The mythological princess of the Firbolg tribe, after whom Galway is said to be named will be honoured in a spectacular new sculpture at new Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge.
The monument to Gailbhe’ by Alan Clarke, will be a stunning visual representation of the woman who inspired the name of the city.
Mr Clarke submitted his proposal in response to an open invitation for expressions of interest by Galway City Council in summer 2023, along with 26 other artists. He was selected as the winning artist in late 2023 by an evaluation panel of multidisciplinary experts.
Among his many accomplishments, Alan Clarke is the only Irish person to be accepted as a member of the internationally acclaimed Society of Portrait Sculptors. This exclusive 70 year-old society has just 46 members worldwide.
Speaking about his winning submission, Alan Clarke told the Advertiser he is looking forward to creating this special sculpture for the people of Galway and the many national and international visitors to the city.
"I am absolutely delighted to have won the commission to create this sculpture, I’m looking forward immensely to getting to work on this project over the coming weeks and months.
"I believe I have created a design that is captivating and unique, that will enhance an already very beautiful setting. I hope that the people of Galway, and visitors to the city, will feel the same when it is unveiled later this year.’
Arts Officer Ruth Mulhern said this is a fantastic opportunity for people to engage with a new artwork in Galway.
"The piece will represent Galway’s creative energy and herald new opportunities for art in public spaces which will also further enhance our reputation for producing great art," she said.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare, said this commission will add another element of attraction and interest to this space for all those crossing the bridge –
"I look forward to seeing Galvia when she takes her place by the river Corrib overlooking her namesake city," he said.
The new Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge was funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s (NTA ) Active Travel Programme, and European Regional Development Funding (ERDF ). The Galiva commission is delivered through the Percent for Art Scheme as a portion of the bridge’s overall capital funding. The commissioning of the new sculpture is being managed by the Arts Office of Galway City Council.
Members of the public were invited to make suggestions as to the long-term name of the bridge, with submissions open until last Sunday. The results of that process are expected to be known in the coming months.
