Art ‘pitch’ honours victims of violence

ART forged a powerful statement of public grief and anger yesterday to embrace the third anniversary of a notorious Limerick murder in a message of solidarity with the innocent victims of violence and their families.

More than 20,000 terracotta figurines stood in file in a tribute to slain rugby captain Shane Geoghegan.

The art installation at Limerick City hall, on a base covering 90ft by 12ft, is called a Pitch for Shane, to honour the rugby player and other innocent victims of violence.

Many of the figurines were shaped by public figures, including Taoiseach Enda Kenny and President Mary McAleese.

Others were the work of Irish sporting greats.

Most were cast from the hands of the ordinary people of Limerick.

Standing over the huge exhibit with Shane’s mother Mary beside him, Mayor Jim Long aptly summed up the creation: “Awesome”.

Shane Geoghegan, aged 28, was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity as he walked to his home in Kilteeragh, Dooradoyle, after watching a rugby game on TV at a friend’s home on November 9, 2008.

He was captain of the Garryowen thirds team.

A terracotta team on a Pitch for Shane was the idea of his aunt, Margaret Walsh, who said: “It’s 20,000-plus works of art. We got the numbers, put them on the ground and now have the metaphorical pitch. The idea comes from the Chinese emperor of 220 years BC. The project really captured the public imagination and so many people from different walks of life connected with it. What happened to Shane was our 9/11.”

Shane’s brother, Anthony’s piece replicated a rugby front row.

Shane played at tight head prop wearing the Number 3 jersey.

He said: “It’s Shane, myself and our cousin Garret Walsh.”

Shane's work colleagues at Air Atlanta in Shannon used a spanner from his work bench which they covered in clay.

Mr Long said: “The Pitch for Shane is a marker for the entire country. This expression is one of the finest displays that was ever unveiled with such intent as to the life of a wonderful person.”

Students Thomas O’Donnell, Caolan Moloney, Grace Sheehan and Amy Sargent represented Shane’s school, Crescent Comprehensive, which contributed 1,000 figurines. Thomas said: “When you see them all together it’s a fantastic display.”

The collection will remain at Istabraq Hall until December 23.