Historic monuments: no one gives a damn

RECENTLY I was on a short break in west Cork. As I have an interest in the war of independence and the actions that took place in the Third West Cork Brigade area, I took the opportunity to visit three historical sites.

First I visited Upton railway station which, I’m happy to report, is in pristine condition, though the cross marking the site of the action needs to be re-lettered, and some old wreaths removed.

Then I drove on to Crossbarry where Tom Barry’s famous flying column ambushed a large military force and inflicted heavy casualties in March 1921.

This monument is in a bad way. Much of the plaster has fallen out of the divisions between the sections of the stone monument. It also needs to be cleaned. Behind the monument there was a lot of litter, beer cans, bottles and other rubbish. The general area adjacent to the monument is in a disgraceful condition and badly needs to be tidied up and landscaped.

While I was there, three Americans arrived by car to take some photographs and videos of the Crossbarry memorial. One of them said to me: “This is a really historic place.” I knew by their body language they were shocked at its neglected state.

Then I travelled on the short distance to visit the memorial to Charlie Hurley who was shot dead by the British army on the morning of the Crossbarry ambush.

The Celtic cross itself, which was erected in 1998, is in good condition but the area around it is completely overgrown by weeds and long grass.

It’s a disgrace that these monuments, and the areas around them, are not kept in good condition.

It’s obvious to me no one in authority gives a damn. The sad state of these monuments in west Cork is in stark contrast to the way war memorials are maintained in Britain and elsewhere.

Would someone please do something about it.

Harry Havelin

Lambay Road

Glasnevin

Dublin 9