A Space for Lismore: Deirdre O'Mahony

Across 2020 Deirdre O’Mahony worked collaboratively with groups and individuals in a series of talks, walks and workshops. Using St Carthage Hall as a base, the group made investigative trips to produce a deep mapping process of the complex human, natural and social ecology of the forests around the Lismore region.

The information gathered during the physical experience of the forest was further informed by discussions led by individuals with different experiences of the forest- history, commercial use, plant life, animals, insect life, flora, fungi and mushrooms. This fed into workshops, botanical drawing and other ways of recording the forest ecosystem.

By working in Lismore over a three – month period the intention was to map the traces of human and non-human histories that still remain in the land. Deirdre met and engaged with farmers, forestry workers, hunting enthusiasts, wildlife experts, recreational users, foragers, and anyone with an interest in the estate forest.

The project resulted in an installation and archive exhibition from 29 February to 8 March at St Carthage Hall.