‘Equality Emerging’ statue by John Behan in Galway City

Galway is a wonderful city to explore on foot, and to discover the many fine sculptures decorating many of its streets. One of the notable artistic features on the Galway Cityscape is the ‘Equality Emerging’ statue by John Behan located opposite Galway Cathedral in Galway City Centre.

It was inspired from an idea by Eddie Higgins and Nuala Keher, founders and executive directors of Equal Ireland which is a ‘not for profit’ community based, charitable trust. The main purpose of Equal Ireland is the provision of affordable quality education and training to people, who for whatever reason, missed out on earlier education and training opportunities. The ‘Equality Emerging’ statue was Unveiled in November 2001.

The dedication on the statue is as follows:

The statue equality emerging is dedicated to people everywhere who are struggling for equality and to those suffering because of its absence. The emerging figure represents the force for equality, the wall, those people and systems in opposition. Overall the sculpture celebrates achievement while acknowledging the struggle which still lies ahead.

At the base of the equality emerging statue is a simple dedication verse, which we believe has a Resonance with the ground zero memorial in new york. It was originally inspired both by the concept of the equality emerging statue itself and that of the statue of liberty.

Above a hole in the ground
No matter what stands
Measures nothing of life unless
It touches our hearts
Inspires our humanity to act
And then to persevere

Ehnk 2001

Eddie Higgins Nuala Keher
Executive Directors EQUAL Ireland
July 2015