Irish ancestors remembered through life-sized sculpture

A MEMORIAL for Irish ancestors who emigrated from their home-land is now on show at Cobh Heritage Museum. 

The life-sized ceramic sculpture was made in Schull by artist Cara Seaira O’Brien.

From New York, Cara says the sculpture is a healing mermaid, or a mermadonna called  ‘Muirmamona.’ 

She said: ‘Aside the Atlantic of Cobh, Muirmamona is honoring the oceans of emotions with healing loving light for the hardships and losses of our Irish ancestors. She is a Mermadonna, embracing all immigrants and refugees journeying across the waters. 

‘The gold symbolises the light of healing energy, mending the broken hearts and bodies of millions from this oppressive time in Irish past and for all afflicted in the present. 

‘The left hand is receiving the stories and wounds, transmuting them into peace and release.
Our tears are waterfall medicine, flushing tension; may we allow them to flow. The right hand reflects courage and hope moving forward.’

As a holistic healer and  reiki master herself, the artist says she has infused this healing intention into her piece. 

Ciara thanked Cobh Heritage Centre and the community of Schull for their support in the process and completion of the piece, as well as Ballydehob-based ceramic artists Pat O’Connor and Nigel James.