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New beacon unveiled in Buncrana
30.08.10
by Damian Dowds, Inishowen Independent
BUNCRANA lighthouse is proving to be a big draw as
locals and visitors call to the Shore Front to see
the town's latest tourist attraction.
The Buncrana Historical Society unveiled the
monument last Wednesday. Buncrana lighthouse stood
on the pier of Inishowen’s largest town for 133
years, from January 1876 until January 2009, when it
was condemned and taken down by the Irish Lights.
But thanks to the diligent work of the Buncrana
Historical Society, driven by former chairman Peter
Gurrie, the lighthouse has been saved for future
generations and now sits proudly on a new plinth at
the Shore Front.
“The lighthouse is part of our heritage and people
were really sorry to see it go. It has stood in
Buncrana for more than a century and we want to make
sure it stands for the next hundred years,” Peter
Gurrie said.
The lighthouse, which has been sandblasted and
primed, is painstakingly being brought back to its
former glory by the staff at Crana Engineering, who
have spent weeks and months strengthening the old
metal tower.
“I commend the Buncrana Historical Society for doing
a tremendous service to the town,” Mayor Pádraig
MacLochlainn said. “Often things like this are sent
off for scrappage, but this has been immaculately
restored and is a fine reminder of our maritime
heritage.” |
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Cllr MacLochlainn
commended Buncrana Town Council staff for their work
on the project, and Crana Engineering for ensuring
that their work was completed in time for
yesterday’s launch, which falls during National
Heritage Week.
The lighthouse, which has been sandblasted and
primed, is painstakingly being brought back to its
former glory by the staff at Crana Engineering, who
have spent weeks and months strengthening the old
metal tower, indeed staff there worked all during
last weekend to ensure it was ready for yesterday’s
launch.
In his speech to mark the official launch of the
lighthouse, Peter Gurrie thanked the Tidy Towns
Committee, especially Michael Grant; the Inishowen
Development Partnership, especially |
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The official launch of the lighthouse |
Andrew Ward, Ann
Sperrin and John Jackson; Buncrana Town Council,
especially town engineer Donal Walker, former Mayor
Lee Tedstone and current Mayor Pádraig MacLochlainn;
Inishowen Tourism; Inishowen Inc; Crana Engineering
and their subcontractors for their work.
“On this day, we especially remember the late
Columba Quigley,” Mr Gurrie said. “He was a founder
member of the history society and would be
tremendously proud today.” |
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