BEACH BEAR IN GREYSTONES

BEACH BEAR IN GREYSTONES - THIS BEAR HAS ATTITUDE

The bear has turned green since I last photographed it ... must be the salt from the sea?

I really like this bear who appears to be on a mission to enjoy themself at the beach. However, a number of local residents have complained that the sculpture is inappropriate in an area of protected architecture and sweeping marine views and others have complained that the bear will scare young children as it is too aggressive “marching fast with its outsized feet it cuts a swastika like shape against the sky”.

The bear was donated to Greystones Tidy Towns Committee by local property developer and guardian of the National Gallery of Ireland, Dermod Dwyer. Mr Dwyer donated the bear in memory of his daughter, Caroline Dwyer Hickey, a teacher at the local St Brigid’s school, who died well before her time.

The Caroline Foundation set up by Mr Dwyer raises money for cancer research at St Vincent’s hospital.

I would visit Greystones to meet this guy … what about you?

The artist Patrick O'Reilly was born in 1957 in Kilkenny. At the age of 17 he studied at the Art College of Belfast, but left after on year.