Waterford man honours 2013 Boston Marathon bombing victims

Sean Egan, who created the Boston Marathon Commemorative sculpture, which will be presented to the City of Boston on April 15th.Photo www.gerryocarroll.comOn April 18th, the eyes of the world will be on the 120th Boston Marathon.

Three years ago, two bombs detonated close to the finishing line of the Boston Marathon, killing three spectators and wounding hundreds more. In the intervening years a group of proud and defiant Bostonians formed the 2013 Boston Marathon Tribute Memorial Group.

The main objectives of the group were to remember those who had lost their lives and to raise funds for the ongoing medical needs of those injured in the blasts.

Waterford engraver, Sean Egan, was instrumental in the creation of a crystal memorial sculpture, which he, along with Cllr. John Cummins, Mayor of the City and County of Waterford will present to the 2013 Marathon Memorial Tribute Committee, who in turn, will present to the City of Boston on April 15th.

Following a chance encounter in Waterford with the 2013 Marathon Tribute Group’s Chair, Ralph Ingegneri and his wife Rose, Sean was asked to create two pieces, one to pay tribute to MIT Police Officer, Sean Collier who was shot in the manhunt following the bombing and the other to commemorate the events of April 15th, 2013.

Mike Fitzgerald, President of the 2013 Marathon Tribute Memorial Group said “We are delighted that Sean has created two heartfelt pieces that capture not only the life changing events of that day, but the resilience and strength of the people of Boston.”

“Sean’s Marathon memorial sculpture consists of three panels.  The central panel beautifully captures the 2013 Boston Marathon winner, Lelisa Desisa Benti of Ethiopia crossing the finish line.  The second panel has five doves, representing the three spectators who died that day, MIT Police Officer Collier and Officer Dennis Simmonds, who died one year later, in the line of duty.  The third panel shows the Boston City and Boston Athletic Association logos.  The panels are showcased on a backdrop of the Boston skyline, featuring the famous Longfellow Bridge and the heartfelt words of a city united in grief.”

On April 13th representatives from Waterford will travel to Boston to present the Boston Marathon Crystal Commemorative piece to the committee. Cllr. John Cummins, Mayor of the City and County of Waterford said “I am looking forward to meeting this dynamic and passionate Memorial committee, which has given so selflessly to enshrining the memories of those who died during the Marathon bombings and in the aftermath.”

“It is also an honour to travel with Sean Egan, who has created a beautiful and poignant piece for the occasion.  Craftsmen and artists, such as Sean Egan, are an invaluable asset to Waterford and it is fitting that his work is being recognised internationally.  Sean has created a beautiful brand, born in Waterford, and shared throughout the world.”

The Boston Marathon Tribute Memorial Group is endeavouring to raise funds locally, nationally and internationally to fund the sculptures and to provide funds for charities affiliated with the victims to cover medical expenses.  For further information or to donate visit www.marathontribute.org

For information about Sean Egan Art Glass and details about his projects visit www.seaneganartglass.com