THERE was despair and later relief in Finglas last week when the iconic Mother and Child statue in Finglas was snatched during Storm Ophelia – and found unharmed two days later.
The three-metre high bronze statue was taken from the green area between Finglas Road and Finglas Place at around 3pm on Monday.
Trees surrounding the statue had been blown over during the storm and it was initially hoped the statue was covered by debris but a video apparently showing it being put in the back of van later emerged.
Locals feared it had been stolen to be melted down and sold for scrap.
However, within 48 hours it was announced that the statue had been recovered and was stored safely at Finglas Garda Station.
“Following enquires and confidential information received, the statue was recovered,” a Garda spokesperson said.
“It will be restored to Dublin City Council after being examined by Garda officers. Investigations are ongoing. Gardai wish to thank the public for their assistance.”
Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF) said he was “totally shocked” when he learned the statue had vanished.
“I am disgusted that while the country are all looking after each other, people like this take advantage,” he said.
“This completely undermines the very hard work done by residents and organisations like the Finglas Tidy Towns that make the village look more appealing.”
“Ti’s great news that the statue has been found by Gardai. It will mean a lot to many local people and the council has agreed to have it re-erected.”
Local TD, Noel Rock, also spoke of his relief that the statue had been located safe and sound.
“There was concern amongst residents in Finglas,” he said. “
“Hopefully the statue will be restored to her rightful place soon.
“The Finglas community really pulled together and helped with the return of the statue.”
It’s not the first time the Mother and Child statue has made the news. Officially titled ‘Let the Life Flow Through’ it was cast in 1996 and credited to artist Elizabeth McLaughlin.
Schoolchildren from four local schools helped with the design.
The statue was originally located in the hedgerow of the Finglas By-pass but it became covered in overgrowth and was almost forgotten about.
Following a motion put forward Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF) it was moved to its current location and given a new lease of life in 2013.
During the summer, it was in the news again after a pro-choice campaigner emblazoned the word ‘Repeal’ on the statue. No damage was caused as washable chalk was used.
