BACK IN JULY, two groups in Co Donegal dedicated themselves to ridding Dooey beach of its rubbish, and then used the refuse gathered to contribute to an artistic endeavour undertaken by Belfast-based artist Niamh McCann.
Keen to turn a negative into a positive, Niamh created a sculpture with the material gathered – much of which was plastic – by the Gweebarra Community Group and the Leitir Development Group, and yesterday it was unveiled by none other than Mamma Mia’s Christine Baranski.
We know; that came straight out of left-field, didn’t it?
The 66-year-old actress, who is said to have bought a home in Leitermacaward earlier this year, paid tribute to all those involved in bringing Niamh’s sculpture to its final stage, stressing that their efforts are of the utmost importance, not just locally but on a global scale.
What a wonderful example for towns everywhere in the world. Every community has to do its part. I am very active environmentally in the United States and there is no more compelling issue in the world than the environmental issue.
Hollywood star and environmental campaigner Christine Baranski unveils Donegal sculpture https://t.co/5PSbLv6pLV pic.twitter.com/rfZyHUvURq
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) September 9, 2018
Niamh told gathered press in Donegal that the sculpture is based on a creature from Irish mythology.
She would appear to mortals as a mythical sea bird, so that’s why I went with the shape of a bird. She was shot down for her feathers. I think it was a good methaphor for the selfishness of man and how we take and take from nature and how there are repercussions to that.
And naturally, Twitter could barely contain itself over the whole thing.
I have two questions:
— Doma (@dkanafa) September 9, 2018
1) Is Christine Baranski really in Ireland unveiling a sculpture constructed from plastic waste?
2) If yes, WHY AM I NOT THERE?
Soooooooo I just found out CHRISTINE BARANSKI IS 102 MILES AWAY FROM ME AND I'M REALLY NOT OK
— Danielle (@jess_keenanwynn) September 9, 2018
christine baranski wearing wellies in ireland is the content we deserve
— daisy ⚢ (@daisythedyke) September 9, 2018
I cannot believe Christine Baranski was in Ireland and I didn't know. Amazing
— Aoife Nic Uidhir (@AoifeNicUidhir) September 9, 2018
And just when you thought she couldn't be any cooler...😍 #ChristineBaranski #environment https://t.co/myDvhjW1ox
— Alice (@ann_dallas) September 9, 2018
