New Signs!
There was a recent necessity to replace, in as ‘close to the original’ a way as possible, our beautiful heritage sign on the approach to Kilbaha Village.
These heritage signs, which are to be seen in both Cross and Kilbaha, were once created by a local iron worker from outside Kilkee, Paddy Murray, many years previously, and were a beautiful iron 'cut out' design, which not only gives the village name in both English and in Gaelic, and welcomes visitors to Kilbaha, but it details a beautiful nod to the fishing history of the village with the depiction of men with their currach. The clever use of 'negative space' within the design meant you could see through it, to the beautiful view beyond.
Ever since the placement of this sign in Kilbaha, it has become a landmark of sorts, a visual welcome to the area as you turn the bend on the approach to the village and a spot for people to take photos. Its physical condition had begun to decline over the past few years and recent storms had contributed even further.
The original iron worker Paddy Murray has retired but his son, Conor, is now running the business. Having helped his dad on the original version, it felt important to us that we continue the link to the local forge.
Following a recent successful Clare Local Area Scheme Grant application, through Clare County Council, we were able to enlist Conor to proceed with the proposed design and structural creation of the replacement sign.
Conor has wonderfully managed to maintain the beautiful, heritage feel, and the concept of the 'negative space' so that the approach view around Kilbaha Bay remains the focus.
The replacement in this delicate and locally handled way has ensured not only do we maintain that important link to the heritage of the area, but that there is now a significant visual improvement to the approach to Kilbaha Village.
Huge thanks to our Chairperson John Bonfil for his work on this project also. Our volunteers are everything.
This will ensure that both local community members and Loop Head's many visitors will get to appreciate this important visual landmark for many years to come.
