The finial (from Latin: finis, meaning end), which originally donned the flag on the 1798 memorial statue when it was first erected on Liberty Square, Thurles in 1901, has now, at last been, replaced.
Pic (1): 1798 Memorial Flag with finical replaced. Pic (2): Old picture showing original finical prior to accident.
Accidently broken, together with the tip of the Arming Sword, during the erection of Christmas lighting some years back; while the Arming Sword tip was replaced, alas the finial was not and same vanished.
Back in the 19th century, this finial shape would have been better known as a “truck”, with its original purpose meant to keep a wooden flag pole from splitting.
At the very top of every flagpole can be found a finial, which is not just a decorative piece that users construct. Most finials today appear in the form of a gold ball and a few are observed as an eagle. Back on September 16th 1898 the flag pole finial on the White House, latter located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. United States, was replaced by a patriotic eagle, same made of aluminium and coated in a gold anodized finish.
A finial ball is truly required for pole maintenance. A number of military flagpoles were at one time topped with gold-coloured eagles, but these proved impractical because flags would become entangled and torn, during high winds; hence the switch to spheres shapes, which eliminated this unnecessary waste and expense.
In the absence of the Stone Mans finical, many local people in Thurles believed the flag pole represented a pike, but of course it never was a pike.
The new finical is made from a left over piece of lime stone slab, which was used to replace a badly cracked piece of limestone previously, in Holycross Abbey, and carved by stonemason and sculptor Mr Philip Quinn.
The Minister of State, Mr James Browne TD, has today assisted in launching an awareness campaign raising campaign urging against the misuse of fireworks, in collaboration with An Garda Síochána; the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA); Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Dublin Fire Brigade at the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre in Marino.
The Department of Justice runs an annual campaign to inform the public about the serious dangers associated with fireworks and the significant penalties that people face for selling or using illegal fireworks.
This year’s campaign focusses on the significant distress that fireworks can cause vulnerable people in their communities, particularly elderly people and those with sensory issues. They can also cause great harm and stress to family pets, Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs, and that is why this year’s campaign is being launched in collaboration with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, the ISPCA, Dublin Fire Brigade, and An Garda Síochána.
Speaking at the launch of the awareness campaign, Minister Browne said, “As we head into the run-up to Halloween, I would like to urge everyone to refrain from purchasing or using illegal fireworks. When misused, they are a nuisance to our communities, but they can also have a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of some more vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and people with sensory challenges. Fireworks can be very frightening for elderly people living alone and they can also seriously aggravate Guide and Assistance Dogs and other pets. It is also important to acknowledge that fireworks are illegal and there are serious penalties in place for those caught misusing them. For example, a person convicted of having fireworks in their possession with intent to sell or supply can face penalties including a fine of up to €10,000 and up to five years imprisonment.”
Minister Browne welcomed the continued collaboration with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, ISPCA, Dublin Fire Brigade, and An Garda Síochána. The ongoing awareness campaign and associated advertisement campaign is aimed at the general public, but particular attention is being given to targeting the younger generation and their parents as these groups are most likely to engage in the use of illegal fireworks.
Minister Browne continued, “Parents, particularly those with young children, should be aware of the dangers associated with the misuse of fireworks. We have unfortunately seen many instances where people have done serious and permanent damage to themselves or others through the misuse of fireworks and I would ask parents to take this into consideration before they purchase illegal fireworks for their children”.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Mr Tim O’Mahony, Chief Executive from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind said, “Every year our team is faced with the heartbreak of seeing Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs traumatised from the impact of fireworks. Whilst our dogs are highly trained to cope with many situations, if a dog has an experience that goes beyond a normal level of stress, such as a firework exploding close to them, this can overly sensitise the dog, similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in humans. Our trainers will work very closely with the dog and owner to reverse the effects, and whilst most dogs recover, some overreact to unexpected noise, which manifests as a fear reaction. In that situation, the dog must be retired. That has devastating consequences for their owner whose independence and mobility, which they previously enjoyed, is hugely curtailed or completely taken away. They face a lengthy wait to be matched with another suitable dog.”
Dr Cyril Sullivan from the ISPCA added, “The ISPCA would like to remind anyone considering the purchase or use of illegal fireworks, to consider the fear and distress it can have on all animals. We are asking the public to take extra measures this Halloween to keep their pets indoors, but to also consider the safety of not only domestic pets, but livestock and wildlife too. By working together, we are ensuring that people and animals in our communities are safe and are unharmed this Halloween. Please report any illegal use or sale of fireworks to your local Garda Station to support this year’s National Fireworks Awareness Campaign”.
