The Italian Ambassador to Dublin, Nicola Faganello, visited on September 21st Boherlahan, Cashel (County Tipperary), assisted by Honorary Consul in Cork Dr. Gabriella Caponi. The Ambassador attended — at the invitation of the local authorities— the Bianconi Festival celebrations, dedicated to the memory of Charles Bianconi, an Italian-Irish entrepreneur and philanthropist who remains a significant figure in the Italian presence in the country. Often described here as “the man who put Ireland on wheels,” Carlo Bianconi (born in Tregolo, in the Province of Lecco, in 1786, arrived in Ireland in 1802, and died in 1875) is best known for the extensive and complex network of horse-drawn carriages he developed in the 19th century, which became Ireland’s “first regular public transport system.” As confirmed during last Sunday’s ceremony, Bianconi is remembered not only for his entrepreneurial skills but also for his social and political commitment. During the great famine that struck Ireland between 1845 and 1849, he supported the founding of schools and philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives. In addition to being twice elected Mayor of Clonmel (the county town), Bianconi was a friend and supporter of Daniel O’Connell, a historic figure in Catholic emancipation and Irish independence. Following the memorial mass and a visit to the Bianconi Family Chapel, the Ambassador attended, alongside Liam O’Dwyer (President of the “Friends of Bianconi” Foundation) and several local parliamentarians and Councillors, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque commemorating the 150th anniversary of Charles Bianconi’s passing.
