Tuesday, June 28, 2016

THE NEWLY opened Library Park in New Ross  has been described as ‘stunning’ by residents and visitors to the town.

The amenity, which features ‘An Clog Mor’ sundial and amphitheatre, an Irish mythology garden, an Ogham pathway and a monastic garden was developed at a cost of €332,000.

District Director, Eamonn Hore, acted as MC at the launch which took took place in glorious weather on Wednesday evening.

He invited a number of guest speakers to address the crowd in the library following which everyone went outside to the park itself where Champion uileann piper, Mark Redmond, played two tunes and Wexford playwright, Billy Roche, read from one of his works.

One of those in attendance at the launch was Larry Korn, from California.

Mr. Korn is an iconic figures in the world of natural farming, permaculture and sustainability, and although he didn’t formally address the launch he did speak exclusively to the Echo at the event and expressed delight in being able to attend.

Admitting it was his first time ever in Ireland – he arrived just a couple of hours earlier – he said the park was a fantastic achievement for everyone concerned.

“The way it creates its own imagery is wonderful and the significance of the shrubs and plants is also brilliant to see,” he said.

He complimented the work of landscape designer, Mary Reynolds, who is also from Wexford, and said the amenity will stand the test of time.

Cllr. Michael Sheehan addressed the crowd and said it was a great day for New Ross.

“This is my last function as Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District Council and it’s a privilege to be here,” he said.

Highlighting that some towns don’t have any public parks he emphasised the fact that in New Ross people are lucky to have two of the finest in the south east.

He praised the work of County Council officials in New Ross – especially Mr. Hore, the District Manager, Sinead Casey, and Senior Engineer, Abraham Dunne, for their determination in developing the new amenity.

Mary Reynolds:

Mary Reynolds said she took great delight in seeing the park opened. She said discussions about the park began almost by chance.

“My manager contacted Eamonn Hore about a different thing and then he contacted us back about this,” she said.

“He had come up with the sundial idea and I said I would do it as long as he stopped using ’round-up’,” she quipped.

“He was up for it and it was a real pleasure to work on this project,” added Ms. Reynolds.

She also complimented the positive attitude of Wexford County Council which she said operates almost like a flagship for the rest of the country.

Liam O’Neill:

Liam O’Neill was the sculptor who crafted the stunning pen and ink-quell that form one of the focal points in the park.

In his introduction Mr. Hore said he rang up designers and asked if they could come up with a 10′ pen and Mr. O’Neill came back to him that afternoon with a design.

“It was a pleasure to be part of this project,” said Mr. O’Neill.

He said the commission was very welcome as he had not had one “for quite a while” and highlighted the negative affect that the recession had on artists in general.

Mr. O’Neill revealed that he had submitted initial drawings to Mr. Hore by 3 p.m. on the day he first contacted him.

“The wood is from Borris House,” said Mr. O’Neill, emphasising the significance of its origins: “One of Andrew Kavanagh’s ancestors was poisoned in New Ross in the 14^th century.”

He then thanked Mr. Hore and Wexford County Council for commissioning him on such an enjoyable project.

“There is life coming back to the arts and that’s good,” he said.

In conclusion Mr. Hore thanked everyone involved with the project and he acknowledged that it was an emotional day for the former residents of Barrack Lane where derelict and vacant housing units were knocked to make way for the new park.

Following the formalities in the library everyone present went out to the park to listen to Mr. Redmond and Mr. Roche who became the first people to perform in the park.