Chainsaw sculptor Will Fogarty creates heritage sculptures to celebrate Tipperary women

For over a year members of Tipperary Town's Task Force Heritage Group have been working on a project to produce two outdoor woodcarvings to celebrate the rich heritage of Tipperary Town.

Sylvia Greene, a member of the group often walked past the Post Office and noticed two tree stumps that she hoped could be transformed into heritage sculptures, and Margaret McCoy, the Post Office Manager was enthusiastic when the suggestion was made to her.

Funding was received from Creative Ireland and the very talented chainsaw sculptor, Will Fogarty (Fear na Cóilte Chainsaw Sculptures) was recruited to do the work.

After much discussion within the group it was agreed that the sculptures should depict women. One wood carving represents a member of Cumann Na mBan, the Irish republican women’s paramilitary organisation that was formed in 1914.

The second sculpture depicts Aleen Cust, the first female veterinary surgeon in Ireland and Britain.

Margaret McCoy, Post Office Manager, Tipperary Town, said that it is great to have something that represents women as this is rare in most towns. Group member Jacqui Finnan said that a Cumann na mBan wood carving would be great.

“Women all over the country, including Tipperary, went largely unrecognised for their huge contribution. There were also many safe houses in Tipperary where women risked their own lives to shelter volunteers,” said Jacqui.

Katherina Ryan, whose great grandmother was a member of the movement, modelled a Cumann na mBan uniform to assist Will Fogarty. It is difficult to imagine in 2024 what the lives of the women of Cumann na mBan consisted of, and the enormous sacrifices they made to achieve Irish freedom said Katherina.

“My great grandmother, Catherine McGrath, Bonerea, Cappawhite, being one of them. Catherine joined the Annacarty Branch, 3rd Battalion, Tipperary 3rd Brigade of Cumann na mBan in 1919. She lived there with her husband and four children and as the house was so remote it was used constantly as a safe house for the men on active service.

In her own words ‘I gave my best services to the cause night and day, as the occasion demanded,’ recounted Katherina.
The second sculpture represents Aleen Cust, a local woman from Cordangan, near Tipperary Town, who was Ireland’s first female veterinary surgeon in Ireland and Britain. Martin Quinn, also a member of the group said that he discovered the amazing story of Aleen Cust when he was doing research for his book, ‘Tipperary People of Great Note’.

“Since then, Aleen Cust has had exposure on RTE Nationwide, a two day conference in her honour and a book to celebrate her life. A workbook in English and Irish about Aleen, was also prepared by the Tipperary Heritage Officer, Roisin O'Grady, and it has been distributed to all the schools in Tipperary. I am delighted to see Aleen Cust recognised with a local sculpture,” said Martin.

The project was delayed due to the uncertainty regarding the future of the postal service in Tipperary Town, but it has now been agreed to erect the sculptures as initially planned on Post Office land where the sorting office will remain. This will happen in the coming weeks.

Local residents have offered to help with planting the area around the statues. Chairperson Mary Alice O’Connor has welcomed the project.

“I welcome this project reaching fruition and thank everyone for their involvement, and I especially would like to thank Heritage Officer Róisín O’Grady, who has been so supportive of our committee over the years,” said Mary Alice.

Sylvia Greene also added her appreciation and thanks. “We would like to thank the many people who have helped to deliver this collaborative project; Creative Ireland, Tipperary Town Revitalisation, Tipperary County Council, Will Fogarty for his amazing work, the Post Office staff, particularly Margaret McCoy, and Murgasty Residents Association for their help with landscaping,” said Sylvia.

Members of Tipperary Town Revitalisation Heritage Subgroup who have steered this project are: Mary Alice O'Connor (Chair), Martin Quinn, Jacqui Finnan, Sylvia Greene, Mary Margaret Ryan, Katherina Ryan, Annemarie Ryan (Shiner), Carmel Fox and the group is supported by Michael Begley.