On the dangers facing emergency services, Chief Fire Officer, Dennis Keeley from the Dublin Fire Brigade added, “The Chief Fire Officer for the Dublin City & County Councils, Dennis Keeley spoke about the dangers of using fireworks, the injuries that fireworks can cause to people and fire fighters and urged everyone to think before they act and what the unintended consequences of their actions might be.”
Speaking at the launch of this campaign, Chief Superintendent Mr Padraic Jones, Garda National Community Engagement Bureau said; “To complement the launch of the 2023 Department of Justice Awareness campaign against the misuse of fireworks, An Garda Síochána will also launch Operation Tombola, our annual strategy to combat the importation, sale and use of fireworks on 1st October 2023. This operation seeks to create an awareness of the legislation which prevents the possession of unlicensed fireworks, but moreover to increase understanding of the harm that can arise from their use. An Garda Síochána will work with our partners and stakeholders to implement a strategy as we approach Halloween to keep people safe from the dangers of fireworks.“
New agency to drive and co-ordinate the Government’s response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, including refuge delivery
Position of CEO of new agency to be advertised within weeks
DSGBV Agency Bill to be taken in the Dáil by the end of the month
Agency to be up and running by January 2024
Government approval has been secured to publish a Bill to create a statutory agency dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) and support victims and survivors.
Government approval of the new Bill should see the new agency set up and running by the end of January 2024, with the position of CEO of the new agency to be advertised by the end of the month. Candidates for the position will have three weeks to submit their application to the Public Appointments Service (PAS) following the opening of the competition.
The Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency Bill 2023 follows a Government decision that an agency should be established under the remit of the Department of Justice to deliver on commitments under Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV, with the Bill being introduced in the Dáil by the end of September 2023.
The new agency will bring the dedicated and expert focus that is needed to tackle the serious and complex societal problem of DSGBV. Its main functions as set out in the Bill include:–
Planning, coordinating and monitoring the development of refuge accommodation.
Providing support, including financial assistance, for the delivery of services to victims and persons at risk of DSGBV.
Developing standards for funded services, and monitoring compliance.
Co-ordinating the delivery of relevant Government strategies and plans.
Delivering public campaigns aimed at raising awareness of DSGBV and reducing its prevalence.
Carrying out ongoing research to support the development of future policies and programmes.
In carrying out its work, the agency will also be mandated to engage and consult appropriately with the DSGBV sector and other stakeholders.
The Bill has already benefited from constructive engagement with relevant Government Departments and State bodies, in particular with the Department of Children, Equality, Integration and Youth and the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) in the context of the transfer of responsibility for funding of DSGBV services from Tusla to the new agency.
The agency will be led by a chief executive to be recruited by open competition, with strategic guidance and oversight from a non-executive board with expertise in relation to DSGBV, organisational management and governance, and other matters relevant to the functions of the agency. The chief executive will be responsible to the Dept. of Justice for the performance of the agency.
Two Tipperary students winners of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) title this year (2023), have secured second place at this year’s EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) held in Brussels.
Former students of Abbey School in Co Tipperary, Shane O’Connor and Liam Carew collected special recognition and approval from the EUCYS judging panel for their winning BTYSTE project titled “Assessing the impact of second-level education on key aspects of adolescents’ life and development”.
Their project which involved surveying 2,000 students, aged between 12 to 19 years, nationally across the island of Ireland, fully investigated the impact of educational experiences on each students social, physical, and mental well-being.
Shane and Liam The EUCYS judges were impressed with the depth of research undertaken, which revealed the significance of secondary school in shaping the social development of most students.
Shane O’Connor and Liam Carew at EUCYS, competed against more than 130 young scientists, ranging in age from 14 to 20 years, all who representing 36 countries, including EU member states as well as the US, Canada, and South Korea.
Students are being encouraged to prepare and submit entries for the 60th BTYSTE, same scheduled for January 10th to 13th, 2024, due by Monday, October 2nd 2023.
The preservation of historic stone buildings across Ireland is under threat, unless urgent and efficient action is taken to develop standards of procurement, training and apprenticeships, a daylong conference taking place in County Clare tomorrow, will hear.
Frank McCormack, Founder and Director of Irish Natural Stone, pictured at his workshop in Boston, County Clare, with stone capitals to be used as part of the restoration and renovation project underway at The Four Courts in Dublin.
