The sculpture depicts the Flight of the Earls about to embark on a ship. The Flight of the Earls from Rathmullan (Portnamurry), Co. Donegal followed by the Plantation of Ulster, signifies a defining moment in the history of Gaelic Ireland and a pivotal moment in Irish history, the ramifications of which remain to the present day.

Artist John Behan R.H.A has been awarded the Flight of the Earls: Imeacht na nIarlaí Sculptural Commission by Rathmullan and District Local History Society (funded by Independent News Media Services through the generosity of Sir Anthony O’Reilly) in partnership with Donegal County Council Public Art Program.

The Flight of the Earls from Rathmullan (Portnamurry), Co. Donegal followed by the Plantation of Ulster, signifies a defining moment in the history of Gaelic Ireland and a pivotal moment in Irish history, the ramifications of which remain to the present day.

The 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls in 2007, which will be commemorated internationally, is an opportunity to increase awareness and promote understanding of this most significant crossroads in Irish history.

Rathmullan in County Donegal, the place from which three Irish chieftains with their families and followers departed on board a sailing ship, will be a major focus for events in 2007.

The commissioned bronze work is for the new amenity area adjacent to the pier in Rathmullan. The lifesize piece is wonderfully dynamic and strong and although of a particular moment, it invites the viewer to reflect the powerful role of the chieftain in Gaelic society and Gaelic culture and to reflect on and consider the impact of their departure. The proposed sculpture depicts the Flight of the Earls about to embark on a ship. The three cloaked figures symbolize the three chieftains, O’Neill, O’Donnell and Maguire bidding farewell to their people. The figures on the plinth represent Ulster: the kneeling figure is meant to be Donegal, where the sculpture is to be located in Rathmullan.

John Behan, born 1938 is one of Ireland’s strongest sculptural artists. His commissions include ‘Famine Ship’ Murrisk, Wesport, Co. Mayo and ‘Arrival’, UN Plaza, New York and has work in both the Hugh Lane Gallery Collection, Dublin and The National Gallery of Ireland.