The Banagher Pillar was carved over a thousand years ago, possibly in the eighth century, and rediscovered in the old graveyard in the heart of the town c.1850. In recent decades it has inspired local artists including a local pottery. The pillar is now stored in the National Museum in Dublin. The idea behind this project is to instigate a collaborative process of discovery, exploration, connection and design with the local community in Banagher to devise an appropriate response to the Banagher Pillar for the town.

Members of the local community including students from Banagher College-Coláiste na Sionna travelled to the National Museum in Dublin in April and examined the pillar whilst listening to an expert from the Museum’s staff and discussed its significance. The same group will also travel to Clonmacnoise and look at the stonework which is believed to have been made in the same workshop as the Banagher Pillar. The Shannon links Clonmacnoise with Banagher.

Informed by what the group discovers, and by the experience of life in Banagher, sculptor, Ciaran Byrne is working with the local community to devise themes and motifs for a new pillar, to be carved from stone as the original pillar. An exhibition will be organised based on the research and proposals generated by the community engagement aspect of the project. Details to be finalised. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.