The iconic piece of early medieval jewellery is recreated in a Graffiti workshop
The Tara Brooch was found near the shorelines of Bettystown Beach in 1850 and in recent days it can be seen in a far more modern form on the Bettystown seafront.
It was recreated by young people involved in the East Coast Youth Club in Bettystown who recently took part in a graffiti workshop.
As a result the Tara Booch, as graffiti art, is back on the seafront in Bettystown and Sabrina Bradley a Youth Worker with the East Coast Family Resource Centre said, “We are very proud of all our young people that help create this art work and contributed to their community. This type of project helps to increase young peoples social and emotional skills, as well as helping them build a strong sense of self-worth.”
“It allows adolescents to connect with new and different people, broadening their understanding of community diversity.”
The workshop was funded by Labour Cllr Elaine McGinty through Meath County Council and was facilitated by Darren ‘Rask’ and Victoria O Donoghue.
Cllr McGinty said, “I was delighted to be involved with this project as it afforded young people an opportunity to use their creative talents in contributing positively to their local community.”
“We need to encourage civic engagement in our youth and have a bit of fun along the way in doing so! The Tara brooch was found locally along the local coastline and we hope one of Ireland’s ancient artefacts can inspire future young artists.”
It is reported that the brooch, which dates to 700 AD, was given the name ‘Tara’ by a dealer who believed it would help increase it’s value.
According to the National Museum of Ireland, ‘it is made of cast and gilt silver and is elaborately decorated on both faces.’
‘Along with such treasures as the Ardagh Chalice and the Derrynaflan Paten, the Tara Brooch can be considered to represent the pinnacle of early medieval Irish metalworkers’ achievement. Each individual element of decoration is executed perfectly and the range of technique represented on such a small object is astounding,’ it added.
