To mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, Letterkenny’s Cathedral Quarter committee will host a special lecture on the connection between the Pearse family and St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny.
Taking place on Friday, 8th April, in St. Eunan’s Cathedral at 8pm, the special lecture will be given by Brian Crowley, curator of the Pearse Museum and St. Enda’s Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin.
The Pulpit of the Four Masters and the altar rails in St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny are among the most important remaining works of the Dublin firm of James Pearse and Sons – founded by the father of rebel leader Pádraig Pearse.
The sculptor Willie Pearse, with some help from his more famous older brother, spent time working in the Cathedral during its construction at the turn of the last century.
Both Pádraig and Willie were executed for their part in the Easter Rising of 1916.
After the short lecture, Brian Crowley will unveil a specially commissioned mosaic by artist Macola Vonga which celebrates the connection between the Pearse family and the cathedral.
This event is open to people of all ages and some light refreshments will be served in the St. Eunan’s Cathedral Sacristan.
In addition to the special lecture by Brian Crowley, the Cathedral Quarter committee will host a ‘Seafood BBQ and Outdoor Art Exhibition’ on Good Friday, 25th March to celebrate the recently launched schools’ art competition.
Students across the county have been invited to create individual or group art pieces in any art form, based on what they feel is the most significant event in Irish history. Entries must be submitted by Monday, 21st March and the winners will be announced at the Seafood BBQ on the Church Lane, Letterkenny on Friday, 25th at 4pm.
Commenting on Letterkenny’s Cathedral Quarter events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, Donnan Harvery, Cathedral Quarter secretary, said: “The Cathedral Quarter area is steeped in history and we’re really looking forward to marking the historic connection between the Pearse family and Donegal at the end of the month.
“The Cathedral was build almost 125 years ago and it was actually on the 8th April 1891 that the contract was signed to build it. William Hague was the architect and James McClay, Strabane was the builder.”
Donnan Harvey added: “We’re delighted to be working closely with the schools across the county and it’s great that young and old can get involved in commemorating the 1916 anniversary. We’re hoping for a great turnout at the two events and if anyone has any queries or would like to get involved they can contact any member of the Cathedral Quarter committee.”
For more information on the special lecture or schools art competition, contact Cathedral Quarter committee members Donnan Harvey on 086 345 2457 or Amanda Clarke on 086 344 3416 or visit the Save The Church Lane Facebook and Twitter pages.
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