Marist monument removed during Athlone streetscape work

The Marist Brothers monument in Athlone's St Mary's Square has been temporarily removed from public display while work continues on the adjoining streetscape project at Mardyke Street.

Deirdre Reilly of Westmeath County Council said the monument was removed to protect it from any potential damage during the streetscape work.

It's expected to be put back on display towards the end of next month, in a slightly different spot to where it stood previously.

"The statue will be replaced in a position slightly to the East of where it was. The orientation of the statue will remain the same," Ms Reilly told the Westmeath Independent.

"It is expected that the statue will be returned to public display by the end of August."

The monument was put in place at St Mary's Square in 2012. The work of Australian-born sculptor Mark Rode, it was positioned on a granite base from McEnroe's stoneworks in Coosan.

The monument depicts a Marist brother alongside two boys, one of whom is carrying a football while the other is carrying school books.