RIP Laura Buckley Noonan
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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Waterford's iconic 23-metre long viking sword is being repaired by its creator after years of wear and tear.
The Dragon Slayer was removed on Saturday (July 27) from its location at Bailey's New Street in the heart of the Viking Triangle and will now undergo repair works by master craftsman and renowned chainsaw sculptor, John Hayes.
Hayes created the record-breaking sword - originally unveiled in December 2017 - from a felled tree from Ballinamona Woods.
The sword depicts the story of Waterford across numerous panels, from the arrival of the Vikings to Waterford, the marriage of Strongbow and Aoife and the link between Waterford’s Vikings and the town of York.
Commenting on the operation, Senior Architect with Waterford City and County Council, Morris Conway, said, "These repair works are necessary to return the sword to its original state. Years of wear and tear have taken their toll on the structure, but we are pleased that its creator, John Hayes, will treat the sword to return it to its original impressive form.
"Upon completion, the refurbished Dragon Slayer sword will be returned to the city centre as part of Waterford City and County Council’s commitment to improving public realm works and enhancing the city’s rich historical narrative."
The repairs will take approximately 18 months to complete.
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