CUMBERLAND - Michael Burkey and the Ancient Order of Hibernians are examples of perseverance finally paying off.

Working since 1999 to honor their Irish ancestors who helped build the C&O; Canal and railroad, they hope to unveil a monument July 12 as part of CanalFest/RailFest.

A nearly 6-foot Celtic cross, considered a symbol of the Celtic heritage, will be carved from a piece of Georgia granite that recently was delivered from Atlanta to the High Cross Monument Co. in Beaumont, Texas. Owner John Scott has assured Burkey the monument can be completed and delivered in three months.

Burkey said the memorial will cost $12,500, which has been raised by the Hibernians, an Irish cultural organization that formed in the 1830s. The National Park Service requires those who donate a monument create an endowment equal to about 10 percent of the construction cost so the agency can maintain it. That, coupled with the cost of the limestone, has brought the project closer to $15,000 - all taken on by the Hibernians.

"The Hibernians plan to dig the footer and put it in with our own picks, shovels and backs," he said. "We'll do the actual labor ourselves. If we can't dig a 5-by-4-by-3 (foot hole), there's something wrong with the blood lines."

A local monument company will be consulted on how best to place the monument.

Burkey first brought the idea of the monument to the Canal Place Preservation & Development Authority in 2003. His desire was to honor the Irish, who worked and died constructing the canal in the 1820s and then the railroad in the 1850s.

Authority members once worried a legal battle would ensue because of the cross shape. The Hibernians, in turn, argued the design is the most appropriate for a grave marker.

The authority established a policy on commemorative works that same year. Included in that is a timeline that says a commemorative work cannot be approved until after the 25th anniversary of the event or the fifth anniversary of an individual's death or the last surviving member of the group to be honored.

It also must be consistent with Canal Place's management plan.

As part of that policy, the Hibernians sought feedback from the city's Historic Preservation Commission and Maryland Historical Trust.

Kathy McKenney, the city's historic planner/preservation coordinator, said the commission reviewed the project in April 2004. It is not required to receive a certificate of appropriateness because it is on Canal Place property.

Should it be moved to county or city land, such a certificate would be needed from the commission.

The memorial was approved in concept in 2006 and last June, the authority granted final approval as well as the monument's placement near the Trestle Walk Bridge. The Celtic cross is the first commemorative work approved by the authority.

"I believe it's worth it," Burkey said of the time and cost.

Contact Maria Smith at msmith@times-news.com.