There was a large attendance at the official unveiling and blessing of the Father Hegarty Public Artwork and shore path refurbishment in Buncrana last week.
The figurative artwork by the talented local artist, Rory Harron, was commissioned by Donegal County Council. It is based on the ‘truth and legend’ around Father Séamus (James) Hegarty OP, a Dominican Friar, Dean of the Diocese of Derry, and Parish Priest of Fahan and Desertegney in Inishowen.
His Excellency Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps speaking at the unveiling of a statue of Fr. Hegarty on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Father Hegarty was ordained a Dominican Friar by Saint Oliver Plunkett in Dundalk in 1672 and became Parish Priest of Fahan in 1704. In the same year, the Irish Parliament passed its ‘Irish Penal Laws Property Act’, a set of edicts and penalties designed to suppress the practice of Roman Catholicism.
Father Hegarty has been described as a ‘martyr for the Catholic faith’ in Inishowen during Penal times. While ministering to his people, he had to hide in a cave. His violent death came about when he was firstly betrayed by a family member, secondly captured when, after an attempted escape by swimming Lough Swilly, he returned to the shore on the Red Coats’ assurance that he would be safe. However, he was finally beheaded by the same British Red Coats at a location which has become known locally as Father Hegarty’s Rock. It was there that last Friday’s unveiling took place.
The €80,000 project was delivered through the council’s Community Development and Planning directorate working with Buncrana Tidy Towns, and was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Community Recognition Fund. In addition to the Public Artwork, the refurbishment investment project included a number of capital works.
Pic L to R -Andrew Clarke, Assistant Engineer DCC; Brian Keogh, Executive Engineer DCC; Fiona Doherty, Development Officer DCC; Rory Harron, Artist; Cllr Jack Murray, Cathaoirleach Inishowen MD, former Councillor Rena Donaghey; and, Traolach O’ Fionnain, Arts Officer, DCC
These works included the restoration of Porthaw Holy Well, including the stone wall, improved accessibility, an information panel with a digitalised image of the statutorily-protected archaeological early-centuries wheeled cross, refurbishment of Father Hegarty’s Memorial, the installation of seating and picnic benches and drainage improvements, and the installation of interpretation panels.
The artwork was unveiled by Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy and His Excellency Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
Minister McConalogue said he was delighted to have been invited to the wonderful coastal walkway around Father Hegarty’s Rock, overlooking Lough Swilly.
“This project promotes inclusion, wellness and equality for all,” he said.
“It will ensure that Fr Hegarty’s Shore Walk will continue to provide a safe, tranquil special place with breath-taking views which has a special place in the hearts of many locals and indeed for all visitors to the area”.
Pic L-R Fiona Doherty, DCC; The Very Reverend Francis Bradley PP; Cllr Jack Murray, Cathaoirleach Inishowen MD; His Excellency Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; The Most Reverend Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry; Minister of State Charlie McConalogue TD; Father Damian Polly, OP, Dominican Friar & Prior of the Black Abbey, Kilkenny; and, Rory Harron, Artist.
The Minister said that the project at Fr Hegarty’s Shore Walk is a testament to what can be achieved when all sectors of the community work together and he looked forward to seeing the impact the funding will have for locals and visitors .
Cllr Jack Murray stated that the new figurative statue is an incredible addition to the iconic and beloved Father Hegarty’s Walk.
“It is an extremely proud day for me as Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen MD, and it is also an extremely proud day for the community of Buncrana,” he said.
The Cathaoirleach paid tribute to the dedication and hard work of Donegal County Council, Community Development staff who made this project possible.
The Most Reverend Donal McKeown, the Bishop of Derry, then addressed all present. He mentioned how, “This island has known many conflicts were religious identities – among other things – have been used (and allowed themselves to be used) in confrontations between powerful people.”
Father Francis Bradley, the present-day successor to Father Hegarty as Parish Priest, then introduced the laying of the wreath portion of the ceremony, to the strains of a lament played by Uillean piper Chris McMullan.
Mr Bryan Cannon, Director of Service expressed a special word of gratitude to the property owner, Mr Terry Gallagher, who resides in Chicago and whose family have been associated with the area of Porthaw and Father Hegarty’s Rock going back to the time before Penal Laws.
Mr Gallagher’s brother Liam and sister Una were in attendance and Terry sent his best wishes stating that, “It is incredibly rewarding to me to see this project completed. It will serve as an Educational Tool to remind the present-day generations of the oppression, difficulties and struggles our ancestors endured so that future generations could become successful. It will awaken in the young a sense of pride in their history and in the place they come from.”
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