Sean Phádraic to return to Eyre Square

Eighty years after the original statue of Pádraic Ó Conaire was unveiled in Eyre Square, it has been confirmed that a replica sculpture will be commissioned to return the Irish language writer and journalist to his rightful ‘home’.

The original statue, unveiled by Éamon de Valera in 1935, was moved to Galway City Museum 10 years ago when Eyre Square was revamped.

Efforts by several Galway City Councillors to have the statute returned to Eyre Square were resisted by city officials.

But the executive has confirmed this week that it will commission a replica statue of Ó Conaire, which will be located at the south western corner of Eyre Square, along by Skeffington Arms side of the park.

The cost of the replica is believed to be about €80,000 in total – additional funding of €35,000 was allocated in the 2015 budget to progress the plans.

Acting Director of Services, Eileen Ruane confirmed in a memo to elected members that the Council is ready to go to tender on the project.

The process includes removing the original sculpture from the museum for cleaning to facilitate the moulding process. A silicon mould will then be made of the sculpture and then a wax positive and bronze positive will be made of it.

City Councillor Pádraig Conneely welcomed the update from Ms Ruane. “After a 10 year delay, I welcome the commitment to put a replica of Pádraic Ó Conaire back into Eyre Square,” he said.