Clash of the Ash
Extended by popular demand - Ogonnelloe 30th March - 10th May 2026
The Ash tree is one of the three sacred trees in Ireland, alongside Yew and Oak, and its iconic use is in the crafting of Hurleys used in Ireland’s national sport, Hurling. It is renowned for its exceptional shock resistance, and the “clash of the ash” is associated with the wood’s resilience and strength during gameplay.
Ash Dieback is one of the most destructive tree diseases ever seen in Europe. Caused by a fungal pathogen (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), it was first confirmed in Ireland in 2012. Since then, it has spread and is expected to affect up to 97% of the ash population. This isn’t just a disease, it’s a landscape, habitat and biodiversity problem. Entire stands of ash are dead or dying. Fields that once held tidy broadleaf plantations now show signs of decay, dangerous limbs, and lost potential. And the wildlife that once called these plantations home, everything from the small plants and insects to the larger badger, squirrels and Pine Martens, are losing their habitats as it gets replaced by grass and briar.
We want to draw attention to this and the need to consider what can be done by using the iconic hurley, which will be used as blank canvasses for artworks by a group of local creatives, the results will be placed on dying/dead ash trees along our country lane which will become a walk for people to experience.
The juxtaposition of the familiar object crafted from a living tree with the dying tree speaks to a clash, to the impact of lax biosecurity and to the toxic relationship we, as humans, can have with nature.
The aim is to promote awareness of the great loss and the fragility of nature and human impact on it; and to encourage planting of replacement native trees.
For every dead and dying Ash you see, pause for thought then plant a tree.
LOCATIONS
Along lanes from Ogonnelloe GAA approx 2k walk
ARTISTS
Danica Farran (1)
“Homage to an Icon”
Medium: Gold leaf foil and Acrylic
This work celebrates the Ash as a true icon for the ages, drawing from precious Bronze age gold and silverworks such as the Ardagh Chalice, and the Armagh Cross, the green representing small shoots of hope for this icon.
Eden McMahon ( 2)
“Athbhreith”
Medium : Pyrography
Athbhreith / rebirth draws on ancient Celtic imagery of tree roots and a mother figures to give a message of hope through rebirth for the noble Ash tree.
Nicola Wood (3)
“Ash for the Future”
Medium: Hand built ceramic leaves glazed to reflect the signs of ash dieback from health and vibrant green to curled withered and black.
It is well-known, and evident to the naked eye, the devastating effect of the fungal disease, Hyme§noscyphus fraxineus, attacking the native population of Ash trees. So, whilst researching this project I was filled with hope at the number of projects across Europe looking at preserving this wonderful tree.
Teagasc has one particular project in Ireland that struck me…. The ‘Ash For Future’ project. It is easy to take part. Simply look out for healthy growth on an ash tree. This could indicate a certain resistance which could help conserve and re-establish this species on the island of Ireland . For more information see below
https://teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/research/ashforfuture/
Lisa Cusack (4)
“Is fada an bothair nach mbhionn casa ann”
Medium: Black ink
Is fada an bothair nach mbhionn casa ann” or it’s a long road without a turn, speaking to inevitable change that has resulted in new ways of making the iconic hurleys in bamboo, allowing for time for the Ash to be preserved and regenerated.
Karnie Roden (5). (Hurley suspended so both sides can be seen)
“ if a dead and dying ash you see, pause for thought and plant a tree”
Medium: Acrylic paint
Both sides of the hurley have been used to illustrate the core message of this project one side a dead and dying tree in muted colours and the other a vibrant reborn planted tree.
Sinead Eaton (6)
“Ashes to Ashes”
Medium: Acrylic Paint and Collage
Both literal and philosophical, an ash attached to an ash, or possibly a requiem for the noble ash. The red squirrel, indicates a ray of hope, it is also an endangered species from being almost at extinction due to the influence of an invasive predator the grey squirrel, is now starting to make a comeback. The parallel with the red and grey squirrels represents the hope of variation such that Irish ashes can survive
Jonathan Harper (7)
“Biodiversity matters”
Medium: Arcylic paint and Collage
I consider myself to be more of an environmentalist than an artist, but wanted to get involved in the ‘Clash of the Ash’ project to try to help to increase awareness of the importance of biosecurity and of the initiatives available to anyone who wants to help with the impact of the sad demise of our ash trees.
My piece is mainly narrative based; edged in black to, hopefully, call to mind a mass card. I had thought of calling it ‘Death of the Ash’, but ended up with’ Biosecurity Matters’ – which is the key message that I would like people who experience the project to take away.
