The Ballinasloe Orb, an installation created for Galway 2020, is set to infuse new life into a previously overlooked public space in the town.
The transformative project was championed by Councillor Evelyn Parsons, who worked alongside diligent Ballinasloe Local Area Council staff to have it returned to the town.
It has been installed permanently in time for the 301st Ballinasloe Great October Horse Fair.
Cllr Parsons said that she hopes to see the other five remaining towns in the county follow suit.
“The Ballinasloe Orb represents the enduring spirit of our town, radiating a welcoming light and vitality for all to enjoy,” she said.
“I extend my sincere thanks to local Council staff Paul Leonard and outdoor team, to our current and past engineers and all staff who have worked diligently with me on this project, for their remarkable commitment to bring this beacon of creativity to life.”
The monumental art piece by Sculptor Jacqueline Pyle is inscribed with lines from the poem The Suck by Jane Clarke, and it not only enhances the town’s public realm but also adds a warm and inviting glow to its heart, becoming a beacon visible from roads, paths, and the tranquil river.
It is coated in a special Corten Steel finish which provides weather resistance and an appearance of a warm rust colour.
Nestled in the town center, at Slà na hAbhainn Park it serves as a captivating focal point, visible from the surrounding roads, pathways, and the picturesque river Suck.
