Bear, bear, bear – new home at hospital for 8ft sculptures
By Mary Dennehy
TALLAGHT University Hospital has welcomed three new residents onto its campus after a special unveiling last week.
Once living outside the 3Arena (then known as the Point Depot), a family of three 8ft-high bears has moved onto the hospital campus, after being in storage for a number of years.
(Image: Triona Murphy)
The bronze sculptures by artist Patrick O’Reilly were donated to the State by the Crosbie family, with the Office of Public Works seeking a new home for the three bears
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone suggested Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) as the bears’ new home.
Speaking at the unveiling, which was to be one of Ms Zappone’s last official actions as Minister, she said: “When the three bears were donated to the State I wanted to position them in a location accessed by children and their families.
“They will no doubt provide enjoyment for all hospital visitors and staff, but will also be a wonderful sight for children attending the new children’s urgent care centre.”
The bears can be seen when entering the hospital by either car or foot and are also visible from in-patient rooms on multiple floors, including the Age-Related Unit and the new Paediatric Urgent Care Centre (under construction).
A wild flower meadow will also be sown around the bears, providing a new biodiversity habitat in the area.
Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, with members of the Crosbie family, Dr Peter Lavin (Lead Medical Director TUH), Liam Dowdall (Chairman of TUH Board) and Lucy Nugent (Chief Executive of TUH) at the official unveiling of the Point Depot Bears
On the new arrivals, Lucy Nugent, TUH CEO, said: “On behalf of TUH we are delighted to welcome the bears to their new home here in Tallaght.
“I would like to thank the three hospital foundations, TUHF – the Meath Foundation and Adelaide Health Foundation – for their support for the installation.
“They have provided funding to create a colourful wild meadow garden around the Point Depot Bears that will encourage biodiversity as it grows, and develop into a natural pathway for them to stride purposefully towards the hospital.”
