‘Rock star’ sculptor honoured at monument launch

Roscommon sculptor Mark Feeley received a standing ovation at the recent official launch of the 'Souls of Ranelagh' monument.

The statue, which overlooks the new N61 roundabout, remembers and honours the people of the ‘forgotten cemetery’, who were rediscovered during an archaeological dig during the N61 Coolteige Road Project.

The cemetery contained 557 intact burials and another potential 108 burials. Extensive radio carbon dating was carried out of the burials and found that the majority of them extended from the 4th century to the 13th century.

The monument, which was commissioned by the Roscommon Town Team, features three figures, a woman, man, and child, the latter two emerging from the Lecarrow limestone rock as if stepping out of the distant past.

During the launch at the Áras an Chontae, chairman of the Roscommon Town Team, Larry Brennan said it was an inspired decision by the Town Team to select Mr Feeley.

“He was passionate about it from the start. Being a local man, he believed in it and knew what was wanted,” said Mr Brennan before addressing Mr Feeley himself. “At all times you were a pleasure to work with .” “I always wanted to be a rock star,” Mr Feeley joked as he took the podium. “I am so happy to be here and have the opportunity to say a few words.” He said that like many Rossies he emigrated to the US before returning home.

“For me the greatest country in the world is Ireland and the greatest county in Ireland is Roscommon. What makes Roscommon so great is the people. So, for me to get the opportunity to acknowledge the history and people of Roscommon was a true privilege.” He thanked the archaeologists for their amazing work, the Town Team for their support and encouragement, and Roscommon County Council for all its help. He also thanked his wife Mary for all her support.

He had a special word of thanks for Marie Gillooly for her “support and unwavering enthusiasm”. He said that the project encountered problems, like a huge crack in the stone.

“She’s cool under pressure,” he said with a laugh. “We fixed it, and everything came out good.” As the ceremony concluded, a photograph of the monument on behalf of the town team was presented to Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan, which will hang in the Áras.

“Hopefully when people see the photo it will inspire them to go out and see the sculpture itself,” he said. “It is lovely to have your signature on the picture here as well. It is like having the autograph of a rockstar,” he joked.

“It is an honour to recognise the past, bring it to the present and set the scene for those in the future to always remember those souls. It is a magnificent sculpture created by Mark’s gifted hands, and the efforts of the community with the support of the local authority.”