Artist Noah Rose, Billy Freeley, Irishtown Community Development, Councillor Damien Ryan, cathaoirleach, Claremorris-Swinford MD, Ann Marie McGing, arts officer, Mayo County Council, Aoife O’Toole, public art coordinator, Mayo County Council, Dr. Andrew G. Newby, University of Jyväskylä, Finland, Breda Raftery, Tommy Ronayne and Mary Freeley (all Irishtown Community), Tommy Ronayne, Councillor Alma Gallagher, Kenny Cosgrove, Irishtown Community Development Ltd. chairperson, and JP Rattigan, Irishtown Community, at the launch. Photos: Trish Forde

New Mayo art commission inspired by 1879 tenant rights meeting

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THE launch of Briathra Talún / Words from the Land, a public art commission by visual artist Noah Rose, took place on Easter Monday at Páirc a’ Tobair, Irishtown.

The historical significance of the 1879 Irishtown tenant rights meeting became the main inspiration for the commission - a sculptural installation consisting of Corten steel columns with laser-cut quotations in Irish and English from newspaper archives and an accompanying publication.

There was a great turnout to the launch which was well attended by the local community and others who had travelled especially.

They were welcomed by Kenneth Cosgrove, Irishtown Community Development Company, and Mary Freely, local resident, who spoke about the Cluain a Tobair housing development.

Dr. Andrew Newby, senior lecturer in transnational and comparative history at the University of Jyväskylä, gave a vivid talk on the historical context of the 1879 tenant rights meeting.

The artwork was officially launched by Councillor Damien Ryan, cathaoirleach, Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District, who commented: “Noah has created a wonderful artwork which highlights the significance of Irishtown village in Irish history. It is a wonderful addition to Páirc a’ Tobair and indeed to the collection of public artworks in County Mayo.

“I am sure the residents, local community and visitors to Irishtown will enjoy this artwork over the coming years where it will be enjoyed by many people, young and old.”

Noah Rose, commissioned artist, standing at one of the columns that are part of Briathra Talún/ Words from the Land at Páirc a ‘ Tobair, Irishtown. Photo: Trish Forde

Artist Noah Rose led a guided tour and talk of Briathra Talún / Words from the Land around Páirc a’ Tobair, giving an insight into his artistic process which is underpinned by an interest in archival research, the Irish language, and history.

He spoke about his time researching newspaper articles in the local history archive, Mayo County Library, and the challenges of translating the source material to the laser cut steel.

The accompanying publication includes an article by Dr. Andy Newby and Noah Rose.

Pictured at the launch were, from left, Ann Monaghan, Mary Jo Somes, Carmel Monaghan and Bernie Geraghty. Photo: Trish Forde

Following an open competition, Rose was selected for this commission. An accomplished artist based in Headford, he has extensive experience in public art across Ireland, the United Kingdom and internationally.

This commission is part of Mayo County Council’s Public Art Programme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Per Cent for Art Scheme. This funding enables Mayo County Council to commission high quality and ambitious contemporary art for the public to experience and enjoy in everyday settings throughout Mayo.

Mayo County Council has extended its sincere appreciation to Noah Rose, Irishtown Community Development Company Limited and the Irishtown community for their support and collaboration.

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