Local craftsman creates sculpture for Christy Maye

A local craftsman, Padraig Cosgrove from Killeigh, created a magnificent sculpture from bog oak, which was presented to prominent businessman Christy Maye as part of the "This is Your Life" presentation held recently. "Strong Spirit" was crafted from bog oak, which is between four and seven thousand years old, and came from a bog in the Midlands. The craftsman has depicted some aspects of Christy Maye"s life. The base represents the solid support given by Christy to so many people. The various animals depicted in the sculpture represent the various seasons, which cover a cross section of Christy"s very broad and varied life and career. Each of us, when we look at this piece, will see something different - some aspect that touched our lives. Cosgrove incorporated the eagle, the crow, the wolf, the fish and the horse into the sculpture. Just like the eagle, all leaders must have vision, and this is certainly true of Christy Maye. The eagle"s eyes can see great distance - you must have a vision that guides and leads your team. The crow is a very intelligent bird and, when it builds its nest, stays for a long time. Christy saw the opportunity when he came to Tullamore and settled in to build his "nest", which resulted in great benefits to everyone he came in contact with. The wolf depicts family, efficiency and loyalty and represents the fact that Christy is a great family man and a loyal friend. The fish represents Christy"s love of nature and the lakes of Westmeath. Charming and cheerful, the horse is an extremely likeable character. Hard working, self-possessed and sharp, the horse skilfully acquires power, wealth and respect. He would be a winner here also, for he has the capacity to sway the crowd!