In recognition of the local people who risked their lives, and of those who provided vital support to them, it was decided to build a monument at Sinnott's Cross Mooncoin (the site of a black and tan ambush), to commemorate all who played a part in the struggle for Irish independence from the area during the years 1919–21. The project is apolitical as the War of Independence or 'tan war' occurred at a time before most of the current main political parties were formed.
Construction started in April 2007 on the foundations and basic structure of the monument site. The actual sculpture was raised into position on 22nd of February 2009. The sculpture depicts a map of Ireland resting on a pair of hands. This is to symbolise the coming together of all the people of Ireland. The sculpture is made of Kilkenny limestone, quarried near Threecastles in North Kilkenny. The sculpture was created by Kilkenny artist Ruairi Carroll. The land used for the monument was kindly donated by the Dunphy family.