Bog Oak Tree

We had a new delivery in the Atrium of the TSSG building in Carriganore this week in the form of a very curious looking, but very interesting tree.

Over the course of the entire day (Friday), we looked on with interest as the sculptor carved, chiseled, sanded, rubbed and carefully caressed the tree into place. It stands approximately 30ft tall and is mostly black in colour.

I spoke briefly with the gentleman in question on my way home and he told me a little more about it. The sculpture is made from Bog Oak that was salvaged from a local bog some years ago. It has been Carbon Dated by the National Museum of Ireland and officially recognised to be over 7500 years old.

He has also moulded some other (even older) timbers and animal bones (yes, animal bones) into sections of the tree. Along with the scratch marks of deer antlers (painted in gold), it is utterly beautiful and truly something to behold.

The sculptor was a local man called Seamus Kelly and we are very grateful for his talents as we now have something very interesting to inspire us on those days we all have from time to time.

Conor Quinlan

Congratulations to my mate Gavan and his wife Michelle who are the proud parents of baby Conor, born last week in Dublin. It’s been a long time coming I’m sure but looking at the pictures of mother and baby, it looks like it was well worth the wait. Of course he’s already taking after his father, knocking back large bottles and falling asleep within 10 minutes!!!

He’s a very lucky lad to have such great parents and I’m sure they will make wonderful parents…