Sean Egan, of
Sean Egan Artglass, a former master engraver with almost 40 years experience created
one of the most renowned crystal pieces remembering those who perished on
September, 11th, 2001. His
9/11 Twin Towers
commemorative engraved sculpture was presented to former US Ambassador to Ireland, Dan Rooney in 2011.
The piece,
‘Miracle on Stairwell B’ is a visual representation of one of the few ‘good
news’ stories that came from the tragic events thirteen years ago this week.
9/11 has had a deep impact
on Sean. “9/11 means so much to me. I have met a lot of people who were there
that day and have listened to their stories, so sad, tragic and some like the
story of Stairwell B, so miraculous.”
A group of NY
Fire Department officers were some of the first respondents to the north tower,
the first tower to be hit on 9/11. They were on their way up when they first
heard and realised that the second tower had been hit and was collapsing. Chief
Officer Jay Jonas instinctively knew that it would not be long before their
tower also collapsed and made the decision to exit the tower.
On the way down
Stairwell B they found a woman, Josephine Harris with a police officer. He has
to decide to risk his and his men’s lives by trying to help them or to leave
and save themselves. Despite Josephine’s protests they elected to carry them
out but this slowed them down significantly. When they reached the fourth floor,
the building began to collapse, so Jay Jonas radioed in their position.
The rescue team,
even though they knew the position of the fire officers, could not locate
Stairwell B. Eventually one of the fire officers, Mickey Kross regained
consciousness, looked up and saw daylight. He reached up his hand through the
rubble and heard the words “We’ve found someone”.
It is this moment
in time that Sean Egan recreated, where the hands of Mickey Kross and the
search team member are just about to touch.
Sean
said, “My skill is to capture moments in time in glass and this is exactly what
I did with the 9/11 commemorative sculpture.
I hope my piece goes some way in paying respects to those who died that
day.”
“As
we draw close to the anniversary each year I always think of the bravery and
courage of the rescue teams, front line officers, emergency response units and the
many ordinary men and women who did all they possibly could to help those in
the Towers.”
Sean added, “I
actually made my first 9/11 piece in 2006 for the fifth anniversary of
September 11th and then made two larger pieces which are in New York and Waterford
Crystal showrooms respectively. The
“Miracle on Stairwell B” is currently housed in the US Embassy in Dublin.”
Sean’s
connections with the US
were further cemented this year as he had
the great honour of designing and crafting the stunning piece, entitled the
“Gathering Bowl”, which was presented to President Barack Obama by An Taoiseach
Enda Kenny TD following the traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Mr. Ciaran
Cullen, CEO, Waterford City Enterprise Board, which supports the Kite Design
Studio in the Viking Triangle, where Sean Egan Artglass is housed praised
Sean’s creative flair and empathy. “Sean
is a true artist who can replicate the most significant moments that have
impacted on us all. Miracle on Stairwell
B was a momentous piece as it embodied the hope and optimism that came from the
rubble of the Twin
Towers.”
For further
information about Sean Egan Art Glass and further details about his many
exciting projects visit www.seaneganartglass.com
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