Cobh's mute 'singing man' statue could soon get his own voice

A singing man who’s been mute is about to find his voice and could deliver up to six languages about his origins.

The 12ft 'Shantyman' statue in Cobh was donated to the people of the town by the Wilson family, who have been very philanthropic to local causes since moving into Belvelly Castle, after spending €5m on the building's restoration.

Cork County Council has now decided to install a ‘a voice over message’ explaining the origins of the ‘Shantyman’ statue on the town’s quayside at the Five Foot Way.

Cobh Municipal District Council senior official Páraig Lynch said the voiceover will tell the story of how the shanty statue came to Cobh and the stories of sea shanties.

“I have been in contact with the company who provided the (similar voice over) unit at the Annie Moore statue outside the Cobh Heritage Centre and they have provided me with a quote to carry out this work at the Shantyman statue,” Mr Lynch said.

He did not disclose the cost but said the company had proposed that the unit would be fully solar-powered and would not therefore require an electrical connection.

The voiceover box will be bolted into a concrete base, which allows for removal if necessary.

It will be made of red cedar timber and marine grade stainless steel and will fully waterproof.

Mr Lynch said the company has recommended a limit of two to three minutes on any message to allow battery to recharge.

The design includes two buttons on the front and each one allows for up to three messages.

There is an option of three messages each in English and Irish, or else one message in up to six languages.

Mr Lynch said the company had told him it can provide full translation service.

“Parts are made to order in Wales so there will be a lead-in time of one to two months from final sign-off. The cost of the unit can be fully met from the existing revenue budget of the municipal district council. I will discuss the final proposal with the Wilsons,” he said.

The move has been welcomed by Independent councillor Ger Curley who was the first councillor to call for a voiceover for the statue.

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