McConnell Weir

Jon Mellor / Stephen Shaw

Following construction of the Lagan Weir in 1994, the McConnell Weir was decommissioned and partly dismantled with a central section left isolated in the middle of the river. Now it is only used by roosting birds and as a starting post in boat races.

The air of isolation and futility hanging over the weir is at the heart of this sculpture which rises like a malfunctioning distress flare only to twist downward and obscure the weir. At times the sculpture mimics the movements of the flocks of birds that swarm over it at sunset, paying tribute to its new, diminished purpose.