Co Roscommon’s strong tradition of sheep farming has been celebrated in the unveiling of a highly impressive sculpture of a ewe and lamb.

The sculpture, which weighs over 2.5t, also marks Roscommon Lamb Festival’s 10th anniversary.

Everything to do with the sculpture also resonates with Roscommon. The 4.5t block of limestone on which local craftsman Mark Feeley created the sculpture was sourced in Lecarrow.

Much of this area and the wider south Roscommon is limestone-based, with sheep farming the main enterprise practiced.

The sculpture is currently on show in the town and the plan is to erect it for permanent display.

The lamb festival committee is aiming to raise €5,000 to make this happen, with the current fund rising towards €3,000. Patrons interested in making a donation can log on here.

Here is a video on the construction of the ewe and lamb.

Main events

There is a comprehensive lineup of events with this evening’s highlight being the launch of the all-Ireland and International sheep shearing which takes place on the June bank holiday weekend in Kiltoom. The full brochure of events can be viewed here