Navan's tribute to miners

A sculpture recognising all of the people who dedicated their lives to the mining industry in Navan was unveiled at the Kells Road roundabout in Navan on Friday by the town's mayor, Cllr Anton McCabe. 'On the Great Wide Open' is a sculpture by Patrick Barry and is made from monumental Kilkenny limestone and zinc. The spiral designs beaten into the zinc are reflective of the area's artistic heritage and the male figure represents the movement or quarrying of the stone from one historic location to another over past times. The unveiling was attended by the town manager, Tadgh McDonnell, local TDs and councillors, the sculptor and his wife and families of deceased miners. The mayor paid tribute to all those who were involved in making the unveiling possible and said it was testament to the sculptor's integrity that they have a sculpture of such beauty and magnitude. "Today we also recognise the men, past and present, who have dedicated their working lives to the mining industry in Navan. "I am aware that the bereaved families have worked hard over the years to have some monument erected in their memory. I am glad that all their efforts have come fruition here today," he added. The mayor said that, as a former miner himself, he could identify with the men who work there. "I can also appreciate the high level of safety regulations that pertain to the industry. Indeed, Tara Mines have a high safety at work record, and they continue to enhance their approach to create a safe working environment for all their staff." Over the lifetime of Tara in Navan, some 12 men have lost their lives in the mine, and the mayor said he hoped the new sculpture "signifies in a positive way to all the families that they may be gone before us, but they will never be forgotten by us".