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The story of Sisyphus condemned forever to carry his load to the top of the mountain and then to see it fall yet again to the bottom is, appropriately, frozen in our hardest stone by by Niall Deacon in 'Pointless Mission', the biggest piece in this year’s exhibition.

The circular shape of the stone carving of 'Surrounding Sound' by Antonio Fazio further emphasises the sense of movement and excitement from the pulsating music of pipes, box, bodhrán, flute and guitar. The filling of all remaining spaces with celtic scrolling leaves no doubt about the kind of music being played.

From time immemorial death has been an integral part of life. Niall Darroch's 'The Mourner' gives a timelessness and quality to contemplation for somebody close who has passed away. Contemplation tinged with sadness and also imbued with many rich memories.

Molten matter, warm ancient seas and heavens are suggested by plinth, bowl and birds in Bobby Blount's 'Birdbath'. The integrity of the piece evolves elegantly and effectively from limestone through granite to bronze. The process moving naturally from the 'big bang', through earth to heavens.

Human behaviour is often shaped by work or hobby. One person assuming mannerisms from the animals he works with. In Cliodna Cussen's 'An Tiompán' (the drum) instrument and player are totally integrated to become the musical instrument.

It isn't only in the area of mass communication that the medium becomes the message. Physical characteristics and reputation can of themselves give a status. James McCarthy calls his sculpture 'Fragmented Head' but his powerfully strong bronze would suggest otherwise!

'Attitude', 'cockiness', 'poise', 'confidence', 'arrogance', 'pride', 'cheeky'. Walk around Katy Goodhue's 'Lotsdottir' and decide what adjective describes her best for you. The cocked nose ... hands clasped behind the back ... elegant line of the dress. This young person will go places.

The grace and power of the horse has fascinated human kind since we drew our first pictures on the roofs of caves. The provider of transport for people and goods. The sport of kings. The horses unique relationship with man. It is fitting that Seamus Connolly in 'Rearing Horse' is celebrating the animal's magnificent wildness with an outer layer of classical pageantry.

Sculptors in this year’s exhibition include: Hans Blank, Bobby Blount, Emer Byrne, Len Clatworthy, Seamus Connolly, Ann Cooney, John Crowley, Cliodna Cussen, Niall Deacon, Doreen Dunne, Antonio Fazio, Kate French, James Gannon, Katy Goodhue, Noel Hoare, Eamon Keenan, Peter Koning, James McCarthy, Annette McCormack, Joe Moran, Cristophe Nuemann, David O’Brien, James O’Connor, D’Ana O’Donoghue, Eoghan O’Donoghue, Tighe O’Donoghue,Bob Quinn, Padraic Reaney, Bríd Ní Rinn, Zdenék Spicák, Maighread Tobin,Monika Tomaszunas, Maura Whelan.