Proposal to create 1916 remembrance archway over riverside walk
City councillors will discuss a proposal next month to erect an archway at the entrance to the city’s riverside walk, to mark the anniversary of the 1916 Rising.
A motion has been tabled for the September meeting of the Council suggesting that the arch be erected at the O’Brien’s Bridge entrance to Bruach na Coiribe.
The idea for the arch dates back to the 1930s when an emigrant returned from the United States with funds from other ex-pats to create a memorial for those who died in the Easter Rising.
Among those who donated to the fund was Hollywood legend John Wayne, while he was in Galway filming ‘The Quiet Man’.
Independent councillor Terry O’Flaherty has resurrected the idea and is hoping for support from her colleagues on the Council.
“Outside of Dublin, County Galway was one of the most active areas of the country at the outbreak of the Rising and it is important that we find a suitable way to mark the occasion next year.
“This memorial arch would commemorate not just those who suffered in 1916, but also those victims of the hostilities in later years, up to the end of the Civil War in 1923, as was originally envisaged.
“It’s important that we get agreement on this as soon as possible so that funding can be set aside and a sculptor engaged to do the work.
“It would be a fitting way to remember those who fought for Irish freedom and I think it would also be a great aesthetic addition to the city centre,” said Cllr O’Flaherty.
The idea dates back to the 1930s when Sean Turke from College Road returned from the US with money from other ex-pats who were keen to remember those who had died for Ireland.
“Some years later, a committee was formed in Galway to promote the project and even John Wayne played a part in fundraising efforts.
“The actor, who was in Connemara shooting ‘The Quiet Man’, attended a gala concert and dance at Seapoint ballroom in Salthill in July 1951, along with other stars of the film, Maureen O’Hara, Barry Fitzgerald and Victor McLaglen.
“Cork sculptor Seamus Murphy designed an arch and gate to be erected on one side of O’Brien’s Bridge — this was decades before the riverside walk even came about,” said Cllr O’Flaherty.
A committee was formed to progress the project, and the secretary was Geraldine Dillon, wife of UCG Professor Thomas Dillon and sister of Joseph Mary Plunkett, who had been executed along with other Easter Rising leaders.
They agreed that the inscription be: “To the memory of the Men and Women of the City and County of Galway who suffered for the freedom of Ireland during the year 1916 and onwards.”
More than £2,000 was raised, but the project suffered a setback in the late 1960s when Bord Fáilte announced it was withdrawing its financial support.