O'Rourke calls for "Sionann on the Shannon!"

The public realm enhancement works due to start next year at the back of Athlone Castle should include a new art sculpture – namely “Sionann on the Shannon” according to town Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke.

Cllr O’Rourke submitted a Motion to the November meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District on the issue and said the river’s edge would be the “ideal location” for such a sculpture.

“We have heard a lot about Sionann over the past twelve months and I think it is noteworthy that she is not represented anywhere along the Shannon, so why not have ‘Sionann on the Shannon’ as part of the public realm works at the Castle” he said.

The Mayor said the case should be made to the OPW that the proposed sculpture should be placed right at the river’s edge.

Referring to the long-running debate in relation to the ‘Mask of the Shannon’ sculpture for Church Street, Cllr John Dolan said the proposed sculpture of the mythical Goddess, Sionann, would “do exactly as it says on the tin – it would be in the tourist part of the town and it would have a very broad appeal for tourists coming to Athlone, so I fully support the Motion” he said.

The meeting agreed to consult with the OPW in relation to the proposed sculpture, and Director of Services, Barry Kehoe, said the “ultimate decision” would rest with them.