Father Hegarty
Public Artwork
10.04.25
THERE was a large
attendance at the official unveiling and blessing of the
Father Hegarty Public Artwork and shore path
refurbishment project at Father Hegarty’s Rock in
Buncrana on Friday 4th April, 2025.
Bryan Cannon, designated Director for the Inishowen
Municipal District and Master of Ceremonies said that it
was a very special day for the local community, the
clergy, and the elected members and staff of Donegal
County Council. He said that the Council and the
community were honoured by the presence of His
Excellency Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic
Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Bishop Donal
McKeown, Bishop of Derry. |
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The Most Reverend Donal
McKeown, Bishop of Derry and Monsignor Kevin Gillespie
blessing and dedicating the figurative statue of Father
Hegarty. |
The €80,000 project,
delivered through the Community Development and Planning
directorate working with Buncrana Tidy Towns, was funded
by the Department of Rural and Community Development
under the Community Recognition Fund. The core objective
of the fund is to support the development of community
infrastructure and facilities, in recognition of the
contribution made by communities across the country in
welcoming and hosting families arriving from other
countries.
In addition to the public artwork, the refurbishment
investment project included the following capital
works... 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 improvement, and the installation of
interpretation panels. |
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Father Damian Polly, OP,
Dominican Friar and Prior of the Black Abbey, Kilkenny
and children Sarah McLaughlin, PJ McDaid and Andrew
Porter. |
The figurative artwork by
the talented artist Rory Harron was responding to 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.
Father Séamus 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 Poperty
Act’, a set of edicts and penalties designed to suppress
the practice of Roman Catholicism in Ireland.
Father Hegarty was 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
and 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 but was then
finally beheaded by the same British Red Coats at a
location which has become known locally as Father
Hegarty’s Rock. |
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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 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.
Charlie McConalogue TD said that he was delighted to
have been invited to the wonderful coastal walkway
around Father Hegarty’s Rock looking out onto Lough
Swilly. He said “This project promotes inclusion,
wellness and equality for all. It will ensure that Fr
Hegarty’s Shore Walk will continue to provide a save,
tranquil special place with breath-taking views which he
said has a special place in the hearts of many locals
and indeed for all visitors to the area”.
Cllr Jack Murray stated that the new figurative statue
is an incredible addition to the iconic and beloved
Father Hegarty’s Walk. He stated: "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. This new installation will undoubtedly
become synonymous with this area, telling the story of
the Friar and will be enjoyed by thousands of people for
many years to come." |
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