Another exciting addition to county Roscommon’s ever-growing number of public art works was launched recently by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary T.D.

The Athleague Circle of Life public park is one of the newest rural development projects which was recently unveiled by Minister Calleary. Part of this project included a beautiful site-specific public artwork created by Dublin artist Paul Harrison.

'Circle of Life' is a 2.4m tall artwork that captures the rich history and tradition of Athleague, while the sculpture's overall playful and abstract style characterises a bright, creative future for the thriving South Roscommon village.

Mr. Harrison is fine art artist working in sculpture and surface reliefs. His abstract forms are driven by the conversion of data into surface areas, volumes, and shapes. Responding to the village and community, each component of the sculpture represents a particular element of Athleague’s story.

Among the elements featured are the local Mill Water Wheel represented by two coral-coloured disks. These disks also echo the plan layout of the park. The River Suck which drains the village is represented by the gently flowing curve of apertures that travel along the edge of the work.

A block of solid Ash Timber featured in the sculpture represents ‘the clash of the ash’ and the rich history and traditions of the sport of Hurling in Athleague.

Further features of this exciting new sculpture include the incorporation of the granite boulder representing the La Tène Stone at Castlestrange while the textured coloured steel background represents the gently, undulating surrounding grasslands and farmlands.

The Vertical steel element, representing the backbone of the community, rises up through the sculpture and connects and unites the various elements while the Famine walkway, synonymous with Athleague village, is represented by the linear horizontal void.

“The community of Athleague is thrilled with our 'Circle of Life' sculpture by artist Paul Harrison. Paul perfectly captured us as a community as we continue to move forward in a creative way, but yet always remember to look back and remember our local heritage.” said local resident Ann Conneally.

“The piece embodies our love for our River Suck with its iconic mill wheel as well as our local landscape and heritage sites. It also incorporates our love of hurling, all in a colourful and fun way. The school children of Athleague especially love to meet at the ‘Red Dot’ and remember the ‘fun artist man’ who came down to meet them and include them in the process!” described Ms. Conneally.

“It is so valuable for the community to meet the artist’s that have created the artwork they see and pass every day. The pupils got to ask Paul all their questions about making the work, design process and about working as a sculptor,” remarked Mary Smyth, Roscommon County Council Public Art and Engagement Coordinator.

In February 2025, Mr. Harrison revisited the area and held ‘Meet the Artist’ sessions with third and sixth class pupils from Athleague National School. A selection of Paul’s work can be viewed on www.paulharrisonartist.com.

The park is set to become a focal point of the historic village of Athleague and is sure to attract many visitors to coincide with the End of Summer Festival in the village which takes place later next month.

“Paul’s proposal so clearly connected and referenced many aspects important in Athleague, the Arts Office of Roscommon County Council is delighted that this eye-catching new feature is now officially launched as part of the beautiful new park,” Ms. Smyth concluded.