A charming sculpture
Evening Press , February 3rd, 1992 by Adrian Mac LoughlinThis is the most charming sculpture to appear on Dublin's streets for a very long time. It is In Mount St. Crescent, beside St. Stephens Green “Peppercanister” Church and is the work of Derek A. Fitzsimons.
Children have been tying ropes to lamp posts for swings as
long as there have been lamp posts. Fitzsimon’s sculpture,
erected for the "millennium" year of 1988, was inspired
by his memories of old Mount St. "Memories of Mount St." is
Indeed its title. It combines simplicity and lack of ostentation
with youth's innocence,vigour and lofe of life. Contrast it
with the arrogant tilit of the unwanted James Joyce statue
in North Earl Street. And the “Floosie’s” delusion
of grandeur in O Connell St.
So far, the child on the swing hasn’t picked up a nickname. (Joyce has,
but it’s unprintable). We Dubliners will probably develop a real affection
for the little figure on the lamp post, and reserve the more incisive edges
of our wit for pretentious junk, as we’ve always done.
