SOME of the Roses joined Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Mr. Paschal Donohoe TD at the official unveiling of the Roses sculpture on the Tralee Bypass on Monday.
‘The Roses’ sculpture, which cost €74,000, and consists of three red roses on their stems was created by Mayo sculptor, Rory Breslin, as part of the Percent for Art Scheme for the Tralee Bypass. Kerry County Council also provided funding for the project.
Situated beside the roundabout linking the Tralee Bypass to the N22 Killarney road, the Roses sculpture highlights the well-known symbol of the Tralee area. It also links to the famous Rose of Tralee song which speaks of William Mulchinock’s love for Mary O’Connor, who was employed a maid by the Mulchinock family.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the sculpture, Minister Donohoe congratulated all involved in both the construction of the Tralee Bypass and also in the creation of the sculpture. The Minister pointed to the success of the Tralee Bypass in diverting through traffic from Tralee town centre and reducing travel times for motorists in the area.
Speaking at the unveiling Minister Donohoe said: “Iconic installations such as this very quickly become a symbol of the area, and the consideration the public gives to them is evidenced by the fact that submissions for what would be placed here, just outside Tralee, were received from as far away as Australia and the US. I want to congratulate Rory Breslin on a wonderful design and wish him luck in what I am sure will be a bright future.
“The Tralee Bypass, which was opened last year by Minister Jimmy Deenihan, has had a significant impact on the region, through improved journey times for locals and tourist due to a reduction in traffic through town,” he said.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Brassil congratulated the sculptor Rory Breslin on his work.
“Through the Rose of Tralee song and the Festival, we have long associated the Tralee are with this beautiful flower,” he said. “The Roses sculpture at the entrance of Tralee town is an ideal depiction of this association,” he said. “Coupled with the football sculpture on the N21 entrance to Tralee, they present a beautiful initial image to visitors to Tralee.
The cost of the commission for the Tralee Bypass was €74,000 which covered all aspects of the commission, including the sculpture itself. Over 50 submissions were received following Kerry County Council’s advertisement seeking expressions of interest in relation to the commission.