The Southgate Sculptures serve as a symbolic gateway to Southgate, East Meath and the Boyne Valley.
The inspiration is deeply connected to the history and heritage of the Boyne River and the legend of Boann. Boann overcame many obstacles to obtain the sacred wisdom of the Well of Segais.
The spiral in ‘The Well of Wisdom’ symbolises the flow of energy and wisdom within the Well of Segais. The spiral also represents the connection between all things, seen and unseen, myths and legends, history and heritage. The spiral design features strongly in many of the stone carvings found at the heritage sites within the Boyne Valley.
Boann, Goddess of the Boyne - Installation day
The second sculpture called 'Boann, Goddess of the Boyne', embodies the power of transformation through creativity, love and connection. The boat holds space for people to come together to enjoy all that the Boyne has to offer, as Boann holds them under the guiding light of the sun, moon and stars.
The symbol of the sun, the moon and the star relates to our ancient ancestors who were guided by the sun, moon and stars, when aligning the many sacred sites in the Boyne Valley, such as Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.
The swan is deeply connected to the many myths and legends associated with these heritage sites. Swans are a symbol of light, purity and transformation. The love and connection between the swans also symbolise the people who have nestled into East Meath and Drogheda and made it their home.
The boat and the lighthouse elements within the sculptures, link to the history of Drogheda Port. The boat represents a holding vessel to protect people, as they navigate their way through challenging times, under the guidance of the lighthouse.
Gerry Leydon - Chariperson of Drogheda Tidy Towns, Geradette Bailey - County Meath Arts Officer, Breda Marron - Artist & Collette Farrell - Director of Droichead Arts Center.
The sculptures will hopefully serve as a beacon of light and ‘Welcome’ for the many people working, visiting and living in the area and be a reminder to people to stand tall, shine bright and have pride in where they live and what they have to offer.
Gerry Leydon, Chairperson of Drogheda Tidy Towns, Breda Marron, Artist, Barry McCann - Metalmadespecial, Alister McAlister - Drogheda Tidy Towns, Eddie Phelan, Engineer VCL Consulting.
Press
04/07/2025 RTE Sculptures Inspired by Irish Mythology installed in County Meath
04/07/2025 Drogheda Independent Drogheda Tidy Towns install two iconic new sculptures transforming welcome to town
04/07/2025 Drogheda Life New Sculptures at Southgate a Welcome to Drogheda, gateway to the Boyne Valley
12/06/2025 Meath Chronicle Landmark sculptures planned for the gateway to Drogheda
Radio
03/07/2025 LMFM Radio interview - preinstallation (listen here and click play)