A public bench and sculpture in memory of two of Ireland's leading humanitarians has been unveiled in Limerick city.
Installed on the banks of the River Shannon at Barrington’s Pier, the commemorative bench celebrates the lives of Limerick-born brothers, Aengus and Jack Finucane.
The Finucanes were young priests during the famine in Biafra in 1968, when John and Kay O’Loughlin-Kennedy formed Concern Africa – now Concern Worldwide – in response to the crisis.
Both brothers worked hard to help the world’s poorest people in a whole host of countries. Fr Aengus eventually went on to lead Concern during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Dominic MacSorley, CEO of Concern Worldwide said: "The Finucane brothers are giants of men, what they achieved was extraordinary.
"While the brothers had received the freedom of the City of Limerick, we wanted a lasting and visible tribute to remind this and future generations of the power of positive change.
"This change was made possible through the generous support of the people of Limerick and across every county in Ireland."
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Francis Foley said the new monument to the brothers "captures their spirit of looking outward to other places while having roots and a sense of place in Limerick".
He added: "It is a wonderful addition to our city and to the quiet area at Barrington’s Pier."
The commemorative bench, entitled 'Giants of Men', was designed and crafted by Tom Roche from Rhode, Co Offaly and Dublin-based Knut Klimmek.
The furniture-makers won the commission following a public tender.
Their memorial features a large timber bench whose shape mimics the flow of the Shannon, along with six foot tall, one and a half life-sized steel sculptures, filled with river stone capturing the spirt of both men.
Aengus is standing with arms out, pushing against the walls of poverty, hunger and injustice while Jack is represented sitting, with knee on ankle, portraying his reflective personality.
The piece was funded by contributions in kind from a number of Limerick businesses, supporters of the Finucanes and Concern, and is completely separate to donations for Concern’s overseas work.
