed from Abbey Square, some have aired their concerns over the plans for the new flagpole and even gone as far as starting an online petition against its erection.
Not only is the new monument to commemorate the role played by Enniscorthy in the 1916 Rising, but it is also to commemorate that the town, along with Waterford, was the first place to rise the tricolour on March 7, 1848. District Manager Pádraig O’Gorman said that the new monument would be called “The Patriot’s Flag” and that the majority of the groundwork would be completed by mid-February, giving way for the flagpole to be put in place before St Patrick’s Day on March 17.
While those responsible for the online petition against the monument have said that they are happy with the idea of erecting a flagpole, they are disappointed with the artists depictions of how the finished product will look.
The petition, which is listed on the website change.org, calls for the council to reconsider the design of the monument, saying: “While the sentiment is proper and correct, and in principle it should be done, the modern art style sculpture and the imposing nature of the base are wholly inappropriate for the area.”
The author of the petition, Maolmhordha Ó’Maolalaidh, also called on residents, businesses and those who visit the town regularly to sign the petition in the hope that a more traditional style monument would be chosen.
One of the comments on the petition stated: “I feel the proposed structure is out of keeping with the nearby Seamus Rafter monument and a traditional flagpole would be more suitable for this area of the town.”
The new monument has been a topic of some discussion on social media over the past couple of months, however, with work now getting underway, it looks like those who were against the 16 foot stainless steel flag pole will have to put up with it.
District Manager Pádraig O’Gorman said he was aware of the petition and that he was satisfied that the “overwhelming majority” of people were in favour of the new centrepiece for the town.
“Somebody had said something about a petition alright, but I don’t think there’s been any major support for it,” he said. “I’ve been in talks with the 1916 committee beforehand and they really liked it and there’s been plenty of contact with the local community and the overwhelming majority seem to be in favour of it. Unfortunately you can’t please everyone.”