Sculpture donated in honour of Olive

A Coachford firm has designed and donated a permanent sculpture celebrating local Olympian, Olive Loughnane, which was unveiled by the local community college prior to the athlete’s departure for London last week.

The steel sculpture depicting the athlete was designed and constructed by Hannes Oliver of O’Donovan Engineering, who is competing in the Olympic 20km walk in London next Saturday, August 11th

Coachford Community Council chairman Peter Dineen said the village wanted to ensure an appropriate tribute to Olive, who had been a relatively recent arrival to the village at the time of her last tilt at Olympic glory in Beijing.

“She’s been involved heavily in the local community, and we felt that we just had to do something to honour her achievements. I mentioned this to O’Donovan Engineering in the hope of getting a donation towards a celebration, but what they have come up with has blown us away.”

At night-time, the steel sculpture, conveying Ms Loughnane in silhouette form bearing an Olympic torch, is illuminated by an inner light

Mr Dineen also paid tribute to the Olympic Council of Ireland, who forwarded a cheque for €500 that paid for flags, banners and bunting to decorate the village during the Olympics.

“Everyone from the area is hoping Olive does well and that everything goes right for her. We are certain that she will do herself, Coachford and Ireland proud,” he said.