Bog Oak sculpture in Littleton Village

On Wednesday, 29th August last, Littleton's cross-roads gained an original and unique work of bog oak which had been worked on over many months by our local butcher Paudie Fitzpatrick. For the past twenty-eight years, with his wife Karen and family, he has been providing a quality meat service, which also includes home deliveries to the village and surrounding areas.
Having begun with preserving a few small pieces of bog-oak, this large seven foot root which has many twists and turns has now been preserved with numerous coatings of Danish oil followed by intense sandpapering to bring out its hidden colours. What had been left to the elements has now become a symbol and a reminder of our rich bog story and biodiversity. It will challenge us to know and preserve our local bogs for environmental, recreational and inspirational purposes. The heathers, ferns and an Abies-Koreana tree planted alongside are but a small part of the rich variety of bog vegetation.
That the wood-working artistic gene is family based can be seen also in the butcher's block that was assembled piece by piece from maple wood by Paudie's son, Shane, as part of his Leaving Cert project at Colaiste Mhuire Thurles. He has been granted an award for this work which remains on display to encourage new students and visitors.
Thanks to John Darmody, Dan Fitzpatrick and Thomas Ryan who helped put down the concrete base, secure the piece with iron stays and deliver it safely on a tractor loader.
There have been many positive comments and villagers are grateful to Paudie and family for the patient work and generosity in donating this artistic creation to the village and the many who pass by daily.
With a new Tidy Towns Committee in formation this feature is an excellent start.
In his book The Bogs of Ireland, John Feehan, P.58, tells us that "bog is an Irish word, derived from the word for soft; bogach is soft ground."
As roads become busier and life a constant rush we might recall that other Irish phrase "Tog go bog è ". Take it easy, slow down, breathe deep, look around and admire this ancient and unique piece of bog-oak which has fully certified Littleton origins.