Mayo Sculptor shortlisted for high-profile public art projects

Mayo Sculptor Cathal McCarthy along with Michael Mc Laughlin (B.Arch) has been shortlisted for the Cork Dunkettle Interchange Public Art Commission, one of the most ambitious and high-profile public art projects ever undertaken in Ireland.

The open call attracted submissions from artists and teams working at an international level, reflecting the global significance of the Dunkettle Interchange as a major infrastructural gateway to Cork city and the wider region. Following a rigorous, multi-stage selection process, only four artist teams were shortlisted placing McCarthy and McLaughlin among a highly competitive field of exceptional practitioners.

Their proposal was recognised for its visionary ambition, conceptual depth, and technical excellence. Envisioned as a large-scale stainless steel sculpture responding to themes of ecology, movement, identity, and renewal, the work reflects the evolving cultural and environmental narrative of contemporary Ireland. The selection panel noted the proposal’s strong sense of place and its ability to engage meaningfully with the scale, visibility, and symbolic importance of the Dunkettle Interchange.

The strength of the proposal is reinforced by their  internationally renowned project team, including Arup Engineering, leaders in complex infrastructure and public realm projects worldwide, and Jess Maertterer of 3DE Development and Design, whose experience includes work with globally influential practices such as Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid Architects. This combination of artistic vision and world-class engineering places the project at the forefront of contemporary public art practice.

Cathal McCarthy and Michael McLaughlin are both nationally recognised artists with extensive experience delivering major public artworks in Ireland. They recently completed “Big Skygazer” in Mote Park, Co Roscommon. Their shortlisting reflects not only the quality of their work but also their proven capacity to collaborate across disciplines and deliver projects of lasting civic and cultural value.

Being shortlisted for the Dunkettle Interchange commission marks a significant professional milestone and underscores the growing international standing of Irish public art on the global stage.

McCarthy who is a native of Ballintubber but based in Castlebar is currently working on two new Public Art Commissions for Strokestown and Claregalway due for completion this year. 

For more information please visit webpage:  https://www.cathalmccarthy.net/

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