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The Giant Fid is coming

Posted Thursday, August 27, 2009

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Giant Fid

Next Wednesday at 11am the big day will arrive.

The Giant Fid is to be unveiled at the old pier at 11am on Wednesday.

The Mayor of Donegal, Brendan Byrne, is coming to 'launch' it.

It seems that it cost €50,000.

Symbolic

The reason they have put it on the Old Pier is the symbolism.

That's where people used to embark on boats to emigrate to America.

So, they've concreted over the Old Pier and removed some of the old stones so that the Fid could be put there.

It seems that a Fid is a tool used by fisherman for splicing ropes.

Emigration

To me it looks more like a baseball bat (which would be quite symbolic as they were leaving for America) or an old fashioned beer pump (which some might think is quite symbolic too).

It seems it is commemorate a century of emigration from Inishowen / Derry to New Brunswick in Canada.

One hopes it brings tourism to the area.

However, if Cooley Cross doesn't bring much tourism one isn't over hopeful.

Youngsters

One hopes that local youngsters don't see climbing up it as a natural progression from jumpikng off the pier.

What would be worse would be them climbing up it and jumping off into the water as it is near the edge.

I haven't heard of local people being over excited about it.

The main expressions I've heard have been mild amusement followed by "if it's free (to us) we might as well have it".

Nicknames

It has already acquired a few nicknames of which "The Giant Fiddle" is one of the kindest and one that can be repeated.

However, it should be a good morning out to see it unveiled.

Perhaps we will all grow to love it.