Heritage Week 2025 in Camross saw the much-anticipated unveiling of the bog oak sculpture “The Tree of Life” by local artist Peter Dooley in the Community Garden. Read more about the project below the photo or tap next or arrow to see photos taken in the Laois village by Alf Harvey.
The ribbons were cut by Junior Dowling and his granddaughter Emma. Junior had supplied the bog oak used for the project. The sculpture was funded by a Creative Laois grant to Camross Tidy Town group. Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh, Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan and Biodiversity Officer Lisa Doyle all spoke at the event on Friday, August 22.
Lisa Doyle spoke of the importance of the oak and other native Irish trees in preserving our biodiversity and mitigating climate change. Thomas Carolan highlighted the importance of preserving natural heritage for children and future communities.
Peter Dooley’s idea for the sculpture came about from the fact that his home village of Camross was covered in oak trees hundreds of years ago. He said that in ancient Ireland, the druids had worshipped the Irish oak as their most sacred tree. The word druid comes from the Celtic word for oak, ‘duir’. He also says that the druids and the ancient Celts also believed that the oak symbolises truth, courage and wisdom and brought good luck, peace and prosperity.
Most of these oak trees were cut down to build ships for the British navy to clear land for farming.
By using bog oak from the local area that is hundreds of years old, Peter says the past and the trees enduring presence in the community is remembered. By placing an acorn and oak leaves on a nest perched in the hollows of the sculpture, the birth and delicate beauty of this great tree is also remembered, added to Peter.
Like our ancient Celtic ancestors, Peter hopes the sculpture that honours our great oak trees brings good luck, peace and prosperity to all who pass its way.
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