Mayo artist's unique new sculpture unveiled in Offaly

AMID great excitement, a unique new sculpture by Mayo artist Cathal McCarthy, entitled 'Semblance', has been unveiled at Scoil Bhride National School in Edenderry.

The launch was attended by over 600 students, staff, family, and friends.

The imaginative sculpture explores themes of community, nature, inclusion and the legacy of St. Brigid.

The artwork, which contains 636 laser cut letters, was fabricated from mirror polished stainless steel in Olandi Engineering in Castlebar by a specialist team working with the artist.

Artist Cathal McCarthy created elements of the sculpture in collaboration with 100 students and staff of the school.

The words in the sculpture form a poem about friendship, nature, inclusivity, spirituality and local heritage.The words and texts were created via a series of arts participation engagements with the students, the artist and teachers in Scoíl Bhríde.

The final text includes some phrases from poems by local songwriter Liam Lawton and Dr. Charles Brady.

The open form of the sculpture creates an intriguing landmark for the school entrance. The text in the sculpture also references the rich heritage of Edenderry through the ages and the flora and fauna of the Grand Canal.

The artwork was funded under The PerCent for Art Scheme following the building of the new school. It was commissioned with the Office of Public Works and curated by public art curator Rina Whyte.

Principal Kevin Duffy said the new artwork created in collaboration with the students and the artist was very special. It will give a sense of place to the new school connecting the students with the poetry, history and heritage of Edenderry.

Cathal McCarthy has created a number of public art projects nationally, including 'The Player' in Ballindine and 'Stream Spire' in Mullingar.

He is currently working on new art commissions for Tubber Hill in Westport and Ballymun in Dublin.