Irish Artists / 1916 Rising / Bound Document and Photographic Volume

Page 1

Evie Hone Window Honours Name Of Co. Galway Surgeon AN Evie Hone stained glass window has been erected in the Church at Kilmilkin, Maam Valley, in commemoration of a distinguished man of that place, John Francis O'Malley, the Harley St. surgeon. It is a remarkable work and probably ranks with the artist's best. It enshrines in glass the story of a miracle of healing by St. Brendan the Navigator at the blessed well on the island of Inis Gloira. This story in various forms has come down over 1,000 years on the lips of the people. The pagan Danes invaded the ancient kingdom of Umhal and were first repulsed with great slaughter, but later succeeded in slaying the chief of Umhal, and all his people with the exception of his sickly infant son. This boy was restored to health by the intercession of St. Brendan and grew into a warrior to lead the clansmen to victory on land and sea against the enemies of Christiandom. The window shows the large central figure of the saint standing over the blessed well. In the background is the sea with St. Brendan's ship and to one side his stone dwelling, at his feet is the child restored to health by the power of prayer. Kneeling by the well is the chieftainess mother in the traditional red dress and blue cloak. A pilgrim's cross is scratched on a standing stone by the well. A slab beneath the window bears the Irish inscription ancient symbols of Umhal—an Turc agus an Long. The whole picture fits into its surroundings the Mam Turc, and the Lomaire Ruadh mountains. The sure touch of a great artist expresses the deep religious traditions of those western mountains and islands of the sea, a faith patried down the Aughagower and fasted on Croagh Patrick.