Longford folk going 'nuts' over latest public art project

Iora Nua Squirrel’s Reimagined, is a public art project launched last February at the main gate entrance to the Newtownforbes landmark. The sculpture known as 'Mr. Nuts', was unveiled by County Longford Cathaoirleach Peggy Nolan.

This is a public art project developed by Mide Arts Group in partnership with Longford County Arts Office. The project aims to contribute positively to the county’s social and tourism infrastructure.

The choice of the squirrel is a knowing nod to the fact that the grey squirrel was introduced to Ireland in 1911, when six pairs were gifted to Lord Forbes of Castle Forbes and from there some escaped into the wild.

The project began with the creation of the prototype squirrel Mr Nuts, followed one year later with the commissioning of three more to be decorated by Longford artists: Mystic Squirrel by Kevin Flood, Terminator Squirrel T-1911 by Mary Fleming and Myth & Fantasy Squirrel by Phil Atkinson.

Mr Nuts is the prototype squirrel, the first giant squirrel sculpture made from fibreglass and developed by Kilkenny-based artist and sculptor Tom Duffy. Tom also made and prepped the subsequent three squirrels.

The Mystic Squirrel merges a number of images that are inspired by our unique cultural heritage in Longford with the image of the squirrel.

Terminator Squirrel T-1911 is a light-hearted nod to the modern cultural icon that is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ‘Terminator’. Since the introduction of the notorious Grey Squirrel in 1911, its size, character and habits have threatened and almost terminated the indigenous Red Squirrel; hence the Terminator.

The Myth & Fantasy Squirrel takes a deep dive into the world of make-believe offering us scenes of fancy all around the squirrel in celebration of our love of magic and enchantment.

Enda O'Brien of Newtownforbes Tidy Towns said Mr Nuts brought national attention to the village: “Shane Crosson in Longford County Council's Arts Office worked with us to bring the Iora Nua to Newtownforbes. TG4 did a feature on it for the television station. They came out and interviewed people about the squirrel and its association with Newtownforbes and Castle Forbes.”

The Tidy Towns built on the attention through the year. At Halloween the community pulled together for a special event: “We were blown away with all the help we had in setting up the Halloween event. A lot of children participated in the Pumpkin Carving Competition, the School Colouring and the Front Door Decoration competitions.”