'The Cut’ on the River Lung

Sep 29

Anna facilitating a contemplative art practice. Photo by Nollaig Molloy

A Day of Connection and Community

Thank you to all participants and everyone who attended this unique celebration along the banks of the River Lung. The event was a wonderful opportunity to bridge past and present, bringing heritage sites like 'The Cut' to life in ways that resonate with contemporary issues.

It highlighted the profound connection between people and place, reminding us of the importance of preserving these bonds for future generations.

Painter, Conor O'Connell, unveiling his painting of The Cut.

Celebrating The Cut: An Artistic and Community Event on the River Lung

This event, hosted by Creative Places Ballaghaderreen artist-researchers Nollaig Molloy and Anna King, brought the local community together to celebrate the rich history and natural beauty of The Cut.

The Cut was a site that fuelled a hydro turbine, which powered the town of Ballaghaderreen from 1913 to the early 1930s. It was also the location of an outdoor swimming pool, once a focal point for gathering and interaction in the 1970s and 1980s.

Through engaging talks, a hands-on clay workshop, and artistic reflections, the event explored the deep connection between people, place, and the significance of the River Lung.

Local Clay Workshop with Nollaig Molloy

Using clay sourced from the riverbank, Nollaig led a clay workshop where participants created individual pieces inspired by the surrounding landscape. Each creation was a response to the textures, landmarks, and terrain of The Cut, making the workshop both a tactile and reflective exploration of the site.

Insights on Water Quality and Biodiversity with LAWPRO

Noreen Shyrane, a Catchment Scientist from the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), gave a captivating talk about the River Lung’s water quality and biodiversity. Using a kick sample from one of the river’s tributaries, Noreen explained the ecological challenges facing local waterways, offering insights into both local and global environmental concerns.

Poetry, Contemplation, and Artistic Responses

Anna King reflected upon the symbolism of the River Lung, a representation of the timeless flow of life through land and community, embodying the energy and essence of the landscape.

She read poems from Thomas Merton, Ted Hughes, and John O’Donohue, before facilitating a guided mindful meditation that encouraged participants to reconnect with nature and themselves through their senses - by listening to the sound of the river, feeling the wind in the trees, and engaging with the earthy scents rising from the riverbank.

The meditation invited participants to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment, weaving together personal reflection, environmental awareness, and a profound connection to the spirit of the land.

In addition, local painter Conor O'Connell revealed an exquisite plein air painting, capturing the essence of the river's wild beauty. Local writer, Carol Beirne, shared her personal experience on the river, eloquently highlighting the intimate bond between people and place.

A reading by Carol Beirne. Photo by Nollaig Molloy

A life changing experience of the river lung: James Woods childhood memories.

Below is a recorded audio of some memorable moments from this thought-provoking and heartfelt event.

All of the stories and reflections shared throughout the day emphasise the profound way in which landscapes and waterways are woven into the fabric of community life.

Lastly, a display of Nollaig Molloy’s research on the history of The Cut, the site’s water turbine and the old swimming pool were on display throughout the day.

The event would not have been possible without farmers and landowners Christy McCann, Declan Mc Garry and Cyril O’ Connor. Thanks for your openness and support!

Also, thank you to: Grace, Patricia and Anita in the Community Resource Centre in the Shambles for shelter and seating; to Arrowe for transport and set up; and to Mary for traffic stewarding and continued support as Creative Places Ballaghaderreen Co-ordinator.

A Special thank you to storytellers James Woods and Sean Flood.

Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is supported by Roscommon County Council and Arts Council of Ireland.

This event was originally part of Heritage Week, but due to weather we had to reschedule.