New monument to officially open in Lough Boora tomorrow

After almost three years of labour, the Gathering of Stones monument is due to  officially open in Lough Boora tomorrow.

Around 380 tons of rock were used in the construction of the monument. It features donated stones from Battery Park, New York- the oldest immigration docks in the world. The outer stone wall features dry wall building styles from the four provinces of Ireland. The internal dry stone tower represents the fifth province of Ireland. This being the individual, creativity, imagination and the Diaspora, explained Irish Dry Stone Wall Association Chairman Sunny Wieler.  He described the monument as “a celebration of the traditional craft of dry stone walling and of being Irish.”  

Mr Wieler said “we were fully reliant on the good will and support of the people of Ireland. We also received fantastic support from Board na Mona in particular the team here at Lough Boora and at the Board na Mona works. Ever since we first approached them about the idea of building the monument in the parklands, they have been nothing but positive and supportive throughout the whole process.”

“Like any project of this scale, there are some obstacles to overcome along the way but the real story here is the amazing things that can be achieved by a group of people who are passionate about what they do, and what they are willing to do to express their pride in their craft and pride in their country,” he remarked. The official opening will take place at Lough Boora Parklands at 12 noon on Saturday, May 7.