This is a new-old form of commemoration - Tulach a' tSolais at Oulart Hill in Wexford. A commemorative mound, as at Newgrange, we know; but at Oulart the mound is bisected, and this is to show the division between the old world and the world after it was changed by the enlightened ideas of the French and American revolutions. The Irish title means Mound of Light and an article in the Wexford Association Yearbook and in a comprehensive information sheet issued by Brian Cleary, who is chairman of the organising committee, reveals the thought and hard work that has gone into what is a unique memorial. The split which bisects the mound, leads through a central chamber which house two massive oak sculptures. These "very large sculptures" curve towards the light. They were saplings in 1798 and Brian Cleary writes that they represent the people of Oulart and similar communities everywhere reaching upwards.
The chamber, it is pointed out will receive maximum light on Midsummer Day, June 21st, which incidentally is the date of the battle of Vinegar Hill. The dividing line, of course, is on an east-west axis. And the inner chamber is paved granite on the floor, while the walls are concrete painted white, so the light is enhanced. Tulach a 'tSolais itself is an important step on the way to the concept of "Oulart, the '98 Village." When complete, the monument will be handed over to the Oulart Hill Co-Op and they will be responsible for it. Every person in the parish, writes Brian Cleary, should realise that this hill is in their care, that it ranks among the great outdoor monuments of Ireland, that every effort be made to keep Oulart Hill clean and tidy, and that no developments should be built there.
Already there is a trickle of visitors to see this, the work of Scott Tallon Walker, architects; Michael Warren, sculptor; Ove Arup Ireland, consultant engineers and, of course the Oulart Hill Co-operative Society. On May 23rd Charles McCreevy, Minister for Finance, will declare it officially open. Thousands will be there, many of them pikemen in uniform. It's an idea also for this weekend. The concept of a mound as a memorial, particularly with its corridor through, and its light signifying enlightenment is certainly worthy of Wexford and all it stands for. Y