The Sculptures of Br Joseph McNally
A native of Ballintubber, County Mayo, Ireland, Br Joseph McNally left an enduring mark on his homeland through his remarkable artistic contributions. Born and raised in the scenic landscapes of Ballintubber, he dedicated his life to both his faith and his passion for the arts. His donation to the community of three beautiful sculptures is a wonderful legacy.
One of Br Joseph’s sculptures is on the Abbey Grounds; you can access from the Abbey Grounds at St Patricks Well and the third is at Castle Bourke on the shores of Lough Carra. There is also another close by on the grounds of the Museum of County Life in Turlough, near Castlebar.
Early Life
McNally grew up in County Mayo, where he began studying the arts in high school. His journey as an artist took root during these formative years. However, his path took a significant turn when, at the age of 14, McNally made the life-altering decision to leave his hometown and join the De La Salle Brothers.
He embarked on a spiritual and educational journey that led him to complete his novitiate at the De La Salle Retreat in Castletown. McNally continued his studies at De La Salle College in Mallow, County Cork, deepening his commitment to both his faith and his artistic pursuits.
In 1973, McNally’s journey took him to Singapore once more, where he joined the teaching staff at St. Patrick’s School. His dedication and leadership qualities led him to become the principal of the school in 1975, a position he held until his retirement in 1982.
Fostering the Arts
Following his retirement from St. Patrick’s School, Brother Joseph McNally continued his mission to foster the arts. In 1984, he founded the St. Patrick’s Arts Centre and assumed the role of its president, furthering his commitment to nurturing artistic talent and expression. McNally continued to inspire others through his work, eventually retiring in 1997 but receiving the honorary title of President Emeritus in recognition of his enduring contributions to the world of art and education.
Brother Joseph’s connection to Ballintubber runs deep, and his legacy lives on through three significant sculptures gracing the region. Two of these sculptures, “The Mother and Child” and the statue of “St. Patrick,” proudly adorn the grounds of the historic Ballintubber Abbey, enriching the spiritual and cultural heritage of the area. The third sculpture stands proudly at Castle Burke, overlooking the tranquil shores of Lough Cara, adding to the natural beauty of the region.
The Sculptures at Ballintubber
These three monumental sculptures were generously donated by Brother Joseph McNally in celebration of the new millennium. The realisation of this artistic vision was made possible through extensive fundraising efforts by the local community, who joined hands to bring these exceptional works of art to life.
With unwavering dedication, the community mobilized resources to ensure the safe shipping, transportation, and placement of these sculptures in their current locations. The collaborative efforts of the community members transformed Brother Joseph’s artistic dream into a tangible reality.
Today, these three monuments, standing as testaments to both Brother Joseph’s artistic prowess and the remarkable fundraising efforts of the local community, serve as enduring symbols of unity, faith, and the power of collective endeavour.
Brother Joseph McNally’s contributions continue to inspire and enrich the lives of those who encounter his works, reminding us of the enduring power of art and faith to shape the cultural tapestry of our communities.
Brother Joseph returned to Ballintubber for a family wedding in 2002. It was then that he fell ill and subsequently died, back at home in County Mayo. He is laid to rest in the grounds of his beloved Ballintubber Abbey.
Poetry by Br Joseph
The following is a poem Br Joseph wrote in tribute to Ballintubber, its people and the enduring legacy of Ballintubber Abbey:
There’s a lakeen in The Bottom where a stream reflects the sun
And a fountain that God lived in when time had just begun.
Then Saint Patrick came around with the message of Our Lord
And enthralled the people with the beauty of the Word.
In the shadow of the blue Reek, seen against the western sun
On the gently sloping hill and the grass they sat around
There he blessed them and baptized them and the seed found fertile ground.
See the harvest in their children’s son whose faith and love abound.
On the wild brink of that tubber where the yellow iris grow
You should see the whitethorn blushing when the petals start to snow
When its leaves fall of the red haws last the winter through
And the grass is ever emerald though the sky be rarely blue.
Now the waters of that fountain there in which God Slan held hold
While he scattered out his largesse to the dwellers in the fort
Became the savid waters of the Spirit of Our Lord
Whom St. Patrick loved and preached and taught to all his Irish fold.
The waters kept on gurgling as they built their Kill and church
Ever mingling solemn music with the psalmist and the cruity,
And reflecting all the beauty of the mighty arches five
Which the men of Ballilntubber carved and hoisted to the skies.
But sadness soon descended when the violent foreign hordes
Raped and plundered that fair country and left the church a corpse.
And the blackbirds in the whitethorn waxed silent in unrest
While the ever angry waters headlong galloped in protest
Sean na Saggart too, the traitor, was no stranger to this place:
With his cruel deeds rewarded: execrated by his race.
Beneath the Ash-tree buried doubled down with dread and curse,
He sold his soul for money’s sake, no fate than his is worse.
While the holy well still lived on there beside the ruined church
The despoiled population crouched in silent prayer and trust
Underneath the great stark arches and around their penal cross
To await the Resurrection of their Abbey and their church.
For God was preparing as He did in days of old
To send them a leader to prepare for Him a road.
And the Abbey now stands proudly in that village by a well.
And the voices of the water join their chorus to the swell
Of the Ballintubber people who are living near and far,
Raising voices in loud ballad for the theme to them so fair.
There’s no people in the wide world prouder than the people there
Of the immortal Abbey to which they are the heirs.
By Brother Joseph McNally, Ballintubber and Singapore (10 August 1923 – 27 August 2002),
