A sculpture to mark the Battle of Ballinamuck has been given the green light. County planners approved the new project in the North Longford village. The Ballinamuck 1798 Commemoration Committee applied for planning permission earlier this year to erect a tributary sculpture in the area of Gaigue in the North Longford village. The project included associative landscaping, pedestrian access, seating and all ancillary works. The bronze sculpture depicts a number of pikemen with a backdrop of flags, representing the five hundred pikemen who lost their lives at Ballinamuck.
The proposed sculpture is to be located centrally on a raised landscaped grass mound which the application states will "integrate naturally" with the existing landscape. It will also be located to maintain full road visibility and ensure no obstruction to sightlines along the public road. The project which covers an area of 1.52 acres, commemorates the Battle of Ballinamuck - the last pitch battle in Ireland and the last major event of the 1798 Rebellion. Longford County planners gave the project the go-ahead, subject to five conditions.
