Red Hugh returns to his home on the banks of Donegal Town's River Eske

Aodh Rua Ó Domhnaill has returned home to Donegal Town - in the form of a fantastic sculpture being carved into a tree stump on the banks of the River Eske.

The idea of carving the stumps has been mooted since the trees had to be cut down during major repair and upgrade works to the Tyrconnell Bridge.

Owen Howells of Donegal Tidy Towns Committee told Donegal Live how the idea of carving Aodh Rua Ó Domhnaill came about.

“Carving the tree stumps had been talked about for a while,” he said.

“The Donegal Town 550 celebrations felt like the right time to do it. 

“There is a picture of Aodh Rua on a board in the tourist office. I took a photo and gave it to the carver.”

Aodh Rua Ó Domhnaill is credited as a founding Donegal Town along with his wife Lady Nuala 550 years ago. 

The Abbey at the Donegal Town pier was founded by Lady Nuala in 1474, the earliest record of a settlement in the area. 

At the same time, Aodh Rua oversaw the building of Donegal Castle on the opposite bank of the Eske, at a bend in the river that formed a natural defence. 

The castle remains in place. It has been restored and is open to the public. 

The wood carving honouring Aodh Rua is being carried out by Gintaugas Poderys of Gintas Carving who has really been leaving his mark around Donegal with his stunning chainsaw carvings. His stunning animal carvings can be seen in Rossylongan’s MacManus Estate near Donegal Town, and at Drumboe Woods among other places. 

“He is doing an incredible job,” said Owen. “We are really delighted with how it looks. 

“People are taking pictures, even with the scaffolding still up. The scaffolding should be gone in the next day or so and we will really be able to see it properly then.”

While Donegal Tidy Towns are managing the project, they would like to thank area roads engineer Mark Sweeney and Donegal County Council for funding from the Pay and Display and for supporting the project.