New Public Artwork for Thurles to mark GAA birthplace

Tipperary County Council is inviting artists to make submissions for the creation of a permanent public artwork to commemorate and celebrate Tipperary as the birthplace of the GAA.

Tipperary County Council in partnership with Tipperary GAA and FBD Semple Stadium have announced a plan to mark the foundation of the GAA in Thurles with the commission of a new public artwork.

This year marks the 140th Anniversary of the foundation of the GAA at Hayes`s Hotel in Thurles, Tipperary County Council in partnership with Tipperary GAA and FBD Semple Stadium has announced an exciting new project to recognise this important aspect of our cultural heritage.

Tipperary County Council is inviting artists to make submissions for the creation of a permanent public artwork to commemorate and celebrate Tipperary as the birthplace of the GAA. The artwork will be located at the entrance to FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles.

The artwork will recognise the grace, beauty and skill of Gaelic Games and will also celebrate Tipperary’s pride in being the birthplace of the GAA and its enduring commitment to Gaelic games, particularly at the FBD Semple Stadium venue.

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Cllr. Ger Darcy in welcoming the project said: “this artwork will become a significant landmark both on match days and year round, located as it will be at the entrance to FBD Semple Stadium, where many have experienced sporting victories as well as heartbreak in this “field of legends”.

Commenting on this exciting new initiative, Joe MacGrath, Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council added: “We are delighted to work with our partners in Tipperary GAA and FBD Semple Stadium to announce this initiative. Thurles is the birthplace of the GAA and this artwork will commemorate our rich cultural and sporting history and is particularly significant in this 140th anniversary year.”

This artwork will be a celebration of Gaelic sport, Tipperary GAA and the people who play, support and manage the many codes and levels of participation across the county. It represents the uniqueness of the sport to connect and inspire. It will represent the spirit and art of the GAA.

Cathaoirleach of the Tipperary County Board, Jimmy Minogue, welcomed the opportunity to work with Tipperary County Council saying: “We hope it will resonate with fans of the GAA from all over Ireland and further afield, of all ages and codes and will inspire future generations of players and supporters”.

The artwork will be commissioned through a two stage public art commissioning process which is now open to artists for application.

Full details including the artists brief are available at www.tipperarycoco.ie/arts or from Tipperary Arts Office at artsoffice@tipperarycoco.ie