Major public artwork designed by Kilkenny man to celebrate Gaelic games unveiled

A major public artwork - created by a Kilkenny man - celebrating the legacy of Gaelic games was unveiled today at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary.

The bronze statue, entitled ‘Ár gCluichí Féin’ (Our Own Games), by artist Aidan Harte, was created to recognise the cultural importance of Gaelic games and to commemorate Tipperary as the birthplace of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The work was commissioned by Tipperary County Council.

The GAA is the largest amateur sporting organisation in the world, founded in 1884 at the Hayes Hotel in Thurles to revive traditional Gaelic games. Today it is a global phenomenon with 2,200 clubs in Ireland and over 500 internationally. The Ladies Gaelic Football Association was founded in the same hotel in 1974.

The three-metre bronze sculpture depicting two figures, a male hurler and a female footballer, captures the spirit of the game in motion. It is thought to be the first public artwork to feature a female GAA player.

It sits on a concrete plinth towering above the thousands of supporters that will enter the gates at FBD Semple Stadium to enjoy the games. The stadium is a fitting permanent home for the piece where elation, hope and sometimes disappointment are keenly felt but where passion is always to the fore.

Harte’s piece is the culmination of two years of work. The sculptor was awarded the commission in October 2024. Describing the work, Harte, whose father hurled in Semple Stadium in the 1970s, said, “The Footballer has the ball. Without breaking stride, she glances over her shoulder and weighs her options. The Hurler darts forward. Sliotar gripped in his left hand, hurl in his right.”

Both figures are balanced on one foot, facing different directions. Harte explains, “Whichever side you approach the sculpture from, you’re in the action. Together they form a V composition. V or victory! The sculpture embodies ‘possession', both possession of the ball and being possessed by the spirit of the game.

If sport is about victory, who gets to hold up the championship, it is also about turning points. Split-second decisions. My sculpture Ár gCluichí Féin seeks to capture one such moment."

Unveiling

The Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council Fiona Bonfield officially unveiled the permanent public artwork. , with special guests Jarlath Burns, Uachtaráin, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Cllr Sean Ryan, Cathaoirleach of Thurles Municipal District, Ger Ryan, Chairperson of FBD Semple Stadium, members and players of Tipperary GAA, and members of the public.

“Gaelic Games are a source of great local and national pride, and we’re delighted to see this commemorative project take its place at FBD Semple Stadium today,” said Cllr Bonfield.

This beautiful sculpture by Aidan Harte is the centrepiece of a much wider vision to embrace the legacy and unique cultural heritage of Tipperary and to develop an unmatched tourism offering in the county while putting Thurles on the map as a must-visit destination for GAA fans. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country, and beyond, to experience the home of GAA.”

Tourism contributes over €100 million annually to the local Tipperary economy. According to the latest CSO figures, the premier county welcomes 374,000 domestic visitors annually and over 194,000 overseas visitors.

This public art commission is part of a wider ‘placemaking’ investment strategy by Tipperary County Council, which also includes a new active travel scheme and tourism destination initiative for Thurles. The Thurles Active Travel scheme, with funding support from the National Transport Authority, includes new cycle tracks, upgraded footpaths, a new bus set-down area, pedestrian crossing facilities, and improvements to roads and infrastructure, with an investment of over € 1.2 million.

Ár gCluichí Féin’ was commissioned by Tipperary County Council, in partnership with Tipperary GAA and FBD Semple Stadium. For more information, visit: Ár gCluichí Féin’