Ultra-marathoner Tom McGrath is this week running from New York to the Naval Academy at Annapolis in support of the Commodore John Barry memorial there.
The monument's bas-relief will also be covering a few extra miles in the near future, all the way from Cairo in upstate New York.
AOH members leading the effort to erect the memorial honoring Barry at the Naval Academy paid a recent inspection visit to the studio of sculptor Ron Tunison, whose artistic hands have been moulding the bas-relief.
And Ned McGinley (President, Hibernian Charity), Jack O'Brien and John E. McInerney (National Co-Chairmen of the Barry Committee) were indeed happy with what they saw in the Cairo Tunsion studio.
"After inspecting the clay model of the bas-relief," said Ned McGinley, "we are extremely pleased and impressed with the artwork of the clay model of the bas-relief and gave our unanimous approval.
"The portrait of Commodore Barry is an exact and very remarkable rendition from the original portrait by Gilbert Stuart," declared Jack O'Brien.
The bas-relief will be executed in bronze and mounted on an eight-foot high granite stone memorial to be placed in Barry Plaza at the main pedestrian gate at the U.S. Naval Academy. This gate is already known as the "Barry Gate."
The Revolutionary War hero, Commodore John Barry, is honored as the First Flag Officer of the United States Navy. He received Commission Number One as the first commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy personally from President Washington and his historical position was confirmed a few years ago by President Geroeg W. Bush.
Tunison, who does commissioned historical sculptures around the world, said, "a single painted portrait as reference made capturing Barry's likeness a real challenge. I couldn't be more satisfied with the results, right down to the sculpted rope border signifying his Revolutionary War naval service.
"I felt a personal connection sculpting the John Barry bas-relief for the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the U.S. Naval Academy since my fraternal great grandparents actually came from the same County Wexford in Ireland as did Barry."
Tunison's sculptures can be found in galleries, private collections and museums nationwide and throughout the world, as well as in the facilities of historical societies and many prestigious museums.
"The bas-relief medallion of Commodore Barry will enhance the Barry Memorial at the U.S. Naval Academy," declared John McInerney.
A nationwide fundraising campaign has been ongoing to help pay for the memorial.
All donations are tax deductible since Hibernian Charity is a 501(c)3 organization. Checks should be made out to Hibernian Charity Barry Project and mailed to Hibernian Charity Barry Project, Post Office Box 391, Meridan, CT 06450.
