Pictured – the tree stump at Tipperary Post Office that is to be transformed into a wooden sculpture – Image Credit Catherine Fogarty
Two wood carvings are to be erected in the coming weeks on Davis Street, Tipperary town on the grounds of the Post Office. The project is led by Tipperary Town’s Task Force Heritage Group. Two tree stumps at the site sparked an idea for Sylvia Greene that perhaps they could be transformed into heritage sculptures.
Margaret McCoy, the post office manager is supportive of the project and funding is provided by Creative Ireland. Chainsaw sculptor, Will Fogarty (Fear na Coilte Chainsaw Sculptures) has now completed the two sculptures which will depict a member of Cumann Na mBan, the Irish Republican women’s paramilitary organisation that was formed in 1914, and former Cordangan resident Aleen Cust, the first female veterinary surgeon in Ireland and the United Kingdom
Pictured – the tree stump at Tipperary Post Office that is to be transformed into wooden sculpture – Image Credit Catherine Fogarty
The project was delayed due to the uncertainty regarding the future of the postal service in Tipperary town, but it has now been agreed to erect the sculptures as initially planned on post office land where the sorting office will remain. This will happen in the coming weeks. Local residents have offered to help with planting the area around the statues.
Chairperson of the Heritage Sub Group Mary Alice O’Connor says she welcomes this project reaching fruition and thanks everyone for their involvement, especially Tipperary County Council Heritage Officer Róisín O’Grady, who has been so supportive of the committee’s work over several years.
The Tipperary Town Revitalisation Heritage Subgroup Members are Mary Alice O’Connor (Chair), Martin Quinn, Jacqui Finnan, Sylvia Greene, Mary Margaret Ryan, Katherina Ryan, Annemarie Ryan (Shiner), Carmel Fox & supported by Michael Begley
The site at the post office as it looks at present – June 2024. Image Credit Catherine Fogarty
