The Design Concept / The Brian Boru Harp
The Monument design originated in May 2005 during the historic visit of Her Excellency President of Ireland, Mary McAleese to Vancouver. B.C.The Ireland Monument Project Committee formed at that time and has worked continuously to finalize the Monument Design:The Ireland Monument will be a bridge recognizing the past, a path to the future and a historic place of pride for all Irish and Canadian people.In May 2007 the Committee reviewed all design submissions and unanimously decided on the design concept by Catherine Flynn of Vancouver B.C.
This design allowed for the placement of the artwork selected and approved by the Ireland Monument Committee.The Ireland Monument is composed of a black granite base on all four sides, with artwork and text depicting the Irish contribution to Canada and the link between the Irish and Canadian people.
The original Brian Boru harp is located at Trinity College Library Dublin Ireland.A bronze replica of the historic ‘Brian Boru’ harp which today is recognized as a symbol of Ireland and the Irish people will be mounted on the top of the granite monument.The harp, an ancient instrument, believed by some to have found its way into Europe through Ireland, became the instrument of choice of the early Christian Missionaries and Medieval Irish bards. The bards were the means of uniting the people of Ireland by the communication of events, news, and knowledge. In this manner the harp became an unofficial symbol of freedom for Ireland. What is known as the Irish harp was a large instrument with a wide sound box, a distinctively curved front pillar and metal strings. A wonderful example of an early Irish harp is the harp at Trinity College, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘Brian Boru’ harp. This harp has been widely used as the base for the design of the harps used on Irish coins, emblems, and government stationary. For this reason the Committee has chosen the design of the Trinity College harp for the Ireland Monument.
The Brian Boru Harp