After two years of imagining and planning, I am delighted to finally be able to announce the great news that I have been selected to create the two landmark sculptures for the roundabouts at Southgate in East Meath, an area that marks a gateway to Drogheda, the Boyne Valley, and the wider northeast.

The sculptures have been inspired by the River Boyne, the Legend of Boann and the power of transformation and the interconnection of all things.

 My journey started back in July 2023, when I began working on the ideas and concepts for the Southgate sculptures. The process involved spending time walking along the River Boyne and the estuary. It was important that the pieces on each roundabout would feel connected but be able to make a strong statement independent of each other.

The selection process involved a 2 stage competition. The first stage began with an open call to artists nationally and internationally. I was honored to be one of the three artists shortlisted to to develop a detailed 2nd stage proposal. The selection panel made their final decision and I got the good news in December 2023.  

Drogheda Tidy Towns were the commissioning body and they have worked tirelessly as they went through the process of obtaining planning permission and funding began in 2024. This part of the process took a further 12 months. As the planning application and funding process had an uncertain outcome and sculpture fabrication can be lengthly, the decision was made to hold off on making any announcements about the sculptures until closer to the time of installation.

The fabrication of the sculpture could began in early 2025. It has been an honour to work with Barry McCann and his team at MetalMadeSpecial to fabricate the sculptures from a concept into a reality. 

Now two years later, it is so exciting to finally be able to share the good news that the two sculptures, The Well of Wisdom and Boann, Goddess of the Boyne are about to be installed! The response to the announcement has been so positive and heartwarming, it has made the wait worth while!

As someone who lives here and passes by every day, I want the sculptures to reflect the beauty, history, and spirit of our community. I hope the sculptures act as a reminder to people to stand tall, be proud of who they are and where they live.

Press coverage of the public announcement

Meath Chronicle - Landmark sculptures planned for the gateway to Drogheda