The West’s awake to Bree man’s model craftwork
THE craftsmanship of an Enniscorthy man has been recognised in the West of Ireland after a model he created was handed over the Irish Workhouse Centre in Co Galway.
Noel Franklin, from Bree, created a model of the Enniscorthy workhouse and it is to go on view in Galway in the New Year.
Mr Franklin’s model is intricately detailed and was described as amazing by the management of the centre in the West.
The workhouse in Enniscorthy opened in 1842 and had a capacity of 600. That figure was temporarily extended to 800 during the Great Hunger of 1845 to 1852.
However, the reality of the situation was that the workhouse always operated well over capacity during a most difficult period in Ireland and was home to tens of thousands of inmates throughout its history.
Mr Franklin’s model of the building is part of the St John’s Community Hospital complex.
It him two years to complete and he used 85,000 matchsticks in its construction.
The model, which is also expertly lit by Mr Franklin using LED lighting, is a remarkable piece of work.
The Head of Operations at the Irish Workhouse Centre in Galway, Steve Dolan, described the piece as ‘deeply impressive’.
In accepting the model he praised Mr Franklin’s accuracy, attention to detail and his knowledge of the subject.
The Irish Workhouse Centre is located in Portumna and is the only centre in Ireland dedicated to telling the story of the Irish workhouse system.
The centre is also the reigning Heritage Council Champion for its activities during Heritage Week.