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St. Patrick Society's
Irish Memorial Project |
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At long last, the IRISH MEMORIAL is a reality. The result of a 25 year dream and 6 ½ years of planning and execution by John Scally, Pat Burke, and Vic Quinn, and with the support and sponsorship of the St. Patrick Society, was unveiled and dedicated on Sunday, October 30, a "typical Irish day" (cold and raining), with about 75 people attending. Speeches were made by project manager John Scally, Society President Silia Smiley, Mary Ellen Chamberlain of the Riverboat Authority, and Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba. (See dedication photos.)
The bronze statue by Moline native Lou Quaintance (www.quaintancesculpture.com) and a pair of four ton stones from County Donegal, Ireland depict an Irish family leaving Ireland en route to America, the father looking forward while the mother appears distressed over leaving her home and family. (See detailed photos.) Kelly Construction did all the ground work for the project. (See construction photos.) |
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| The IRISH MEMORIAL honors those men, women and children who left their homes and families and settled in the Quad-Cities decades ago. Over a million Irish left their homeland during the Great Potato Famine of 1845 - 1849 and dispersed throughout the world. Irish and German comprise the most numerous ethnic groups in the Quad Cities. | |
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To date, $130,000 has been raised by the Society for the memorial but the project still needs your help to complete this effort. Please forward your contribution to the St. Patrick Society, PO Box 4487, Davenport, Iowa 52808 – Attn: MEMORIAL. Please make checks payable to the St. Patrick Society - MEMORIAL. Stock certificates or other negotiable instruments are welcomed as contributions. All donations are tax deductible (please check with your tax consultant). The St. Patrick Society is a 501 (c)(3) organization.
Questions
regarding our memorial project may be directed to John Scally at
(309)788-2341 or Pat Burke (563) 359-8016. Please be generous and spread the
word about this unique opportunity to honor those Irish men, women and
children who came before us. You can purchase a souvenir DVD of photos taken of the construction, dedication, and detail of the Irish Memorial. It about 7 minutes long and is set to appropriate music. Send $5 to Gerry Bade, 3615 N. Pine St., Davenport, IA 52806.
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