Painting marks Burning of Cork

A historical piece of artwork has been delivered to the northside of Cork city.

Blackpool Library is now home to a painting marking the centenary of the Burning of Cork and the murder of Con and Jeremiah Delaney at Dublin Hill.

The painting, by Cobh-based artist John O’Keeffe, will be hung in the library’s first floor community room.

Clare Doyle, Executive Librarian at Blackpool Library, said: “We are delighted with the finished work. The violence, drama and terror of that night are vividly represented through John’s artistic talent.”

The piece consists of portraits of both Delaney brothers against an intense red, orange and black background as Cork’s main street is laid waste in smoke and flames.

Tomás McCurtain and Terence MacSwiney feature as well as images of Cork’s ‘forgotten mayors’ of that time, William Francis O’ Connor and Domhnall Ó Ceallacháin.

Close inspection reveals references to RIC Inspector Oswald Swanzy and the destruction of the Dillon’s Cross area following the notorious ambush.

Clare added: “It is particularly appropriate that the painting has arrived at this time. Not only does it serve to mark the centenary of the deaths of the Delaney brothers but its acquisition also comes as we celebrate ten years of the library’s presence in Blackpool.

“In putting the work on permanent display, we are highlighting Blackpool library’s role in promoting the history and cultural heritage in the locality,” the Executive Librarian concluded.