Limb of Yew moves from Upperchurch to Thurles Library

On Saturday, May 6, the fascinating carving Limb of Yew, by the late Phil Bourke, made the arduous road trip from Phil’s Upperchurch home to its new home in Thurles library at The Source.

Standing approximately two and a half metres high, the carving from a Yew tree depicts several pivotal episodes of Irish history on its path to freedom over three centuries, from the flight of the Earls up to the 1916 Rising.

Speaking of his father, Philip Bourke said that he had felt compelled to use his talents as a wood carver to honour “all those beautiful Irish men and women who gave us our freedom.”

He also said the Bourke family are delighted that this carving should have found a worthy home here in Thurles.

It is hoped it will attract the passing eye and admiration of the many readers, young and old, researchers and historians that avail of the wonderful services that Tipperary County Council library service and Tipperary Studies offer to the broader community.

The Limb of Yew was a labour of love, and the results must be seen to be believed.

So, pop in to Thurles library during regular opening hours and enjoy a visual trip through three hundred years of Irish history.