Chilean wood sculptor gives new lease of life to Dingle sycamore
by Donal Hickey
A NEW Trinity Tree, made from a dead sycamore in Dingle, County Kerry, is attracting as many visitors as Fungi, the dolphin, it was claimed yesterday.
The sycamore looked a forlorn sight, close to St Mary’s Church, until Chilean wood sculptor, Juan Carlos Lizana Correno, arrived by bike in the West Kerry town.
It was on the eve of Trinity Sunday, last June, and he was commissioned by local parish priest, Canon Pádraig ÓFiannachta, to work on the tree. Up to now, Juan, who has an Inca and Spanish background, worked mainly on totem poles and his creations can be seen in at least 14 countries.
The assignment from Canon Ó Fiannachta is something very new and he is currently putting the finishing touches to the tree.
“It depicts the three persons in the Trinity and the main teachings of the Church.
“Also there is evidence of God’s bounty, with the miracle of loaves and fishes, for instance,’’ he said. The tree, being filed and polished at present, is to be preserved in olive oil and wax and could last for up to 1,000 years if properly cared for, according to Canon ÓFiannachta.
“Many people are coming to see it and are quite inspired by it.
“The tree is as big an attraction as Fungi,’’ he declared.
The Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy, is expected to bless the tree, on September 8, and it is also planned to revive the old Dingle pattern day on that occasion.
© Irish Examiner, 2000