The Tipperary gruffalo? A gruffalo? What's a gruffalo? A gruffalo! Why, didn't you know?

I have been fascinated by the work of chainsaw sculptor, Will Fogarty, who lives in Hospital, county Limerick, and have followed his commissions keenly, when I see them posted on social media.

I first came across Will in 2022 when he did a commission of a Grufalo for Tipperary Town Library in collaboration with the Moorehaven Centre. The Grufalo character is based on the one in a series of books by UK author Julia Donaldson. It now stands in the foyer of the Excel at the entrance to the library. I saw him in action when he was carving the Grufalo and I was fascinated at how detailed his work was.

Recently I had cause to engage with Will as part of the Tipperary Town Heritage Sub Group, who commissioned him to do two sculptures of women, one to represent a Cumann na mBan lady and the other to represent Aleen Cust, from Cordangan, Tipperary, the first female veterinary surgeon in Ireland and Britain.

Will Fogarty with two of his commissions for the Tipperary Town Heritage Sub Group

Once again I saw how exact his work was on the two ladies, bringing every minute detail into the carvings. I recently visited Will at his workshop and had the opportunity to look at some of his carvings that he has at his home.
Will told me that he is a self-taught, professional chainsaw sculptor.

“I first picked up a chainsaw in 2013 – it was an old Homelite belonging to my father, and lesson number one was taking it apart and getting it running again. Twelve chainsaws later, I think I might have an obsession,” he says.

He went on to say “The last ten years have been an amazing journey. I have worked all over Ireland on public and private works, I have met some wonderful people and made many great friends. I now spend about half my time creating large sculptures for towns, parks, schools, etc. The other half is spent carving smaller commissioned pieces in people’s gardens or at home. I also give demonstrations throughout the summer months. The commissions I undertake in my workshop at Hospital include sculptures for County Councils, Tidy Town groups and private individuals.

“I am delighted to have done commissions for Tipperary Town Library and for the Tipperary Heritage Sub Group,” said Will.

WONDERFUL ADDITION

His latest commission of the two ladies is due to be erected on the Post Office grounds in Tipperary Town this week. It will certainly be a wonderful addition to the heritage of Tipperary Town.

While I was at Will’s he granted me full access to his garden and to the carvings that he has on display there. It was a great treat just to browse through the garden and to find the different carvings amongst the shrubbery. The sun was also shining beautifully so that made the visit extra special.

For anyone looking for a special piece for your garden or community then look no further than Will Fogarty. His website is https:// fearnacoillte.com/.