Friday, 17th June 2016, saw the launch of Dromiskin Tidy Town’s unique 10 point sculpture trail in Dromiskin. The launch took place in the grounds of St. Peter’s where 5 of the beautiful pieces are located and recognising the strong links between the school and Tidy Towns. On hand to officiate was Peter Savage, Chairperson Louth County Council, conducting his last official engagement before passing on the chair to the new incumbent, Councillor Bell from Drogheda.
Firstly, Peter unveiled Seamus Mc Ardle’s stunning creation in honour of 1916, flanked by Seamus and members of Dromiskin School’s Irish Volunteers! This was fashioned from the legs and frames of old school tables and chairs that Seamus lovingly moulded into an iconic piece. It features the GPO with the symbol of Ireland, the harp, rising from its flames. There are 16 studs on the harp signifying the 16 people executed after the rising. The crucifix, Easter lily, gun barrel and cannon ball are to be found , each with their own rich symbolism and meaning. Atop the sculpture is a bird with echoes of the statue of Cuchulainn in the GPO; the bird carries an olive branch indicating our hopes for peace and an end to war and bloodshed. Peter was introduced by Aoife and afterwards was entertained with a lovely rendition of “The Foggy Dew” by Patrick accompanied by Ms Loughran on the harp.
Next Peter, along with secretary of Dromiskin Tidy Towns, Liam Reilly, unveiled “The Boy Reading” a beautiful bronze piece atop a plinth. It recognises St. Peter’s love of learning and we hope it will grace the entrance to the school for many years to come. Other sculptures on the school grounds include the three figurines beside the Dreamtime Garden, our Ogham Stone in the centre of the garden and the lovely miniature Round Tower up at the Old School. Also dotted around the village is the Souterrain cap and Dolmen at Chapel Cross, Birds’ Eye View the bog oak sculpture opposite the Credit Union, I Come in Peace, another creation from bog oak in the Peace Garden beside the graveyard, Connecting Communities in the Credit Union garden and Ring a Ring a Rosie beside the AOH Hall. Each sculpure has a beautifully crafted information panel explaining the significance of each piece.
Many of the sculptures were created by Dromiskin’s own Seamus Mc Ardle and Seamus was suitably honoured with a presentation afterwards by Mr. Savage.
Our celebration ceremony was finished off by the raising of the school’s 8th Green Flag. This was carried out by Mary Murtagh, helped by councillor Savage and members of the Green School Committee. Newly retired, Mary, has given huge support to the school, and indeed schools and communities all over Louth, for a long number of years. It was fitting that the now ex senior executive officer in Louth County Council carry out this duty having being so intrinsically involved with the Green Schools’ programme in the school. Mary and Chairperson Savage were presented with copies of the school book “Daichead Bliain ag Fás” by Denise Mrgan Mc Donnell, Treasurer of Dromsikin Tidy Towns.
Councillor Savage was struck with the wonderful sense of community in Dromiskin. Many thanks to the parents, staff and children who stayed after school to support this latest initiative by Dromiskin Tidy Towns. This sense of collaboration and co-operation is much appreciated