New racehorse sculpture officially launched in Mayo town

Ballinrobe Tidy Towns committee officially launched the racehorse sculpture entitled ‘The Spirit of Ballinrobe’ on September 20 last. The launch marked the culmination of a two-year project to bring this idea to life.

The project started in 2022 when Paul McDonald (Ballinrobe Tidy Towns) saw a horse sculpture elsewhere and thought that something similar in Ballinrobe would be ideal to mark the town’s long association with horse racing – dating back to at least 1773.

Paul approached local artist Tommy Kerrigan, who was quick to come up with a plan. That ambitious plan involved creating a life-sized racehorse from cedar wood, complete with jockey and jump.

Paul brought the plan and costings back to the Tidy Towns committee and, with the 250th anniversary of horse racing in the town in mind, the committee agreed to take the project forward. “This was by far the most expensive project we’d ever taken on,” said Peter Heaps, treasurer. “We knew that a huge fundraising effort would be needed to bring our vision to life.”

And the town didn’t disappoint. All three local councillors – Michael Burke, Patsy O’Brien and Damien Ryan – contributed funds and the Ballinrobe Racecourse committee were hugely supportive, donating money and also the jump.

John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse manager, commented: “We were delighted to get involved with this project with the Tidy Towns to celebrate the long history of horse racing here in Ballinrobe.”

Local businesses got behind the effort too, offering donations and raffle prizes, and Biggins’ Bar ran a memorable 'Drag Night' fundraiser.

Tommy completed the horse in June of 2023 and the sculpture went on temporary display at the racecourse while its final location on the Castlebar Road was being prepared. Thanks to area engineer Kenneth Morley and his team at Mayo County Council, the necessary permissions were sought and the footpath re-routed to accommodate the horse.

Franke Keane from the Community Development Council (CDC) was also on hand to help move the horse into position – no mean feat for a piece that weighs nearly three tonnes!

“We’re all delighted with the end result,” said James Morley, chairperson of Ballinrobe Tidy Towns. “It’s great to be able to do something to honour the heritage of our town in such a beautiful way. Fair play to Tommy, it’s a work of art.”

Jonathan Mullin, director of racing with Horse Racing Ireland, was on hand to cut the ribbon to officially launch the horse on Friday, September 20, flanked by members of Ballinrobe Tidy Towns, Ballinrobe Racecourse Committee, the Community Development Council, councillors, and artist Tommy Kerrigan.

Ballinrobe Tidy Towns would like to thank everyone who helped to make this project happen and hope that the already much-admired piece will continue to be a source of joy and admiration for many years to come.