All welcome to the official launch of ‘Protectour’ by Artist James Hayes. Polished concrete & stainless steel sculpture. The artwork references the footprint of the historic Old Fort, Portlaoise and the celebratory nature of sport and participation to mark the nearby O’Moore Park GAA grounds. The seven smaller concrete forms represent the seven septs or clans of Laois; O’Devoy (O’Deevy), O’Doran, O’Dowling, McEvoy, O’Kelly, O’Lalor and O’Moore.
These are the original Gaelic clans that were then transplanted out of Laois to Munster and
Connaught. The large portal and the smaller forms represent a historic transfer of power in Laois.
This artwork was commissioned under Open Competition by Laois County Council and funded by the Per Cent for Art scheme. Project Curator: Rina Whyte. Installed August 2022 Department of Transport. Laois County Council. Launch by Cathaoirleach Thomasina Connell.