By Maxim Kelly
One theory behind the placename for Galway is that the river, and thence the town and county, were once named Galvia, the latin term for an ancient princess Galilbhe or Gaillimh, who drowned in the Corrib.
Now artist Alan Clarke has been commissioned to create a sculpture to represent this memory of Gaillimh inion Breasail, daughter of the mythical Firbolg king, Breasail.
The sculpture will grace the new - as yet unnamed - Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge. The €10 million bridge project was opened to the public last year. This sculpture project is funded by the Department of Transport through the Percent for Art scheme.
Folklore records that Galvia was drowned washing her hair at a rock in the river just downstream of the new bridge. The rock is thought to have been removed by blasting when the weir was constructed.
Clarke was selected from a panel of 26 other artists who submitted proposals. The Wicklow man holds the distinction of being Ireland’s only member of the international Society of Portrait Sculptors.
He is also well-known as a writer and illustrator, with his humorous drawings recognisable to fans of Paul Howard’s Ross O’Caroll-Kelly series.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare said: ‘As a former European Capital of Culture, and a city of festivals and the arts, I welcome this commission, particularly as it will be in such a high-profile, and visible location.
“The new Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge was opened to the public in May 2023 - creating a focal point for locals and tourists alike to cross the river on foot or by bike, taking in views including the Cathedral, Salmon Weir Bridge, aquatic and airborne wildlife, natural and built heritage synonymous with the city – and a new public space for the people of Galway.
“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.”
