I’m honoured to have been selected, to create two landmark sculptures as a symbolic gateway to Southgate, East Meath and the Boyne Valley. The two sculptures celebrate local heritage, mythology and community pride.

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.

'The Well of Wisdom' - Gerry Leydon - Chairperson of Drogheda Tidy Towns, Breda - Artist & Barry McCann - Metal Made Special

The second sculpture is 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.
Boann, Goddess of the Boyne - Installation day

The symbol of the sun, the moon and the star relates to our ancient ancestors who were guided by the alignment to the sun, moon and stars, when deciding about the positioning of the many important sites in the Boyne Valley, such as Newgrange and Knowth.


Artist Breda Marron with Gerry Leydon, Chairperson of Drogheda Tidy Towns, sculpture commissioners

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 gather and 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.It's been a joy working with Barry McCann and the dedicated team at Metal Made Special, to transform the concepts into large scale metal sculptures.

Press

03/07/2025 LMFM Radio interview - preinstallation (listen here and click play)

04/07/2025 RTE Sculptures Inspired by Irish Mythology installed in County Meath

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