Westport award sculpture now up for an award of its own

Westport's sculpture The Sentinel, commissioned to mark the town's victory in The Irish Times Best Place to Live in Ireland competition, has itself been nominated for an award.

The sculpture, by Achill artist Ronan Halpin, is up for the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Public Choice award.

The public realm surrounding the sculpture was designed in collaboration with Mayo County Council architects. The sculpture was unveiled by American ambassador Kevin O'Malley whose grandparents came from the area.

Westport won the Best Place to Live award in June 2012. One of the judges Dr Maureen Gaffney, described it as "a place of such quiet civilisation, a little gem of a town, glowing with colour". It was noted for its excellent employment, amenities, scenery, thriving arts and culture as well as sports and leisure facilities.

The sculpture, of a horse and rider, was commissioned by Westport Town Council to commemorate the award.