Oisín of na Fianna emerging from the earth on the River Keale

The communities in Glenroe and Ballyorgan are working with artist Veronica Santorum, to create a natural sculpture along the Keale River

Walk which links the two communities. The innovative project is an ‘earth sculpture’, that is made from materials found in the ground, and will, in time, return from whence it came. The work, Oisín of na Fianna, is being led by artist Veronica Santorum.

The community and area has a strong association with the Fianna, the Ballyhouras being the hunting grounds of the band of warriors. The work, when finished, will be a collaborative act, with contributions from locals, adults and children alike, who are getting their hands dirty, quite literally, with the wattle and clay production.

The sculpture is a seated figure, who, if he stood up, would be about 7ft 8 inches, reflecting his genes. According to legend, Oisín’s father was Fionn MacCumhaill, the warrior giant of the Giant’s Causeway.

Mary Coffey, of the Glenroe/ Ballyorgan Community Council, spoke about the project.

“The Keale River Walk is absolutely beautiful, and links the two communities. At a halfway point on the walk there’s a waterfall, and there’s a clearing, so the sculpture is there.”

Oisín is being constructed on-site with materials largely from where he is emerging.

“There is a base of wire, but everything is mostly wood, willow and the clay is being dug out around the river. His hair will be combed alpaca wool - it’s like a form of felting. The idea is that it will fit into the forest clearing, and will eventually deteriorate and fall back into the earth.”

Mary, along with the other members of the working group - Catherine Hosford, Niamh Walsh and Nuala Mee - are progressing the community project, funded by Limerick Council and Creative Ireland.

“It’s a community project, and locally we have such an interest in the environment, we thought a project like this would be a good fit for the community.”

The sculpture is an ongoing piece of work, and people are invited to join the artist and get wattling and daubing on the riverside.

“There have been a whole lot of workshops, and from now on the workshops will be in-situ, people can walk down and see Veronica working, and people can get stuck in and help out! Veronica will be posting online about when she’ll be down there, and there’s still time for people to get involved.”

The official unveiling of Oisín will take place on 10th October, in association with the Ballyhoura Walking Festival and the Joyce weekend.

The walk to the launch will take place from Kilflynn Church on the Ballyorgan side, but there is a closer access point for anyone who does not wish or is unable to walk to the site. Further details on the unveiling, and how the big reveal will encompass the musical themes of the Joyce weekend, along with the joys of Ballyhoura walking, will be revealed closer to the time.