THE OLD FORGE

Up until the mid 1960’s, Ballinahown had its own functioning Forge ran by blacksmith Kieran O Donoghue.  To commemorate this in 2002, the metal sculpture was commissioned from Dan Edwards, an artist who lives locally. It is titled “Icarus”, it also depicts ‘Air’ (as one of our classical elements) as Icarus flies towards the sun. The sculpture sits on top of a lovely stone found locally near the church.

The blacksmith played an important role in Ireland for over 4000 Years. Using heat from his forge and tools that he often made himself, he not only shod horses, ponies and donkeys, but also repaired agricultural equipment , gates and railings.

Icarus by Dan Edwards