Public art commission revealed to mark Mayo village's significance in Irish history

The launch of 'Briathra Talún/Words from the Land', a public art commission by visual artist Noah Rose, took place recently at Páirc a’ Tobair in Irishtown. The historical significance of the 1879 Irishtown Tenant Right Meeting became the main inspiration for this public art 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.
On the day of the launch attendees 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 Irishtown Tenant Right Meeting. The artwork was officially launched by Cllr Damien Ryan, Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris Swinford MD 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.”

READ MORE: Mayo Sinn Fein TD to chair Committee on Defence and National Security

Finally, Noah Rose led a guided tour and talk of 'Briathra Talún/ Words from the Land' around Páirc a’ Tobair. Noah gave 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.
Following an open competition, the artist Noah Rose was selected for this commission. He is an accomplished artist based in Headford, Co Galway with 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 County Mayo. Mayo County Council extends its sincere appreciation to Noah Rose, artist; Irishtown Community Development Company Limited and the Irishtown community for their support and collaboration.
For more information about this project contact Aoife O’Toole, Acting Public Art Coordinator, Mayo Arts Service, Mayo County Council at aotoole@mayococo.ie.