New currency given to Boru connection

CALLS have been made for Killaloe to be recognised in a new commemorative coin, which will be issued by the Central Bank to mark the Brian Boru Millennium in 2014.
Killaloe was once the capital of Ireland when Brian Boru reigned supreme at Kincora, until his death at the battle of Clontarf in 1014.
Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dinny McGinley, confirmed in the Dáil that the 2014 millennium of the Battle of Clontarf will be marked with the issue of a €20 gold coin.
Minister McGinley said the Central Bank will shortly submit its recommendations for the 2014 collector coin programme to the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan for approval. The Central Bank’s plans would involve the issue of a small gold coin with a weight of 0.5g and likely issue a limit of 10,000.
Clare Labour TD Michael McNamara said the commemoration of the Battle of Clontarf and Brian Boru is good news.
“I am anxious that any celebration of the life of Brian Boru will include Killaloe and Kincora, where he was based. This could be done in various ways, one of which is by issuing a commemorative coin. I am pleased the Minister for Finance will consider a recommendation to this effect from the Central Bank and I hope he accedes to it,” he said.
Deputy McNamara has also asked that consideration be given to holding a Cabinet meeting in Killaloe next year to commemorate its unique contribution to Irish history.
He told the Dáil the upcoming millennium anniversary has energised the community of Killaloe.
“When he was High King of Ireland, Brian Boru had his capital at Kincora, a settlement at the top of the hill in Killaloe on which a Catholic church was built approximately 100 years ago.
“St Flannan’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, which is located at the bottom of the hill adjacent to the river, is an important architectural site. It is a beautiful building similar to St Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick and both structures were commenced around the time of Brian Boru and built in the Romanesque style, of which Ireland has many important examples.
“I hope the new commemorative coin will help focus national and international attention on Brian Boru, the historic events at Clontarf and on Killaloe, the base from which his power and prestige grew. In focusing on Killaloe with the new €20 gold coin, I believe the exciting programme of events, which are planned locally in 2014, will be enhanced and the attendant publicity will help draw more visitors to this historic town,” he added.