Sculptor gifts Sean Treacy piece to Abbey School in Tipperary Town

On Monday, February 20, the Abbey School welcomed back past pupil and Irish bronze sculptor specialist Jarlath Daly to the school.

Jarlath gave a talk about his work to the Art students in the Abbey and St Anne’s schools. Pupils were treated to a talk and a slideshow of his work as he explained the source of inspiration for much of his pieces.

Speaking to the students Jarlath said that his sculptures “reflect public attitudes, local themes and legends, sport and of course history at both the local and the epic”. He is also greatly inspired by nature and his childhood memories of growing up in Tipperary.

Jarlath’s work ranges in scale from 10 inches to 30 feet and includes both small scale pieces and larger public commissions.

Jarlath is well-known in sporting circles for different awards including the GAA All-Star Awards and also for the Canon Hayes National Sports Awards and outside of sport, awards such as the People of the Year awards and the IFTA’s.

He is a graduate of the Limerick School of Art and Design and after graduation he became a teacher and taught at second level for two decades, gradually building up a portfolio of private commissions.

His teaching career may explain his many pieces of sculpture for schools around Ireland including Gaelscoil Tiobraid Arann, St Caimin’s Community School, Shannon and Scoil Mochua, Celbridge, Kildare.

Jarlath loves working in bronze because it is a malleable and versatile material. The patinas allow for different colours and finishes ranging from browns to blues and greens.

On his visit to the Abbey School he made a generous presentation of a bespoke Bronze Sculpture entitled “Seán Treacy” to the school.

Seán Treacy was one of the leaders of the Third Tipperary Brigade of The Irish Republican Army during the War of Independence.

With Dan Breen and others, he initiated the conflict at Soloheadbeg.

Treacy was shot dead in Talbot Street, Dublin on October 14, 1920, aged 25 years old and is buried in Kilfeacle.

Jarlath is inspired by history and war and tries to capture feelings of liberation in his work.

The Abbey School was honoured to receive this piece and it will take pride of place in the school.

The school wishes to thank Jarlath for so generously offering his time to speak with the Art students and to inspire future generations of artists.

You can find out more about Jarlath’s work on http://www.dalyart.ie/about-jarlath-daly-irish-sculptor/