Riders and Horses sculpture could be on the move again in Mallow

Michael Quane's sculpture Riders and Horses in Mallow. File picture

An iconic sculpture in Co Cork which was carved out of 25-tonne, 350m-year-old limestone could be on the move yet again.

The 2.1m-high Riders and Horses sculpture by Michael Quane was removed from the main roundabout at Annabella, Mallow, in 2017 amid safety concerns.

It had stood there since 1995 having been carved by hand  by Quane over the course of nine months

It remained in the council yard for a time until it was eventually decided that it be moved to a spot on the southern side of the town adjacent to the N20 main Cork-Mallow road.

Some councillors say they are not happy with the location and that it doesn’t do the sculpture justice as passing motorists only get a side-on view of the sculpture instead of the full 360-degree look.

At a meeting of the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District, Fianna Fáil councillor Gearóid Murphy said it was not in an appropriate place and suggested it be relocated to Mallow Town Park.

He said it his understanding that it was removed from the roundabout because engineers feared if hit by a car it could cause serious or fatal injuries and that it also limited overhead sightlines.

Mr Murphy said public feedback was not positive on its N20 position and that a rethink was needed.

Labour Party councillor Ronan Sheehan said he was in contact with the sculptor, who suggested it should be moved back to the roundabout as it was deliberately created to go there so it could be seen from all angles.

He agreed that if this wasn’t feasible, another location must be found.

“Art's there to be seen. We want to see the Riders and Horses where they can be appreciated. The current location doesn’t do it justice,” Mr Sheehan added.

Fine Gael councillor Liam Madden said he had grave worries about moving it again, primarily because of the costs involved.

Council engineers said a preliminary estimate for moving it was up to €20,000 as it would have to involve the use of cranes and also lead to road closures.

“And what if we decide in five to six years’ time to move it again to another location. Maybe some work can be done where it is to make it more visible,” Mr Madden said.

Fianna Fáil councillor Pat Hayes said it could also be relocated to Tipp O’Neill Park or in the grounds of Mallow Castle or somewhere appropriate on the planned northern bypass of the town when it’s completed.

“It is totally out of sight where it currently is,” he added.

Putting it on the new bypass or back onto the Annabella roundabout will require permission from TII, which controls such roads.

Municipal district officer Claire Sheehan said officials would look at the suggestions and contact TII.