Conservation and heritage experts from academia, government, local government and the private sector will gather in Boston on Wednesday to discuss the need to improve the traditional skills which they say is required to prevent ongoing damage being caused to the country’s heritage buildings.
The inaugural National INStone Symposium is being hosted by Burren-based Irish Natural Stone (INStone), the company responsible for delivering the Irish Hunger Memorial in New York City, the restoration of the Four Courts in Dublin, St. Mel’s Cathedral in Longford, St. John’s Cathedral in Limerick, the O’Connell Monument in Ennis, the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation in Phoenix (USA) and Hope House in Bath (UK).
Company founder MrFrank McCormack said the event will highlight the urgent need to educate public bodies about bringing vernacular buildings and derelict housing back into use in “a proper and correct manner with sensitivity towards their heritage aspect, ensuring the use of natural materials.”
“All stakeholders involved in the preservation of our built heritage need to know and understand about what natural materials should be used and their appropriate application, whilst ensuring best conservation practice is adhered to and achieved. Unfortunately, we are at a concerning stage where there is a widening gap in traditional skills within the heritage sector,” he explained.
Mr. McCormack said traditional skills once commonly deployed in the conservation of old buildings were being lost and that intervention at the national level would be required to ensure that the heritage value of Ireland’s vernacular properties is not undermined.
The event features keynote addresses from a range of experts, including Dr. Patrick Wyse Jackson, Associate Professor of Geology and Curator of the Geological Museum at Trinity College Dublin (TCD); Barry O’Reilly of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Hugh Kavanagh, coordinator of the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme for the Prince’s Foundation; Dr. John Treacy of Clare County Council; and Alan Micklethwaite, a renowned stone carver with many years of experience in the conservation of historic monuments and sculpture.
“With a pressing need to preserve our built heritage and upgrade our building stock to modern-day comfort levels, all stakeholders involved need to understand traditional building methods and how we can incorporate suitable modern materials to achieve the required energy efficiency rating in the building,” explained Mr. McCormack. He continued, “We need to close the gap in both traditional skills and the understanding of historic buildings. To achieve this, a standardised national quality rating and assessment process should be introduced so that local authorities and public bodies, most of whom will be participating in the symposium, present can better understand the process of properly conserving and restoring old buildings, from the methods of construction adopted to the appropriately specified materials. Furthermore, additional investment and support are required to ensure traditional skills and conservation training allows for the new generation of craftspeople to learn and hone our ancient skills, and aid in the preservation of our built heritage.”
Mr. McCormack, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) who has more than 50 years of experience working as a master stone mason; sculptor; businessman and entrepreneur in Ireland; across Europe and in the United States pointed to the need for a significant increase in the resources available under various government-funded schemes to refurbish Ireland’s old buildings.
“Schemes such as the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), Historic Structures Fund (HSF), the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grants Scheme are very much welcomed, but a substantial increase in the support provided at local government level in conjunction with the training of those engaged in restoration and conservation work, is necessary if we are to maximise the numbers of successfully procured and finished products of older properties being brought back into use,” he added.
Among the topics being discussed at the conference will be ‘Understanding Carbon in the Built Environment’ by Peter Cox (FRSA) of Carrig Conservation; ‘Craftsmanship in Stone – CRAFTVALUE – IRC Advanced Laureate Project, by TCD’s Professor Christine Casey, Dr Andrew Tierney and Dr Melanie Hayes; ‘STONEBUILT IRELAND Research Project, by TCD’s Professor Patrick Wyse Jackson & Dr Louise Caulfield; ‘The ethics and ethos of Architectural Sculpture Conservation’ by leading restorative carver, Alan Micklethwaite; ‘FABTRADS – Moisture and Thermal Properties of a Range of Irish Stones and In-Situ U-Values of Stone walls’ by UCD’s Dr Rosanne Walker; ‘National Vernacular Strategy’ by Barry O’Reilly of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage; ‘All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme’ by Hugh Kavanagh of The Princes Foundation; and ‘Preservation of the Historical and Heritage Value of our Historical Burial Grounds and Graveyards’ by Dr John Treacy of Clare County Council’s Burial Grounds Division.
Other speakers include INStone’s Jamie Forde, MCIOB Building Surveyor, and also INStone’s Colin Grehan, Lead Sculptor who will provide a special presentation on ‘The Intricate Hand-Carving of the Replacement Four Courts Capitals’. An open questions and answers session will be chaired by Dr Brendan Dunford of Burrenbeo Trust at the close of the conference.
Visit www.irishnaturalstone.com for more on the first National INStone Symposium on Wednesday September 6th.
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