Public art project planned for local village

Calling all artists in the Athlone area and across the Midlands! Roscommon County Council has advertised an exciting opportunity for an artist to create an installation in the village of Knockcroghery, depicting the history and heritage of the picturesque village and surrounding areas.

The local authority is looking for submissions from artists for this public art commission, funded under the Department of Rural & Community Development Town & Village Renewal Scheme, by April 20 next.

According to the post, this commission “may deliver one or more artworks - in the form of sculptures, murals, creative street art installations - and creative signage, in the centre of Knockcroghery village, creating a unique heritage based focal point and highlighting the historical landmarks associated with the village”.

The council said the commission is intended to provide opportunities for dialogue with the local community, in particular Knockcroghery Tidy Towns Committee, and increasing public engagement with the arts in the South Roscommon area.

The council's background document explains that the name Knockcroghery can be traced back to a time in the village’s distant, dark past and linked to a site of execution on the Western end. The name is an anglicisation of Cnoc an Chrochaire which translates to Hangman’s Hill. The official Down Survey map records the presence of Cnoc an Chrocaire in 1631.

Although there are no official records, it adds that local lore suggests that during the Cromwellian invasion of Ireland in 1651 Lord Coote attacked nearby Gailey Castle, home of the O’Kellys and that some of the rebels were hanged on Hangman’s Hill. While Knockcroghery’s infamy emerged as a site of execution it is now synonymous with the clay pipe industry, culture, heritage and sport, particularly, GAA.

The lilts of its tapestry are recounted in a comic ballad written by Peadar Kearney 'Knockcroghery' who people will recall also wrote the Irish national anthem. The opening lines are 'Were you ever below on the side of Knockcroghery, Meadows all ripe on a bright summer's day'.

Queries regarding the application process can be emailed to artsofficer@roscommoncoco.ie. Queries regarding the location and context can be emailed to Knockcroghery Tidy Towns c/o gordonoconnor@gmail.com.

A panel may also be formed for other public art commissions by Roscommon County Council during 2022-2023.