A new sculpture depicting Irish folk hero, Cuchulainn has been installed in Armagh City.

The piece, entitled For the Love of Emer, was created by artist Martin Heron, and is positioned at the foot of Scotch Street, one of the city’s busiest ‘gateways’.

The 30-foot stainless steel structure depicts the ‘Hound of Ulster’ balancing atop a tilting 20-foot pole.

The sculpture is part of a wider public art programme that is being rolled out across the City in 2010, adding to recent improvements brought about by An Environmental Improvement scheme that has transformed many streets at the heart of the ancient City of Armagh.

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The public art programme is being funded by Armagh City and District Council, The Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department for Social Development.

For the Love of Emer is the first of 6 artworks, with others to include a miniature sculpture trail inspired by the two Cathedrals, ceramic wall art, railings and a further two sculptures at Upper English Street and the Market Place Theatre, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Martin Heron said his inspiration for the piece came from stories told about Chuchulainn’s search for a wife and how, having set his heart on Emer, the daughter of Forgall Monach, he had to go about proving himself in battle and as a warrior.

As part of this task, Cuchulainn had to master the art of balancing on the butt of a spear or rim of a shield.

(NS/GK)