Clash of the Ash

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 effect  90% of the 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 dead tree speaks to a clash, to the impact of globalisation (the fungus originated in Indonesia), and to the toxic relationship we, as humans, have with nature.

The aim is to promote awareness of the great loss and the fragility of nature and humans impact on it and encourage planting of replacement trees.

For every dead and dying Ash you see, pause for thought then plant a native tree.

Artists

Lisa Cusack

Sinead Eaton

Danica Farran

Jonathan Harper

Eden Mc Mahon

Karnie Roden

Nicola Wood