"Swans" Traditional Cache
modejaal: Unsuitable now for a cache.
Modejaal
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Cache is a small tab lock box in a black sack. It contains a log book, pencil and a few trades.
'Swans' by Derry-Born Eamonn O’ Doherty.
Erected in the grounds of Antrim Area Hospital, it is comprised of four swans in mid-flight and is constructed from stainless steel. The swans echo the myth of the Children of Lir, the tragic Irish tale of children cursed and turned into swans (and who are eventually turned back into humans providing the hope of renewal) but also imply the abundant life of the colonies of swans in nearby Lough Neagh.
Background: The sculpture is made in stainless steel and the surface reflects the changing light. The imagery of swans was chosen for several reasons; it reflects the colonies of swans at Lough Neagh; it has reference to migrating birds, their returning each year giving a sense of continuity; and it also has reference to the story of the Children of Lir, in Irish mythology when four children were turned into swans.
Eamonn O’Doherty is best known for his large scale public sculptures, five of which stand in Dublin, two in Galway, two in Derry and others in Antrim, Navan, New Ross, Ardagh, Ballymahon, Cobh, Dun Laoghaire, Enniskillen, Cahirciveen, Killarney, Belfast, Liverpool and New York. Among these are landmark works such as the James Connolly Memorial and the "Tree of Gold" in central Dublin, the Galway Quincentennial Sculpture in Eyre Square Galway and the Great Hunger Memorial in Westchester, New York.
Also in the hospital’s grounds (at the entrance to the main hospital) is 'The Healing Tree' by Brian Connelly, a bronze sculpture of four hollow figures, wounded or stricken, who support each other to stand. Each holds the other in a circle before a Norwegian Maple tree, which symbolizes life . Both works are coupled together with their hints of melancholy but more importantly their extraordinary sense of compassion. Fittingly, they are contemplative works that remind us that we cannot exist without aiding each other and their promises of rebirth and solidarity may bring comfort in a place associated not just with grief and sickness but also recuperation and healing.
No need for parking co-ordinates here, plenty of places to choose from inside the hospital grounds!
The cache is not on hospital property but is only accessible from inside the grounds. You do not and should not ever need to stop on the motorway or the off-slip which would be total madness anyway!!
The views from the sculpture are right across Lough Neagh and you can also see the Mournes far off on the horizion to your left.
Enjoy a nice stroll around the grounds following the Highway to Health and take in the bronze sculpture at the main entrance and the large wind turbine which took only three days to install and has been fully operational since 7th February 2005. The wind turbine is the largest at any hospital in the UK. It will generate an average of 1.2 million units of electricity per annum, which is used as base load replacement. It has the potential to provide enough electricity for the hospital during the night, and two-thirds of the power needed during the day, which would otherwise cost £90,000 a year. Even in low wind conditions the turbine is cost effective and the money that would have been spent on power is freed up for improved services for patients.
The wind turbine has been a success and other hospitals across the UK are taking an interest in replicating what has been achieved at Antrim.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Bire gur uvyy oruvaq gur fjnaf.