The next time you’re driving through Roscommon town you may be greeted by the sight of a life-sized ewe and lamb made out of limestone.

The sculpture is the brainchild of the organisers of the 2017 Roscommon lamb festival, who are planning to complete the project in time for the beginning of the festival.

The organisers expect to unveil the sculpture at the special sheep sale at Roscommon Mart which opens the festival on 26 April this year. They then plan to erect the sculpture in the square in Roscommon for permanent display.

The tradition of sheep farming in Roscommon goes back into the mists of time and is continued to this day

“This sculpture will be erected in Roscommon town as a permanent reminder of the importance of the sheep industry to our county,” they say.

Lecarrow limestone

Local craftsman Mark Feeley has already started work on the sculpture which is being carved out of a four-and-a-half-ton block of Lecarrow limestone.

Limestone is the bedrock under much of the soil in Co Roscommon, according to the organisers of the festival.

The Roscommon county crest features a sheep's head along with the oak leaf and the crown, reflecting the importance of sheep farming to the county.

“The tradition of sheep farming in Roscommon goes back into the mists of time and is continued to this day,” they add. “The Lamb Festival celebrates this tradition and uses it to highlight other positive aspects of life in our county.”

The photo (below) shows Mark Feeley using a stone chainsaw, the chains for which cost €500 each. The final sculpture will feature a lamb at the front of the ewe.

The crowdfunding campaign has only been opened a day and has already €105. The organisers have a target of €5,000.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.