N52 Tullamore Bypass Scheme - BMW Regional Assembly

Commemorative
Artistic Feature
In early Christian times, what is now County
Offaly, was at the juncture of the four provinces
of Connaught, Munster, Meath and Leinster.
It held an important strategic position, resulting
in the establishment and patronage of a
significant number of monasteries.
These well endowed monasteries produced
internationally famous artwork, the High
Crosses, graveslabs, Book of Durrow, and
ornate metal work. They show the prestige
and quality of craftsmen working at these sites.
Durrow Monastic Site is close to the northern
end of the Bypass with Lynally Monastic site
at the southern end.
The artist Maurice Harron has set out to
‘make visible the huge cultural contribution
made over the centuries by these foundations.’
His four impressive figures present symbols of
learning and sanctity. Approaching the figures
from the north, the first holds up a chalice, the
second a book, the third a crosier and the fourth
shows the release of a flock of birds / souls.
The features are located on esker ridges. Eskers
are long understood to have been used as
communication routes between ancient sites.
PROJECT TEAM
Pat Gallagher County Manager
Frank Heslin Director of Services
John Ahern & Charles McCarthy Senior Engineers
John Mitchell, Martin Quinn, Willie Ryan,
Pat Pilkington & Deirdre Reilly Project Engineers
Orlaith Egan Project Archaeologist
Sinead O’Reilly Arts Officer
CONTRACTOR
Graham PT McWilliams JV
Jonathan Kerr Project Manager
CLIENT’S ENGINEERS
Jacobs Engineering Ireland
Alex Robertson Project Director
David Feighery Project Manager
Edmore Moses Senior Resident Engineer
CONTRACTORS DESIGNERS
Grontmij
Design and print: Brosna Press 090 6454327