Somebody’s Child art covered for ‘updating’ ahead of Papal visit
As thousands of religious tourists descent on Dublin for the World Meeting of Families this weekend, it's undoubted that tourist hot spot Temple Bar will get some more visits than usual.
In one of the area's quieter corners, a green tarp has been draped over a poignant memorial art work ahead of the Pope's visit.
The 'Somebody's Child' memorial lists the names and birthdates of children who died in care in Ireland, as an homage to their loss.
Below the names are empty silver nameplates to signify those children who were not properly buried, or were buried without names or records.
Outrage ensued on social media, as it was assumed that the art piece was covered up so as not to be seen by religious tourists.
However, the creator Mannix Flynn has confirmed to District Magazine that the memorial is closed for refurbishment, so that new temporary work can be added.
'Mannix Flynn has confirmed that the netting was erected as the piece is being updated ahead of the weekend.' reads an updated Instagram statement.
'I appreciate the concerns of people who thought that someone was covering up ‘Somebody’s Child’ work and Disband the Artane Band panels but the person who took the image and put up the blog last night inciting people to tear down the protective netting never bothered to ask me, as I was on the site putting up the net, what was happening,' Mr Flynn wrote in a blog post.
'I invite anybody who has any concerns to come to the site today as we inaugurate the new temporary work.'
'I monitor this site every day as it has been attacked a number of times. Indeed Dublin City Council Planning Department is legally threatening me to take down some of the work but that’s another issue. I will be seeking your support on that.'
Feature image: District Magazine via @thibaultmontagne / Instagram
