A creative response to the Golden Way
RAILWAY New artworks compliment Templeport line walk
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Writer Heather Brett explaining the beauty captured in this Jackie O’Neill paiting that will whet walkers appetites for the wonders of this Golden Way. It merges the past in terms of the railway line and fields if cut though in the past.Image 2 of 3
Templeport Line Goldenway art work which is located in the garden at the local community centre being oficially unveiled by the Chairman of the Cavan Belturbet Municipal District, Brendan Fay, with the assistance of the Heritage Officer, Ann Marie Ward. Chairperson of the Templeport Development Association, IIsobel Duggan Rofe is on the left of picture and Writer, Heather Brett is to the right.Image 3 of 3
This sign will also be located at the start of the Templeport Line Golden Way and the words capture with great clarity the wonders of the facility.Hidden beauty spots across rural Ireland are enjoying renewed interest with the launch of greenways and line walks. The Templeport Line Golden Way is a wonderful illustration of what can be achieved by a local community, working in collaboration with various agencies.
The imaginative artwork to compliment the Golden Way was a collaborative project featuring Cavan Heritage Office, the Templeport Development Association, artist Jackie O'Neill and poet Heather Brett, and was supported by Creative Ireland and the Heritage Council.
Speaking at the launch, Heritage Officer, Ann Marie Ward explained that the Golden Way has gone from strength to strength. “It has been embraced by the County Council and this year we have been very fortunate to tap into both Creative Ireland and Heritage Council funding”.
The Chairman of the Cavan Belturbet Municipal District, Brendan Fay said he was delighted to be invited to launch this “wonderful project – Templeport Line Golden Way”.
“It is very fitting to launch this project today as we come towards the end of Heritage week, 2020. I am delighted to note that a number of projects have now been put on the Cavan and National Heritage website,” said Cllr Fay.
He observed that people have found hope and inspiration in our heritage and nature. Cllr Fay commended the creativity of artist Jackie O'Neill and writer Heather Brett in creating these unique pieces that will be framed and mounted near Templeport Community Centre, to provide a constant reminder of the beauty of the Golden Way. He added that film maker Ray Fitzsimons had captured the special magic of the facility, which includes brilliant footage of the old railway.
“This would not be possible without the dedication, time and foresight of the Templeport Community Association – everything in our county is based on our communities,” said Cllr Fay.
He complimented Heritage Officer Ann Marie Ward and her staff for sourcing funding and facilitating this project.
Chairperson of the Templeport Development Association, Isobel Duggan Rofe said: “It has been a labour of love for all of us and the art piece is amazing. The old railway footage is superbly blended with the here and now – it was filmed by my grandmother.”
Writer Heather Brett said, “There is a special response from artists to a place like this and we were so lucky to work with Ann Marie on this project.
“If COVID-19 has nothing for us on a positive note, it afforded us time to walk on our golden ways and respond better to something natural and something that we should never let go.”