THE MEMORIAL PLAQUE

The Lord Mayor also welcomed everyone to the unveiling and gave the following oration:

“It is a great honour for me, as Lord Mayor of Cork, to stand here today on Pouladuff Road as we unveil this plaque at The Laurels, marking not just a place, but a story; not just a home, but a legacy.

Today, we pause to recognise the significance of The Laurels and the generations of the Hegarty family who made it their home. In doing so, we celebrate something deeply rooted in Cork’s character, the importance of family, community, and the quiet but enduring contributions of ordinary people whose lives shape the spirit of our city.

The Laurels was never just a house. Like many homes across Cork, it was a centre of life—of laughter, of conversation, of hard work, and of resilience. Its walls witnessed the passing of time, the growth of a family, and the changing face of this part of the city. Homes like this form the backbone of our communities. They are where values are passed on, where friendships are forged, and where the identity of an area is truly formed.

The Hegarty family, as remembered here today, were part of that fabric. Their presence in The Laurels contributed to the life of Pouladuff Road and the surrounding neighbourhood. Whether through work, neighbourliness, or participation in local life, families such as the Hegartys helped build the sense of belonging that Cork is so well known for. It is through these connections, often unrecorded in books or archives, that the real history of a place is made.

Cork is a city that values its heritage, not only its grand buildings and historic landmarks, but the lived experiences of its people. It is fitting, therefore, that we mark The Laurels with this plaque. Because history is not only found in great events or famous names; it is found in the homes where people lived, worked, and cared for one another. It is found in places like this.

This plaque ensures that future generations will know something of the story of The Laurels and the Hegarty family. It invites those who pass by to pause and reflect, to imagine the lives lived here, and to appreciate the continuity between past and present.

As we unveil it today, we also acknowledge the importance of remembering where we come from. In a rapidly changing world, these moments of reflection ground us. They remind us that our city is built not only on progress, but on memory, on the stories that connect us to one another and to those who came before us.

To the Hegarty family and all those connected to The Laurels, today is a tribute to your history and your contribution. It is a recognition that your story matters, that it is part of the wider story of Cork itself.

Let this plaque stand as a lasting reminder of that legacy. Let it inspire pride in this community and encourage us all to continue valuing the places and people that shape our lives.

It is also a huge honour for me to recognise the connection between the Hegarty family and the office of the Lord Mayor of Cork. The Hegarty’s along with their neighbour Joseph Murphy had strong connections with martyred Lord Mayors Tomás Mac Curtain and Terence Mc Swiney and although they didn’t receive the same recognition as the martyred Lord Mayors, their contribution to our independence was equally significant.”

The Video

Many thanks to Ryan Dineen for capturing the unveiling ceremony for us on video. It is available to watch on our YouTube channel. 

Gallery

The Hegarty Siblings

Find out more about the Hegarty siblings and their story by clicking on their images.