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The Unveiling of the Bronze Statue of Tom Crean.
July 20th 2003.
The Bronze Sculpture of Tom Crean arrived in Annascaul in mid July,
to be fixed and erected on a chosen site opposite the Post Office in
the village. The artist and Sculptor Eamon O’ Doherty was most
delighted to see his work taking its place right in the heart of Annascaul
especially looking across the road to Tom’s pub, The South Pole
Inn. Annascaul’s connection to Antarctica and a tremendous draw
for all visitors to the Dingle Peninsula.
The Crean family in memory of their father Tom Crean generously gave
this site as a gift to the village of Annascaul. Interestingly the
site was once the home of Tom’s Auntie Kate and she thanked God
every day for the who out food on her table, namely Tom Crean, once
difficult times. So with this in mind an even more fitting place to
site this wonderful sculpture.
A huge crowd turned out for this very special day well over one thousand people all Tom Crean enthusiasts. Many members of Tom Crean’s extended family were present for this proud day. The statue was unveiled by Mary & Eileen Crean O’ Brien, Tom’s daughters. There were several speeches by Antarctic descendants such as the Honorable Edward Broke Evans, son of Teddy Evans, Chris Wilson, Grand-Nephew of Dr. Edward Wilson, Michael Smith, author of ‘The Unsung Hero. Music, fun and many stories followed on what was a most memorable day for Annascaul and very fitting tribute to one of its village heroes.
The organising Committee for such a tremendous project wish
to thank the South Kerry Development Partnership for their great help,
advice and sponsorship which is gratefully appreciated. We extend out
thanks to Kerry County Council. We also wish to thank everyone
who helped in any way to bring this project to a successful conclusion
and all those who took part in the Challenge walk up Carrauntoohil,
donated and collected funds for the project and everyone who made donations,
large and small.
The Committee would like to thank the Annascaul Development Committee
for their support and for donating the stone seats for the garden and
to Annascaul G.A.A. for all their help and support in the preparations.
