Kilkenny Launches Urgent Ómós Project to Honor Independence Heroes

UPDATE: Kilkenny County Council has just announced the launch of the Ómós project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at honoring all individuals affected by the tumultuous events surrounding the early 20th Century fight for Irish independence. This urgent initiative seeks to create a central memorial that will resonate with the community and preserve the diverse stories of that era.

The Ómós project, revealed during a briefing to local councillors, aims to engage the entire Kilkenny community in a consultation process to determine the memorial’s form and location. Regina Fitzpatrick, Heritage Officer, emphasized the importance of this project, noting that while there are various memorials scattered throughout the county, there has been no singular tribute to those who played a role in or were impacted by the independence movement.

“This memorial will honor the diversity of experiences during that period and will keep the stories alive,” Fitzpatrick stated. Many community members have expressed a strong desire to share the stories of their parents and grandparents, which include not only combatants but also those who ran safe houses and children who lost loved ones.

The Ómós project is inspired by the wealth of new resources that emerged during the Decade of Centenaries. Fitzpatrick noted, “We now have a much clearer understanding of that period of history. Whatever memorial comes from this process will serve as an entry into that trove of resources.”

This initiative is not just about remembrance; it encompasses an educational element to engage both locals and visitors, fostering community pride and offering cultural and historical significance. It aims to play a role in reconciliation and healing as Kilkenny continues to reflect on its past.

The project will follow the public art process, as outlined by Mary Butler, Arts Officer, who highlighted the significance of community involvement. “The process is as important as the eventual outcome. The community will be at the core of this project,” Butler affirmed.

Despite a common misconception that Kilkenny was passive during the War of Independence, Fitzpatrick pointed out that the county was deeply involved. A committee of both internal and external experts, including historians Dr. Siobhán Doyle and Dr. Tomás Mac Conmara, will oversee the initiative, ensuring a thorough and inclusive approach.

The next steps include community consultations leading to a proposal and commissioning of the memorial, funded through the Percent for Art scheme. Local councillors have welcomed the project enthusiastically. Cllr Joe Lyons remarked, “This will mean so much to so many people,” while Cllr Deirdre Cullen stressed the need for a central, accessible location for the memorial, saying, “Those who made sacrifices for what we have today are deserving of commemoration.”

As the project moves forward, Fitzpatrick anticipates a pioneering memorial that captures the complex emotions of the period. “It’s very difficult to have one, single visual representation of all of that. I hope it will capture the emotion and spirit of what happened,” she stated.

With this project, Kilkenny is taking significant steps to ensure that the stories of its past are not only remembered but also integrated into the community’s cultural fabric. The Ómós project is set to transform how the county acknowledges its history, providing an urgent and meaningful space for reflection and remembrance. Stay tuned for further updates as community consultations begin and the design process unfolds.