Irvinestown sculptures featured at Dublin Horse Show in RDS

The three sculptures, which normally reside in Irvinestown’s Garden of the Celtic Saints, were created by artist Jonas Raiskas – a native of Lithuania who came to Irvinestown in 2007.

Jonas was commissioned by the Devenish Parish Irvinestown to create 16 life-size sculptures in total, which included the three sculptures now on display in the RDS.

Jonas Raiskas, the artist who carved the wooden sculptures.

They represent the music and the poetry of Ireland from the time of Gaelic Ireland to the present day.

Turlough O’Carolan represents the ‘Music of Ireland’, and Edward Bunting of the Presbyterian Church, who saved so much of Ireland’s Music at the Belfast Harp Festival in 1792.

Art Mac Cumhaigh represents all the ‘Poetry of Ireland’. ‘Deidre of the Sorrows: Ireland’ was often represented in the Aisling Poems as a beautiful young woman who promises better times in Ireland. Roisin Dubh and Deidre of the Sorrows represent the ‘Spirit of Ireland’.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter Tony McMenamin – who presents the main arena at the RDS for the Dublin Horse Show – explained how the use of the sculptures came about.

“It started off with [Irvinestown hotelier] Joe Mahon,” he said, adding: “I’ve been working in Irvinestown with the horse trials, as I’m a course builder, and I’d always keep my eye out for something unusual for shows.

“I work in Dublin and other places and I like using something different and unique [for the annual Dublin Horse Show].

“Joe said, ‘Have you ever seen the famine garden [Garden of the Celtic Saints]?’ and I said, ‘What?’ I’d never heard tell of it.

“He brought me up for a tour, and I thought [the sculptures] were amazing! Then I thought, people need to see them because what I try to do with the horse trials is to go for an odd thing that’s never been at a horse show,” said Tony.

Firstly he asked the priest for permission to bring the three sculptures to Castle Irvine, Necarne for a horse show in May.

“We did that, and then I rang Pat Hanly, who is the Deputy Chief Executive in the RDS. I asked him if he would be interested in having a go with these statues, and he said, ‘Yes, bring them on’,” said Tony, noting that Stephen Dunlop, who has been working with him at the horse trials, was in charge of bringing the sculptures to the RDS.

“I sent an email to [President] Michael D. Higgins. We’re putting [the sculptures] in his line of view. They’re probably going in the main arena, so they’ll likely be seen all over the world,” said Tony, adding: “People need to see them – it’s as simple as that.”