Donegal County Council has said it will issue an ‘estimated timeline’ on the completion of works to the removed sculpture at Fr Hegarty’s Rock in Buncrana ‘in the coming weeks’.
The statue, which commemorates Fr Seamus Hegarty, was removed in recent weeks for restoration works.
A spokesperson for the council told the Journal the works are continuing.
“At present, the artwork piece remains with the artist in his foundry, where restoration work is being conducted to remedy the discoloration that has emerged on the surface of the sculpture.
“The artwork will be reinstalled once the artist is fully satisfied that all aspects of the restoration process are in order and have been completed. The Council is monitoring the progress of the work and will issue an estimated timeline as to its completion, in the coming weeks.” The spokesperson added: “Donegal County Council apologies for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the public for its patience and understanding during this process.”
The statue, created by local artist Rory Harron, was officially unveiled in April last year by His Excellency, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Papal Nuncio and Minister of State for Sport and Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD.
Father Séamus (James) Hegarty OP, (1649-1711) was a Dominican Friar, Dean of the Diocese of Derry, and Parish Priest of Fahan and Desertegney in Inishowen.
Father Hegarty was a Martyr for the Catholic Faith in Inishowen during Penal times. He was killed for his actions at a spot on the walk known locally as Hegarty’s Rock.
While ministering to his people, Fr Hegarty had to hide in a cave. His violent death came about when he was firstly betrayed by a family member, secondly captured when, after an attempted escape by swimming Lough Swilly, he returned to the shore on the Red Coats’ assurance that he would be safe but was then finally beheaded by the same British Red Coats at a location which has become known locally as Father Hegarty’s Rock.
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