Did You Know About Shaggy Brags?
In recent years greater awareness for the importance of the maintenance and care of upland areas throughout Ireland along with the balancing of farming, biodiversity, recreation & tourism, all came too late to save our local, indigenous brown faced breed of mountain sheep.
Commonly known as “Shaggy Brags” these shaggy haired mountain sheep roamed the local uplands know as Sliabh Beagh or Bragan Mountain spanning Tyrone, Fermanagh & Monaghan. Scairbh na gCaorach or Emyvale was their favoured spot to cross the mountain stream, for easier grazing away from the blanket bog and birch that was the dominant vegetation on the mountain.
This ‘wild’ breed never suited domesticity, and it is thought to have become extinct circa 1920’s.
We were too late to protect them, but hopefully you will care for these Shaggy Brags our closest representation to the originals.
Did You Know About the Sliabh Beagh?
The Sliabh Beagh is a SAC, aka, it is a special area of conservation, identified by the European Union. In addition, it is also a Ramsar Site, meaning it is a wetland of international importance, especially for waterfowl, plus, an ASSI, meaning an area of special scientific interest.
As our contribution to the overall protection and conservation of the area the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan, made a large contribution to the legal cost of finally transferring ownership of the land from Lord Rossmore’s estate to the joint ownership of An Taisce and the National Trust of large swathes of the Sliabh Beagh area, thereby ensuring that the care and balance can be given to the ongoing rewilding project that will be the sustainable future for our local upland.
The Tale of Shaggy Brags...
In the picturesque landscape of Bragan's rolling drumlins, a remarkable flock of sheep made their home. Unlike any others, these sheep were renowned for their sharp minds and quick wit, frequently outwitting even the cleverest of shepherds. They delighted in mischief, often leading unsuspecting travellers wild goose chases through the hills and valleys.
The leader of this clever flock stood Barnabus, whose wisdom was matched only by his talent for storytelling and keen sense of humour. He would regale the other sheep with tales of daring adventures and narrow escapes, which the sheep of Bragan loved, their laughter dancing amidst the tranquil hills.
But despite their mischievous ways, the sheep of Bragan were also known for their kindness and generosity. They would often help lost travellers find their way home, guiding them through the winding trails and guiding them to the warm and wholesome hospitality of the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan, with ease. And so, the sheep of Bragan became beloved by all who knew them, their legend living on for generations to come.
Seasonal Sculpture
When celebrating our 50th year in hospitality, the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan, commissioned Irish artist Jane Murtagh, a prominent metal work artist from Co. Clare, to create a legacy piece.
Jane was commissioned by the hotel to create a sculpture to celebrate the Four Seasons in native Irish leaves; Absorbing inspiration from our native species that can be found growing wild in the hedgerows in Ireland. An assortment of leaves - Oak, Chestnut, Beech, Sycamore, Hawthorn and Crab Apple have been forged in copper, working the metal from the front and back using chasing tools that the artist has made herself. To enhance the beauty and realism of the leaves they have been etched with lines and gilded in 23ct gold leaf and then patinated. The piece is placed upon burnished Cedar wood which accentuates the intricate work in the leaves. This new piece of Irish art is proudly positioned in the hotel foyer for all to view and admire.
Jane is a regular exhibitor at Made in Ireland and RHA Annual exhibitions. She also regularly receives commissions from local art councils, county councils and from the Heritage Council of Ireland. Jane’s obvious pride, skill, and attention to detail in her work are attributes that are also shared with the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan, team. With over half a century in experience in hospitality, the hotel has grown and developed with the demands – Building a strong reputation for excellent food and wholesome hospitality to help cementing them as being Monaghan’s premier venue for multigenerational celebrations and occasions, of both a grand or more intimate nature.
The sculpture is proudly positioned in the hotel’s foyer to view and appreciate now and long into the future.
