PAT BRACKEN SCULPTURE

Pat Bracken was a man of many talents. He was a stonemason, puppeteer, sculptor, painter and actor who left a lasting impression on the Galway arts scene. In 2010, he passed away at the age of 59.

Pat was born in 1951 in Derrintagert, Newport, Co. Mayo. He moved to Galway in the early 1980s and became involved with Macnas, the street theatre company that is famous for its spectacular parades and performances. Pat was a key member of Macnas, creating puppets, masks, costumes and props for their shows. He also acted in many of their productions, such as The Tower of Babel, The Big River and The Wild Hunt.

Pat had a passion for stone carving and sculpture. He worked as a stonemason for many years, restoring historic buildings and monuments in Galway and Mayo. He also created his own sculptures, using various materials such as wood, metal, clay and plaster.

One of his most notable sculptures is a self-portrait that he made in 2009. It is a bronze plaque that depicts his face with a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye. He is wearing a hat and holding a chisel and a hammer, the tools of his trade. The plaque is mounted on a stone wall near the Spanish Arch, where Pat used to work and socialize. It is a fitting tribute to a man who loved Galway and its people.

The plaque was unveiled in 2010 by Pat’s friend and fellow artist John Behan. It was commissioned by Galway City Council and funded by the Arts Council. The plaque has become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike, who often stop to admire it and take photos with it. It is also a place of pilgrimage for Pat’s family and friends, who visit it regularly to remember him and celebrate his life.

Pat Bracken was a remarkable artist who enriched the cultural life of Galway with his creativity, humour and generosity. He is sorely missed by all who knew him and admired his work. His sculpture is a lasting reminder of his spirit and legacy.