'In an ideal world, there would be no need for domestic abuse refuges like ours'
Participants at the unveiling of 'Hands' sculpture project by Mincéirí Port Láirge at Oasis House. Photo: Joe Evans
Mincéirí Port Láirge donated a new sculpture made by Traveller women to Oasis House in Waterford last week. The sculpture titled ‘Hands’ was made over the course of seven weeks where Traveller women worked with a local artist to create a piece of art highlighting women’s empowerment.
An unveiling event was held in Oasis House with many people in attendance from the HSE and the Gardaí, as well as the Traveller community themselves.
Claire Coughlan is the manager of Oasis House, a refuge for women and children who have been victims of domestic abuse.
She said the donation is “a gesture of trust, recognition and solidarity".
“Sharing stories, conversation, laughter and, of course, banter; those moments reminded us how powerful simple human connection can be.”
Ms Coughlin said: “All of us have different lives, different backgrounds, different journeys to take but there’s so much that binds us together. The truth is that women everywhere share the same thoughts, the same worries and the same hopes. We think about our own futures, we worry about our own children, we dream about the lives we want for them, the opportunities we hope will be open for them and the safety we want them to grow up in.
“In an ideal world of course there would be no need for domestic abuse refuges or services like ours. Every home would be safe, every woman would feel secure, respected and valued in her own space. But while that is the world we work towards, the reality is that refuges remain necessary.
“The journey that brings women to a refuge can be lonely, isolating and challenging, yet what we see time and time again within these walls is something else begins to grow. Women find camaraderie, friendship, they rediscover their strength.
"Most importantly, they leave knowing that they are not alone, that women stand beside them.”
Aoife Marks, the health project co-ordinator for Mincéirí Port Láirge, said that the artwork represents “strength, connection and women standing together".
“The openness and courage shown in the discussions reminded us all of the resilience and wisdom women carry, often very quietly.”
Ms Marks thanked the women who took part in the project. She said they “showed up every week with honesty and humour and kindness".
“This artwork will stand here as a reminder of your strength and courage,” she said.
One of the participants in the project, Christina O’Reilly, also said a few words at the event.
She said, “It wasn't just about making art, it was the warmth in the room, the chats and the stories we shared. It gave me a sense of belonging. Knowing that our piece will be displayed in Oasis House fills me with such joy; it feels like a piece of our hearts will be up there for everybody to see.”
The artist involved in the project, Mary Cassidy, said she was “so proud” to be part of the process.
“We put a heart at the centre of the piece because everything, at the end of the day, is a drive and a move towards love.
“We come here as souls to be tested, and by god do we get tested.
“An oasis is a beautiful place of water and palm trees in the middle of the desert. Your life can be very barren, very lonely, very challenging, and suddenly there in the middle of this journey, you see an oasis. It’s not a mirage, it's not an illusion, it's real."
The artwork is titled ‘Hands’ because, “You can do a lot of harm with your hands, but you can do so much good with your hands. We can create with our hands.
“We’re all born equal, no matter our gender, our sexuality or ethnic origin, at the heart of it, we all have a pure white soul. And then we move in our life to having colourful experiences, challenges, all the good stuff.
“It’s your life’s journey in the form of the hands.”
The sculpture is actually a mould of the women’s hands.
Sergeant Deirdre O’Neill, as well as officers Avril Phelan and Aoife Donohue, attended the event to show their solidarity with women who are victims of domestic violence.
Sgt O’Neill told the Waterford News & Star, “An Garda Síochána have done an awful lot of work in reaching out and assisting women who are victims of domestic violence. We would encourage people to never be afraid, always ring and we can put you in the right direction.
"There’s a bank of people out there who are all there to help people who are victims of domestic violence.”
Officer Phelan added that the gardaí alongside Tusla and the women who use Oasis House services are “all working towards the same goal; the safety of children”.
Frances Troy and Grace Moran spoke to the Waterford News & Star about their experience. Ms Troy’s mother was one of the organisers of the project so she went along with her mother.
Neither of them had ever done anything like this before.
Ms Troy said, “You’d look forward to going in on a Wednesday, to meeting the women and having a cup of tea. While you’re doing your work, you’re still chatting and having a laugh. There’s a good atmosphere there.”
While the group worked on their art, they talked about healthy relationships.
“I thought that was good because not everyone would know the services Oasis House provides.”
Something Ms Troy found particularly important in those meetings was that if someone is going through a hard time, they should “reach out.”
Ms Moran added, “if you’re unhappy, there’s help there and you don’t have to put up with it.”
The two enjoyed the art-making project so much that they’ve joined another programme. This art piece will focus on breast cancer awareness.
