An Irish sculpture depicting people descending from a ship arrived in a new land unveiled in New York.
The bronze ship measuring 26 feet high and 23 feet long was presented to the United Nations by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Titled Arrival the sculpture which is the work of John Behan, represents generations of Irish emigrants was unveiled at the UN in New York.
In the shadow of the Manhattan skyline on the banks of the East River is a new monument to Ireland's emigrant experience.
The work was commissioned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and made in a foundry in Kilmainham.
Marking the presentation of the sculpture, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern hosted a dinner at the New York Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Addressing the event attended by Irish Americans, the Taoiseach spoke of the challenges facing the peace process. Also in attendance was Minister Martin Cullen, who described the sculpture as a celebration of a modern Ireland and how the Irish helped to build nations throughout the world.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 December 2000. The reporter is Mark Little.
