Phenomenal women Cliodhna was a ‘champion for artists’

THE mother of TD Aengus O’Snodaigh – Cliodhna Cussen – has passed away.

The Sinn Fein spokesperson on Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht, posted a message on his social media on Tuesday regarding the sad news.

“Laoch ar lár. Tá mo mháthair ar slí na bhfírinne,” said Deputy O’Snodaigh.

“My mother passed away peacefully last night. A sculptor, artist, writer, teacher, historian, mother of six boys and champion for artists, the Irish language and many other causes. Ní bheidh a léithéid arís ann. Suaimhneas síoraí uirthi. Cliodhna Cussen 1932-2022.”

Tributes flooded in from across the political landscape along with hundreds of residents sharing their condolences with the long serving Dublin South Central TD.

Many recalled a “phenomenal woman”, a “role model” and a “great artist.”

Links shared by writer Ruairi McKiernan from the site nos.ie included an article about Ms Cussen.

It noted she made the statue of St Patrick at Mám Éan in Galway, and the ‘Long Stone’ in the centre of Dublin.

Born in Limerick, Cliodhna was educated in Dublin and Italy, achieving a reputation as a bronze and stone sculptor.

She married Pádraig Ó Snodaigh, they had six children and she won many prizes for her sculptures, including one from Oireachtas na Gaeilge.

Nos.ie also said she wrote many books, including children’s books, history books and collections of poetry.

It was her husband’s company Coiscéim that published many of her books.