Famous monument in Tipperary 'is in danger of collapsing'

The 1798 Monument in Clonmel’s Parnell Street is in danger of collapsing because of its poor condition, the town’s first citizen has stated.

Mayor Pat English told a meeting of Clonmel Borough District that the monument, which is located outside the Town Hall in Parnell Street, needs urgent maintenance.

He said that the monument is a protected structure and should be preserved for future generations.

Cllr Siobhán Ambrose agreed that it would be a good idea to get someone to have a look at it.

A written reply to the meeting from the District Engineer stated that the Borough District would apply for funding through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme in August.

Any works to the monument would need to be specified by an appropriate conservation professional, as this monument is protected.

Funding approval would be notified to the Borough District next February.

Known locally as “the 98 Man,” the monument is one of the town’s most identifiable landmarks.

It was erected in 1904 to the memory of the rebels of the 1798 Rebellion, which was organised by the Society of United Irishmen, and was a widespread armed insurrection against British rule in Ireland.

It was sculpted by James K Bracken, one of the founders of the GAA.

It comprises a square-plan stepped cut limestone plinth and pedestal, with the front face having an inscribed marble plaque, and topped by a carved limestone statue of a revolutionary standing on a moulded base.