Art trail vandalised, damaged and pieces stolen at Roscommon park
One of the damaged installations.
A number of pieces of art were vandalised, damaged and stolen at Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon Town over the weekend.
Gardaí are now investigating an incidence of criminal damage and Roscommon County Council is appealing to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the park over the course of the weekend to contact Roscommon Garda Station on 090 6638300.
As part of Culture Night an Art in the Open event was held on Friday. The artists involved and Roscommon County Council Arts Office have highlighted that events like these serve as a reminder of how art can inspire, raise curiosity and connect people.
To coincide with this, four temporary commissions were installed in the park. "These four unique, interactive installations responded to and illuminated the park were by local artists Helen Duncan, Maria Mollohan, Nickie Harrington and Christina Carty,” said a council spokesperson.
“Temporary works are a precious and fleeting experience of creativity. It was an opportunity to make great temporary work that was accessible, could be enjoyed and spark curiosity on themes of place and nature, and show the possibilities of public art.”
Each commission was different : ‘Begin Again’ highlighting the resilience and strength of native plants through ceramic flowers; ‘In Light of Us’ ephemeral print work created with pigment made by grass from the park itself, enjoyed on the night and slowly fading with the outdoor light over the weekend; ‘Echo Zone’ striking geometric linework responding to the amphitheatre becoming an immersive, luminous experience by night; and ‘Threshold of Inspiration’ an interactive, poem sculpture inspired by 'imbas forosnai' (the gift of poetry / foresight) about receiving inspiration and lending voice to vision.
“One artist reflected on the event: “It was such a privilege to be among fellow artists, all of us united by a shared commitment to public art and creative expression. There was a real sense of collective support and camaraderie throughout the evening — a feeling of being part of something greater than ourselves. It reminded me how vital and powerful public art can be, not just for artists, but for the community that engages with it. I was deeply moved by the warmth, support and sense of wonder from those who joined the public art trail tour and came to the park. The way people engaged with and responded to our pieces made it feel like a genuine exchange, something shared, something alive.”
“Unfortunately, some chose not to engage with the joy and intention behind the works. A criminal damage investigation is open with the gardaí due to the deliberate vandalism, damage and theft of some of the installations between Friday night and Sunday afternoon. We ask that anyone who saw anything over the weekend or has any information to please contact Roscommon Garda Station,” said the council spokesperson.
