Members of Kilkenny Borough Council have called for a monument for the city that recognises the role that hurling plays in the life of Kilkenny people.
Cllr Joe Reidy asked that the monument be something that would be planned for in advance in terms of funding.
“Maybe we should think of a public competition. We need to celebrate what is the biggest part of Kilkenny people’s lives and that is hurling. There is no place in the city which acknowledges that. And it would be good if we opened this up to the public,” he said.
Cllr Andrew McGuinness added, “this is something that people want. Kilkenny is already known as hurling-mad as we are known as the home of hurling. The first thing that people ask you about when you say you are from Kilkenny is hurling. We need a monument to recognise that.”
Cllr Michael Lanigan concurred that a monument to hurling in Kilkenny was very appropriate and he asked that it have a base similar to Nelson’s Pillar.
“The base of Nelson’s Pillar lists the British naval man’s great battles, so Kilkenny’s hurling monument should list each of the counties and the number of times we have defeated them. It will be a living monument,” he laughed.
“The monument would also be most suitable for our civic celebrations next year,” he added. I suggest we press full steam ahead and of course I believe the best location for the monument in the Village area!”
Members suggested that the Parade be the best location as it is currently being refurbished.
Mayor Pat Crotty also added that the Crafts Council of Ireland which is based in the Design Centre may be interested in getting involved.
“They have expressed interest in the past in creating a visual presence on the Parade to signify that this is their home. Last year hurling was raised to an art form and this should be reflected.” However, he added, “I hope everything said here tonight does not come back to haunt our hurlers next September.”
The motion was unanimously supported by the members.
