New sculpture unveiled in Roscommon

'Held Together' is a tribute to the region’s agricultural heritage
New sculpture unveiled in Roscommon

Colin O'Tool with artists Simon Carman and Dr. Helen Sharp at the new sculpture on the Market Square in Roscommon Town.

A new large-scale bronze sculpture has been unveiled on the Market Square in Roscommon Town.

‘Held Together’ by acclaimed artists Simon Carman and Dr. Helen Sharp will be officially launched at a later date.

A celebration of community, craft, and culture, the new piece of sculpture is part of Roscommon’s Living Laneways public art programme coordinated by Roscommon’s Arts & Culture Office. The programme is funded through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) as part of the Roscommon Town Main Street and Market Square Public Realm Project.

Inspired by a simple coil of baling twine, 'Held Together / Á Choimeád le Chéile' is a tribute to the region’s agricultural heritage. Cast in bronze, it is hand-finished with layers of a vibrant blue patina.

“This piece is about resilience, ingenuity, and the quiet creativity of farming life,” said artist Simon Carman. “The idea and the title emerged from a phrase we heard from a local farmer ‘sure it’s only held together with twine’. We wanted to create something that felt familiar and joyful. Something that would make people smile.” 

The sculpture’s circular form not only references ancient crafts but will also act as a visual lens, framing everyday snapshots of the town’s architecture and inviting viewers to see Roscommon anew.

The public realm project was developed by Roscommon County Council Regeneration team, GKMP Architects, and artist Rhona Byrne (who developed the Living Laneways concept). Previous public art commissions have included the Poetry Laneway, Mosaic Laneway and Bee Lane installation. Together with Creative Ireland funding, these commissions invite artists to creatively respond to the town’s laneways, history, and community.

The selection of 'Held Together' was the result of a competitive assessment process with 24 national and international artists applying for this commission. It involved contributions from local groups such as Roscommon Tidy Towns, the Chamber of Commerce, Roscommon Town Team, and student representatives from the town’s three secondary schools.

Mary Smyth, Public Art and Engagement Coordinator with Roscommon County Council commended the artists who engaged with the application process. “In their proposal the artists pitched Held Together as a new, playful symbol of the strength and spirit of Roscommon, reflecting Roscommon’s deep agricultural roots while also creatively highlighting the importance of a connected community. These elements were significant and resonated strongly with the assessment panel.” 

After being awarded the commission, artist Simon Carman engaged with the community and local artists with an informal presentation of the new sculpture concept at Roscommon Arts Centre as part of its regular Artist Café series.

Mr Carman and Dr Sharp, who previously spent time in Roscommon as artists-in-residence in 2015 at Roscommon Arts Centre, expressed their delight at returning to the town.

“Roscommon has always inspired us,” said Dr. Helen Sharp, adding: “This sculpture is our way of giving something back, a celebration of the people, the place, and the stories that hold it all together.” 

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