Council prepares for the arrival of statue from twin town in France

Good tidings from Longford’s Twin Noyal will be making their way across the sea very soon.

Cathaoirleach of the Longford Municipal District Seamus Butler announced that a statue, identical to the one standing in Noyal Chatillon Sur Seiche.

Longford Town and Noyal have been twin towns since 1988. Last year members of the local community visited the French town to witness the unveiling of the original statue.

“The last visit was 18 months ago or so,” said Cllr Seamus Butler, “There was a statue unveiling called the Fraternity Statue.”

The statue was sculpted by an artist local to the area called Maxime Libiot.

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“What they’ve done is commissioned the artist to do a similar statue, or practically the same one to donate to Longford.”

The council had two decisions to make regarding the statue, one being where to put it, many ideas were put forward.

“They’re coming on Wednesday, April 9.”

The statue is to be brought over by ferry by the artist.

Councillor Gerry Hagan suggested a location, which seemed to rustle the chamber.

“I think this would be a fantastic piece to have in the centre of our town when we eventually get the Providers building demolished.”

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Cllr Butler asked if it would be ready for April 10 to which Cllr Hagan replied it would not.

“No I can’t imagine it will now but we can temporarily re-locate it someplace. I wouldn’t expect we’d have providers demolished before then.

“When we get to the area that’s left we can install this beautiful statue on it.”

The rest of the council had differing ideas.

Councillor Peggy Nolan spoke next, “As you know I’ve been involved with the twinning for over 30 years since it started.

“I see the trouble the artist is going through, first of all, to provide us with the statue and the trouble they’re going through to transport it to Longford.

“And I fully see where Gerry is coming from and as my colleague, I don’t want to talk him down,” she clarified, “I see the realities, Providers is what Providers is.”

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She then put forward her suggestion for the statue's home.

“The Mall, maybe even the Dog Track someplace in a park where people can see it, where it can be admired and the sentiment behind the statue can be appreciated.

“Let common sense prevail,” she concluded.

Cllr Kevin Hussey seconded her suggestion.

“The dog track in my mind is not finished yet but the skate park is done and the playground is done, if it’s a wooden piece, maybe it might blend well in that area.”

Cllr Hagan made a final point saying, “I suppose that this is a temporary location and that we can look at alternative locations at a later date.”
It was decided that the Dog Track would be the best place for the sculpture.
Landscaping will be done and an unveiling ceremony will take place in the afternoon on April 10.