Should a statue of Queen Victoria be in an exhibition to mark 150 years of University College Cork?
A decision to include a statue of Queen Victoria in an exhibition to celebrate the 150th birthday of University College Cork (UCC) has created debate.
UCC, along with colleges in Galway and Belfast, was founded in 1845. They collectively became known as the queen's colleges. A statue of Queen Victoria stood for 80 years next to the Aula Maxima at UCC. In 1935, it was replaced by a statue of Finbar the patron saint of Cork.
Twelve years later, the monument to a queen who was hated by so many was laid to rest, buried in the President's garden.
The statue of Queen Victoria remained buried until this year when the board of UCC decided to put the original college charter, other historical items and the statue on display for the 150th anniversary commemoration.
Professor Sean O'Connor, chairperson of UCC, says the decision was to hold an exhibition that would display as many historical artefacts related to the college as possible. The governing body decided that the statue of Queen Victoria should form part of the exhibition. Supporters say that Ireland must accept that a large part of Irish heritage is British heritage. John A Murphy, Emeritus Professor at UCC says the statue is part of the history of the college.
We must remember we are commemorating Queen's College Cork as well as University College Cork.
Opponents of the statue argue that the reign of Queen Victoria coincided with a time of oppression and hardship during the famine. Criostóir de Baróid, An Gorta Mór Famine Commemoration Committee, describes the statue as a symbol of cruel oppression.
People asked about the issue on the streets of Cork offer their opinions on the return of the statue.
This episode of 'Nationwide' was broadcast on 23 January 1995. The reporter is Deirdre McCarthy and the presenter is Michael Ryan.
