Ruaidrí Ó Flaitheartaigh Memorial Seat

 

Photo Credit Hazel Morrison

 

Close up of Seat inscriptions

Photo Credit Moycullen Historical Society

 

Photo Credit Moycullen Historical Society

 

Close up of Seat inscriptions

Photo Credit Moycullen Historical Society

Site of Ruaidrí Ó Flaitheartaigh Memorial Seat

Ruaidrí Ó Flaitheartaigh (1629 – 1718)

On Sunday, 14th June 1998, a special Mass was offered through Latin in thanksgiving for the life and work of Ruaidrí Ó Flaitheartaigh (1629 – 1718), the man after whom our local historical society is named.  Mass was followed by the unveiling of a memorial seat by Éamonn Ó Cuiv T.D., Aire Stáit sa Roinn Ealaoin, Cultúr agus an Gaeltacht, (Minister for State, Department of Arts, Heritage & The Gaeltacht).

A reception, sponsored by Údarás na Gaeltachta, was held in Árus Uilinn immediately afterwards.

sit and contemplate times past

The seat – commissioned by Cumann Staire Mhaigh Cuilinn – was designed by Mary O’Shea of Clooniff and sculpted by Paddy O’Toole, Spiddal. Taking several months to complete, this limestone seat is set on a concrete base and placed directly opposite the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Moycullen.

‘Fortune Favours the Brave’

The arms are carved with a traditional Celtic braid design and the backrest of the seat depicts the crest of the Ó Flaitheartaigh clan (The motto on the coat of arms says ‘Fortuna Favet Fortibus’ which translates as ‘Fortune Favours the Brave’). The inscription (in old Irish) to the lower front of the seat reads:-

I gcuimne
Ruaidrí Uí Flaitheartaig (1629–1718)
A Rugad agus A Togad I
gCaislean Maig Cuilinn
Scolaire, Stairi, Croineolai agus Taoiseac.
Togadh an obair cuimneacain seo ag
Cumann Staire Ruarori Uí Flaitheartaig 1998