LACKANASH ESTATE ON LINK ROAD IN TRIM COUNTY MEATH
I first photographed this cow on Christmas Day 2022 and was a bit surprised that it was still at the same location this Christmas.
Lackanash from Leacain Ais meaning the hill-side of the milk. It is a small townland near to the town of Trim and there is little historical information available online … can you supply more information?
I first saw this type of cow back in July 2003 and the story was not a happy one. A collection of life-size cows designed by Irish artists and public figures had to be taken off the streets of Dublin after vandals destroyed several of them. About 70 cows had been located on the streets of Dublin and Dundalk as part of the Bailey’s CowParade 2003, an international cultural art exhibition which visits cities all over the world. The initial 10 cows which were placed at city-centre locations were all damaged so badly that the organisers had no option but to remove them. Since then such sculptures are now usually installed at locations which are indoor or protected at night [I do not know if Dublin is/was unique].
CowParade is an international public art exhibit that has featured in major world cities. Fiberglass sculptures of cows are decorated by local artists, and distributed over the city centre, in public places such as train stations, important avenues, and parks. They often feature artwork and designs specific to local culture, as well as city life and other relevant themes.
After the exhibition in the city, which may last many months, the statues are auctioned off and the proceeds donated to charity.
There are a few variations of shape, but the three most common shapes of cow were created by Pascal Knapp, a Swiss-born sculptor who was commissioned to create the cows specifically for the CowParade series of events. Pascal Knapp owns the copyrights to the standing, lying, and grazing cow shapes used in the CowParade events.
A COWPARADE COW SCULPTURE THAT I LIKE [LACKANASH ESTATE ON LINK ROAD IN TRIM COUNTY MEATH]-226413-1
A COWPARADE COW SCULPTURE THAT I LIKE [LACKANASH ESTATE ON LINK ROAD IN TRIM COUNTY MEATH]-226414-1
A COWPARADE COW SCULPTURE THAT I LIKE [LACKANASH ESTATE ON LINK ROAD IN TRIM COUNTY MEATH]-226415-1
A COWPARADE COW SCULPTURE THAT I LIKE [LACKANASH ESTATE ON LINK ROAD IN TRIM COUNTY MEATH]-226416-1
THE POOR COW LOOKS LONELY AND IGNORED BUT SHE SHOULD RETURN HOME SOON
Ag Crú na Gréine “Enjoying the Sun” (2003) by Jackie McKenna
This bronze sculpture of a cow has been moved to Wood Quay while Wolfe Tone Park it being redeveloped and while this may be a more pleasant location I would prefer to have it at Wolfe Tone Park as it has been very popular with local children.
McKenna has over thirty years experience as a professional artist and tutor. She has produced several large outdoor public works throughout Ireland and many gallery exhibitions. She has been involved in organising sculpture symposia, sculpture trails and parks. McKenna is a co-founder of the Leitrim Sculpture Centre in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim. She delivers projects through short and longer term workshops, working with schools, the Irish Prison Service, and community groups. She has taught on Youth Reach programmes in Dublin, CE Schemes, in secondary schools and third level art colleges and currently teaches part-time courses at the Leitrim Sculpture Centre.
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