'The Cut' on the Lung River

We warmly invite members of the public to attend an event on the banks of the Lung River, by Creative Places Ballaghaderreen artist-researchers Nollaig Molloy and Anna King. Nollaig will explore the origins and construction of 'The Cut' on the river, a site which fuelled a hydro turbine that powered the town of Ballaghaderreen from 1913 to the early 1930's. Together with archival material, locally dug clay, local sharing of knowledge and environmental observations with the presence of a catchment scientist from LAWPRO (Local Access Water Programme), she will present tangible discoveries of place, natural resources and community.

Anna will reflect upon the symbolism of the Lung River, which represents the timeless flow of life weaving through land and townscapes, nourishing ecosystems, and connecting communities. She will draw on personal stories from the Ballaghaderreen community about 'The Cut’s' outdoor swimming pool, once a focal point for gathering and interaction in the 1970s and 1980s. These narratives will highlight the profound relevance of 'PLACEWAYS' and the enduring bond between people and place.

Event Schedule

12.00pm-1.00pm: Workshop using local clay from the bank of the river with Nollaig Molloy
Using local clay dug from the bank of the Lung River, Nollaig will facilitate a clay workshop where participants will make individual clay pieces which will be combined to create a collective sculptural artwork responding to the surrounding landmarks, terrain and texture of the site at ‘the cut’.

1.00pm-2.00pm LAWPRO talk
Noreen Shyrane is a Catchment Scientist from Local Access Water Programme (LAWPRO). Noreen will give a talk on the water quality and biodiversity of the River Lung using a kick sample from one of the river’s many tributaries. Kick sampling is a method to discover the aquatic insects that live in rivers. She will explain some of the problems and solutions associated with the local and the global waterways.

2.00pm-2.30pm Anna King will reflect upon the symbolism of the Lung River, which represents the timeless flow of life weaving through land and townscapes, nourishing ecosystems and connecting communities. She invites members of the public to join her and share personal stories from the Ballaghaderreen community about ‘The Cut’s’ outdoor swimming pool, once a focal point for gathering and interaction in the 1970’s and 80’s.

3.00pm-3.30pm Local artistic reflections on the River Lung
Painter Conor O’Connell will unveil a plein-air painting , capturing the essence of the River Lung while writer Carol Beirne will read a short piece of writing about an afternoon experience of nature on the river.

4.00pm Event closes

A display of local journal and newspaper cuttings about the history of ‘the cut’, both as a site of the local swimming pool and a water turbine will be on display throughout the day, with light refreshments.

Special thanks to Christy McCann, Declan McGarry and Cyril O’Connor.

There is limited car parking available and the site has uneven terrain. The event explores natural, built and cultural heritage.