An extensive community engagement programme has resulted in the sculpture by artists Maree Hensey and Mark Ryan entitled ‘Carrosyl For Peace’.

Carrowshee Park/Sylvan Hill Community Association coordinated the project, during which they worked with the community and artists Maree and Mark to create an iconic, contemporary and innovative artwork of land mark quality.

‘Carrosyl for Peace’ is a reflection of the theme ‘Connections’ and relates to those connections between the people, the heritage and the diversity in Carrosyl.

Kathleen Breen, secretary of the Carrowshee Park/Sylvan Hill Community Association explained that the sculpture has generated much debate, both positive and negative.

“I think it’s very iconic and it’s quite spectacular, but people maybe haven’t read up on the theme behind it and the meaning. To me it’s the two circles and the two communities dependent on each other. We can’t go forward without Sylvan Hill and they can’t go forward without us.

“They’re saying the money could have been better spent. They don’t understand though that this money was for art and art only. If we hadn’t got the money for art, someone else would have got the money for art.”

Kathleen explained more about the unique sculpture:

“The two pieces in the middle they’re symbolic of the two communities coming together as one and looking to the future.” As for the colour, blue was chosen as it the colour of diversity.

In addition to the main sculpture in the area known locally as ‘The Green’ there are two small signature pieces at the entrance to both estates. They are associated with the townland meanings of Carrowshee and Sylvan Hill, the former meaning land of the fairies and the latter associated with the silver birch tree.

Carolann Smyth who lives in Carrowshee Park believes it is a valuable addition to the community.

“It definitely stands out, because it was a bare green that wasn’t being used for anything at all. You used to see the kids going out and playing on it, but now they’re over in the sports arena. When you know the history of townlands you understand what the symbols mean.

“You probably will get the ones saying what the heck is that, but if you look into the history of the townlands you will understand what it all means. And that will show it’s not really an eyesore.”

Another local resident Majella Curran was equally positive:

“I like it, I think it’s a lovely piece of art, it’s a big achievement for the Carrowshee group and I do really like it. It does take a bit of getting used to, but at the same time the majority of the local residents like it.”

The project was supported by the ‘Building Peace through the Arts – Re-Imaging Communities’ programme which is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.